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Gene "The Locomotive" Donaldson — Tap Into the Past

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:08:21 GMT

Eugene Harold "Gene" Donaldson (1942–2002) didn't just run with the football—he punished anyone who tried to stop him. Born in Birmingham but forged in Clarksburg, Donaldson became a legendary figure at Washington Irving High School. Local spectators still swear they saw him carry as many as three or four defenders on his back straight into the end zone.

He took that locomotive energy to the Big Ten, playing for the Purdue Boilermakers from 1960 to 1963 as a highly versatile two-way player: both running back and starting linebacker. His raw power earned him an 11th-round selection by the Washington Redskins in the 1964 NFL Draft.

Donaldson ultimately took his talents on a tour of the AFL and the CFL, suiting up for the Richmond Rebels, Toronto Argonauts, and Buffalo Bills. The crown jewel of his pro career arrived in 1967, when he helped lead the Hamilton Tiger-Cats to a Grey Cup Championship.

Today, his legacy is permanently etched into the city's infrastructure. The Gene Donaldson Bridge stands as a quiet but powerful local tribute to the man who carried this town's spirit all the way to a professional championship.

Suzanne Pettrey Bishop — Tap Into the Past

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:08:12 GMT

For most athletes, high school or college marks the peak of their competitive career. For Suzanne Pettrey Bishop, her standout days playing high school basketball were just the opening chapter.

Bishop represents the rare breed of lifelong athlete who continually seeks out new arenas to conquer. Over the decades, she hasn't just participated in new sports; she has mastered them. Her competitive resume reads like an Olympic decathlon: dominating the fast-paced angles of racquetball, mastering the precision of golf, pushing her physical limits in grueling triathlons, tearing up dirt trails on her mountain bike, and currently dominating the modern competitive pickleball scene.

Bob Schneider — Tap Into the Past

Thu, 29 Oct 2026 13:08:02 GMT

Bob Schneider didn't just play basketball; he dictated the pace of the game. Emerging as a powerhouse at Victory High School, Schneider became a household name for local sports fans. His ability to read the floor and consistently score made him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

His high school dominance naturally caught the attention of college scouts, leading him to Salem College. At Salem, Schneider proved that his high school numbers were no fluke, translating his court vision and shooting mechanics into a standout collegiate career that is still talked about in Clarksburg today.