Wheeling, W. Va. – In 2020, Wheeling University Head Football Coach Zac Bruney was named to the 2020 Martins Ferry High School (MFHS) Hall of Fame Class. On Friday, he was officially inducted into that Hall of Fame during an on-field ceremony at Martins Ferry's Friday night high school football game against Linsly.

Bruney was a three-sport athlete during his career as a Purple Rider, competing in Football, Basketball, and Track. He was announced as a member of the 2020 Hall of Fame class last November and was recognized on the field at halftime on Friday night. He graduated from Martins Ferry in 2000 before going on to play his college football at Mount Union. He is in his fourth season as head football coach at Wheeling University, as he guides his team through the very competitive Mountain East Conference.

Bruney was a three-year letterman at MFHS and guided the Purple Raiders to a second-straight OHSAA Playoff Appearance during his senior year. That season, he passed for 2,184 yards and threw for 21 touchdowns while leading his team to a 9-2 record. He earned several accolades that season, including being named to the second-team All-Ohio Division IV team. After graduating from Martins Ferry, Bruney went on to have a stellar career at Division III Mount Union, where he helped secure a Division III National Championship.

While at Martins Ferry, Bruney was also a star on both the hardwood and the track, earning honors in both sports. In basketball, he was a two-year letterman/starter and earned All-OVAC Class 3A second-team and third-team All-Eastern District Honors as a senior. On the track, he was a member of MFHS's 4x100 Meter Relay team that finished in third place at the OHSAA Division II State Track Meet after winning the regional title.

Bruney was named the first-ever Head Football Coach at Wheeling University in 2017 and has helped lead his team through their transition into the Mountain East Conference (MEC). He led the program to their first win during the 2019 season when they defeated Concord 27-20. Last season, he led them to a record of 2-2 during the 2021 spring season, including wins over Alderson Broaddus and West Liberty.

Zac Bruney and the Wheeling University Football team kick off the 2021 fall season on September 2nd when they head to Seton Hill for a 7 PM kick-off.