Wheeling, W. Va. – When the Cardinals open the 2026-2027 home portion of their schedule on August 29, they will be doing so with an eye on helping the local community. For the second year in a row, the Wheeling University Athletic Department is hosting their "Back to School Drive" benefiting local students in Ohio County. The Cardinals are partnering with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and Ohio County Schools to ensure local students have everything they need to succeed in the classroom.
"It is important for us to give back to the community that has given us the opportunity to educate our students," said Wheeling University Assistant Athletic Director for Communications & Engagement Zack Zeigler. "Our mission is Life. Leadership. And Service with and Among Others and this is just one way we can give back to the community. We want our students to be fully equipped in the classroom, and our Back to School Drive ensures that all students in Ohio County have what they need to succeed."
The drive will be held as part of Opening Night at Bishop Schmitt Field, where fans will be treated to a doubleheader of Cardinal action. Up first, the Wheeling Football team will take the field for their season opener when they take on Thomas More at noon. It will be the first-ever meeting between the Cardinals and Saints, as the Cardinals look to get off to a 1-0 start for the first time since the 2023 season when they beat Seton Hill 35-24. The action continues under the lights as Thomas More comes back to Wheeling on the Rugby pitch. The Wheeling Men's Rugby team opens their 2026 15s schedule against the Saints, with kick-off at 6 PM. The doubleheader marks the start of the 70th anniversary of Wheeling University Athletics, with special events planned throughout the course of the year. Gates will open at 9:30 AM with a special pregame ceremony honoring local Ohio County Schools scheduled to begin at 11:45 AM.
Fans in attendance for both games are encouraged to bring a donation of new or gently used school supplies to help local students. The Cardinals will be accepting backpacks, notebooks, binders, pens, pencils, and other items commonly found on a school supply list. Following the festivities on Saturday, all donations will be taken to both the Ohio County Schools and the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston offices before being distributed inside classrooms across the county. Last year, the Cardinals helped collect enough donations to supply classrooms across the Ohio County School system. This year, the department is hoping to raise even more donations, with the goal of a trunk full of donations going to each organization.
Each of our two partners share in the mission of Wheeling University, setting up exceptional learning opportunities for all students. Ohio County Schools provides exceptional learning experiences in a safe and healthy environment that prepares every student to achieve success. The core mission of the schools in The Department of Catholic Schools West Virginia for the Diocese of Wheeling Charleston is to engage school communities in creating a quality education within a Catholic environment that fosters the whole child's development.
Come join us for the second annual Wheeling University Back to School Drive on Saturday, August 29, beginning with the Wheeling Football game at noon. For more information, visit our event page by clicking HERE.
