Philippi coach plans walk to Ohio to raise funds

PHILIPPI, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia middle school football coach facing budget cuts is planning a 172-mile walk to Ohio to raise money.

Nick Mayle hopes to raise $50,000 by July. He's buying three pairs of shoes for the trek to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, during spring break.

Mayle tells The Exponent Telegram (http://bit.ly/YSjTFD ) in Clarksburg that his walk also will show students that they can succeed if they work hard enough.

Barbour County Schools Superintendent Joe Super says he didn't want to recommend cutting the school's sports programs. But the school system is struggling financially.

Mayle agrees that education should be the main priority. But he says athletics teach players about hard work and discipline.

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Information from: The Exponent Telegram, http://www.cpubco.com