Patrick A. Clutter (1951-1997)
Patrick A. Clutter was born July 2, 1951 and is one of four children of Alvin and Bonnie Clutter from Chester, West Virginia. Pat was a 1969 graduate of Oak Glen High School and in 1973 he was graduated from West Liberty State College with a degree in Education. Pat received his Master’s Degree from Marshall University in Communications. Pat began his teaching career as an English instructor before moving into his beloved field of Communications.
His storied career as the head coach of the girl’s basketball team at Wheeling Park High School netted him 299 victories. That mark long stood as a state record in West Virginia before being toppled late in his career. During that time Pat was OVAC Coach of the Year in 1980, 1983, and in 1985. Pat Clutter was also voted Coach of the Year in the state of West Virginia in both 1980, and in 1983.
During the time Pat was teaching and coaching at Wheeling Park High School, he also worked part-time for WWVA Radio as an on-air personality under the stage name of Roger Cooper. In 1984 Pat Clutter was named the Director of the Broadcast Communications Program at Wheeling Park High School. At the time of the appointment, the department only focused on radio. Three years later, Pat began the task of introducing a comprehensive television curriculum into the program.
While continuing to teach communications at Wheeling Park, Pat accepted a part-time position at WTRF TV as the weekend Weather Anchor. From there Pat transferred to Sports and is credited in creating what is known today as the “Friday Night Sports Blitz.” A few years later Pat served at the News Director at WTRF. Pat was able to adapt his “working knowledge” from television into the classroom on a daily basis. With that unique ability Pat Clutter was able to help launch several local radio and television careers.
After a courageous fight that included experimental Cancer treatments in Pittsburgh, Pat Clutter lost the battle on December 17, 1997. Pat will long be remembered as the coach, TV personality, and long-time educator that touched so many individuals throughout his career.
This memorial scholarship was created in Pat’s name to benefit communications students from Wheeling Park High School that choose to continue their education in the field of communications.
Pat leaves behind a loving wife Angie (Chiazza) and three wonderful children, Christine, Kelly, and Patrick.
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