WVU Sports Hall of Fame
Ross McHenry led the Mountaineers to a 22-6 record during the three years he played football at WVU. The native of Parkersburg, West Virginia, was an outstanding guard and captained the 1926 team, coached by Ira Errett Rodgers. He was named team captain his senior year.
McHenry was the first player in state history to be named to the annual all-class, all-state teams polled by West Virginia University athletic director Harry Stansbury three times after leading Parkersburg High to state championships in 1921 and 1922.
Despite weighing less than 185 pounds, the aggressive and resourceful McHenry came to WVU as a tackle, was first switched to center before eventually finding a home at left guard on coach Clarence Spears’ outstanding 1924 team that won eight of nine games. That squads only loss was a 14-7 decision at Pitt.
McHenry continued to excel at left guard the next season for new coach Ira Errett Rodgers when the Mountaineers again won eight games.
In 1927, he participated in the East-West Shrine Game and is a member of the WVU all-time football team from 1919-29. He was also named to the Walter Camp All-America honorable mention list for his efforts on the offensive line.
McHenry, who retired from the FMC Corporation, died Aug. 15, 2000 at the age of 97.
