With the Ohio Valley Conference turning 50, it's throwing a party in typical fashion: At a football game.

The OVC will celebrate its 50th anniversary Friday when the annual football preview is held at Coal Grove High School.

It's only fitting that the celebration be held in Coal Grove since it was the site of the league's origin.

"This has been a great league," said Joe Smith who has served as the league president for the past 18 years. "Over the years we have had some outstanding coaches and players in the league."

Former players, coaches and league officials are being asked to return. They will be recognized between the first and second games.

Smith said the close-knit relationships between league officials and coaches have helped to keep the conference strong in all aspects.

"The administrators meet once a month, so if you're mad you get over it because you have to get right back at it. Everyone is willing to work together," Smith said.

An example of the league's financial strength is the awarding of two scholarships each year on a rotating basis among the league schools.

"We're one of the few leagues who can boast a savings account along with a checking account," Smith said.

Dave Smith and the late legendary Coal Grove football coach James "Red" Dutey were the two key figures who organized the conference which held its first meeting on Dec. 3, 1953, at Don Keyes Restaurant in Coal Grove.

Dutey later served as the league president for 15 years.

Initial dues for the league were $10 per school. Tommy Hairston of Coal Grove was the first president and John Miller of Oak Hill was the vice-president.

Former Marshall coach and athletic director Charlie Kautz was the first secretary-treasurer, but Smith became the league's secretary in 1955 and served in that position for more than 40 years.

Another meeting was held on Dec. 9 in Oak Hill to establish bylaws and the league officially began with the 1954 football season.

Over the years, a total of 12 schools have been members of the conference.

The six charter members of the OVC were Coal Grove, Chesapeake, Oak Hill, Rock Hill, South Point and Wheelersburg.

Fairland entered the league in 1956 and Wheelersburg exited the following season.

Ironton St. Joseph became a member in 1962 and Symmes Valley the next year.

St. Joseph left the OVC in 1979. Symmes Valley withdrew in 1971 and returned in 1977. However, both Symmes Valley and Oak Hill left the conference after the 1984 season to join the SVAC.

West Virginia became involved in the league with Ceredo-Kenova joining in 1986 to make a six-team league. Buffalo and Wayne joined the following year.

Wayne left in 1988, C-K in 1991, and Buffalo followed the next season.

River Valley joined in 2002 to make a six-team league once again.

A reception will be held in the Coal Grove High School cafeteria prior to the preview for former coaches and administrators. Joe Smith is asking those who plan to attend to call him at 740-867-6121.