Giving
Ryan Charles Jobes was a track star at Williamstown High School and the University of Richmond. While at Williamstown High School, Ryan competed not only in track and cross country but also in tennis, basketball, and golf. He led his track team to state championship titles in 2003 and 2004, where he won the 400 meter, 800 meter, and 1600 meter events. His 4-by-400 relay team also took first place. In tennis, Ryan placed third in the state singles competition and second in doubles in 2003.
At Richmond, Ryan continued to succeed on the track. He placed third in the 800 meter at the 2005 Atlantic 10 Conference Championships, a significant accomplishment for a freshman runner and was named the Conference Rookie of the Week twice. In May of 2005, Ryan was presented the Ray McCoy Track Athlete of the Year Award by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Ryan was described by many as being modest, loyal, dependable, selfless and competitive.
On December 20, 2005, Ryan was tragically killed in a car accident on Interstate 64 on his way home from Richmond for the holidays. Memorials poured in from family, friends, teachers and coaches to set up the Ryan C. Jobes Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Parkersburg Area Community Foundation in order to honor Ryan's memory and legacy. Annual events have been held since Ryan's death in order to keep his memory alive and to help build this permanent scholarship fund.
The scholarship provides support to a graduating senior from Williamstown High School who has participated in track (specifically running events) or cross country, with selection based on character, commitment to track and cross country, and financial need.