The WVSSAC has announced the creation of the Bill Hanlin Award, which will be presented annually to the highest-rated football team in each classification at the end of the regular season. The inaugural Bill Hanlin Award winners will be named at the conclusion of the 2026 regular season.

The award honors Hanlin, who served as WVSSAC assistant executive secretary from 1975-85 and executive secretary from 1985-88. Before his administrative career, he coached at Tyler County High School, St. Marys High School and Glenville State College. Hanlin died in 2019 at age 88.

Hanlin led St. Marys to an undefeated state championship season in 1963, and his team did not allow a point all year. At Glenville State, he guided the program to an undefeated regular season in 1973 and an appearance in the NAIA Division II national championship game. St. Marys later named its football stadium in his honor.