FAIRMONT — Thirty-some years have passed, but Roy Michael still remembers West Virginia’s last trip to the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic quite vividly.

But here’s the funny thing: the then-Mannington coach wasn’t in the corner barking out instructions. Rather, he was in the stands, watching West Virginia take it on the chin against the mighty WPIAL.

Final score: WPIAL 42, West Virginia 14.

“It wasn’t very pretty from the stands. Anywhere you sat, it wasn’t pretty,” Michael said with a laugh. “In ’78, we won four matches out of the 12 (at the time) and quite frankly, we didn’t compete very well. The ones we lost, we got hammered.”

This afternoon, the Mountain State’s top senior wrestlers get another crack at Southwestern Pennsylvania’s best in the 35th Dapper Dan at the University of Pittsburgh’s Fitzgerald Field House. West Virginia, making its first appearance in the event since 1978, will take on the WPIAL at 2 p.m., followed by the annual Pennsylvania-USA match.

Michael, who retired in 2003 after leading Mannington and then North Marion to three state team titles, will coach the WV All-Stars. Oak Glen coach Larry Shaw, last season’s USA Wrestling Coach of the Year, is also on the staff.

“We just hope we can compete and hold our own with them. I think we will,” Michael said.

West Virginia had been trying to make a return visit for years, but was rebuffed by the likes of Wisconsin, Ohio and others. The efforts of East Fairmont Wrestling Club coach Chuck Satterfield and a strong senior class — Team WV features a combined 18 state titles — helped give the state the coveted spot in 2009. The team also received the necessary sponsorship funding from Shell Equipment Company, Inc. president Joe Staud, who won a 1960 individual state title while attending Fairmont Senior.

“We were very fortunate to get in this year,” Satterfield said.

“Chuck deserves all the credit. If it wasn’t for him, this would’ve never come about,” Michael said. “It was a dream of his. He has wrestling in his blood and he wanted to see West Virginia (at the Dapper Dan). He did everything that was required — dotted all the I’s, crossed all the T’s — and got it done.”

For Michael, the differences between today and West Virginia’s last Dapper Dan appearance is staggering.

“I think technique in West Virginia has improved so much over the years,” Michael said. “There’s a lot of different reasons for that. Back when I was a young guy coaching, most of the wrestling coaches were football coaches also and did wrestling in the wintertime for condition. So most knew the basics and that was pretty much it.

“Now, you’re getting younger coaches who were wrestling coaches in college and that’s what they do — they’re wrestling coaches. Their knowledge is much better. As far as toughness, I don’t know, but all wrestlers are tough. You have to be.”

The West Virginia squad is ready to roll. They’ve been practicing for the event since the Tuesday after the state tournament, a span of nearly two weeks. It’s not only a chance to prove yourself against the very best; it’s also an opportunity for some to get their name out on a national scale.

“They may surprise themselves,” Michael said. “They’ll be seen by a lot of (college) coaches and a lot of important people. You never know what can come out of this.

“A lot of them weren’t aware of the tournament and exactly what it is and what it’s been. They’re getting educated on how big a deal this is. And it’s a big deal.”

The teams are as follows (career record, No. of state titles):

West Virginia All-Stars

112 - Dirk Bauer. Wheeling Park (160-22, 3)

119 - Ryan Asbury, Oak Glen (137-25, 1)

125 - Nick Taylor, Wheeling Park (134-44, 1)

130 - Drew Jenkins, East Fairmont (185-21, 1)

135 - John King, Philip Barbour (143-12, 2)

140 - Victor Panico, University (130-39)

145 - Andy Church, Parkersburg South (151-45)

152 - Eric Morris, East Fairmont (178-26, 2)

160 - Mason Bailey, East Fairmont (177-16, 2)

171 - Jacob Dempsey, Huntington (146-33, 1)

189 - Cameron Gallaher, Grafton (175-3, 3)

215 - Josh Kay, Capital (156-34, 1)

285 - Gabriel Hardiman, Cabell Midland (75-23, 1)

Pennsylvania All-Stars

112 - Ron Schram, Canon McMillan (107-29)

119 - Jake Swink, Connellsville (111-42)

125 - Nathan Pennesi, Latrobe (140-26)

130 - Colin Sheridan, Mt. Peasant (140-46)

135 - Mitch Spencer, Avella (139-28, 2)

140 - Jack Bachman, Hempfield (161-35, 1)

145 - Devan Jones, Penn Trafford (108-55)

152 - Kyle Appleby, Avella (122-39, 1)

160 - James Fleming, West Mifflin (131-14, 3)

171 - Cody Catalina, Beth Center (79-39, 1)

189 - Roman San Doval, Shady Side Academy (154-26, 2)

215 - Ryan Watson, Burgettstown (108-25, 1)

285 - Jordan Roussos, Carlynton (120-36, 1)

E-mail Nick Cammuso at ncammuso@timeswv.com.