Wheeling University announced on Wednesday it has been awarded a 5-year contract to play host to the OVAC All-Star Camp.

The camp serves as a home to both West Virginia and Ohio teams, plus the all-star band and cheerleaders, throughout the week leading up to the OVAC Rudy Mumley All-Star Football Game.

This year’s camp will be held July 17-23.

Calling it the kickoff to football season, Wheeling University Coach Zac Bruney grew up around the OVAC All-Star Game and says it is special.

“It’s the crème de la crème, I think, of most all-star games,” he said. "I've been to a lot of all-star games over the years -- North-South, Ohio-West Virginia, Big 33, the national game leading up to the national convention ... This game is very, very important to young men -- and young ladies. It's such a great event."

While Wheeling University has never held a multi-year contract to host the camp, Bruney noted it’s not the first time the school has been involved.

In 1999, the teams were split, with then-Wheeling Jesuit hosting the West Virginia team for the game, while Linsly hosted the Ohio team.