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Standout lineman from WVU national runner-up team dies

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — Former West Virginia offensive lineman Rick Phillips, a second-team AP All-American in 1988 when the Mountaineers played for the national championship, died Wednesday after a two-year fight with pancreatis and liver disease.

He served as St. Marys city manager from 2011 until the illness forced him to take leave.

Rick Phillips won the Hunt Award at Parkersburg High in 1983 before becoming a standout at West Virginia.

“Lovable guy who was very kind off the field, very tough and physical on the field,” said ex-teammate Dale Wolfley, now coordinator of the WVU Varsity Club.