Viking 360

Viking basketball has its season opener on Saturday at Robert C. Byrd in Clarksburg. Coach Derek Mullins talks about his team.
Lady Viking basketball is off to an impressive 4-0 start. One of the reasons is newcomer Abby Eastman.
The Viking Freshmen opened with a 60-37 win over visiting Warren Local. Coach Vince Riffe was pleased with the Viking's pressure defense.
Ripley's wrestlers (3-0) are coming off a win at Ravenswood. Coach Matt Smith talks about Saturday's tournament at John Marshall.
Ripley grad Easton Perry is about to wrap up his senior year as an athletic training major at WV Wesleyan. He'll be with the Bobcat basketball team next semester.

Virgil Myers just completed an impressive junior season on the football field. Now he's ready to carry over that success on the basketball court.
Ripley High basketball coaches John Kennedy and Derek Mullins are encouraged about their team's prospects. Both have several key players returning and had impressive fall season results.
With the middle school wrestling teams coming off back-to-back conference championships, Ripley High coach Matt Smith says he likes the upcoming talent that he sees in the program.
Three Ripley grads are playing on the women's soccer team at Fairmont State. Coach Kernell Borneo says he likes to see in-state players in leadership roles for his Falcons.

Nine Viking football seniors are going to be honored prior to Friday's game vs Shady Spring. They introduce themselves and tell us their plans after high school.
Running back Rick Riddle was a standout during the late '80s. He'll become a member of the Viking Football Hall of Fame on Friday.
Lady Viking junior Ellie Hosaflook earned her third appearance in the Class AAA State Cross Country Meet. Coach Jimmy Groves says she turned in a gutsy performance in Thursday's regional race at Cedar Lakes.
Coach Brenda Moore's RHS volleyball team won three straight matches this week. The Lady Viking regular season is winding down with matches remaining for The Net and Senior Night.
Ripley Middle capped its soccer season with a 3-0 victory over Winfield in the Mid-Valley Athletic Conference playoffs. Everett Kish scored for the 13-1 Vikings.
RMS Football Coach Scottie Ullom talks about wrapping up the season on a positive note. The Vikings were big winners on Thursday at GW Middle School.

It's game eight for Viking football, but it's essentially game one for senior Wyatt Simon. The wide receiver is making his comeback this week from a knee injury.
Sophomore Chris Jenkins found the end zone last week against St. Albans and he's hoping for a repeat performance this week at Greenbrier East.
'Voice of the Spartans' Jeff Campbell offers his breakdown on the game at Greenbrier East.
Senior co-captain Olivia Parsons is a set-up standout for Viking volleyball. She looks back on the season with pride as the team readies for the upcoming sectional tournament.
It took some creative scheduling, but Coach Jay Pierson tells us Lady Viking soccer will honor the seniors during a Friday home game against Robert C. Byrd.
Mike Shockey is a 1990 RHS grad who lives in Greenbrier County. The 3-sport standout is the golf coordinator at the legendary Greenbrier Resort.

It's week #7 of the high school football season as Ripley travels to St. Albans. Somethings got to give as the 18-game series between the Vikings and Red Dragons is all tied up at 9 wins apiece.
Parker Boyd is a 2-way starter for the Vikings. He was injured in the Oak Hill game and sat out the Roane County game, but #7 is back in action this week as a wide receiver and in the defensive back.
Former Viking Elijah Miller finds himself as the starting punter as a freshman for the Bison of Bethany College.
Oliver Marks is a runner on the Ripley cross country team with impressive academic accomplishments.
Viking basketball is in the midst of the fall season. Coach Derek Mullins says the team showed positive signs in a victory this week over Winfield.
We get an update from RHS Athletic Director Steve Lough on the new gym floor being installed following flood damage over the summer.
In the meantime, the Viking basketball program is having some success away from home this fall as we hear from Coach Derek Mullins.

Virgil Myers is gaining a reputation as a player who makes good things happen for Viking football on offense, defense and special teams.
Sophomore Noah Casto came up with a key play last week at Oak Hill. He says the Viking defense will need to slow down the Roane County rushing attack on Friday.
Ripley's TV sportscaster Mark Martin travels to venues across the country. He discusses broadcasting Marshall's big win at Notre Dame Stadium.
Whether it's on the softball field or the volleyball court, senior Sidney Varney helps the Lady Vikings add to their win total.
Ties are fairly common in the sport of soccer, but the Lady Vikings are taking that to a new level. Senior goalie Marissa Triano says there's good and bad aspects to her team's five ties this season.
Viking Fest is a marching band competition scheduled Saturday at Ripley High. Ripley senior field commander Elli Hershey describes her role with 'The Pride.'
Soccer is in the midst of an impressive season at Ripley Middle. Coach Bob Wilkinson talks about his 8-1 team.

Ripley grad Parker Deem is now in Texas with his family, but the Viking Football Hall of Famer keeps up with his alma mater through Mountain Top Media's livestreaming coverage.
Carter 'Mr. Viking' Hall and his teammates are taking on the Oak Hill Red Devils on Friday evening.
Emily Dunlap and her Viking cross country teammates are hosting the Covered Bridge Invitational race on Saturday at Cedar Lakes Conference Center.
Daniel Scholl scored Ripley's first goal in a 2-0 win over Parkersburg South this week. The Viking freshman talks about the score and the victory.
Lady Viking volleyball is on an incredible roll. A contributing factor is junior Aubrey Haskins.

Viking football is coming off a thriller as Ripley defeated Lincoln County on the game's final play. Enjoy the recap as heard on C-98 and as described by senior QB Ty Stephens.
The Marietta game is not only Homecoming, it has been designated as the U.S. Army Game of the Week in WV. Recruiter James Bulman gives us the details.
As a Viking player, Jim Scherr helped fill the stands of Memorial Stadium. As a coach, he helped build the school's new bleachers. He's this week's inductee in the Hall of Fame.
Ripley High soccer is beginning to jell as we'll hear from senior captain Jacob Banton.

Ripley volleyball senior setter Bailey Howery talks about the team's strong start. The Lady Vikings have a 7-match winning streak.
Hunter Brown doesn't get many breaks on the football field. He'll see action in the backfield, on defense and special teams as the Vikings visit Buckhannon-Upshur on Friday evening.
Mason Fluty is both an Eagle and a Viking. The Ripley junior explains his Scouting accomplishment.
Trey Greer has dual roles at Ripley High this fall. The Viking mascot also runs on the cross country team.
Ripley grad Blake Cummings is looking to see football action early in his career as a Bethany Bison.
Avery Fife came through in the clutch as the Viking golf team posted a narrow win against Spring Valley.
Will Hosaflook was a standout in football, wrestling and baseball at RHS. He's now Jackson County's superintendent of schools.

Fall sports are underway and so is a new season of Viking 360.
Mayor Carolyn Rader talks about a Thursday evening pep rally. Viking football defensive coordinator Shane Casto talks about Friday's game with Brooke.
The father-son due of Jeremy and Steve Buffington is being inducted Friday into the Ripley Football Hall of Fame. Jeremy, a 1996 grad, talks about his career in the Viking backfield. Former Vikings from the early 70's have a special invitation to this year's Homecoming game as we hear from Terry Landis.
Ripley senior Mikayla Wriston is a busy athlete this fall. Remy Boyce has made the transition from athlete to coach. Dwayne Merritt is now the principal at his alma mater.

Ripley High is 'on track' this spring. We'll get updates from high jumper Bella Skeen for the Lady Vikes and sprinter Aydin Domico for the Vikings.
RHS grad Kelsey Moore Martin was an standout softball player for the Lady Vikings who has joined the coaching staff for Ken Swisher's team.
Former Viking Tyler Haskins is among the most versatile players on the baseball team at Fairmont State University.
Dale Ruben was a 3-sport athlete with the Class on '74. He's now president of the RHS Alumni Association.

The Triple A All-State basketball teams are out and Ripley players are on the list including Lady Viking Sophie Nichols.
Viking baseball is off to a 4-4 start. We'll hear from sophomore Gatlin Donohew and Coach Shane Casto.
Mya Casto has always been consistent at the plate. Now she's behind the plate, too, for the 3-3 Lady Vikings.
Steve Hunt is once again at the helm of Ripley High's tennis teams, 1-0.

Track season is 'off and running' this weekend. Ripley coach Krystle Cunningham is 'expecting' good things.
Viking baseball assistant coach Frankie Cummings tells us about this season's 'pitching committee.'
Elli Hershey is a power-hitting softball outfielder and pitcher. The Lady Vikes were knocking on the state tournament door a year ago and hope to knock that door down this spring.
Toryn Scholl returns to lead Lady Viking tennis. Coaches helping her do that are Steve Hunt and her grandmother, Jenny Scholl.
Ripley grad JJ Mahan now is a producer with WCHS/WVAH TV. He tells about his job in the Charleston news media.

Coach Matt Smith gives his thoughts on the recent WV State Wrestling Tournament.
Lady Viking Cassidy Cummings put up impressive numbers a year ago as a sophomore. She's back in the lineup, but at a new position as a junior.
Viking Colton Pepper is looking to provide senior leadership on the baseball team whether it be at catcher, right field or on the mound.

Get the post-season wrap on basketball from Lady Viking Coach John Kennedy and Viking junior Luke Johnson.
It's tournament time for the Viking wrestlers as well as Ripley grad Chase Morgan.
Coach Ken Swisher talks about the upcoming season for Lady Viking softball.
RHS grad Mark Martin captured a statewide award for sportswriting.

It's "March Madness" in February for the Ripley High programs.
The Lady Vikings are taking on Nitro in the sectional championship game. Sophomore guard Sophie Nichols talks about her huge game against Winfield in the tournament's opening game.
After topping Lincoln County in the regular season finale, the Vikings are hosting Nitro in their sectional opener on Wednesday. We hear from senior Elijah Miller and Coach Derek Mullins.
Seven Viking wrestlers are preparing for the upcoming State Tournament. Senior Brett Haskins tells us about wrapping up his impressive career on the mats.
Ripley grad Broedy Boyce is off to a strong start on the collegiate baseball season at WVU Tech.

Lady Viking basketball wrapped up the regular season this week at 17-5. McKennan Hall talks about a big win over the Wayne Pioneers and Coach John Kennedy discusses the sectional opener coming up with Winfield.
Hear an update on Viking basketball from senior guard Carson Goff and comments on upcoming games from Coach Derek Mullins.
Ripley wrestling heads into the regional tournament on Saturday in Hurricane. Coach Matt Smith says he's prepared his Vikings for a rugged regional with a challenging schedule.
We get caught up with a pair of Ripley grads. Logan Seabolt reflects on his basketball career and Noah Westfall talks about life on a Navy submarine.

Winter sports at RHS are heading down the home stretch.
Viking basketball has a key game against Winfield on Friday and will try to avenge a loss to St. Albans with a trip to the Dragons court on Tuesday. We'll hear from SA transfer Carson Hedrick.
Lady Viking basketball is saluting the team's 2 seniors on Saturday against the Scott Skyhawks. Veteran Kyanah Baldwin is being honored in a pre-game ceremony along with teammate Ximena Maya, who learned a new sport and a new language.
Two Ripley grads were inducted into the Viking Wrestling Hall of Fame on Thursday. We'll hear from the Class of '79's Boob Lanham and the Class of '89's Tom Bryant.

Let's get caught up on Lady Viking basketball sophomore Ellie Hosaflook and Coach John Kennedy.
We'll get the 'inside' story from Viking basketball junior forward Joey Ramsey.
Ripley grad Chase Morgan is coming off a great weekend of wrestling that included an individual title and a team championship for his West Liberty Hilltoppers.

Lady Viking basketball is on a roll with a 5-game winning streak and a record of 12-3. We spoke with senior center Kyanah Baldwin and junior guard McKennan Hall. Also, Melanie Hartley Mosser was a Ripley standout in the 90's who now enjoys watching her daughter play on the hardcourt for Ravenswood.
The Vikings are 6-3 after a lopsided win over Point Pleasant. We hear from sophomore sharpshooter Dylan Casto. The Freshman team is playing for a championship on Saturday. The team is coached by 3 members of the Riffe family. Isaiah Riffe gives us his analysis of the upcoming Vikings.
Ripley's wrestlers are entered in the huge WSAZ Invitational this weekend. Sophomore Hunter Brown is among six Vikings who are seeded in the Huntington event.
They are known as RipBotz and the RHS robotics team is in the midst of another successful season as we hear from senior Cole Neal.

All Ripley High teams are in action on Saturday. The Lady Vikes take on rival Ravenswood prior to the Vikings' battle against Point Pleasant. Ripley wrestles against Parkersburg and University High.
We spoke with Viking sophomore guard Cade Goode, Lady Viking sophomore forward Morgan Shanklin and Lady Viking 5th year assistant Scotty Ullom. We'll have a conversation with freshman wrestler Cooper Durst.
Ripley senior Carter Cochran is a versatile student-athlete competing on the school's academic teams.

It's a road trip weekend for Ripley High sports.
Coach John Kennedy talks about his Lady Vikings playing two games in Fairmont. Coach Derek Mullins talks about his Vikings' visit to Sissonville.
Viking wrestler Brock Matson and his teammates are competing at the Winner's Choice Tournament in Fairmont.
Ripley Middle's wrestlers are having an impressive season. Coach Lucas Simpkins talks about Saturday's home match.

From the basketball court, this episode includes interviews with Lady Viking sophomore guard Erin Ryan and Viking junior post player Luke Johnson.
From the wrestling mat, we spoke with senior Brett Haskins about his career milestone.
Ripley grad Jarret Lough tells us about his new role of demonstrating Mountaineer spirit.

The final episode of 2021 we feature a couple of former Vikings making a name for themselves Carter Casto on the hardwood at Midway University in Kentucky as well as Luke Miller on the wrestling mat at West Liberty. Mike Ruben has a conversation with John Kennedy following his teams game with the Logan Lady Wildcats, and Brian Johnson caught up with Ravenswood Head Coach Mick Price to discuss his teams big win of the Viking boys team on Tuesday night.

We're talking basketball.
Vince Riffe is coaching freshman hoops at Ripley along with his sons, and former Viking players, Elijah and Isaiah.
Jamison Hunt's collegiate career came to an abrupt ending as Ohio Valley University closed at semester's end. He'll be joining the Viking basketball coaching staff.
Junior guard McKennan Hall and her Lady Viking teammates are off to an impressive start.
After a long tenure at WVU, Stephanie Swisher White has accepted a new role with the athletic department at East Carolina University.

Winter sports are underway at Ripley High.
We'll talk with Lady Viking senior Kyanah Baldwin and Coach John Kennedy speaks about the season-opening win at Ravenswood.
Brett Haskins is among 3 Viking wrestlers to be recognized at Friday evening's home match against Sissonville and Wirt County.
Viking basketball gets started next Friday at Point Pleasant and we get an update from Isaiah Casto.

This episode could be called 'The Coaches Corner.'
Hear what Ripley cross country coach Jimmy Groves, Viking basketball coach Derek Mullins, Lady Viking basketball coach John Kennedy and wrestling coach Matt Smith have on their minds as we head into the winter sports seasons.

The Vikings have a game on their 'Bucket' list on Friday as they travel to Point Pleasant to battle for the Old Oaken Bucket. We'll hear about the history of the game from Kevin Hall and we get the perspective from the Big Blacks from Coach Joe Johnson.
Cross country runners from Ripley are competing for state honors on Saturday as we hear from senior Chase Pepper and sophomore Emma Shockey.
Lady Viking volleyball put together wins this week. They now own the Net after topping the Devilettes in Ravenswood.
Viking soccer coach Victor Boyce recaps the recently completed season.
Viking athletes continue their string of state academic honors. Ripley Middle Principle Tim Brown talks about the latest recipient Cooper Durst.

It's catch-up time on the podcast as we spoke with several student athletes at Ripley High.
Olivia Parsons chats about volleyball. Cole Neal talks cross country. Katy Lawrence and Noah Kessell get us up-to-date on soccer.
Football hits close to home for Pastor Stephen Sayre, the son of Viking Head Coach Steve Sayre. We get the scoop on this week's opponent from Keith Thompson, the 'Voice of the Shady Spring Tigers.' It's 'Hammer' time for Coach Scotty Ullom and his Ripley Middle Vikings.

Hear from former Viking football players Kade Harrison and Quaseem Fields. Harrison is being inducted in the Hall of Fame and Fields had an interesting NFL experience. Get the scoop on Greenbrier East from the 'Voice of the Spartans' Jeff Campbell.
Sophomore Garnet Kish and RHS grad Taylor Kennedy get us caught up on soccer. Avery Fife recaps her season with the Viking golf team.

Just like the animated movie by the same name, the Viking Football team is hoping to 'Train Their Dragon' when St. Albans comes to town Friday. We spoke with Ripley seniors Colton Pepper and Brandon Deal.
Former QB standout Seth Parsons is soon to be inducted in the Viking Football Hall of Fame.
Sophomore Addi Morrison is a major contributor on the Lady Viking soccer team.
Ripley grad Regan Carpenter has playing her second collegiate sport at Concord University.
Austin Tolley has made the successful transition from performing with the 'Pride of Jackson County' to the 'Pride of West Virginia.'

Ripley tangles with Oak Hill in Friday night's Homecoming tilt at Memorial Stadium.
Sophomore receiver Parker Boyd reflects on his 2 TD receptions at Marietta and Coach Steve Sayre says he noticed improvement from his Vikings.
The RHS Class of '81 is having its reunion this weekend. The 1980 football team had a remarkable 9-1 season as we'll hear from defensive whiz Andy Robinson. The 'Voice of Oak Hill,' Mel Reed says the Red Devils from Fayette County have speed to burn on offense.
Cross country runner Tori Fisher talks about a major race on Saturday at Cedar Lakes Conference Center and Makayla Wriston brings us up to date on Lady Viking soccer.

Next Friday is Homecoming as Viking football will host Oak Hill. This Friday's 7 p.m. game at Marietta is a Homecoming of sorts for Coach Steve Sayre. He was the Tiger head coach for six seasons.
We'll also hear from junior linebacker Hunter Brown, Defensive Coordinator Shane Casto, and Aaron Cassady 'Voice of the Tigers.'
Also on the RHS sports scene, we spoke with volleyball player Sidney Varney and 2-sport kicker Carter Cochran.

This episode features highlights from Ripley's 31-13 victory over Buchhannon-Upshur.
Former Vikings Brad Hunt and Adam White are special guests. Brad offers his thoughts on WVU's conference situation while Adam describes his military career that has taken him around the world.
Listen to a scouting report on this week's opponent, Lincoln County. The Panther edged Roane County and you'll hear from Andrew Miller, the 'Voice of the Raiders.'
Both Ripley soccer programs are off to winning starts as you'll hear from coaches Victor Boyce and Jay Pierson.

Our podcast celebrates its 100th episode this week with the announcement of a special prize giveaway.
Football guests are Viking senior Elijah Miller, Buckhannon-Upshur Head Coach Zach Davis, and the 'Voice of the Ironton Tigers,' Ripley grad Jason Philyaw discusses his Friday night thriller.
Plus, Brianna Hudson talks volleyball, Haleigh McCune talks cross country and Nic Hill talks soccer.

Viking Football travels to West Virginia's Northern Panhandle on Friday to meet the Brooke Bruins.
We'll hear from offensive coordinator Ryan Simon and two Vikings who are doing double duty. Jacob Torres and Carter Thacker play football and play in the Viking Marching Band.
Kevin Elias is the 'Voice of the Bruins.' He was a high school senior when the Vikings and Bruins first met on the football field, as was Rod Lanham.
Coach Brenda Moore talks about her Lady Viking volleyball team getting the season started.
Ripley grad Josh Jarrell talks Viking soccer as the sport celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Ellie Hosaflook is among the top-ranked cross country runners in West Virginia. Katy Lawrence does her kicking for the Viking football team and Lady Viking soccer team.
Hunter Cestaric says his background in athletics well-prepared him for his current assignment in England with the Air Force. Former soccer player Ross Felty's career has landed him in Dublin, Ireland.
The pre-season is winding down for Steve Sayre and the Vikings. We spoke with the head coach, signal caller Ty Stephens and Joe Linville of Scott Skyhawk Sports, this week's scrimmage opposition.
And the Viking cheerleaders introduce themselves, too.

This episode of Viking 360 has several interesting features.
Anthony Jarvis talks about playing baseball in Russia. Paul Woodrum reflects on the early years of Viking soccer. Former Viking XC runner Preston Whitney discusses his eventful year.
Lady Viking soccer coach Jay Pierson talks about the team's successful scrimmage game. Ripley running back Joey Ramsey looks ahead to his junior season.

Viking 360 is back.
This week's podcast features football defensive coordinator Shane Casto, new head boys basketball coach Derek Mullins, pro baseball player Christopher Jordan, A-B volleyball player Ella Casto and Viking cross country runner Chase Pepper.

Episode 95 serves as the 2020-21 school year finale.
Former Viking baseball player Anthony Jarvis talks about his upcoming road trip to Russia.
Ripley football Coach Steve Sayre is fired up about the upcoming season.
In soccer news, Ripley grad Mackenzie Gillispie is up for a collegiate honor and Victor Boyce says Viking soccer will pay tribute to its 30-year history.
Basketball coaches John Kennedy and Luke Parsons have big plans for the summer.

Ripley's softball season came to a close in the regional finals. We'll hear from Lady Viking senior catcher Grace Walsh.
The Viking track teams are jumping for joy following the Triple A State Meet. Junior long jumper Tori Fisher, freshman pole vaulter Mya Phalen and junior high jumper Jake Harvey talk about their leaps.
Three Ripley grads are suiting up for this weekend's North-South All-Star Football Game. Quinton Joyner, Matthew Moore II and Kadin Hall are playing for the South Cardinals.