Hard Stuff Challenge
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill? Do you have a habit that you have been trying to quit? Do you want to go vegan or learn to juggle? In College Composition II, taught here at NHS by Mrs. Garee, students have the opportunity to pick one hard challenge to work on for 21 days. They were asked to choose whatever they wanted to change or improve in their lives. This year’s students - the first do embark on this multigenre essay project - have chosen many interesting topics.
Katie Debolt (‘20) has chosen to learn how to do a standing back tuck. This is similar to a backflip without hands. Debolt has been looking at Youtube for tips and tricks on the flip. Debolt claims, “I have enjoyed learning this, although I am really sore after.” She also says that she has always wanted to learn how to do this stunt but was never motivated, and this project has given her the motivation.
Another student, Rexford Bammerlin (‘20), chose to learn how to play the guitar for his project. He chose this simply because he has always liked guitar. Bammerlin said he is, “learning how to play out of a book. My dad plays guitar and he is helping me out.” Just like Debolt, Rex says he has really enjoyed this project. It has given him the incentive to work on a skill he has wanted to learn for a while.
These are far from the only challenges students have taken on. It can be anything - mental, physical, or creative. Other projects include quitting drinking pop, getting eight hours of sleep a night, learning to juggle, various running goals, reaching out to others through various projects, and even learning the fundamentals of a new language. As part of the project, students researched their topics a little, compared their progress to contemporary motivational/habit literature, and produced two multi-genre pieces to show their journeys.
At the end of the day, Mrs. Garee said this project is really about showing teenagers they don’t have to wait to do what they have always wanted; they can do it now.
- Emma Garee (‘20) is the photo editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
By: Emma Garee
NORTHRIDGE - Have you ever wanted to learn a new skill? Do you have a habit that you have been trying to quit? Do you want to go vegan or learn to juggle? In College Composition II, taught here at NHS by Mrs. Garee, students have the opportunity to pick one hard challenge to work on for 21 days. They were asked to choose whatever they wanted to change or improve in their lives. This year’s students - the first do embark on this multigenre essay project - have chosen many interesting topics.
Katie Debolt (‘20) has chosen to learn how to do a standing back tuck. This is similar to a backflip without hands. Debolt has been looking at Youtube for tips and tricks on the flip. Debolt claims, “I have enjoyed learning this, although I am really sore after.” She also says that she has always wanted to learn how to do this stunt but was never motivated, and this project has given her the motivation.
Another student, Rexford Bammerlin (‘20), chose to learn how to play the guitar for his project. He chose this simply because he has always liked guitar. Bammerlin said he is, “learning how to play out of a book. My dad plays guitar and he is helping me out.” Just like Debolt, Rex says he has really enjoyed this project. It has given him the incentive to work on a skill he has wanted to learn for a while.
These are far from the only challenges students have taken on. It can be anything - mental, physical, or creative. Other projects include quitting drinking pop, getting eight hours of sleep a night, learning to juggle, various running goals, reaching out to others through various projects, and even learning the fundamentals of a new language. As part of the project, students researched their topics a little, compared their progress to contemporary motivational/habit literature, and produced two multi-genre pieces to show their journeys.
At the end of the day, Mrs. Garee said this project is really about showing teenagers they don’t have to wait to do what they have always wanted; they can do it now.
- Emma Garee (‘20) is the photo editor of the Viking Vault. [email protected]
Wrestlers in post seasonBy: Alex Hook
NORTHRIDGE - Klay Reeves (‘19) placed seventh in the State tournament at the Schottenstein Center this past weekend. Meanwhile, a total of three Viking wrestlers qualified for the District tournament at Buckeye Loca prior to States.
This is the fourth time Reeves qualified to make it to States, with an eighth place finish his freshman year, fourth his sophomore year, and runner up his junior year.
Reeves, Zach George (‘19), and Kobey Nichols (‘20) were among the Vikings that qualified for the DIII District tournament. Reeves won at the district tournament and will be moving on to States in the upcoming week.
“I am happy to be going back to States and I’m glad that I was able to qualify this year,” District champ Reeves added. “It’s everyone’s goal to go to States, and I’m glad to be able to represent Northridge.”
Reeves won the LCL this season and finished his season with 31-3 record. Reeves said, “I am proud of how I wrestled this season and it was a huge accomplishment to win the LCL, and I’m proud of my season as a whole.”
George wasn’t able to qualify for States, but he was hit with a couple of setbacks at the beginning of the District tournament. George was forced to forfeit his second match of the tournament because of a nose bleed.
George said, “I felt that with the hand I was dealt, I can be pretty proud of my accomplishment.” He added, “Obviously it's everyone's goal to go to States, as it was mine, but I can’t just look back and ask what if.” George was also diagnosed with a broken foot the week of the tournament and was forced to wrestle with said foot. “There’s nothing I can really do about the injuries and I can’t make excuses. It was bad timing but there’s nothing I can do now.”
George placed second in the LCL this season and finished his season with a 23-11 record. George said, “Overall, I am happy with my Senior season and I feel that this was one of the best seasons I’ve ever had. Although our whole wrestling team has been plagued by injuries all year we have had each others backs and pushed each other to keep fight, and that is something I’m really proud of.”
Nichols wasn’t able to wrestle the past weekend at Districts because of an illness he had being dealing with for days. Nichols is a junior who has next season to look forward to and work towards.
George summed up the season: “I’d say for the amount of guys on the team we gave it all we had and it should’ve showed in the postseason, but we were sadly plagued by injuries and illnesses that held us back as a team.” He added, “We knew what our potential was as a team. The season may not have ended how we wanted, but there is a bond between us all that can never be broken.”
George and Reeves wanted to thank all of their coaches for the four seasons they spent wrestling in high school. George said, “It sucks to say goodbye to wrestling, but it was some of the best memories I’ve had in high school, and I just want to thank all of the coaches for what they’ve done for me.”
- Alex Hook (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
NORTHRIDGE - Klay Reeves (‘19) placed seventh in the State tournament at the Schottenstein Center this past weekend. Meanwhile, a total of three Viking wrestlers qualified for the District tournament at Buckeye Loca prior to States.
This is the fourth time Reeves qualified to make it to States, with an eighth place finish his freshman year, fourth his sophomore year, and runner up his junior year.
Reeves, Zach George (‘19), and Kobey Nichols (‘20) were among the Vikings that qualified for the DIII District tournament. Reeves won at the district tournament and will be moving on to States in the upcoming week.
“I am happy to be going back to States and I’m glad that I was able to qualify this year,” District champ Reeves added. “It’s everyone’s goal to go to States, and I’m glad to be able to represent Northridge.”
Reeves won the LCL this season and finished his season with 31-3 record. Reeves said, “I am proud of how I wrestled this season and it was a huge accomplishment to win the LCL, and I’m proud of my season as a whole.”
George wasn’t able to qualify for States, but he was hit with a couple of setbacks at the beginning of the District tournament. George was forced to forfeit his second match of the tournament because of a nose bleed.
George said, “I felt that with the hand I was dealt, I can be pretty proud of my accomplishment.” He added, “Obviously it's everyone's goal to go to States, as it was mine, but I can’t just look back and ask what if.” George was also diagnosed with a broken foot the week of the tournament and was forced to wrestle with said foot. “There’s nothing I can really do about the injuries and I can’t make excuses. It was bad timing but there’s nothing I can do now.”
George placed second in the LCL this season and finished his season with a 23-11 record. George said, “Overall, I am happy with my Senior season and I feel that this was one of the best seasons I’ve ever had. Although our whole wrestling team has been plagued by injuries all year we have had each others backs and pushed each other to keep fight, and that is something I’m really proud of.”
Nichols wasn’t able to wrestle the past weekend at Districts because of an illness he had being dealing with for days. Nichols is a junior who has next season to look forward to and work towards.
George summed up the season: “I’d say for the amount of guys on the team we gave it all we had and it should’ve showed in the postseason, but we were sadly plagued by injuries and illnesses that held us back as a team.” He added, “We knew what our potential was as a team. The season may not have ended how we wanted, but there is a bond between us all that can never be broken.”
George and Reeves wanted to thank all of their coaches for the four seasons they spent wrestling in high school. George said, “It sucks to say goodbye to wrestling, but it was some of the best memories I’ve had in high school, and I just want to thank all of the coaches for what they’ve done for me.”
- Alex Hook (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
The Vikes take to the diamond
By: Cole Fox
NORTHRIDGE - Spring is right around the corner and with it comes the greatest game and America’s pastime: baseball. Under the leadership of seniors and overseen by 9th-year coach Jeff Wilson, the Vikes have enjoyed several winning seasons since 2013.
Last year the Vikings went (21-7), with an appearance at District Finals, where they ended with a devastating loss to Columbus Academy with a score of 3-2. The Vikes ended up tied for second in the LCL and are most definitely in the line up of contenders for first this year. The boys say they pride themselves on being that team that everyone threw their ace (best pitcher) against. Some season highlights from last season include beating Newark Catholic three times.
Still, this past season was only the beginning of what's to come this year from the team.
Seniors this year - Jackson Wilson (‘19), Kody Everts (‘19), Carter Comisford (‘19), Zach George (‘19), Alex Rosshirt (‘19), and Johnny Nye (‘19) - say they all are excited about the upcoming season. Wilson (‘19) says, “The biggest takeaway from last year was that if we come together as a team, we can make a long tournament run.” Though last year’s tournaments were unfortunately stopped short the players said they’re back and firing on all cylinders, even with the loss of last year’s grads: Nick Piper (‘18), Nick Hatten (‘18), and Tyler Holley (‘18).
Everts (‘19) said, “Last year my biggest take away was the success we had and in order to have that, the team chemistry has to be great. We definitely lost some leaders, but overall I think the chemistry is even better this year.” Everts (‘19) also added, “My goal this year is to contribute to my best ability on offense and defense, but also go out there and get the LCL Championship.”
The seniors on the team have been playing baseball since they could swing a bat, and this season means a lot to them. For some, it's the last time they will step on a diamond … as a player, that is. However, we do have some seniors who will be continuing their careers in college. Carter Comisford (‘19) will attend Ohio Northern University to play baseball. Comisford (‘19) says, “I hope to continue to have success throughout college as I have through high school.”
In addition to Comisford, Jackson Wilson (‘19) is undecided where he will play but says he will continue his career in college.
Of the season ahead, Comisford says, “We have a solid core of players returning. Those guys returning are proven winners and will play a huge role in tournament play this year.” Comisford added, “My goal this year is to make it back to districts and move on to states from there.”
Wilson, the Vikings’ ace, will return with this objective: “My goal this season is to go out there and compete but have fun - after all, it's my senior year.” Wilson added, “I really want to lower my career ERA to break the school record and hold a record like my brothers before me.”
- Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault
By: Cole Fox
NORTHRIDGE - Spring is right around the corner and with it comes the greatest game and America’s pastime: baseball. Under the leadership of seniors and overseen by 9th-year coach Jeff Wilson, the Vikes have enjoyed several winning seasons since 2013.
Last year the Vikings went (21-7), with an appearance at District Finals, where they ended with a devastating loss to Columbus Academy with a score of 3-2. The Vikes ended up tied for second in the LCL and are most definitely in the line up of contenders for first this year. The boys say they pride themselves on being that team that everyone threw their ace (best pitcher) against. Some season highlights from last season include beating Newark Catholic three times.
Still, this past season was only the beginning of what's to come this year from the team.
Seniors this year - Jackson Wilson (‘19), Kody Everts (‘19), Carter Comisford (‘19), Zach George (‘19), Alex Rosshirt (‘19), and Johnny Nye (‘19) - say they all are excited about the upcoming season. Wilson (‘19) says, “The biggest takeaway from last year was that if we come together as a team, we can make a long tournament run.” Though last year’s tournaments were unfortunately stopped short the players said they’re back and firing on all cylinders, even with the loss of last year’s grads: Nick Piper (‘18), Nick Hatten (‘18), and Tyler Holley (‘18).
Everts (‘19) said, “Last year my biggest take away was the success we had and in order to have that, the team chemistry has to be great. We definitely lost some leaders, but overall I think the chemistry is even better this year.” Everts (‘19) also added, “My goal this year is to contribute to my best ability on offense and defense, but also go out there and get the LCL Championship.”
The seniors on the team have been playing baseball since they could swing a bat, and this season means a lot to them. For some, it's the last time they will step on a diamond … as a player, that is. However, we do have some seniors who will be continuing their careers in college. Carter Comisford (‘19) will attend Ohio Northern University to play baseball. Comisford (‘19) says, “I hope to continue to have success throughout college as I have through high school.”
In addition to Comisford, Jackson Wilson (‘19) is undecided where he will play but says he will continue his career in college.
Of the season ahead, Comisford says, “We have a solid core of players returning. Those guys returning are proven winners and will play a huge role in tournament play this year.” Comisford added, “My goal this year is to make it back to districts and move on to states from there.”
Wilson, the Vikings’ ace, will return with this objective: “My goal this season is to go out there and compete but have fun - after all, it's my senior year.” Wilson added, “I really want to lower my career ERA to break the school record and hold a record like my brothers before me.”
- Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault
Track and Field on their marks and set
By: Lyndsey Stocks
NORTHRIDGE - It’s that time again! As Winter sports come to an end, an exciting a new season is just beginning. As Spring is just around the corner, Track and Field is coming too. For some, they are returning for their final season and looking to build on last year's success. For others, this is a new experience that they are excited to begin.
Last year, the girl’s team took first place in the Licking County League and moved on to Districts. Both girls and boys broke records and had an incredible season. The team graduated some of their top performers at the end of the season who placed on the state level, including Gabe Miller and Olivia Carpenter. This doesn’t mean anyone is ready to make any excuses though.
Hunter Henson (‘19) took part of last year's record breaking season. She commented on this saying, “I think that it is going to be hard to live up to last season’s expectations, but we have so much depth - especially for the girls. This team is so hard working and always gives everything they have so that no matter what, we will be successful.”
For Jessica Koehler (‘19), this will be her sixth and final year. She has been competing since middle school and doesn’t want to see it end. When asked about about her favorite memories she replies, “One of greatest memories was placing 1st at LCLs last year, because this was the first time in Northridge history. Another amazing memory I had was jumping in the state meet in middle school, and placing 4th. It really set a tone for my high school seasons.”
For others, including Brendan Workman (‘19) and Abby Beyer (‘21), this season is going to be a whole new experience. When asked about expectations for the season, Workman (‘19) explains, “I am most excited to run with all my friends and just have fun. I am expecting to just go out and give it my best. I know people have been doing this way longer than I have and I just want to compete with my friends and have a good season.”
For expectations, everyone has a bit of a different view, but a common goal of competing this year. For Beyer (‘21), she knows that she might excel right away. “I am expecting to maybe struggle a little at first since it is my first season, but hopefully end the season strong! I also think our team is going to do well this year.”
Jacob Stocks (‘19) is part of the throwing team in shot put and discus. He realizes that the team will look different this year but knows that time and effort will pay off. “We have a lot of new people coming in with very little experience about throwing. However, we have two amazing throwing coaches who I’m sure will help make them into great throwers.” The throwing team has a new addition in coaching this year, as they brought on Jay Campbell, also head coach of the Varsity football team.
Athletes entering this season are expecting a year full of fun, great memories, and competing at a high level. If you ask almost any member of the Track and Field team about their experiences, they will probably mention the joy, laughter, and memories they are looking forward to creating with their teammates.
- Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is the Assistant Web Editor of The Viking Vault.[email protected]
By: Lyndsey Stocks
NORTHRIDGE - It’s that time again! As Winter sports come to an end, an exciting a new season is just beginning. As Spring is just around the corner, Track and Field is coming too. For some, they are returning for their final season and looking to build on last year's success. For others, this is a new experience that they are excited to begin.
Last year, the girl’s team took first place in the Licking County League and moved on to Districts. Both girls and boys broke records and had an incredible season. The team graduated some of their top performers at the end of the season who placed on the state level, including Gabe Miller and Olivia Carpenter. This doesn’t mean anyone is ready to make any excuses though.
Hunter Henson (‘19) took part of last year's record breaking season. She commented on this saying, “I think that it is going to be hard to live up to last season’s expectations, but we have so much depth - especially for the girls. This team is so hard working and always gives everything they have so that no matter what, we will be successful.”
For Jessica Koehler (‘19), this will be her sixth and final year. She has been competing since middle school and doesn’t want to see it end. When asked about about her favorite memories she replies, “One of greatest memories was placing 1st at LCLs last year, because this was the first time in Northridge history. Another amazing memory I had was jumping in the state meet in middle school, and placing 4th. It really set a tone for my high school seasons.”
For others, including Brendan Workman (‘19) and Abby Beyer (‘21), this season is going to be a whole new experience. When asked about expectations for the season, Workman (‘19) explains, “I am most excited to run with all my friends and just have fun. I am expecting to just go out and give it my best. I know people have been doing this way longer than I have and I just want to compete with my friends and have a good season.”
For expectations, everyone has a bit of a different view, but a common goal of competing this year. For Beyer (‘21), she knows that she might excel right away. “I am expecting to maybe struggle a little at first since it is my first season, but hopefully end the season strong! I also think our team is going to do well this year.”
Jacob Stocks (‘19) is part of the throwing team in shot put and discus. He realizes that the team will look different this year but knows that time and effort will pay off. “We have a lot of new people coming in with very little experience about throwing. However, we have two amazing throwing coaches who I’m sure will help make them into great throwers.” The throwing team has a new addition in coaching this year, as they brought on Jay Campbell, also head coach of the Varsity football team.
Athletes entering this season are expecting a year full of fun, great memories, and competing at a high level. If you ask almost any member of the Track and Field team about their experiences, they will probably mention the joy, laughter, and memories they are looking forward to creating with their teammates.
- Lyndsey Stocks (‘21) is the Assistant Web Editor of The Viking Vault.[email protected]
Young softball team anticipating competitive season
By: Alyson Quinlan
NORTHRIDGE - Softball season is finally here. It's the time for hitting home runs, striking out opposing hitters, and making the game-winning catch. Teams are picked and practices have started ... now it's about game time and everyone can't wait.
Northridge Varsity softball team lost a lot of experience with last year’s graduating class. With this loss, coaches filled those spots with several new players. Returning varsity players are: Madie Legg ('19), Savannah Verhovich ('19), Mandy Shults ('19), Caroline Liggett ('19), Megan Payne ('20), and Alyson Quinlan ('20). New up-and-coming players for varsity are: Ali Zigo ('20), Halleigh Carter ('22), Alexis McMullen ('19), Rachel Webb ('21), and Lizzie Looker ('22 ). The varsity team will be coached again this year by Leigh Siedlak.
This year's Junior Varsity (JV) head coach is Brian Smith, and the assistant coach is Doug Carter. The players for this year’s JV team are: Mariah Climer ('21 ), Samantha Cordell ('22), Jaelynn Cornwell ('21), Mady Hannahs ('22), Taylor Kisler ('22), Madisyn McCloud ('22), Megan Miller ('21), Sarah Moore ('21), Jamiee Siegle ('21), Taylar Smith('22), and Bri Walter ('22).
Siedlak commented, "This is a very hardworking team. Our practices are hard, and we are always looking to improve and become better players. However, I try and make what we do each day not only important but fun, too. While winning games and practicing hard are important to our program, I still want our girls to always have fun." She stated that she is "really excited about all the underclassmen who are playing this year. We graduated a lot of seniors and I am excited to see how the underclassmen step up to fill in their shoes. We have a couple of freshmen and sophomores playing on varsity that are going to see a lot of field time, and I am looking forward to them stepping up."
Varsity catcher Caroline Liggett ('19) said, "I am looking forward to enjoying my last season of high school athletics and spending time making memories with my teammates." She stated that she is "also looking forward to a very successful season." Liggett said she is also "very excited for all of the new girls coming to the team" and her reasoning for it she said is that she doesn't know most of the girls on the team, so it creates, "a great opportunity to make new friends through softball.”
Halleigh Carter ('22) stated, "I’m very excited to be on varsity as a freshman," and she added that she is "looking forward to having a fun season with people that laugh and have fun and always keep their teammates up!" She also claimed that what she is looking forward to this season is "playing softball with a fun group of girls."
The first home game of the season is on April 3rd at 5 p.m. "We love when people come to support us at our game and we would really appreciate it if you guys come cheer us on at our game" says Maddie Legg ('19).
- Alyson Quinlan ('20) Assistant print editor of The Viking Vault
By: Alyson Quinlan
NORTHRIDGE - Softball season is finally here. It's the time for hitting home runs, striking out opposing hitters, and making the game-winning catch. Teams are picked and practices have started ... now it's about game time and everyone can't wait.
Northridge Varsity softball team lost a lot of experience with last year’s graduating class. With this loss, coaches filled those spots with several new players. Returning varsity players are: Madie Legg ('19), Savannah Verhovich ('19), Mandy Shults ('19), Caroline Liggett ('19), Megan Payne ('20), and Alyson Quinlan ('20). New up-and-coming players for varsity are: Ali Zigo ('20), Halleigh Carter ('22), Alexis McMullen ('19), Rachel Webb ('21), and Lizzie Looker ('22 ). The varsity team will be coached again this year by Leigh Siedlak.
This year's Junior Varsity (JV) head coach is Brian Smith, and the assistant coach is Doug Carter. The players for this year’s JV team are: Mariah Climer ('21 ), Samantha Cordell ('22), Jaelynn Cornwell ('21), Mady Hannahs ('22), Taylor Kisler ('22), Madisyn McCloud ('22), Megan Miller ('21), Sarah Moore ('21), Jamiee Siegle ('21), Taylar Smith('22), and Bri Walter ('22).
Siedlak commented, "This is a very hardworking team. Our practices are hard, and we are always looking to improve and become better players. However, I try and make what we do each day not only important but fun, too. While winning games and practicing hard are important to our program, I still want our girls to always have fun." She stated that she is "really excited about all the underclassmen who are playing this year. We graduated a lot of seniors and I am excited to see how the underclassmen step up to fill in their shoes. We have a couple of freshmen and sophomores playing on varsity that are going to see a lot of field time, and I am looking forward to them stepping up."
Varsity catcher Caroline Liggett ('19) said, "I am looking forward to enjoying my last season of high school athletics and spending time making memories with my teammates." She stated that she is "also looking forward to a very successful season." Liggett said she is also "very excited for all of the new girls coming to the team" and her reasoning for it she said is that she doesn't know most of the girls on the team, so it creates, "a great opportunity to make new friends through softball.”
Halleigh Carter ('22) stated, "I’m very excited to be on varsity as a freshman," and she added that she is "looking forward to having a fun season with people that laugh and have fun and always keep their teammates up!" She also claimed that what she is looking forward to this season is "playing softball with a fun group of girls."
The first home game of the season is on April 3rd at 5 p.m. "We love when people come to support us at our game and we would really appreciate it if you guys come cheer us on at our game" says Maddie Legg ('19).
- Alyson Quinlan ('20) Assistant print editor of The Viking Vault