Baseball/Softball field renovations planned
By: Alex Hook
NORTHRIDGE - The baseball team is making major renovations to their field for the upcoming season. The school has just began to start on the process of renovating the field and is set to end in February of 2020.
The softball team will also be making renovations for their field for the upcoming season, but the school is still in the process of deciding everything that needs to be done there. Athletic Director Mike George says, “Softball is still in the discussion phase, but we hope to get on it in the spring.”
George also explained “phase one” of all the renovations that are taking place at the baseball field. “We will begin by making sure baselines are regulation and that the infield forms a diamond shape rather than being circular.”
Next, George said that they will be lowering the mound to standard height by Ohio High School Athletic Associations (OHSAA) rule because the mound had been too high by OHSAA rules. Also, the home plate and batter’s box area is going to get leveled and rolled to make the playing surface flat. The field is also going to be edged to make a smooth transition where the dirt meets the grass on the infield. More dirt is also being added onto the infield to make for a softer playing surface. The infield grass is going to be aerated and overseeded to grow to grow grass in the bare spots on the field. The dugouts are also going to be power washed, and trees are going to be removed that are next to the field.
George said, “The school felt that we definitely needed to make some renovations to both the baseball and softball fields, and these renovations were long overdue.”
Jeremy Young, the head baseball coach, is taking over the varsity coaching job for Jeff Wilson this season. Wilson is retiring after coaching nine seasons for the baseball team. Young had been the junior varsity head coach for the past two seasons for the baseball team. Young said, “I am excited to coach this year, and I am hoping to continue the success of the school’s baseball team.”
Young said, “I am happy to be getting the renovations done. They were long overdue, and I am glad to be able to get money towards the field.”
Young hopes to have a good first season at the school. When asked about how Young thinks the team will do this season, he said, “I think we have a very good experienced group of guys that have played a long time together. I am excited for what the season has to offer. We have a group of guys that want to work hard and get better.”
Young also added, “Having ten seniors this year is for sure going to help. Most of these guys know what it takes to win as a team and that is all we need. We are also going to need some of our underclassmen to step up, and play a role, when we need them to.”
- Alex Hook (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
By: Alex Hook
NORTHRIDGE - The baseball team is making major renovations to their field for the upcoming season. The school has just began to start on the process of renovating the field and is set to end in February of 2020.
The softball team will also be making renovations for their field for the upcoming season, but the school is still in the process of deciding everything that needs to be done there. Athletic Director Mike George says, “Softball is still in the discussion phase, but we hope to get on it in the spring.”
George also explained “phase one” of all the renovations that are taking place at the baseball field. “We will begin by making sure baselines are regulation and that the infield forms a diamond shape rather than being circular.”
Next, George said that they will be lowering the mound to standard height by Ohio High School Athletic Associations (OHSAA) rule because the mound had been too high by OHSAA rules. Also, the home plate and batter’s box area is going to get leveled and rolled to make the playing surface flat. The field is also going to be edged to make a smooth transition where the dirt meets the grass on the infield. More dirt is also being added onto the infield to make for a softer playing surface. The infield grass is going to be aerated and overseeded to grow to grow grass in the bare spots on the field. The dugouts are also going to be power washed, and trees are going to be removed that are next to the field.
George said, “The school felt that we definitely needed to make some renovations to both the baseball and softball fields, and these renovations were long overdue.”
Jeremy Young, the head baseball coach, is taking over the varsity coaching job for Jeff Wilson this season. Wilson is retiring after coaching nine seasons for the baseball team. Young had been the junior varsity head coach for the past two seasons for the baseball team. Young said, “I am excited to coach this year, and I am hoping to continue the success of the school’s baseball team.”
Young said, “I am happy to be getting the renovations done. They were long overdue, and I am glad to be able to get money towards the field.”
Young hopes to have a good first season at the school. When asked about how Young thinks the team will do this season, he said, “I think we have a very good experienced group of guys that have played a long time together. I am excited for what the season has to offer. We have a group of guys that want to work hard and get better.”
Young also added, “Having ten seniors this year is for sure going to help. Most of these guys know what it takes to win as a team and that is all we need. We are also going to need some of our underclassmen to step up, and play a role, when we need them to.”
- Alex Hook (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault [email protected]
Football seniors leave behind a foundation
By: Cole Fox
NORTHRIDGE - The Vikings finished their season at 2-8 (1-4), with league wins over Lakewood and Utica. The Vikings’ record may not look the greatest, but coaches and fans seem to agree it does not attest to the hard work and dedication the players have put into the program.
The Vikings played a tough schedule, having lost to five playoff bound teams, three of which were in-conference teams and two non-league teams. Head Coach Jay Campbell gives his last remarks on the seniors: “This has been a great senior group to coach despite our record. These seniors have been one of the more talented and more fun groups to coach. I'm really going to miss the opportunity to coach them.”
The Vikings lose 12 seniors to graduation this year. Included in that dozen, the Vikings lose quarterback Travis Neumeyer who has had more success in the air than the two previous quarterbacks. In addition, the Vikes lose leading rusher Dylon Parman. “Losing Dylon is gonna leave a big hole in our offense that I hope to fill next year,” said Freshman half-back Lane Hess (‘23). Along with Dylon goes senior linebackers Jake Reese and Cole Fox. Jake led the team in tackles this year totalling for 100.
This senior class has made a huge impact in the program over the last three years under head coach Jay Campbell. The Vikings upfront graduate all but two, losing Aaron White, Dylen Conley, Dustin Chalfant, Robert Halfhill, Wade Mullins, and Matthew Pileski. “Coach talked to us all the time about laying a foundation for those to come, and I truly believe that's what we did,” stated Parman (‘20).
The Class of 2020 has been contributing mostly since their sophomore year and some early freshman year. During the Vikings 6-4 season, the seniors played a huge role. Seniors Jake Reese and Cole Fox have made their names known throughout the league as aggressive linebackers on defense, and younger players say they have set perfect examples for the younger guys on offense on how to shine even without carrying the ball by laying massive hits/blocks. Hess said, “Cole was a wrecking ball on all sides of the ball, even special teams. Every time we were on kickoff return some guy would come full sprint down the field and Cole would be there to clean him up, usually with a hit stick of some sort.”
The Vikings lose 12 senior leaders but leave behind a very motivated team who is up for the challenge in 2020. Upfront, the Vikes will return Aiden Isler (‘21), Adam Ulrey (‘21), and Tyler Harter (‘22). In the backfield they still have Marcus Ferguson (‘21), Will Holt (‘21), J.D. Miller (‘22), and Lane Hess (‘23). At quarterback, the Vikings will look to Carl Ferguson (‘23) to lead them. The Vikes receiving core took a blow, losing Reese and Brian Krehel (‘20). However, they return Dalton Hildebrand (‘21), Isaiah Hartman (‘22), and Nic Minder (‘22). Position battles are wide open for the Vikings around for 2020. “The open spots provide great energy for us coming into next season and help us to really push everyone to give their best effort” said Isler (‘21).
- Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault.
By: Cole Fox
NORTHRIDGE - The Vikings finished their season at 2-8 (1-4), with league wins over Lakewood and Utica. The Vikings’ record may not look the greatest, but coaches and fans seem to agree it does not attest to the hard work and dedication the players have put into the program.
The Vikings played a tough schedule, having lost to five playoff bound teams, three of which were in-conference teams and two non-league teams. Head Coach Jay Campbell gives his last remarks on the seniors: “This has been a great senior group to coach despite our record. These seniors have been one of the more talented and more fun groups to coach. I'm really going to miss the opportunity to coach them.”
The Vikings lose 12 seniors to graduation this year. Included in that dozen, the Vikings lose quarterback Travis Neumeyer who has had more success in the air than the two previous quarterbacks. In addition, the Vikes lose leading rusher Dylon Parman. “Losing Dylon is gonna leave a big hole in our offense that I hope to fill next year,” said Freshman half-back Lane Hess (‘23). Along with Dylon goes senior linebackers Jake Reese and Cole Fox. Jake led the team in tackles this year totalling for 100.
This senior class has made a huge impact in the program over the last three years under head coach Jay Campbell. The Vikings upfront graduate all but two, losing Aaron White, Dylen Conley, Dustin Chalfant, Robert Halfhill, Wade Mullins, and Matthew Pileski. “Coach talked to us all the time about laying a foundation for those to come, and I truly believe that's what we did,” stated Parman (‘20).
The Class of 2020 has been contributing mostly since their sophomore year and some early freshman year. During the Vikings 6-4 season, the seniors played a huge role. Seniors Jake Reese and Cole Fox have made their names known throughout the league as aggressive linebackers on defense, and younger players say they have set perfect examples for the younger guys on offense on how to shine even without carrying the ball by laying massive hits/blocks. Hess said, “Cole was a wrecking ball on all sides of the ball, even special teams. Every time we were on kickoff return some guy would come full sprint down the field and Cole would be there to clean him up, usually with a hit stick of some sort.”
The Vikings lose 12 senior leaders but leave behind a very motivated team who is up for the challenge in 2020. Upfront, the Vikes will return Aiden Isler (‘21), Adam Ulrey (‘21), and Tyler Harter (‘22). In the backfield they still have Marcus Ferguson (‘21), Will Holt (‘21), J.D. Miller (‘22), and Lane Hess (‘23). At quarterback, the Vikings will look to Carl Ferguson (‘23) to lead them. The Vikes receiving core took a blow, losing Reese and Brian Krehel (‘20). However, they return Dalton Hildebrand (‘21), Isaiah Hartman (‘22), and Nic Minder (‘22). Position battles are wide open for the Vikings around for 2020. “The open spots provide great energy for us coming into next season and help us to really push everyone to give their best effort” said Isler (‘21).
- Cole Fox (‘20) is a Sports Editor for The Viking Vault.
Shiny Medal Holders
Viking athletes honored by LCL
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - It’s always a bittersweet ending to the fall athletic seasons. This year at the first round of the Fall All-League Sports Banquet for the Licking County League, girls and boys soccer and volleyball athletes were recognized. The banquet was well organized and everyone was well fed. The banquet was held at the Elk Lodge in Newark at 6:30pm on November 4th, 2019. They served, ( ), cheesy potatoes, green beans, rolls, cookies, and salad.
“The breaddd,” Claire Shank (‘22) said about the meal.
For boys soccer, Matthew Parrill (‘20), Jackson Knerr (‘20), and Zach Holder (‘23) all received the first team award. Parrill and Knerr have received this award once before their senior career. Parrill also was placed third in the state. Chris Woods (‘20), Tommy Diamond (‘23), and Nathan Hewett (‘20) received second team district honors. Holder, only being a freshman, has three more years of play and time to better his skills on the field.
When talking to Parrill about next year’s season, he emphasized that the underclassmen should “Pass the ball to Zach.” He’s confident that the underclassmen will need to trust Holder in the ways he did. Parrill now holds three school records to finish out his senior season. He broke the record for goals in a game, goals in a season, and goals in a career.
For volleyball, athletes Shank (‘22) and Sydney Koker (‘21) received the first team award for this season. Amanda Townley (‘21) received second team and Rachael Webb (‘21) was awarded with honorable mention.
Koker has received the first team award all three years of her high school career. Last year, she received second team all district. This year she attended the district banquet to receive her first team district award. Koker broke three school records this season, with a whole other year ahead of her. Shank, as a sophomore, also holds a school record for career assists.
Townley also now holds the school record for aces in a season.
Townley said, “I’m excited to see what next years season has in store for not only myself but for the rest of my team.”
The Viking Cross Country and Golf team award winners were not invited to the league banquet this year (see related story), but the athletes still received league honors. For Cross Country, first team award winners were Olyvia Ashbrook (‘21), Zion Carpenter (‘20), and Nick Houck (‘21). Elijah Carpenter (‘22) was awarded second team and Kingsley Tuttle (‘23) received honorable mention.
“I wish we could’ve gone to the banquet. I heard the food was really good,” said Ashbrook.
Football will be honored at their own LCL banquet to be held Nov. 18. Jake Reese (‘20) and Dylon Parman (‘20) will be honored their for first team honors. Golf had two athletes honored as well. Ross Teeter (‘21) was awarded first team and Zakk Cline (‘22) recieved honorable mention.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) is the media editor for The Viking Vault
[email protected]
Viking athletes honored by LCL
By: Sydney Koker
NORTHRIDGE - It’s always a bittersweet ending to the fall athletic seasons. This year at the first round of the Fall All-League Sports Banquet for the Licking County League, girls and boys soccer and volleyball athletes were recognized. The banquet was well organized and everyone was well fed. The banquet was held at the Elk Lodge in Newark at 6:30pm on November 4th, 2019. They served, ( ), cheesy potatoes, green beans, rolls, cookies, and salad.
“The breaddd,” Claire Shank (‘22) said about the meal.
For boys soccer, Matthew Parrill (‘20), Jackson Knerr (‘20), and Zach Holder (‘23) all received the first team award. Parrill and Knerr have received this award once before their senior career. Parrill also was placed third in the state. Chris Woods (‘20), Tommy Diamond (‘23), and Nathan Hewett (‘20) received second team district honors. Holder, only being a freshman, has three more years of play and time to better his skills on the field.
When talking to Parrill about next year’s season, he emphasized that the underclassmen should “Pass the ball to Zach.” He’s confident that the underclassmen will need to trust Holder in the ways he did. Parrill now holds three school records to finish out his senior season. He broke the record for goals in a game, goals in a season, and goals in a career.
For volleyball, athletes Shank (‘22) and Sydney Koker (‘21) received the first team award for this season. Amanda Townley (‘21) received second team and Rachael Webb (‘21) was awarded with honorable mention.
Koker has received the first team award all three years of her high school career. Last year, she received second team all district. This year she attended the district banquet to receive her first team district award. Koker broke three school records this season, with a whole other year ahead of her. Shank, as a sophomore, also holds a school record for career assists.
Townley also now holds the school record for aces in a season.
Townley said, “I’m excited to see what next years season has in store for not only myself but for the rest of my team.”
The Viking Cross Country and Golf team award winners were not invited to the league banquet this year (see related story), but the athletes still received league honors. For Cross Country, first team award winners were Olyvia Ashbrook (‘21), Zion Carpenter (‘20), and Nick Houck (‘21). Elijah Carpenter (‘22) was awarded second team and Kingsley Tuttle (‘23) received honorable mention.
“I wish we could’ve gone to the banquet. I heard the food was really good,” said Ashbrook.
Football will be honored at their own LCL banquet to be held Nov. 18. Jake Reese (‘20) and Dylon Parman (‘20) will be honored their for first team honors. Golf had two athletes honored as well. Ross Teeter (‘21) was awarded first team and Zakk Cline (‘22) recieved honorable mention.
- Sydney Koker (‘21) is the media editor for The Viking Vault
[email protected]