01/01/2023
Making A Splash
South Swim Heads To States
Bryla Dowler and Hayden Dixon, Staff Writers
February 18,2026
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“Without goals, training has no direction.”-Natalie Coughlin.
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The Patriot Swim Team has been training with the goal of going to states and 15 members of the team achieved this goal. Brent Freels, Remington Blair, Issac Blair, Ben Marks, Easton Parsons, Shawn Thornhill, Levi Benton, Paige Johnson, Camryn McLain, Vivian Grimm, Isabella Scarberry, Jalyn Eddy, Alexandra Smith, Baylee Hale, Marie Silvis along with head coach Ryan Radcliff and other members of the coaching staff that have helped student swimmers accomplish their goals of swimming at the state tournament are headed to Morgantown, West Virginia for the remainder of the week.
Most of the Patriot swimmers are feeling confident and excited heading into states this year. The team is ready to further achieve their goals by hopefully placing at states. Junior Camryn McLain stated that she is feeling confident heading into states. Camryn has been swimming since she was five years old, she says,” … the events I do are all of them.” She has competed in states before; this will be her 6th time. McLain says that the hardest part of swimming for her is trying to beat others.
In addition to feeling excited, Senior Remington Blair is in the events 100 free, and 50 free and hopes to out swim all opponents. Remington has been swimming all 4 years of his high school career and has competed in states before.
Junior Brent Freels is feeling confident and expressed what he hopes will make him compete well, “… having the right mindset as this being one of the most competitive things I do.” The events Freels participates in are the 50, 100, and 200. This is his second year swimming, although it is his first time going to states. Sophomore Shawn Thornhill is not worried about heading into states. His events consist of 100 back, 50 free, 200 free relay, and 200 medley. His feelings of ease stem from the fact that he has been swimming for 6 years and previously competed in states. He stated, “The most competitive things for me in swim, is swimming itself.”
Overall, all the swimmers are looking forward to and optimistic about competing in the state tournament. The team has the right mindset and determination to bring home some big victories.
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Rise of Disc Golf at PSHS
Pride, Pressure, and the Power of Rivalry
Alyssa Sandy & Ruby Sams, Staff Writers
Parkersburg South is in a unique position, situated near multiple high schools, especially age old rivals; you know the ones from across town.
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Despite the weather this week, the cross-town rivals have managed to stay on schedule with game play.
While rivalry spans all sports, it is arguably the most competitive in both men’s and women’s basketball, wrestling, and football. The energy that fills these events thanks to the South Side Psychos is something that can’t be explained and must be experienced firsthand.
While the students look forward to these rivalry events, the athletes that participate in them enjoy them just as much. Logan Graham, sophomore stated, “The best part of the rivalry is the excited fans.” However, with an audience like what rivalry events bring comes big nerves, too.
Sophomore Morgan Stewart said that her favorite part of the rivalry is the anticipation that leads up. This allows her and the lady patriots a chance to bond and grow as a team. Morgan states that pressure is a struggle that comes with rivalry, “...the pressure to beat the other team, do your best, and not disappoint.”
The beloved Psychos also have strong feelings about the cross-town rivalry and many expressed that a favorite part of the rivalry is getting dressed up for the games and feeling like a part of something bigger than yourself.
Although it can be difficult to stay civil in the crazy competitive environment such as the student section, especially at rivalry events, the South Side Psychos never disappoint.
Henry Cain, Guest Writer
February 17,2026
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Disc golf, also known as frisbee golf, is a game where players go to a disc golf course in wooded areas, take a disc, and throw it at a basket. The player with fewest shots made wins.
For about 2 years, Mr. Smith and his Assistant Coach Mr. Scholtz have lead Parkersburg South’s team. They have organized practices, organized tournaments, and participated in yearly championships as well. Last year the team came in second place and this year they came in first.
Mr. Smith mentioned that some students start off at different levels. Some kids have played before, and others are new to the sport.
A lot of the kids this year have gone from shooting 25-30 over par to shooting 10 under par. That’s an unbelievable amount of progress. The record for longest throw this year was about 350-375 feet by Jason Hodgson.
Mr. Smith will be looking for new recruits this year during the spring season, please look out for announcements during the school day to join!
PSHS State Swim Team,2026
Photo Courtesy of Parkersburg South Swim