Mark Martin

West Virginia

Journalist at WV News

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wvnews.com

Articles

Three local players compete in BACF Classic

2 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

ST. MARYS, W. Va. (WV News) - The annual Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis West Virginia-Ohio Football Classic unfolded earlier this month at Bill Hanlin Stadium in St. Marys. The Ohio team captured victory by a final of 22-0. Three players from Jackson County suited up for the West Virginia squad in Ripley's Zander Stalnaker, a lineman, and Chris Jenkins, a wide receiver/defensive back, and Ravenswood's durable Austin Vannest, a running back/linebacker.
Ripley Football: A Look Ahead to 2025

2 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va. (WV News) - Season number two of the Ryan Simon era for Ripley football will have a pair of new opponents in the 2025 season. His first edition of Vikings went 7-4 last season, one ending in the Class AAA playoffs against North Marion. Dropping off the Ripley schedule this season will be Sissonville and Wayne. Taking the place of the Indians and Pioneers will be Winfield and Parkersburg.
Ravenswood Football: A look ahead to 2025

2 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RAVENSWOOD, W. Va. (WV News) - The 2025 high school football season in West Virginia will be the second for Matt Peery leading the way at Ravenswood. The 2024 campaign was a difficult one, with the Devils finishing 0-10. But with a new season, brings new hope. The Devil schedule has been tweaked quite a bit since last season. Gone are Williamstown (47-7), Wahama (62-19), the Class A state champs, Gilmer County (46-26), Tyler Consolidated (57-13) and Magnolia (30-14).
Ripley LL All-Stars moving on

2 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va. (WV News) - Moving Day. Ripley's Little League All-Star squad (10-12) still has a shot at the State Tournament. Carte Clendenin's walk-off two RBI single in the bottom of the sixth propelled Ripley to a 4-3 win in an elimination game with Charleston Central. Ripley advances in District 3 play this Saturday. The double-elimination tournament will be played at Charleston Midwestern. Besides the hosts and Ripley, the field will consist of Winfield, Elkview, Nitro and Hurricane.
A Look Back: Devil football of '75 was knocking on the door

5 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RAVENSWOOD, W. Va. (WV News) - The Ravenswood football squad of 1975 was excellent. It is a team, though, that many times gets lost in the discussion of some of the best in school history due to where it fell in line with others around it. The 1975 edition of Fred Taylor's red and black finished 7-2 and just missed making the playoffs. The Devil program was coming off a historic 10-0 regular season the year before in which Ravenswood played at the Class AAA for the first time in school history.
Kenny Swisher is back in the fold leading Ripley softball

5 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va. (WV News) - It's hard to keep a good man down. And it is equally difficult to keep a great coach away from the game he or she loves. That coach is Kenny Swisher. Yes, that Kenny Swisher. Mr. 300 has returned to guide Lady Viking softball. Swisher, a one-time three-sport athlete at Ripley High School, where he graduated in 1969, is returning to the diamond.
Ripley Baseball: By the numbers

5 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va. (WV News) - Ripley's baseball season came to a close earlier this month with a dream-ending finish. The Vikings captured the Class AAA state championship at GoMart Ballpark by defeating Frankfort. Here is a look at some numbers from the recently completed campaign for Shane Casto's title winners. 1-Only contest where Ripley gave up double figure runs (12 in a loss to Hurricane). 2-Number of seniors Ripley graduated this season in Jackson Curry and Peyton Sloan.
Ripley Little League All-Stars are in action

5 days ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va. (WV News) - Ripley's Little League All-Stars (10-12) opened District 3 play on Saturday with an 11-1 win over Boone Northern. The tournament is being played at the Boone Northern complex. Ripley was to play yesterday (Monday) against the loser of the Nitro-Charleston Central matchup. The manager for the Ripley squad is Barry Stover. Chris Pecka and Justin Hill are the assistant coaches.
Swain earns First Team All-State; Dawson Second Team pick

1 week ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RAVENSWOOD, W. Va. - Just like dear old dad and big brother, Evan Swain is a multiple First Team All-Stater in the sport of baseball. The Ravenswood Red Devil standout collected the honor of Class AA First Team All-State in balloting by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. He was chosen as an infielder. Swain's father and head coach, Wes, was an All-State pick in Class AA during his playing days at Ravenswood during the seasons of 1991 and 1992.
Ripley's Casto captains AAA All-State Team; Curry also a First Teamer

1 week ago | wvnews.com | Mark Martin

RIPLEY, W. Va (WV News) - After winning a state championship, the icing on the cake comes in the form of postseason All-State accolades. Several standouts from Ripley's recent Class AAA title run were recognized this week in All-State voting by the West Virginia Sports Writers Association. Leading the way is sophomore Bryson Casto, who earns the distinction of being named the captain of the Class AAA First Team unit. Casto was picked as a utility player on the dream team.