The sports enthusiasts talk about Columbia River volleyball winning four state championships in a row, plus a look at the quarterfinals in football and more
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
A lot to talk about in this episode of the Clark County Today sports podcast, but we had to start with Columbia River volleyball. That’s four consecutive state championships. Four!
We also get into high school football, as well as the 2A Greater St. Helens League for volleyball and girls soccer.
And we respond to an email we received from a listener who took exception to an earlier podcast when we described football as being under attack. Is it really under attack if football is everywhere on TV, just about every night of the week? Great question.
Our podcast format is simple: A longtime sports reporter (Paul Valencia) discusses high school sports, and more, with longtime sports administrators and former coaches. Cale Piland is the former head football coach at Evergreen and Union and is now the athletic director for Evergreen Public Schools. Tony Liberatore is a former assistant coach and athletic director at Columbia River and is now an associate principal at Fort Vancouver.
We’re always interested in subject ideas for a future podcast. Email us a subject idea.
Send us your thoughts at: paul.v@clarkcountytoday.com.
Also read:
- The Study of Sports Podcast Jan. 15, 2026: We discuss some hot topics in high school sports across the state, plus we talk college and pro football
Reporter Paul Valencia is joined by Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland to discuss current issues in high school sports, along with college and professional football topics. - Opinion: Kindness is always welcome, even in places where one does not always find it
Paul Valencia reflects on how a brief moment of kindness between a journalist and a football coach underscores the importance of respect in journalism and public life. - The Study of Sports Podcast Dec. 30, 2025: A look ahead to 2026 with WIAA amendments, a year in review in high school sports, plus remembering the Mariners’ magical run
The latest Study of Sports Podcast looks ahead to proposed WIAA amendments, reviews high school sports in 2025, and reflects on the Seattle Mariners’ memorable run. - Virginia Rodeman defies limits and wins No-Gi World Championship in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Battle Ground athlete Virginia Rodeman won two divisions at the No-Gi World Championship in Las Vegas, continuing an eight-year rise in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competition. - High school sports: Pac Coast Wrestling to showcase some of the best in the Northwest and beyond
Clark County will host major high school sports events next week, highlighted by the Pac Coast Wrestling Championships in Ridgefield and holiday basketball tournaments featuring local teams.
