Reporter Paul Valencia and sports administrators Tony Liberatore and Cale Piland talk about high school sports first from the perspective of our jobs, then our fandom comes out when we talk pro sports
Paul Valencia
ClarkCountyToday.com
It has been a minute since our last podcast.
Life gets in the way sometimes. But we promise, it is still free to listen to our podcast!
Anyway, today we look forward to 2026 in high school sports and talk about a number of WIAA amendments that will be voted on soon by member districts.
We also do a 2025 in review in high school sports.
Plus we must revisit Tony’s great story of the Wedge Jersey Sacrifice for the Mariners. Did it work? Let us know what you think with an email.
Plus, I give an additional minute at the end of the podcast for a special salute.
This latest episode was recorded on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025.
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:
- Speculation on Seahawks’ sale heats up following proposed WA ‘jock tax’
Speculation about a potential Seahawks sale has intensified amid debate over a proposed Washington income tax that would apply to high-earning athletes and performers. - The Study of Sports Podcast Jan. 31, 2026: We discuss how the 2A GSHL football is about to change in a major way, plus some Seahawks talk, too
The Jan. 31 episode of the Study of Sports Podcast covers major upcoming changes to 2A GSHL football, local high school sports updates, and discussion of the Seattle Seahawks. - Fort Vancouver athletics improving under partnership with Trico League
Fort Vancouver High School athletics are showing measurable gains in competition and participation during the second year of a partnership competing in the Class 1A Trico League. - 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.
