At just 14 years old, Petersburg High School freshman Noah Shirk is already proving that strength and discipline have no age limit. Noah began lifting in seventh grade, drawn to the sport’s individuality. “It’s a solo sport — my progress is what I put into it,” he said. “I’ve been pretty serious about it since the start, just because I wanted to see how quickly I could progress.”

By the end of his eighth grade year, Noah earned the school’s Iron Viking Award, given to lifters who can combine at least 1,000 pounds across the bench press, deadlift, and squat. “It definitely took endless hours of consistent lifting workouts to accomplish it,” he said.

This fall, Noah took his training to the state level, competing in the West Virginia Strongman Competition in Kingwood on September 20. Events included the Hercules Hold, Conan Wheel, Apex Deadlift, Sandbag/Wheelbarrow/ Arm-over-Arm Car Pull, and Sandbag Log Press. Competing in the 13–15-year-old division, he earned first place in his debut competition. Noah trains daily at N2Fitness Gym for at least two hours. While local gyms lack the specialized equipment used in strongman events, he visited the host gym in Kingwood before the competition to practice the unique lifts and holds.

“Winning first place on my fi rst competition made me feel great and encouraged me to push harder for the next one,” he said. When progress feels slow, he doesn’t back off. “If I feel like I’m not progressing the way I should, I push harder and work harder,” he said. “You have to stay positive, even when you struggle, because the next time you lift could be your personal best.”

Noah researches his own training routines and doesn’t work with a coach. His family, he said, has been supportive every step of the way. “They know how much work and dedication I’ve put into achieving my goals,” he said.

Balancing school and training takes discipline. “I try to finish most of my schoolwork at school so I can go to the gym in the evenings,” Noah said. Winning his division has also qualifi ed him for Nationals, which he hopes to compete in next. “I want to keep getting better, trying to reach the next level,” he said.

For students thinking about lifting, Noah’s advice is simple: start where you are and stick with it. “You can start at the school gym, watch videos, and take advice from others,” he said. “If you’re serious about it, be ready to dedicate the time. I’d be more than willing to help anyone if they reach out.”

After sweeping Frankfort 3-0 early last week (25-15, 25- 20, 25-22), the Lady Vikings fell 3-1 to South Harrison in Thursday’s sectional round. Petersburg fought hard in every set (25-23, 25-17, 21-25, 25-21) and now prepared for a rematch against Frankfort Monday evening at South Harrison. The winner also faced South Harrison on Monday night, if the Lady Vikings pulled off the win it wouldn’t be the first time they beat the Hawks this season, they advance to Tuesday, Nov. 4, with a chance to earn their spot in Charleston.

By: David Rogers

The Petersburg Vikings football team traveled to Parsons Friday night for a matchup with the Tucker County Mountain Lions. Petersburg entered the contest looking to get back in the win column after dropping three straight games to Doddridge County, Philip Barbour, and Frankfort. The three opponents have a combined record of 25-2 and are each ranked inside the top six of the latest WVSSAC Class AA rankings.

Petersburg High School senior Madelyn Johnson has been spending her senior year behind the lens, capturing the emotion and grit that defi ne Viking athletics as the school’s student media specialist. Her dedication and talent have earned her a spot at West Virginia University, where she’s been accepted into the Sports and Adventure Media program — a perfect next step for the young photographer who’s made an art out of freezing split-second moments in time.

“Growing up around sports, I always wanted photos of myself to share with family, post online, and honestly, show off a little,” Madelyn said. “After receiving a camera for Christmas, I realized I could do that for others, too. Once I started photographing sports, I instantly fell in love with capturing the action and emotion that make every game so powerful.” Madelyn’s journey as a student photographer began with initiative. “I actually reached out myself,” she said. “I emailed the school asking for the opportunity to photograph for Petersburg High and to travel with the teams as the official student photographer.

By: Ann Harrison

The 2025 Homecoming Football Game was celebrated on October 17 with the Petersburg Vikings hosting the Class AA 2024 WV Football Champion Frankfort Falcons bringing with them their 7-0 record. The Falcons arrived already flapping their wings! It was a perfect football evening, weather wise.

The PHS Viking fans filled the home bleachers and side lines. Frankfort brought their band, a twenty-three member cheer squad and a sizeable fan crowd. The Viking Marching Band, plus several alumni opened the game with the National Anthem. The “mini-Vikings” led by Ruth Ann Nuzum and PHS principal, Jodie Long led the Viking cheer. This along with the Viking cheerleaders really got the home crowd in the football spirit. Jodie Long has an active presence at PHS sport events. Shout out to Jodie!! Also, congratulations to Viking cheerleaders on their Saturday, Oct. 18 PVL WIN!! No surprise-they are amazing!

The Captains for the Vikings were Seniors: Kaleb Kuhn, Alex Halterman, Lukas Wolford and Logan Bachman. Falcons opted to receive and Payton Metheny gave them a swift kick and it wasn’t long until Braydn Tyler carried the ball over the goal line and with three extra point attempts (official calls) the Falcons finally produced the PAT and a 7-0 score appears on the board.