Stories by Meg Wochnick

Columbian staff writer

@MegWochnick

(360) 735-4521

Meg.Wochnick@columbian.com

Prairie head football coach Mike Peck resigned Friday after four years coaching the Falcons.

Peck steps down after 4 years as Prairie’s football coach

January 21, 2022, 12:31pm Football

Prairie High School’s head football coach since 2018 is stepping down after four seasons, citing a physical and mental toll coaching has taken the past two years surrounding COVID-19. Read story

WIAA Executive Director Mick Hoffman, shown working out of his Vancouver home in 2020, said mask compliance by spectators will be key on whether or not fans will be allowed at state events for the winter postseason. “The biggest factor that’s going to determine whether fans get to attend (state events) and if they get to attend as usual is if the state Department of Health trusts people will follow the guidance,” Hoffman said.

WIAA urges fans to comply with masking guidance as winter postseason draws closer

January 10, 2022, 11:19am Prep Sports

Right now, it’s business as usual as the state’s governing body for high school sports prepares to host winter postseason events starting with bowling Feb. 3-5 in University Place and cheerleading Feb. 4-5 at Battle Ground High School. It’s followed by wrestling and boys swimming (Feb. 18-19), gymnastics (Feb. 24-26),… Read story

Ridgefield High senior Ty Snider, who is our All-Region football player of the year, is pictured at his school?s stadium Friday morning, Dec. 10, 2021.

All-Region Football: Ty Snider, Ridgefield

December 17, 2021, 11:08pm Prep Sports

Ty Snider didn’t so much question if he’d fit in at Ridgefield High School, but rather, how quickly can he? Read story

The Washington State Department of Health announced new health and safety guidance Friday following recent outbreaks of COVID-19 traced to high school wrestling tournaments.

DOH updates COVID testing guidance in wake of outbreaks

December 17, 2021, 11:00am Prep Sports

Effective immediately, all athletes, coaches and other personnel for basketball, wrestling, competitive cheer, and water polo are required to complete COVID-19 testing three times per week, regardless of vaccination status. One test must be conducted at least 24 hours before a contest. Read story

New LSU football coach Brian Kelly gestures to fans after his arrival at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport, Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021, in Baton Rouge, La. Kelly, formerly of Notre Dame, is said to have agreed to a 10-year contract with LSU worth $95 million plus incentives.

Burnt ends and blowing smoke: Brian Kelly at Vancouver home of Notre Dame recruit Merriweather when news of LSU departure broke

December 3, 2021, 4:39pm Clark County News

Notre Dame football recruit Tobias Merriweather and his family had a front-row seat Monday to the college football craziness surrounding Brian Kelly. Read story

2A football: Squalicum ends Ridgefield’s season

The Ridgefield Spudders thank their fans after a 63-38 loss to Squalicum on Saturday in the 2A state quarterfinals.

November 20, 2021, 8:33pm Football

After a 63-38 loss to Squalicum on Saturday in the Class 2A football season quarterfinals that ended a historic season at 11-1 overall, what many took away most from the defeat instead is a season in which the expectation and foundation that Ridgefield football is here to stay. Read story

Ridgefield shuts out Orting in second half, advances to 2A quarterfinals

Ridgefield's Ty Snider (5) defends against Orting's Aiden Herd (8) while assisted by teammate Davis Pankow (33) in the second quarter At Ridgefield High School on Saturday night, Nov. 13, 2021.

November 13, 2021, 10:17pm Football

Still unbeaten, but not done yet. The Ridgefield Spudders are undefeated through 11 games, but just because they qualified for the Class 2A football state quarterfinals after Saturday’s 27-14 first-round victory over Orting doesn’t mean the goal stopped there. “The goal isn’t… Read story