Pride of the Comstock: An Oral History of Virginia City Basketball
From 1959 to 1986 Virginia City High School captured 16 Nevada State Boys Basketball State Championships. Listen to the players and coaches as they reminisce about the good, the bad, and the ugly during this historic run of success. Created and produced by the students and staff at Virginia City High School, this podcast chronicles and preserves a landmark achievement in the history of Nevada high school athletics.
Episodes
52 episodes
The Disciple (Season 3 Episode 4)
Todd Hess graduated from Virginia City High School in 1986 having won four Nevada state basketball championships and completing his playing career with an 84-0 record. A decade later he was named head coach, charged with leading the quest...
Back in the Mix (Season 3 Episode 3)
After four years on the outside looking in, the Virginia City Muckers were ready to again compete for a state championship. The class of 1993 would help the program return to relevance and lay the groundwork many years of success.
The Transition (Season 3 Episode 2)
With the departure of Hall of Fame coach Fred Gladding, and the end of the 93-game win streak, the Virginia City Muckers would enter a new era in 1988, striving to continue their success. Unfortunately, the Muckers would find it difficult...
The End (Season 3 Episode 1)
The Virginia City Muckers entered the 1987 season on a 92 game win streak and had captured five consecutive Nevada State Basketball Championships. But 1987 would mark the end of an era, unmatched in the history of Nevada high school athle...
Season 3 Trailer
The 3rd and final season of Pride of the Comstock is set to debut on April 28th. The story will pick up in 1987 and cover the next four decades of Virginia City Basketball.
A Conversation With Joyce Hess
Joyce Hess has watched Virginia City Basketball for over 60 years, having seen three generations of family play Mucker hoops; her husband, her three children, and her seven grandchildren. We visited with Joyce at her home in Virginia City...
A Conversation With Shari Andreasen
Shari Andreasen is the youngest daughter of Virginia City basketball legend Tom Andreasen. Shari sat down with us at the home of Fred Andreasen, Tom's brother, and shared memories of her father. Here is our conversation with Shari Andreas...
A Conversation With Fred Gladding
Fred Gladding is arguably the most significant figure in the history of Virginia City Basketball, having played on three state championship teams as well as coaching five title teams. Fred is also a member of the NIAA Hall of Fame. ...
A Conversation With Todd Hess
Todd Hess captured four state championships at Virginia City High School and would leave with a perfect career record of 84-0. After graduating from the University of Nevada-Reno he would return home for a 30 year career in educatio...
A Conversation With Chris O'Brien
Chris O'Brien arrived at Virginia City High School at the start of 10th grade, with limited basketball experience. He would blossom into an all-league player and be part of state championship teams in 1985 and 1986. Here is our conv...
A Conversation With Ted Martinez
Ted Martinez was a member of two state championship teams at Virginia City High School, 1985 and 1986. He would return to the Comstock to teach and coach in Storey County before retiring in 2023. Here is our conversation with Ted Ma...
A Conversation With Bum Hess
Bum Hess, class of 1984, was both an elite scorer and point guard during his four years at Virginia City High School. He would help lead the Muckers to consecutive state championships in 1982, 1983, and 1984. Bum is also a member of the N...
A Conversation With Hector Bucchaneri
Hector Bucchaneri was a senior on the the 1984 state championship basketball team at Virginia City High School. He would return a generation later to serve as head coach of the Muckers. We met with Hector at the Old Globe in Carson ...
A Conversation With Kevin Holloway
Kevin Holloway arrived at Virginia City High School from Dayton at the start of his junior year. He would be a key contributor on two state championship teams, 1982 and 1983. Here is our conversation with Kevin Holloway.
A Conversation With Tony Lane
Tony Lane, class of 1982, grew up in Virginia City idolizing the Mucker players he cheered on and dreaming of winning a state championship of his own. He accomplished that goal in 1982 and fondly remembers his time on the Comstock. ...
A Conversation With Mike Longero
Mike Longero played three seasons for Virginia City legend Tom Andreasen at Carson High School, Mike was the 3A MVP in 1975, guiding the Senators to the state championship. He would later return to Carson High School as a teacher an...
A Conversation With Frank Bleuss
Frankie Bleuss, class of 1978, arrived on the Comstock at the start of his sophomore year. He would help guide the Muckers to back to back titles in 1977 and 1978. Here is our conversation with Frank Bleuss.
A Conversation With Ron Millim
Ron Millim, class of 1978, was a member of two state championship teams at Virginia City High School. He also made two of the most important free throws in Mucker hoops history. We spoke with Ron at his home in Carson City. Here in ...
A Conversation With Eddie Booth
Eddie Booth coached two seasons at Virginia City High School, 1977 and 1978, and helped return the Muckers to glory, capturing the state championship both years. He would leave the Comstock for Winnemucca, where he would have a very succe...
A Conversation With Gary Adams
Gary Adams, Virginia City class of 1978, was a member of two state championship teams, 1977 and 1978. He also had the distinction of playing on the worst team in Mucker history. Here is our conversation with Gary Adams.
A Conversation With John Seymour
John Seymour, class of 1973, was a member of the 1972 state championship team at Virginia City High School. He finished his career as the all-time leading scorer in Mucker hoops history. Here is our conversation with John Seymour.&n...
A Conversation With Dan Nevin
Dan Nevin, class of 1971, was a member of the 1969 state championship team at Virginia City High School. Here is our conversation with Dan Nevin.
A Conversation With Bob Rudnick
Bob Rudnick, class of 1972, would be part of two state championship teams at Virginia City High School, 1969 and 1972. Bob would have a distinguished 30-year career in law enforcement, retiring as Douglas County Undersheriff in 2005...
A Conversation With Bobby Gallagher
Bobby Gallagher, class of 1972, is the younger son of Hugh Gallagher Sr. Bobby won two state championships at Virginia City High School, 1969 and 1972. He would go on to a distinguished career in education in Elko County, serving as...