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
62 episodes
A Conversation with Shawn Harrison
Shawn Harrison, Virginia City High School class of 1987, played three years of varsity basketball for the Muckers, and was part of state championship teams in 1985 and 1986.
A Conversation with Spence Williams
Spence Williams, Virginia City High School class of 1987, played on state championship teams in 1985 and 1986.
A Conversation with Mark Hess
Mark Hess, Virginia City High School class of 1987, played on state championship teams in 1984, 1985, and 1986.
The Finale (Season 3 Episode 11)
As we conclude the podcast we pick up the story in 2018 as Clint Hess becomes head coach and the Muckers again come ever so close to title number eighteen.
Best Friends (Season 3 Episode 10)
A decade after capturing the first state basketball championship in Lady Mucker history, Esmie Hess and Taylor McDowell returned to take over the girls' basketball program. They would coach a group of talented athletes, led by Kori Johnso...
Block or Charge (Season 3 Episode 9)
From 2009 through 2017 the Virginia City Boys' Basketball program was lead by four different coaches, three of who had previously won a Nevada State Basketball Championship. But the quest for title number 18 would end in heartbreak, more ...
A New Champion (Season 3 Episode 8)
In 2008 Todd Hess returned to the sidelines, but this time as the Virginia City Girls' Basketball Coach. The Lady Muckers would quickly become the talk of the town and the program would rise to heights never before achieved.
#17 (Season 3 Episode 7)
Three straight years of heartbreak preceded the 2005 season for the Virginia City Muckers, including back-to-back losses to Lake Mead Christian Academy in the state semifinals. But the senior laden squad was ready to write a new chapter i...
The Lynch Mob (Season 3 Episode 6)
Following the 2001 season Todd Hess stepped down as head basketball coach, leaving a talented group for the next coach. Included among them would be a trio of brothers who would set out to bring glory back to the Comstock.
Old Rivals (Season 3 Episode 5)
Virginia City had not reached a state championship basketball game since 1986, Todd Hess' final game as a player. In 1999 Coach Hess would now guide the Muckers to the title game, where they would meet a longtime foe, Smith Valley.
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 ...