The Viking

About | Archive | Staff

The Viking is a student-run magazine started in the 2007-2008 school year. The magazine features entirely sports content, covering the successes of all Paly teams as well as delving into the deeper issues surrounding high school sports.

Entering the 2007 school year, the storied Palo Alto journalism program was mired in a crisis of overpopulation and lacking sports coverage. Many of the active publications were already overflowing with students, and the sports coverage in place was dry and in need of new life. The program was in need of a savior.

Three juniors saw the problem and decided to act. The magazine was the brainchild of Charlie Avis, Peter Johnson, and Noah Sneider. The three were an impeccable team, wooing advisers and recruiting writers until they had a following large enough and dedicated enough to make the difference and solve the problem. Avis brought the style, Sneider the moves, and Johnson the hair.

The three, dedicated to the realization of their dream, searched far and wide for the senior leadership and experience that their project dearly needed. Seniors Nina Gertsvolf, Steven Tran, and Austin Smith were brought on board to complete an editorial board that rivaled that of all other sports magazines before it.

Yet no team is set up for success without the guidance and vision of an elite coach. Enter adviser Ellen Austin. After dominating the Minnesota journalism scene, Austin set The Viking off on the right foot.

The Viking's first issue, released October 30, 2007, was hailed as a cultural revolution on campus and paved the way for future success. The magazine now releases six issues a year.