“Some athletes put up numbers.
Some dominate games.
And some become the heartbeat of an entire program.

Today, we sit down with one of the most explosive and respected football players to come through the Portland Interscholastic League in recent years—Geovonney ‘Geo’ Burks from Roosevelt High School in Portland, Oregon.

A two-way star.
The PIL Offensive and Defensive Player of the Year.
The top-rated linebacker in Oregon.
And now, a Division I football commit headed to the University of Idaho.

But this story is bigger than football.

Geo represents discipline, family, leadership, and the next generation of student-athletes doing things the right way. At just 17 years old, he’s preparing to become one of the first in his family to attend college—part of a remarkable family story built on sacrifice, focus, and opportunity.

Known for his intensity on the field, his commitment in the classroom, and the maturity beyond his years, Geo has become the kind of athlete coaches trust, teammates follow, and younger players look up to.

Joining us today is Roosevelt Head Coach Ryan McCants—a former Oregon State Beaver and one of the coaches who witnessed Geo’s rise from a talented young athlete at a youth camp to one of the premier linebackers in the Pacific Northwest.

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This week on the show, we sit down with Portland Interscholastic League Player of the Year Miles Novy-Hildesley of Lincoln High School, alongside his first-year head coach Kalin Walling—a Lincoln alum who returned home after playing and coaching at the collegiate level in California.

Miles shares his full basketball journey, from his early days in the game to the adversity that nearly derailed it all—a serious shoulder injury and surgery during his junior year. In a powerful comeback story, he opens up about the physical and mental grind of recovery, what it took to return stronger, and how that resilience helped propel him to one of the top honors in Portland high school basketball. Now, he’s taking the next step—heading to MIT to continue his academic and athletic career.

Coach Walling offers a unique perspective, reflecting on his first season leading the program and what it meant to guide a player like Miles. He also shares practical, grounded advice for parents and young athletes on developing discipline, embracing adversity, and building the kind of work ethic that sets players apart.

This episode is about perseverance, leadership, and what it really takes to turn setbacks into defining moments.

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In today’s episode, Jeff and Bill sit down with standout wrestler Zorina Johnson and her father and coach, Lance Johnson, who has been guiding her on the mat since she was just four years old. Zorina capped off a remarkable high school career at Ida B. Wells High School by going undefeated and capturing three state championships in girls wrestling.

Beyond the titles, this is a story about family, dedication, and the rise of a sport that’s taking the nation by storm. Zorina shares her journey to the top, while Coach Lance offers valuable insight into why girls wrestling is now the fastest-growing sport in America.

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We are thrilled to introduce our first guests: Lily Mae Buerkle, McDaniel High School’s All-State volleyball standout, now headed to the University of Washington on scholarship — and her high school coach, Kyla Henry.

Lily Mae’s journey from McDaniel to the Huskies is a testament to her relentless work ethic, competitive spirit, and love for the game. After hearing her story, we guarantee you’ll be following her collegiate career closely as she takes the court for the Huskies.

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Get to know Bill (#32) and Jeff (#12) — just two kids from Northeast Portland who shared unforgettable experiences through youth and high school sports.

Now, their legacy of giving back continues as they tell the stories that matter. Through conversations and interviews, they highlight today’s standout athletes, dedicated coaches, and thriving programs across Portland schools — celebrating the past while shining a light on the future.

www.pilhalloffame.org