Fueling Husky Performance: The Truth About Supplements for Student Athletes

Are Supplements the Secret to Success?

Walk into any nutrition store or scroll through your social media feed, and you’ll see shelves and advertisements overflowing with protein powders, energy boosters, and “muscle-building” formulas. For student athletes trying to improve their performance, it can be hard to know what’s real and what’s just hype. With practices, games, and classes filling our school days, many young athletes turn to supplements for extra energy or recovery — but which ones are actually worth it?

What Really Works — and What Doesn’t

Experts agree that only a few supplements have proven benefits when used correctly. Protein powder can help athletes who struggle to get enough protein from food, especially during intense training seasons. Creatine monohydrate, one of the most researched supplements, can safely increase strength and power when taken in proper doses. And electrolyte drinks can replace the sodium and potassium lost during sweat-heavy workouts.

Pregame Fuel: What to Take Before You Play

Before any game or workout, what athletes eat and drink can make a major difference in performance. The best pregame “supplement,” experts say, is real food. A balanced meal two to three hours before competition, including complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and hydration, provides steady energy. We usually get some sort of pasta with grilled chicken before a game, which is perfect.  For quick fuel closer to game time, a banana, granola bar, or small smoothie can help. “I personally dry scoop pre-workout because I want to feel awake when I play,” says junior Miles Van Mullen. He admits this may not be the best for him because too much caffeine can cause jitters, dehydration, or even nausea. If athletes do choose pregame supplements, simple options like electrolyte mixes or a light carbohydrate drink are safest and most effective. Ultimately, proper pregame nutrition should focus on consistency, not quick fixes.

Student Voices: Learning What Works

I personally take Creatine Monohydrate and vitamins, and I find that they help me perform at my best, not just on the ice but in the classroom as well. I asked Senior Andrew Sherland what he takes, and his supplement regimen includes, “Vitamin D3, Fish Oil( Omega 3), Magnesium L-threonate, Multivitamins,” he said.

Positive Effects of Creatine

  1. Increases muscle strength and power:
    Boosts performance in high-intensity, short-duration activities (like sprinting or weightlifting) by replenishing ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate), which is the body’s main energy source.
  2. Enhances muscle growth:
    Promotes greater muscle mass when combined with resistance training by increasing water content in muscle cells and supporting protein synthesis.
  3. Improves exercise recovery:
    Helps reduce muscle damage and inflammation, speeding up recovery between workouts.
  4. Supports brain health and cognition:
    Can enhance mental performance, memory, and fatigue resistance—especially under stress or sleep deprivation.
  5. Aids in certain medical conditions:
    Studied as supportive therapy for neurological and muscular disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s disease, muscular dystrophy) and even for depression and traumatic brain injury.
  6. Boosts endurance and training volume:
    Allows you to do more reps or sustain effort longer, indirectly leading to greater long-term fitness gains.
  7. Hydration and thermoregulation benefits:
    Improves muscle hydration, which can help with temperature regulation and reduce the risk of cramps.

Magnesium

  • Main functions: Supports muscle and nerve function, heart rhythm, blood sugar control, and bone health.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

  • Main functions: Acts as an antioxidant, supports collagen production (for skin, cartilage, and blood vessels), helps iron absorption, and strengthens the immune system.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

  • Main functions: Helps make neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), supports red blood cell production, and is involved in protein and energy metabolism.

Vitamin D

  • Main functions: Regulates calcium and phosphorus absorption, critical for bone and muscle health, and supports immune and hormonal balance.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA, ALA)

  • Main functions:
    Support heart and brain health, reduce inflammation, improve mood and cognitive function, and help maintain healthy cell membranes.

Overall, I feel that taking supplements is crucial to perform to your best ability as an athlete, and our athletes at Northwood should take full advantage of their benefits.

Three Northwood Girls Compete at 18U Canadian Nationals

St-Pierre, McLean, and Lachapelle at the Provincial Championships. Photo provided.

In the weeks before Thanksgiving Break, three Northwood girls’ hockey players were away from campus for a very special reason: they were selected to play for their Canadian provincial national teams. Loelie Lachapelle ’26 and Penelope St-Pierre ’27 represented Team Québec, while Summer MacLean ’28 represented Team Atlantic.

The annual tournament brings together the best young female players across Canada, offering a chance to showcase their skills on a national stage. For these Northwood athletes, it was not only an opportunity to compete at a high level but also to represent their provinces—and the school—with pride.

“This was definitely a life-changing experience. I was one of the younger girls on the team, which scared me at first, but once I got to know everyone, I really liked the team and we all clicked fast,” said MacLean. MacLean’s team not only made it to the final game, but it was also the first time in history that Team Atlantic had ever reached the championship. “Being a part of a team where we were able to make history is something I’ll never forget. And for the final, since it was in Newfoundland, we had a lot of fans who were really rooting for us to win. Since it was technically our home ice, it was really loud in there—and I loved it,” she added. MacLean and her team finished the tournament with silver medals.

“Winning gold in this tournament after participating for three years in a row and coming up short with a silver medal was surreal. Being able to represent my province and make history was one of my biggest goals, and I finally made it come true,” said Lachapelle, who has been at Northwood for three years and has represented Québec at this tournament each year. “Not only did I win a gold medal, but I also found a second family. My teammates and coaches were always there. When I was going through a rough day, they were going through a rough day. Everyone was a part of a puzzle, and it was what made us so successful in the end. I cannot put into words how proud I am of every single player on my team, and I truly am grateful for the experience.”

“From the very start of the tournament, I could tell we had a winning team,” said St-Pierre. “There was definitely a lot of pressure on me with it being my first time attending this tournament, and because the team had lost in the finals the past two years in a row. That made the feeling of winning even better, and I hope that next year I get invited back and we can bring home the championship again.” She added, “Northwood prepared me well for this tournament, and although this was a life-changing experience, I missed Northwood and am ready to be back and play some Husky hockey.”

These three girls continue to represent the Northwood name with pride.

Hartford Wolfpack Practice in Lake Placid

Photo: Hartford Wolf Pack.

After the morning practice on November 5th, the Boys Prep and Varsity teams got a massive surprise on the 1932 rink, when the AHL’s Hartford Wolfpack came on the rink after them to practice. The Prep team had the chance to watch the Wolfpack practice before heading back to school.

“I just really liked seeing how skilled everyone was, and they were all extremely dialled. They did not make any mistakes,” noted Charles Pigeon ‘26

The team’s reason for practicing in Lake Placid is unknown, but professional teams have been known to come into town to play on the Olympic rinks to try to break their losing streaks. The Wolfpack have started the season with a losing record of 3-6. So maybe this was a special trip to our local area to try to help out their season. Or it may be because they were making their way north to Montreal, Quebec to play the Laval Rockets on Friday night.

The Hartford Wolfpack is the AHL farm team for the New York Rangers. The team is pretty young, with several really well-known former junior and NCAA players on the Roster. Parker Thompson ’26 is a close family friend of Carey Terrance. “We always grew up together. Our parents are very close. We train together in the off-season, and I hang out with him a lot back home,” said Thompson. Terrance was the captain last season for the OHL’s Erie Otters and gold medal winner at the 2025 World Junior Championships for Team USA. Former OHL champion with the Peterborough Petes and 2023 World Junior Champion for Team Canada, Brennan Othmann, was also on the ice. As well as Gabe Perrault, last year’s Hockey East Champion with Boston College and teammate of Terrance on Team USA at the 2025 World Junior Championships. Perrault would be called up to the New York Rangers later that week.

The opportunity to watch these players up close is a unique experience. Thompson noted, “The main difference between their practice and ours was the nonstop communication between guys. They could also just do things at a lot higher pace.” It’s an opportunity to see up close what it takes to make it to the next level in pro hockey.

While their practice at the Lake Placid Olympic Center did not break their losing streak. The Wolfpack ended up losing 4-2 to the Laval Rocket on Friday night and 2-1 to the Belleville Sens on Saturday night, it hopefully was a fun experience for their players to get a taste of Lake Placid and learn a little bit about the history of the rinks.

Get to Know Coach Marvyn Dorchin

Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Coach Marvyn Dorchin is one of the newest members of the Northwood Soccer program. Coach Marvyn Dorchin works between the U17 and U19 teams. Born and raised in France, Dorchin began his soccer career with AS Gagnes-Le Cros, a local club in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region near Nice. “That’s where I first fell in love with the game,” said Dorchin.

At age fourteen, Dorchin and his family relocated to the United States, settling in the Boston area. Dorchin continued his soccer career, joining local clubs before being scouted to join the U.S. Development Academy (DA), the country’s top level of youth soccer. Playing for Seacoast United, His club faced some of the best teams in the nation, including several teams from MLS academies. “Playing in DA was an incredible experience,” said Dorchin. “It showed me what it takes to play at the highest level.”

Dorchin began his college career at Springfield College, a Division III program, as a freshman before transferring to the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a Division I program. Dorchin quickly earned the starting goalkeeper position and was named captain for two seasons. Over the course of his college career, he played in 60 matches and helped lead UMass to the second round of the NCAA tournament, where they faced Penn State. “Being the captain at UMass really teaches me that leadership can go beyond the field,” said Dorchin.

After graduating, Dorchin pursued his dream of playing professionally across Europe and North America, joining clubs in Spain, Norway, Ireland, and the USA. “It was challenging moving between different countries, but each stop made me into a better person and player,” said Dorchin.

Now at Northwood School, Dorchin puts all his passion into coaching. “The faculty welcomed me like family,” says Dorchin. “It only took a month to feel completely at home.” Dorchin coaches two teams, oversees goalkeepers, and directs the strength and conditioning program for the U17 and U19 squads. “Coaching lets me give back to the game that has given me everything,” said Coach Marvyn Dorchin.

Coach Marvyn Dorchin just started his new coaching career at Northwood School, working with both the U17 and U19 teams. He is a significant asset to the soccer program, sharing his experience playing at high levels and preparing the players for the next level.

Moodey and Morris Named Soccer All-Americans

To be a high school all-American is to be one of the best high school soccer players in the country. Of the tens of thousands of athletes, 41 players are selected for the All-American game. According to search engines, there are upwards of 50 thousand “high-level” performers in the country – meaning to be an all-American is to be in the top 0.1% of all athletes in the United States.

Illustration: Black Rock FC/Instagram.

Noah Moodey and Tziyon Morris are the latest to join that top 0.1% – joining a list which includes some of the elite players to play for Northwood – the likes of Sachiel Ming, Mitch Baker, and Liam Doyle.

Their accomplishment is a huge personal milestone, but also a huge celebration for the program as a whole. “Noah was the first player I got to know when I got to Northwood, and I’ve had the chance to coach him and Tz for more than three years and two USL2 seasons,” head Coach Joe Coss said. “Happy to have been part of their journey and excited for what’s to come,” Coss added.

Northwood’s all-Americans will compete in the 15th annual All-American Game in early December, held in South Carolina. It is an opportunity for these top players to showcase their talent and be seen by coaches, both collegiate and club. The game will be broadcast publicly for all to see.

“I think it definitely feels rewarding in a way, but also like there’s more work to do” Moodey said. “That being said, to have everything I’ve worked for up until this point in my life to kind of come to fruition with this honor feels amazing; it really kind of gives hope and fuel to my dream of playing professionally one day, and I hope I can channel this and continue with my growth,” Moodey added.

Unfortunately for Morris, he won’t have the opportunity to actually play in the game due to injury. “It feels great having an honor such as an All-American, which shows me what my work has gotten me,” Morris said. “I know that a lot of people don’t get this award, so I’m very grateful. Not being able to play has obviously got me feeling a little down, but injuries happen, and it’s important that I keep a positive mindset throughout this time,” Morris added.

Lastly, as a teammate of theirs, I would like to take this opportunity to express my excitement and joy for their accomplishment. Neither is flashy, but what makes them such good players and valuable to our team is their grit and willingness to put their bodies on the line every time they’re on the pitch. Usually, the credit and spotlight go to the goal scorers and attackers, rather than the defensive-minded players, whose abilities often go under the radar; so, it’s great to see them receive this type of recognition.

Prep Hockey Eager for First League Crossover Weekend

From November 14th to 17th, the Boys Prep Hockey Team will head up to Saint Andrews College, where the first PHC crossover weekend will be hosted. The Huskies will be taking on every other PHC team from the west division. These teams include the number 1-ranked team in the country, Shattuck St. Mary’s, the number 3 team in the country, Culver Military Academy, and the number 1-ranked Canadian Hockey Team, Saint Andrews College. Prep will take on Culver first at 2:00 p.m. on the 14th, followed by Shattuck at 12:00 p.m. on the 15th, and Saint Andrews at 2:00 p.m. on the 16th.

“Ready,” said senior Henry Kress. “Ready to go out there and show out. These games are really hard fought, and one mistake can lead to your team losing,” said Kress about the upcoming weekend. “These games have been circled on the calendar for a while. Saint Andrews is our biggest rival, and they beat us last year in the finals. I’m looking forward to playing that game.”

“All of the teams that we play are on completely different levels from anyone else we have played this year,” junior Miles Van Mullen said. “I am excited to rise to the occasion and hopefully come out with some wins against three great teams,” he added. Van Miullen is eager to face one team in particular. “Shattuck for sure,” he said. “Last year, when I was at Mount St. Charles, we played them multiple times and never beat them once. I am really looking forward to hopefully beating them.”

Junior forward Anton Stackow played games with the Prep team last year, but never in a PHC crossover. “This team as a group still has a lot to prove,” said Stackow. “We have had some tough losses this year, but we are a great group, and we are going to prove that. I think we all have some fuel behind us,” he added. Stackow also has a team he’s eager to face. “Saint Andrews for sure. I really do not like them, and they really do not like us. It is a big rivalry, and beating them in their own rink would be awesome,” he added.

Last year, the Prep team finished first in their division, heavily dependent on their games within their own division. The Huskies were 9-8 last year in league play, with only 2 wins coming from PHC crossovers. The Huskies hope to improve significantly this year in the crossovers and substantially boost their ranking in the PHC.

Dodgers Defeat the Blue Jays in Instant Classic World Series

The 2025 World Series will be remembered as one of the closest and most nail-biting World Series in history. From complete games to 18-inning games, it truly had it all. Initially, it was portrayed as a mismatch of talent, and many expected the Dodgers to handle the Blue Jays easily. This, however, was far from the truth; the Blue Jays gave the Dodgers a run for their money and fought to the end.

It was a ninth World Series title for the Dodgers, and their third in six years under manager Dave Roberts. Photo: Getty Images.

Game 1

The Dodgers would strike first and carry a 2-run lead into the bottom of the third. Toronto would respond by putting up two runs in the 4th, and 9 in the 6th. They (Toronto) would go on to win the game 11-4.

Game 2

In Game 2, the Dodgers had their ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, on the mound. They took advantage of their ace, who pitched a complete game, holding the Blue Jays to just four hits. The Dodgers scored five runs, 3 of which came from catcher Will Smith, who had a single, a force out, and a solo home run.

Game 3

When the teams headed to Los Angeles for game 3, the series was tied 1-1. The game would turn into two complete games, lasting 18 innings. Blue Jays fans on the East Coast – including those at Northwood – stayed up until about 3 am EST to watch the Dodgers walk it off with a Freddie Freeman solo home run in the bottom of the 18th.  The game was an instant classic and tied game 3 of the 2018 World Series between the Dodgers and the Red Sox as the longest World Series game ever.

The game was tied 4-4 in the 5th, and 5-5 in the 7th. The two pitching staffs would then pitch a combined 10 shutout innings. Both teams used virtually every player on the roster. Had the game gone to the 19th inning, the Dodgers had Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who, let’s not forget, pitched a complete game just 2 days before, warming up to come in and pitch. The Dodgers’ leaning on Yamamoto would become a theme in this series. The game was a gut punch to the Blue Jays, who used virtually all their pitchers in a game they ultimately lost.

Freddie Freeman after his walk-off double. Photo by BBC.

Game 4

In game 4, the Blue Jays came to play. You couldn’t tell they had played an 18-inning game just 17 hours ago. The Dodgers scored first in the 2nd, but after that, it was almost all the Blue Jays. In the 3rd inning, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 2-run bomb off Dodgers two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani. In the 7th inning, Toronto piled on four more runs with an RBI single from Andrés Giménez, an RBI groundout by Ty France, an RBI single by Bo Bichette, and an RBI single by Addison Barger. Innings like this would become a theme for the Blue Jays. They consistently got big hits from everyone on their roster, allowing them to turn over the lineup and pile on runs. Game 4 would end up as a Blue Jays win, 6-2, but more importantly, the Blue Jays had established themselves as a force. Coming into the series, many reporters were calling it a “David and Goliath” matchup, but the Blue Jays were proving that they were just as good as the Dodgers.

Game 5

Going into game 5, the series was tied 2-2. Whichever team won this game would be one game away from a ring and put the other team in a corner. Right from the start, the Blue Jays took control when on the first pitch of the game, Davis Schnieder hit a home run off of Blake Snell. Schnieder was only in the lineup because of an injury to George Springer. Then, two pitches later, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. went back-to-back with another solo home run.

Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage is leaving the mound in game 5—photo by MLB.com.

On the mound, the Blue Jays had their future ace in 22-year-old Trey Yesavage. In the 3rd inning, the Dodgers would score their only run of the game off a Kiké Hernández. In the 4th, Ernie Clement hit a sacrifice fly to re-establish the Toronto momentum. In the 7th, Addison Barger hit a single, then advanced to 2nd on a wild pitch, then to 3rd on another, and finally home on a 4th wild pitch. Then Bo Bichette hit an RBI single, making it 5-1 Toronto. Yesavage would leave the game with 12 strikeouts in 7 innings. Yesavage tied a World Series record for most strikeouts by a rookie in a World Series game with 12.

Game 6

Game 6 was back in Toronto, and the Blue Jays were one win away from a ring. For the Dodgers, it was a must-win game, and luckily for them, they had their ace Yoshinobu Yamamoto on the mound. He would go six complete innings with only five hits and one earned run. That run came off an RBI single by George Spinger, who was put back into the lineup even though he was injured. With every swing, you could hear him scream and see the pain on his face. He battled through and got the only Toronto run in game 6.

In the 3rd inning, the Dodgers scored three runs off a Will Smith RBI double and a Mookie Betts 2-run single. The Blue Jays had chances in both the 7th and 8th innings but could not come through. Then, in the bottom of the 9th, Alejandro Kirk was hit by a pitch leading off. Myles Straw came in to pinch run for him. Then, perhaps one of the strangest plays you will ever see happened. Addison Barger smoked a ball to the wall, and it managed to wedge itself under the wall. The Dodgers outfielders knew the ground rules perfectly, and as soon as they saw the ball get stuck, they threw up their hands and did not reach for the ball. This signals to the umpire that something is wrong, and the ball is declared dead. The runners are given two bases on the play if it’s a dead ball, meaning that Straw gets to go to 3rd and Barger to 2nd. Had the Dodgers’ outfielders reached to touch the stuck ball, they would have lost the right for it to be a dead ball, and both Straw and Barger would have scored, tying the game with no outs, giving the Blue Jays the chance to walk it off and win the World Series. This showed the depth of the preparation of the Dodgers team and their ability to perform under pressure.

The ball was wedged under the wall—photo by MLB.com.

Then came another play that you don’t see often—a game-ending double play made by outfielder Kiké Hernández. Andrés Giménez hit a ball into left field, but right to Hernández, who threw it to Miguel Rojas to put the tag on Barger at 2nd to end the game.

Game 7

Game 7 is every sports fan and player’s dream. Every baseball player grows up imagining the moment, “bottom of the 9th, game 7 of the World Series, tie game.” Every player wants their team to have a chance to win it all, and they want that chance to be in their hands. Game 7 is the most crucial game of the year. It defines how the team will be remembered. One team will go home World Champions; the other will go home with nothing. Baseball is often described as “the game of tomorrows,” as it has the longest season, and each day is just as important as tomorrow. There is always another game and another chance, except for game 7 of the World Series. There is no tomorrow. Every player leaves everything on the field, and they have the entire offseason to reflect on and scrutinize what they did or did not do.

On the mound, the Blue Jays had postseason veteran Max Scherzer, who pitched Game 7 in the 2019 World Series. The Dodgers had Shohei Ohtani, their superstar pitcher and hitter, on the mound. In the bottom of the 3rd, the Blue Jays would strike first, when Bo Bichette came up to the plate in what could be one of his last at-bats as a Blue Jay. He enters free agency this year after years with the Blue Jays, who drafted him. It was his chance to leave his mark on the fanbase, and leave a mark he did when he launched a 3-run home run to take a 3-0 lead in game 7.

Bo Bichette after his three-run homer in Game 7. Photo by MLB.com.

In the 4th, the Dodgers responded with one run coming off a sacrifice fly by Teoscar Hernández. In the 5th inning, Louis Varland set an all-time postseason record with his 15th postseason appearance on the mound. In the 6th inning, Tommy Edman cut the Blue Jays’ lead to 3-2 with a sacrifice fly. Then, in the bottom of the 6th, Ernie Clement tied the MLB record with his 29th hit of the postseason. He would then steal 2nd base and be driven in by Andrés Giménez’s RBI double.

In the 7th, the Blue Jays turned a clutch double play to get out of a jam and carry their 4-2 lead into the bottom of the 7th. The Blue Jays just needed six more outs to win a World Series. Then, in the 8th, Max Muncy hit a solo home run to cut the Blue Jays’ lead to 4-3. Then, in the bottom of the 8th, Ernie Clement had his 30th hit of the postseason, taking sole possession of the record.

In the top of the 9th, the Blue Jays were two outs away from victory, when the Dodgers’ 9 hitter Miguel Rojas – who is the worst hitter on the team and hadn’t had a hit in almost a month, excluding the game before – hit a solo home run to tie the game. This is what makes baseball special. Any player has the chance to win it all. All it takes is one swing. The Dodgers, who looked like they were sleeping all game, had just woken up.

In the bottom of the 9th, the Blue Jays got their chance. Due up was Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who came just feet from a World Series-winning home run. Behind him, Bo Bichette hit a single, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa came in to pinch run for Bichette, who has a knee injury. Addison Barger worked a walk, moving the winning run in IKF to 2nd. The Dodgers turn to Yamamoto to come in and try to close out the game. He then hits Kirk, loading the bases with one out. Then, Dalton Varsho hits a slow roller to 2nd base, where Rojas picks it and makes the throw home. If IKF beats the throw home, the Blue Jays win the World Series. If the throw beats IKF, the Dodgers are one out away from getting out of a major jam. The throw beats IKF by an estimated 4 inches, and the game remains tied. Many were quick to criticize IFK for not taking a big lead off 3rd base, but his teammates were quick to defend him, saying that they had to avoid a double play, which would end the inning. I believe that the actual baserunning error occurred when sliding feet-first into home plate. If IKF had either run through the bag or slid headfirst, he would have kept his momentum better and possibly won the World Series. I must admit that it is very easy to look back on it and see what he could have done differently, but it certainly is not his fault.

Ernie Clement came up with bases loaded and two outs, and he smoked a ball to the warning track. Off the bat, it looked like it might be a home run, or that the fielders wouldn’t get there in time. Kiké Hernández tracked the ball down and was running and looking up at it when his teammate, Andy Pages, came out of nowhere, running into him, but importantly making the catch to send the game to extra innings.

Kiké Hernández and Andy Pages are colliding in game 7. Photo by MLB.com.

The Blue Jays got out of a jam in the 10th by getting the lead runner at home, and the game continued into the 11th. Then, Dodgers catcher Will Smith hit a solo home run to make it 5-4 Dodgers. Yoshinobu Yamamoto then closed out the game, making it back-to-back titles for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers are quickly establishing themselves as a dynasty. This marks their second consecutive Championship and their 3rd since the start of the 2020s. Yoshinobu Yamamoto won the World Series MVP after his complete game, his relief appearance, his second 1 run start, and, of course, his closure of the series. It was one of the most impressive pitching performances of all time.

Yamamoto with his 2025 World Series MVP trophy. Photo by MLB.com.

For the Blue Jays, this will forever be a tale of “what could have been.” The Blue Jays were fun to watch and played energetic, fun baseball. After the game, it was clear how much the players loved each other. When talking to the media, many cried, and veterans like Max Scherzer said they have never felt a bond and a connection to a team like they did with the 2025 Blue Jays. Hopefully, this is just the start of the Blue Jays’ playoff success, and we get to see them next year.

 

 

 

 

 

World Cup Ski Season Kicks Off in Sölden, Austria

On October 25, the women kicked off the ski season with a GS race in Sölden, Austria, followed the next day by the men. Julia Scheib won the race for the women, with Paula Moltzan and Laura Gut-Behrami following, and Marco Odermatt won for the men, with Marco Schwarz and Atle Lie McGrath.

Austrian Julia Sheib was able to take home her first-ever World Cup win after 49 starts. “I did not see this coming for the women’s race; this was definitely someone new that we will have to look out for this season on the circuit.” Paula Moltzan took 2nd, her best World Cup GS finish to date. Mikaela Shiffrin took 4th, which is a very strong result after returning to GS and starting from bib 20. The race conditions were good, with softer snow as the racers progressed, but they ran very well.

Marco Odermatt becomes the second most successful men’s skier in Sölden, behind only Ted Ligety (USA) @FIS/ActionPress/MarcusHartmann

Marco Odermatt took home the win and carries his dominance over to the new season. This is the start he had in mind, and it must feel good knowing he is where he belongs. “I love watching all these top guys run because just watching them helps us get better, and it is entertaining,” Hudson Marshall, ‘27 said. The field was very stacked with the top 3 separated by just .27 seconds. The conditions were a bit rougher for men with heavy snow, very low visibility, and a delayed 2nd run. A big surprise to everyone was Lucas Braathen skiing out in the first run. He was definitely a favorite for the podium.

Switzerland’s Marco Odermatt celebrates on the podium after placing first with second place, Austria’s Marco Schwarz and third place, Norway’s Atle Lie McGrath REUTERS/Leonhard Foeger

Sölden, Austria, is a notoriously challenging hill, and securing a first win is a massive start to the season. Hopefully, it can carry momentum throughout the year. It was a fantastic start to the season, with great competition and young racers getting a chance to shine!

An Inside Look at Freestyle Pre-Season Training

The Northwood freestyle program has been in existence for several years, and coaches have been creating and refining the ideal workout schedule for pre-season training. Freestyle athletes typically work out four days a week before Whiteface Mountain opens.

Balance work on the slackline helps build core strength. Photo provided.

There are numerous exercises that freestyle skiers must do to prevent injuries while skiing. These exercises include box jumps, calf raises, sit-ups, pull-ups, squats, and more. There are over 20 exercises that the Northwood freestyle skiers perform.

The first day of the week is typically designated as a leg day and cardio day. The team starts playing a soccer game. This will get everyone’s heart rate pumping for the following exercises and help maintain a steady cardio pace throughout the workout. After the game, the team will head to the school’s weight room and start with a quick stretch, followed by 15 calf raises for 3 sets. Next, the team goes to jump squats, doing 5 reps for two sets, with the second set being heavier than the first. Then the team will do 8-12 reps of squats for 3 sets. Lastly, finish with 4 core exercises of the team’s choice, and this concludes day one.

The second day of the week is a full core day. The team starts by playing a game of knockout. After everyone is ready for the workout, the team will move to the weight room. Here, the team will start by doing sit-ups for a minute, followed by V-ups for a minute. These exercises will lead to a stronger core. Then, a four-minute plank, followed by some balance work, so the team will not get injured as often. This concludes the day’s work, with the core becoming significantly stronger to withstand larger hits and making everyone more balanced during workouts.

The third day is back day, consisting of a warm-up for soccer and heading into the weight room to train further. For back day, the team will start with pull-ups for 3 sets to failure, then work with weights to target the triceps, biceps, and back, aiming to build muscle and increase strength for the upcoming season. This day is very important, as it helps everyone on the team develop the upper body strength needed to withstand falls and maintain balance in the air.

“These workouts were made to help the team be more prepared for the upcoming ski season, to make everyone stronger and in more control,” NYSEF Freestyle Coach Jackson Deeney said. The workouts are helping the team prepare for the upcoming ski season, ensuring everyone stays strong and injury-free.

Day four consists of another leg day, following the same routine as day one, to strengthen our legs and help them endure the jumps throughout a long day on the mountain. All these workouts come together to make every team member stronger for the ski season. Without preseason training, the team will likely be more susceptible to injury while performing their impressive tricks.

Catching up with Lohkoah Paye ‘25

Paye in his final year at Northwood. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At the end of the 24-25 school year, everyone was sad to see Lohkoah Paye ‘25 depart from Northwood. In his four years at school, he had become a role model both on and off the field, earning honors such as team captain for soccer, Head’s Council, and President of the Multicultural Club, among other recognitions. This weekend, I had the privilege of catching up with him and speaking about everything from Soccer to social life to everyday life in the Big Apple.

After Northwood, Koah had already decided to take his talents downstate to St. John’s University, a Division I soccer program in New York City with one of the richest histories in U.S. college Soccer. “These first 3 months at St. John’s have been great,” Paye said. “I’ve just been adjusting to collegiate life and everything that comes with it. Obviously, due to my ACL injury from my time at Northwood, I’m not yet fully back to playing, but the staff here has been amazing with the rehab and training, helping me get back up to speed on my own,” he added.

Paye at St. John’s University. Photo: St. John’s University Athletics.

Paye also enjoys his teammates. “The team has been great as well, you know, despite my injury and not being able to train with them, they have still really welcomed me into the family, and we are always together doing something,” Paye said. “So yeah, my St. John’s experience has been everything I expected, but definitely way different from Northwood.”

Transitioning from Northwood, a rural school with around 190 students, to St. John’s, in the heart of New York City, with a student population of 22,000, is always going to be difficult. Still, Paye has made the transition seamlessly, unlike many who would struggle with it. “I think the difference between college and Northwood is the community that it fosters,” Paye said. “You know, at Northwood, you know everyone by name, and you’re always with the same people. Here, aside from my teammates, I’d be surprised if I recognized anyone or knew them by name. It’s definitely been an adjustment, and to be honest, I don’t mind the population, but I definitely miss that community aspect of Northwood,” he added.

In the classroom, Paye has been doing well, especially in the statistics course he is taking, for which he thanks Mr. Emery for preparing him. When asked about the change in course load from high school, he didn’t have much to say; in fact, he said Northwood had prepared him well for college. “The work [in college] definitely isn’t harder, it just sometimes these teachers assign way more homework, but as long as you manage your time well and study hard, you will be fine, just like at Northwood,” Paye said. This was reassuring to hear, as I’ve heard many horror stories from different alumni about the college workload. However, it sounds like Northwood sets you up well for the experience.

On the field, Paye will aim to make his return to the team in the spring season, around April. While it will have been a long and arduous journey back from injury, all those who know Koah know that he will return better than ever and put the whole U.S on notice for what is to come next fall. After being such an impactful member of the community on campus, it is safe to say everyone from Northwood will be watching Koah and cheering him on upon his return, eager to see what he does next in his career.

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