Sports – The Mirror

Northwood Alum and Hobey Baker Nominee Jack Dugan Named First-Team All-American

May 10, 2020 by Luke French

Jack Dugan in Action (Photo: The Hockey News)

he Hobey Baker Award is given to the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player of the season. To win the award, the player must not only contribute to his team with outstanding skills but also excel academically and show character, both on and off the ice. Each NCAA college can nominate up to three candidates who best exemplify the passion, sportsmanship, courage, and honor exhibited by Hobey Baker, the best amateur player of his time and a World War I veteran. Jack Dugan ‘17 was the only player nominated by Providence College this year.

Dugan, in his two seasons at Northwood, tallied over 130 points in under 100 games. After graduating from Northwood, he played for the Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League, where he recorded 66 points in 54 games. Spending a year playing Juniors was enough to prepare him to play at Providence College. In his first and second years at college, he tallied 39 and 52 points each. Dugan averaged over 1.5 points per game and had 17 multi-point games and three four-point games.

His extraordinary achievements did not go unnoticed. In addition to his nomination for the Hobey Baker Award, Dugan was also named a First Team CCM/AHCA All American, an honor given to the nation’s top 25 college hockey players. After college, he will likely play for the Las Vegas Golden Knights of the National Hockey League.

Filed Under: Sports

Huskies Get Creative to Stay in Shape

March 27, 2020 by Aimee Headland

Northwood students are active and athletic. Three hockey teams, two soccer teams, and a ski team – not to mention loads of active and fit students who don’t participate in one of the school’s signature athletic programs – typically fill the campus fitness center this time of year

The recent outbreak of the Coronavirus, Northwood students have returned to their homes across the United States and around the world. Many students are having a difficult time staying in shape as a result of the widespread government restrictions requiring billions of people worldwide to stay in their homes. Northwood students are forced to find new ways to stay active and workout at home instead of going to their local gyms.

Students are getting creative to stay in shape. Luke French ‘20, from Kansas, said “I am doing my best to do some kind of workout each day so that I am not getting out of shape. I am also taking my dog for a walk when I can.”

Soccer player Luke Smith ‘21 is from Bolton England and said, “instead of going to the gym I’ve just been training outside because the gyms have all recently been forced to close. I like to go on runs or play football with my mates”.

Marina Alvarez ‘21 is from Long Island New York, one of the most affected areas within America. She said “It’s been a bit boring with this whole pandemic, but I’ve been finding ways to keep myself active. Our coach has been sending us at-home workouts, which I’ve found very helpful to keep in shape and moving around the house,” she added. “I am getting outside to stickhandle, shoot pucks or just go on a walk up the block”.

Hockey player Ella Fesette ‘21 said, “I’ve been keeping busy by walking my dog, shooting pucks, stick handling, and rollerblading with my brother. I have also been following Coach Gilly’s workouts designed for the team as well as doing my own [workouts].”

Despite the many disruptions, Northwood students are finding creative ways to work out and stay active during this pandemic.

Junior, Kate Hagness, doing her thing in the driveway. 💪 #Huskiesathome pic.twitter.com/18z3B3D7TF

— NorthwoodGirlsHockey (@nwgirlshockey) March 27, 2020

Sophomore Iliana Smith working on her handles. 🌶 #Huskiesathome pic.twitter.com/RjSB7Hzgy5

— NorthwoodGirlsHockey (@nwgirlshockey) March 24, 2020

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UNI the best Norah!😎👍🤪#unicycle #nysefsnowsports #northwoodskiing #balance #strengthtraining

A post shared by Northwood School Athletics (@northwoodathletics) on Mar 27, 2020 at 12:59pm PDT

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Posted @withregram • @northwoodskiing 🚨 Freshman Friday! 🚨 Nora D. ‘24 has spent her time at home building her own balance board and perfecting it 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼

A post shared by Northwood School Athletics (@northwoodathletics) on Mar 27, 2020 at 5:27am PDT

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

It Took a Pandemic to End the Junior Team’s Season

March 27, 2020 by Luke French

The Northwood Junior Hockey Team set two ambitious team goals at the beginning of the season: defend their state championship and advance to the USA Hockey U18 Tier I National Championships. No hockey team prevented them from reaching those goals, but a global pandemic did.

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Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Pandemic Shuts Down Soccer Team

March 20, 2020 by Bernardo Simões

The Northwood School soccer team was hard to beat this year, but the strength and power of the beast COVID-19 kept the squad off the field in Las Vegas for the Players Showcase, one of the most anticipated events on the soccer team’s schedule.

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The abrupt ending of the spring soccer season was difficult for the players, who are very close (Photo: Black Rock FC).

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Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Northwood Student-Athletes Have Strong Showing at Empire State Winter Games

February 7, 2020 by Aimee Headland

Over 20 Northwood student-athletes competed in the 2020 Empire State Winter Games here in Lake Placid. Their events ranged from Alpine Skiing and Ice Hockey to Bobsledding and Ski Jumping.

Northwood skiers placed in the top five in all Super G, Slalom, and GS races. Norah Dempsey ‘21 placed first in Women’s Super G; Madison Kostoss ‘21 came in fourth and MJ Prince ’22 placed 3rd (among U16s). Rowen Norfolk ‘22, who finished eleventh, had the fastest Northwood time in Men’s Super G. In GS, Audrey Higgins-Lopez ‘21 won the entire Women’s race. In the Men’s section, Andrew Van Slyke ‘20 placed second, just behind recent graduate Jake Reynolds ‘19. Coming in first in Women’s Slalom was Jaden Klebba ‘21, while Norfolk finished fourth for Men’s. MJ Prince ’22 placed 6th is slalom among U16 girls.

Graphic: Northwood Athletics.

Senior Braelyn Tebo ‘20, with her partner Maddy Cohen from Lake Placid High School, slid down the bobsled track twice and took home a silver medal. Competing in Heavyweight Bobsled was Kip Morgan ‘20 and Charlie Purcell ‘21; they also won silver.

Both Elise Loescher ‘21 and Caroline Harrison ‘ 22 made the podium in Open Girls’ Ski Jumping. Loescher won gold, and Harrison was close behind with the bronze.

Graphic: Northwood Athletics.

Adria Tebo ‘23 was the only Northwood student to compete in Ice Hockey with her team Sara-Placid Lakers. After playing four games, the team won a well-deserved bronze medal.

This past weekend was successful for all Northwood students who competed in the 40th Empire State Winter Games in Lake Placid. All athletes are now preparing for this upcoming weekend.

Filed Under: Sports

Skiers, Jumpers, and Sliders Ready for Empire State Games

January 31, 2020 by Aimee Headland

All year, especially during the winter, Lake Placid welcomes many different athletes through the different sports and this weekend will be no different. For the 40th year, the Adirondacks will be hosting the 2020 Empire State Winter Games.

(Graphic: Northwood Athletics)

According to the Empire State Winter Games website, the sporting event brings together athletes from across New York State and beyond. With athletes from over fifteen states and three countries competing in over thirty winter sports.

The Olympic hills, tracks, jumps, and rinks are all ready for all the athletes, including twenty-three Northwood students who are getting ready to compete. Northwood will be represented in three sports: alpine skiing, bobsledding, girls’ hockey, and ski jumping.

Gabby Cote ‘21 is one of the many student-athletes representing Northwood. She and many of her teammates will be racing in all three ski races, the Super G, the GS, and the Slalom. “I’m very excited. As a FIS racer, these [Empire State Games] races are more laid back and feel more like a training session,” said Cote. “I always did these as a kid and I always look forward to having a fun weekend doing them with my friends,” she added.

(Graphic: Northwood Athletics)

Elise Loescher ‘21 is one of only two ski jumpers at Northwood. She reflected on this upcoming weekend. “I’m excited to have a competition on my home hill because it gives me an advantage,” said Loescher, “and there is a sense of confidence it gives you, so I am feeling good for this competition.” Loescher will be competing in the jumping competition, which is a Junior National Qualifier.

Also competing are three bobsledders. Kip Morgan ‘20 and Charlie Purcell ‘21 are both new to the sport, while Braelyn Tebo ‘20, who is teamed up with former Northwood student Maddy Cohen, is a veteran Empire State Games competitor.

(Graphic: Northwood Athletics)

Adria Tebo ’23 will also compete in girls hockey with her U14 SaraPlacid Lakers youth hockey team.

Northwood athletes travel globally for their sports and the Northwood athletes competing in the Empire State Winter Games are looking forward to competing on home ground.

With over 2,000 athletes competing this weekend, Lake Placid is ready to welcome all when the games will begin on Friday, January 31.

Filed Under: Sports, Top Story

Huskies Fare Well at Clarkson Carnival

January 29, 2020 by Mirror Staff

Northwood’s ski team performed well at the Clarkson University Carnival at Whiteface Mountain on the second day of the GS series at the Clarkson Carnival on Saturday, January 25.

Jake Reynolds ’19 (right) on the podium at the 2020 Clarkson University Carnival (Photo: NYSEF).

On the Men’s side, the Huskies had an outstanding representation in the top 30:

Jake Reynolds ’19 (above)placed 2nd
Andrew Van Slyke ’20 placed 15th
Wim Roney ’18 placed 20th
Christope Garon ’20 placed 23rd

On the Women’s side, the Huskies competed against collegiate athletes and improved their international rankings. Results included:

Audrey Higgins-Lopez ’21 placed 31st
Maddie Kostoss ’22 placed 32nd
Gabby Cote ’21 placed 33rd
Jaden Klebba ’21 placed 36th
Julia Geraldi ’20 placed 42nd

Next up for some of these athletes are Empire State Games, January 31 – February 1.

Filed Under: Sports

Soccer Teams Take First and Second at Presitigious IMG Cup

January 23, 2020 by Bernardo Simões

After weeks of preparation, the Northwood soccer team traveled to Florida to play in one of the most famous soccer tournaments in the country, the IMG Cup. Once more, the Huskies didn’t disappoint and achieved excellent results.

This was Northwood’s first time competing in the highly-recruited tournament, and the soccer team lived up to their reputation as one of the best prep soccer programs in the country by achieving first place (U19) and second place (U18).

The Winners of the IMG Cup U19 Division (Photo: Black Rock FC)

The tournament started on Friday, December 20th with the U19 team facing A.S.Truitier Haiti, and winning 7-1 in a game completed dominated by the Huskies. After missing a few opportunities, the soccer team scored the first goal and after that, the team kept looking to increase their advantage and the goals kept coming. In the afternoon, it was the U18’s turn and they tied 2-2 against Blast FC on a very split match. In the first half, Northwood dominated the game and got the advantage with goals by Peter Tcheleshev ’22 and an amazing acrobatic kick by Luke Smith ’21. In the second half, the team decreased their intensity and Blast FC scored in the only two chances they had. Despite fighting until the end to obtain victory, the Huskies weren’t able to achieve it.

The second day brought with it strong winds, but not even that was enough to stop both teams from achieving victory. The U19 ‘s faced YPT and won by 8-1, in a match where the goals started early, with Mateo Rodriguez ’20 scoring only four minutes into the game. The Huskies were starving for more and kept scoring throughout the game, completely dominating the match. At the same time, the U18 were facing Chargers SC in a game that ended up in a victory of 3-0 for the Huskies.

The last day of the tournament had the U19 team face Fluminense FC in a game that ended up tied 1-1. This tie was enough to guarantee the first place for the Huskies, who finished their first participation in the tournament as undefeated champions. The U18 team faced IMG Academy U18 team and, just like the U19s, tied the game 1-1. Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to place the Huskies in the first place of the group.

The ending of the tournament brought not only happiness and pride, but also some sadness, since two of our players, Ryan Combe ’20 and John Sinclair ’20, left the team and the school, in order to proceed their student-athlete carriers at Akron and University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, respectively. We wish them all the luck in the world!

Filed Under: Sports

Renowned Climbing Film Comes to Northwood

January 23, 2020 by Luke French

At Northwood there are many students who are very passionate about rock climbing. A couple of weeks ago, Reel Rock films made a stop at our school for a screening of Reel Rock 14.

I sat down with Kip Morgan ’20 to get more information about what Reel Rock is, who makes it, why the film group decided to come to Northwood and other things.

“What is the Reel Rock Tour and where the films are shown?” was the first question I asked Morgan. He stated, “The tour is a collection of short films that come out, normally 3-5 films, about rock climbing or mountaineering. The films are an annual event that has been going on for 14 years.” The films are shown in more than 500 countries around the world.

I asked Morgan what these films were about and he stated, “There are 4 films in Reel Rock 14. The first one follows Nina Williams climbing a boulder problem called Too High to Flail which is a 50ft tall v-10 boulder…The next short film follows a group of climbers talking about bringing together a community in Joe’s Valley Utah…There was also a short look into a Full-length feature that will be coming out soon. That will look at Marc-André Leclerc’s career as an alpine soloist…The last film was about the speed record on A route on El Capitan called the nose.”

“The film is made by North Face and Sender Films with help from Black Diamond, Yeti, Swell, and a few other brands that give support.” Stated Morgan, when asked about who is all involved in the development of the films. After asking who makes the films I asked him why he thought it would be a good idea for the films to come to Northwood? Morgan Stated, “The tour came to Lake Placid maybe two years ago… the film didn’t end up doing as well as people hoped. I remember having a conversation with Mr. Mellor about how it was a sad turn out for the Climbing community and then a smaller venue it would’ve done rather well.” Deciding that the Northwood auditorium would be the perfect size venue for the films, Morgan contacted Reel Rock and they came to show the films.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports

Students Try Bobsledding with Their Teacher, a Former Olympian

January 22, 2020 by Luke French

The teachers at Northwood School always find fun things for students to do on the weekend, and when teachers get to share their passions outside the classroom, the result can be truly special. This is such a story.

Mr. Matt Roy, a physics teacher, and rocketry specialist, took several students to the Olympic bobsled track at Mr. Van Hoevenberg so they could try the sport for themselves. Mr. Roy was a member of the 1988 Olympic Bobsled team, competing in the Calgary Winter Olympic Games. Following his competitive athletic career, he was the Executive Director of the United States Bobsled and Skeleton Federation. In other words, he is qualified to introduce students to the sport of bobsledding.

For many years now, Mr.Roy has been taking students to the bobsled track where they participate with the US Junior Bobseld training program. This program will meet about 6-8 times a year, and they will allow young people to come out and try bobsledding for the first time. Mr. Roy has found that the student who tries it one time usually wants to go again, and some of his students have even competed in regional and international races. The sport of bobsledding takes time to get very good at, but it doesn’t take a lot of time to fall in love with.

Bobsledding is a frightening sport, since sleds travel at speeds around 50 miles per hour, but the Northwood students who tried it never felt in danger. “The program is very safe,” said Mr. Roy. “We had one student cut her finger on a sled, but that’s the most serious we’ve had,” he added. Roy noted that junior bobsleds have safety features appropriate for novice sliders. “When the students are sledding, they use round runners, which are very safe since no student has tipped over one since the beginning of the program.”

What other school offers bobsledding as a weekend activity? Northwood offers programs that students wouldn’t be able to do at their normal high school. The students of Northwood should take advantage of all the opportunities that they get here, because after they graduate, they may never be able to fun things like bobsledding ever again.