Northwood’s Rich Olympic History

February 6, 2026 by Su Hae Jang

The XXIII Winter Olympic Games begin today and Opening Ceremonies are tomorrow in PyeongChang, South Korea. Athletes from around the world have arrived in the Olympic Village ready for the upcoming competitions. In the Winter Games, these top-level athletes will compete for 259 medals in 15 sports, including alpine skiing, ice hockey, ski jumping, and bobsleigh. The 2018 United States Olympic Team is comprised of 244 athletes — 135 men, 109 women, the largest Winter Olympic team for any nation in history.In this 16-day winter sports celebration featuring athleticism and life-changing accomplishment, five Northwood alumni have been named to Olympic teams. As athletes (Andrew Weibrecht ’03, Mike Testwuide ’05, Kevin Drury ’06, Will Rhoads ’13) and a coach (Tony Granato ’83), these alumni will join an exclusive club of twenty-three former Northwood students who participated in the Winter Olympic Games over the past seven decades. The history of Northwood School alumni who made it to the world stage to represent their respective countries goes back to the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo, Norway.

On the occasion of the opening of the Twenty-Third Winter Olympic Games, here’s a look at Northwood’s Olympic Alumni. We are grateful for the research and writing of Phil Frommholz ‘65, who has previously written about Northwood’s Olympic tradition. We are in debt to his work.

John Francis “Jack” Mulhern ’47

John Francis “Jack” Mulhern (Photo: Epitome)

Jack Mulhurn ’47 (photo: Boston College)

“Jack Mulhern deserves special recognition as the first Northwood athlete to step up on the Olympic Podium after winning a Silver medal in 1952 on the Men’s Hockey Team,” wrote Phil Frommholz in his personal blog, “The Northwood Blogger.” Mulhern was also one of the founding members of a club with nineteen Northwood Olympians as its members.

Annibale John “Ni” Orsi, Jr. ’64

Ni Orsi ’64 (Stockton Hall of Fame)

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Annibale John “Ni” Orsi, Jr. ’64 (Photo: Sports Illustrated)

“The decade of the 60s brought notice to Northwood School, for not only an outstanding hockey program, but also for its nationally-known ski program,” mentioned Mr. Frommholz. Californian Ni Orsi had just graduated from Northwood when he competed in the 1964 Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria. At 19 years of age, he ranked 14th as the first American finisher in the Men’s Downhill in alpine skiing.

Ulf Kvendbo ’68

Ulf Kvendbo (Photo: Epitome)

Ulf Kvendbo at the 1968 Games in Grenoble, France. (Photo: Canadian Ski Hall of Fame)

Ulf Kvendbo from Stockholm, Sweden was a ski jumper from the Team Canada who competed in two Winter Olympic Games: in 1968 and 1972. In 1968, he finished 53rd in Men’s Normal Hill, Individual and 55th in Men’s Large Hill, Individual. 4 years later, in Sapporo, Japan, he ranked 44th and 45th, respectively, in the events.

Thomas Robert Mellor ’68

Tom Mellor (Photo: Epitome)

Tom Mellor with the Red Wings, following his participation in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo: legendsofhockey.net)

While a student-athlete at Boston College, hockey player Tom Mellor, the older brother of current English teacher Donald Mellor, competed for the United States in the 1972 Winter Olympics and took home a silver medal. Another highlight of Mellor’s hockey career was when he joined NHL’s Detroit Red Wings in 1973-74. He spent most of his time with its minor league club, the Virginia Wings.

Jay J. Rand, II ’68

Jay Rand (Photo: Epitome)

A European press clipping featuring Jay Rand (Photo: USA Nordic Story Project)

As a world-class ski jumper who competed nationally and internationally with the U.S. Ski Jumping Team from 1966 to 1977, Jay Rand represented the United States in the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France. He placed 42nd in Men’s Normal Hill, Individual and 35th in Men’s Large Hill, Individual. He later became manager of the Lake Placid Olympic Ski Jumping Complex. After several years in that position, he was made the manager of the Whiteface Mountain Ski Area and then executive director of New York Ski Educational Foundation, also known as NYSEF. Today Rand coaches ski jumping for NYSEF and is a North Elba town councilman. Three-time Olympian Andrew Weibrecht is Rand’s son-in-law.

Brent Rushlaw ’70

Brent Rushlaw (Photo: Epitome)

Brent Rushlaw driving the USA sled at an international competition. (Photo: bunksplace.com)

Brent “Stuntman” Rushlaw, from nearby Saranac Lake, NY, is the only Olympic Bobsledder among Northwood School alumni. He established himself as the No. 1 bobsledder in the U.S., winning the national championship five times and 18 of the 26 two-man races he had entered in the U.S. (Matthew Roy, a science teacher at Northwood was the second-most decorated US bobsledder). Rushlaw competed in four Winter Olympic Games, more than any other bobsledder: 1976 in Innsbruck, Austria; 1980 in Lake Placid, 1984 in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia, and 1988 in Calgary, competing in Men’s Two and Men’s Four races. Despite just missing out on an Olympic medal in the ’80 and ’88 Olympics, placing 6th and 4th, respectively, Rushlaw earned the title as one of the best bobsled drivers in the world.

Joseph V. Lamb III ’73

Joe Lamb (Photo: Epitome)

Joe Lamb jumping in Lake Placid in preparation for the 1972 Games in Sapporo, Japan. (Photo: USA Nordic)

Joe Lamb ’73 is one of the youngest ski jumping and Nordic combined competitors in the history of the Olympic Games. At the age of 16, Lamb took a leave of absence from Northwood to compete in the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo, Japan. Since then, he has attended seven Winter Olympic Games as a coach, a commentator, a technical advisor, and official for ski jumping, skiing, and Nordic combined. Starting in 1991, Lamb served as a U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association representative to the International Ski Federation (FIS). In 1995 he received the Bud and Mary Little Award to honor his significant contribution to skiing interest in the United States through a long-term involvement in the FIS and Olympic communities, earning U.S. Skiing recognition. From 2014 to 2016, Lamb was named to the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority board as one of the town of North Elba’s representatives. His grandson is a member of the class of 2019.

Anthony Lewis “Tony” Granato ’83

Tony Granato (Photo: Epitome)

Tony Granato (Photo: University of Wisconsin)

Tony Granato came to Northwood from Illinois and was an impact player on a team that included legendary goalie Mike Richter. Before his senior year, he was drafted by the New York Rangers and went on to play at hockey power University of Wisconsin. After Wisconsin he represented the United States in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Granato was second in scoring for the U.S. at the 1988 Winter Olympics with eight points on a team that finished seventh. After the Olympics, he went on to have a successful career in the NHL. Upon retirement as a player, Granato has been a successful NHL coach. Since 2016 he has been the head coach of the Wisconsin men’s hockey team. Three decades after the Calgary Games, Tony Granato will be making his Olympic head coaching debut with the 2018 U.S. Men’s Ice Hockey Team in PyeongChang, South Korea.

Michael Thomas Richter ’85

Mike Richter (Photo: Epitome)

Mike Richter in the 2002 Games in Salt Lake. (Photo: Library and Archives Canada)

Pennsylvania native Mike Richter is widely-regarded as the best American goaltender in NHL history. Richter played with Tony Granato at the 1988 Olympic Games to represent the United States before making his NHL debut in the 1989 playoffs. Despite a series of knee injuries, Richter was selected as the top goaltender for Team USA in the 1998 games in Nagano, Japan and in the 2002 games in Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S. Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 2002 Games. He was named to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2008 for his contribution during his 14-year NHL career.

David A. Tretowicz ’87

David Tretowicz (Photo: Epitome)

David Tretowicz at the 1992 Games in Albertville. (Photo: Clarkson University)

While at Northwood, Liverpool, NY native Dave Tretowicz was one of the most highly-recruited defensemen by college coaches. He ended up at Clarkson, and represented the United States in the 1992 games in Albertville, where the U.S. lost to the Czech Republic in the bronze medal game. Drafted by the Calgary Flames, Tretowicz played professionally in the International Hockey League from 1991 to 1994.

Kent Salfi ’89

Kent Salfi (Photo: Epitome)

Kent Salfi playing profesionally in Austria. (Photo: http://www.meinbezirk.at)

Kent was the third Salfi boy to attend and play hockey for Northwood. After graduation, he attended University of Maine, where he was part of the the 1993 NCAA National Championship team. After college, he played professionally in Europe and eventually settled in Austria, where he became a naturalised citizen. He represented Austria in the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake, where his team finished in 12th place.

James Tower “Jim” Campbell ’91

Jim Campbell (Photo: The Epitome)

Jim Campbell at the Lillehammer Games in 1994. (Photo: Trading Card Database)

Massachusetts native Jim Campbell was drafted 28th overall by the Montreal Canadiens in 1991. After Northwood, he went on to Lawrence Academy and then chose the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League over college. He played for the United States in 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway where his team placed eighth. He had a sixteen-year career that included stints in the NHL, AHL, IHL and Europe.

Craig Michael Conroy ’90

Craig Conroy (Photo: Epitome)

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Craig Conroy at the 2006 Games in Torino, Italy. (Photo: Alamy)

A native of Potsdam, NY, Craig Conroy was one of the best players in college hockey, playing for his hometown school, Clarkson University. His NHL career spanned seventeen years and more than 1,000 games for the Canadiens, Blues, Flames and Kings. Internationally, he played in the 2006 Turin, Italy Winter Olympic Games, where the United States placed eighth. Today, Conroy is the assistant general manager of the Calgary Flames of the National Hockey League.

Christopher Bowie Therien ’90

Christopher Therien (Photo: Epitome)

Chris Therien at the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics. (Photo: Library and Archives Canada)

Therien spent his first of three years at Northwood on the JV team, but quickly became a force on the varsity squad his junior year. After Northwood he attended Providence College for three years, leaving to join the Canadian Olympic Team to compete in the 1994 Olympic Games in Lillehammer, Norway, where he won a silver medal. Therien played 12 National Hockey League seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers and Dallas Stars. He is currently a color commentator for the Flyers on Comcast SportsNet and occasionally provides commentary on NBC Sports.

Thomas Vonn ’94

Thomas Vonn (Photo: Epitome)

US Thomas Vonn during the men's giant slalom 1st r

Thomas Vonn during the men’s giant slalom in Salt Lake. (Photo: Oliver Morin/Getty Images)

Thomas Vonn was late to develop into one of the best ski racers in his age group. He did two PG years at Northwood before training with the US Ski Team’s C squad and then attending St. Lawrence University. Primarily a giant slalom racer, Thomas Vonn’s best finish in international competition was in the Men’s Super G at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, where he placed ninth. He was 19th in the Men’s Giant Slalom event in those games.

Adam McLeish ’97

Adam McLeish (Photo: Epitome)

Adam McLeish at an international competition. (Photo: Team GB)

Adam McLeish was selected to represent Team Great Britain in Men’s Parallel Giant Slalom at the 2010 Vancouver, Canada Olympic Winter Games, in which he finished 24th. McLeish was a ski racer at Northwood, and only took on snowboarding when he was 20. McLeish is the only alpine snowboarder from Northwood School to appear in an Olympics so far.

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill ’98

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill (Photo: Epitome)

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill at the games in Salt Lake. (Photo: Adirondack Daily Enterprise)

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill (née Kilbourne) grew up in Saranac Lake playing hockey around the North Country with boys. She played hockey at Northwood before the school had a girls team and was named captain of her team. After Northwood, she went on to Princeton, where she was twice a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the top female college ice hockey player in the United States. At the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake, Andrea Kilbourne scored one goal and one assist, helping the United States Women’s Ice Hockey Team take the silver medal. After her playing career, Kilbourne played a critical role in helping establish a strong girls’ hockey program at Northwood School as head coach of girls’ hockey from 2008-2016. Kilbourne-Hill stepped down from her post in 2016. She currently lives in her hometown of Saranac Lake, NY where she teaches fourth grade.

Kei Takahashi ’99

Kei Takahashi (Photo: Epitome)

Kei Takahashi at the Salt Lake Games. (Photo: Clive Mason/Getty Images)

The only Olympic luge racer to attend Northwood, Kei Takahashi represented Japan in two Winter Olympics: the 1998 Games in Nagano, Japan and the 2002 Games in Salt Lake. He finished 14th in the Mixed (Men’s) Doubles event in 1998.

Andrew Weibrecht ’03

Andrew Weibrecht (Photo: Epitome)

Andrew Weibrecht at the Sochi Games.. (Photo: Alexander Hassenstein / Today)

Andrew Weibrecht, also known as the “War Horse” or “The Wombat,” is a two-time Olympic medalist from Lake Placid who attended Northwood for grades 9-11. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, he was one of the biggest surprises, claiming the bronze medal in Men’s Super G and finishing 21st and 11th in Men’s Downhill and Combined, respectively. Four years later, in Sochi, Russia, Weibrecht won the silver medal in the Super G race. In doing so, he became one of just five U.S. men to win multiple Olympic medals in alpine skiing. In this Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea, the “War Horse” is looking to add to his growing list of Olympic medals. He will turn 32 on Feb 10, the first Saturday of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Fun fact: his father-in-law is Olympic ski jumper and Northwood grad Jay Rand

Mike Testwuide ’05

Mike Testwuide (Photo: Epitome)

Mike Testwuide playing for Team Korea. (Photo: ESPN)

Colorado native Mike Testwuide is getting ready to play on the world’s biggest stage with a South Korean flag stitched to his jersey for this upcoming 2018 Winter Games. He played for Colorado College from 2005 to 2010 and for four seasons in the AHL before taking his game to Seoul. He has played professionally Korea since 2013, receiving dual citizenship in 2015.

Kevin Drury ’06

Kevin Drury (Photo: Epitome)

Kevin Drury at a recent ski cross event. (Photo: Canadian Olympic Committee)

While at Northwood, Kevin Drury was an alpine ski racer, but he will be representing Team Canada in PyeongChang as a ski cross racer. In 2011, while attending the University of Vermont, he was the runner-up in the Giant Slalom at the NCAA national championships and was a First Team All-American in the Slalom. Drury also earned NCAA All-American Second Team honors for Slalom and Giant Slalom in 2014. After a successful NCAA career, Kevin Drury qualified for the Canada Ski Cross Team after an incredible 2015-16 season highlighted by a fourth place finish in Bokwang, South Korea, the site of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games.

Update in 2026 (by Jack Kroll ’26):

In 2019-20, Drury won the Crystal Globe for the overall World Cup.

At the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, Drury finished fourth in the final, narrowly missing the podium. He then had consecutive injury-affected seasons, leading up to 2024`-25 when he returned to top form, claiming five World Cup podiums and ending a three-year drought. He returned to the top step of the podium in December 2024 for the first time since February 2020.

Drury will be attending his third Olympics at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.

“I’m incredibly honored to represent Canada in a third Olympics,” Drury said in a statement released by Team Canada. “Really excited to finish my career with the opportunity to win a medal. For first-time Olympians, my advice is to take it all in, have fun, and enjoy the experience. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime moment, though I guess in my case it’s three in a lifetime, which I still can’t believe.”

Will Rhoads ’13

Will Rhoads (Photo: Epitome)

Will Rhoads jumping in a recent international event. (Photo: Park Record)

New Hampshire native Will Rhoads is an American ski jumper making his Olympic debut in PyeongChang. He was at Northwood for his junior year, before his family moved to Utah. At just 22 years old, he already has three national titles to his name. His career took off when he graduated to the senior ranks in 2015 after competing in four consecutive Junior World Championships. Rhoads immediately found success, taking home two national championships in 2015 and 2016 on the large hill and another title on the normal hill in 2016.

Also of note:

Martin Jong-bum Hyun ’99 is a second-generation Korean immigrant in Germany who attended Northwood School in his senior year to further his education and pursue his hockey career at the same time. Upon graduation, Hyun played NCAA Division II hockey for St. Michael’s college, winning the ECAC Division II Northeast Championship in 2002. When he returned to Germany in 2004, he became the first Asian in the history of German hockey to make it to the nation’s highest professional league, Deutsche Eishockey Liga, signing with the Krefeld Pinguine. Although he has not competed in any Winter Olympic Games, in 2015, Hyun was appointed technical coordinator for the 2018 Winter Olympics by the PyeongChang Organizing Committee in the field of ice hockey and ice sledge hockey.

Martin Jong-bum Hyun (Photo: Epitome)

Martin Hyun in Germany. (Photo: EIS Hockey)

Tate Frantz ‘23

Lake Placid native Tate Frantz is attending his first Olympics at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games. Frantz attended Northwood for a year in 2020-21. He then took the leap, moving to Norway to hone his skills. Then, 2 years later, he returned to Lake Placid in 2023 to make his World Cup debut. Frantz has since established himself on the World Cup circuit, racking up three Top 10s and a 14th-place finish at the World Championships in 2025. He also took home three medals in the 2025 Junior World Championships. LINK IF YOU THINK WE SHOULD

In an interview with the Mirror, Frantz said, “Since my first time on skis at the age of two, I’ve dreamt of having the honor to take part in the holy grail of sports. I’m so beyond excited and proud of the work and years behind it.”

Tate Frantz’s yearbook photo. The Epitome.

Tate Frantz is airborne to a 16th-place finish at the Ski Jump World Cup men’s competition held in February 2025 in Lake Placid. Photo by Nancie Battaglia.

The legacy of 24 Northwood Olympians reflects the rich tradition of Northwood School, as students excel through a balance of rigorous academics and unique athletic opportunities. These Olympians share their experience, strength, and hope with all who follow them.

Northwood School is proud of our Northwood alumni! We will be watching the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang from our own Olympic Village of Lake Placid.

Read about the Northwood alumni in the 2018 Winter Olympic Games.

Su Hae Jang was a sophomore at Northwood School when this article was originally published in 2018. She lives in Seoul, South Korea. Read other articles by Su Hae Jang.

This article was updated in February 2026 by Jack Kroll ’26.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, Sports, Top Story

Boys’ Hockey Heads to South Kent

February 5, 2026 by Andrew Sherland

This weekend, the entire Boys’ Hockey program—Prep, Varsity, and U16—will head to South Kent School. This has been a heavily anticipated weekend for the whole school year, and the boys are excited. Last year, Prep and Varsity went a combined 4-0 at South Kent. They are looking to do the same this year, especially with the addition of the U16 team. All games are played at Admiral James and Sybil Stockdale Arena. Streaming link here.

PREP

The Prep team rolls into South Kent hungry for two wins. They enter this weekend 5th overall in the Prep Hockey Conference (PHC), and 2nd in the East Division. South Kent is 1st in the East Division, and 4th overall. Earlier in the season, these teams played in Lake Placid and split 1-1. Coming off a championship weekend at the St. Andrew’s MacPherson Tournament, the Huskies are looking to keep their momentum headed in the right direction as the season comes to a close. They will play South Kent at 4:15 pm on Saturday and at 11:15 am on Sunday morning. “We are super excited for this weekend. Any time you get to play South Kent, you know you have to bring your game and be prepared to play physical. This weekend is huge for us in terms of the league standings, so we are bringing our best,” said Cooper Plotts ‘26.

VARSITY

The Varsity squad is looking to stay hot as they come off a 3-1 league weekend. They are 11-2 in the New Year, and things are looking promising. The Huskies have played South Kent three times this season and are 1-2. This weekend is guaranteed to be a battle and will be very competitive hockey. They play South Kent at 7:00 pm on Saturday night and then 2:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. “I know the boys are fired up for this weekend. We have been playing very well in this half of the season, and this weekend will be a measure of our toughness and ability to work together,” said Jack Pitts ‘27.

16s

The 16s are looking to end a 4-game losing streak against a very competitive and fast South Kent team. They played South Kent earlier this season at the PG Fall Classic and lost 6-2. However, they have improved since then and are looking for revenge against South Kent. They will play at 2:00 pm on Saturday afternoon, and then at 9:00 am on Sunday morning. “Last time we played them, we weren’t ready as a team. This time I feel that we have gelled really well and are prepared to go into battle together. It would be huge to sweep South Kent at this point in the season for our confidence as a team,” said Russell Astuto ‘27.

This weekend will be a test for all three teams, and the expectation is 6-0.

Filed Under: Sports, Top Story

They Train Like Olympians. They Compete Like Olympians. They Aren’t Allowed to Be Olympians.

February 4, 2026 by Jack Kroll

The Olympic Dream, Denied: Women and Nordic Combined.

The International Olympic Committee has dubbed the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics the most gender-equal Winter Olympics in history, with women’s competitors making up 47% of the field. This figure is the result of decades of advocacy by athletes and fans pushing for equal opportunity across genders; however, the IOC still refuses to give the women of Nordic Combined their opportunity.

Nordic Combined is a sport combining ski jumping and cross-country skiing. It is one of the original Olympic sports and has been contested at every Winter Olympic Games—but only for men.

In the last decade, women’s Nordic Combined has grown rapidly, with the addition of the World Cup in 2020, which was won by Vermont native Tara Geraghty-Moats, and the addition of a large hill event in March 2025. Despite this progress, one stage still excludes women: the Olympics.

The International Olympic Committee cites a lack of diversity on the World Cup podium, a lack of viewership, and a lack of development in the sport as reasons the women’s event is not included.

Here are the facts. So far, athletes from five separate nations have stood on the podium in the 2025–2026 World Cup season. This includes American athletes Alexa Brabec and Tara Geraghty-Moats. As for viewership, during the 2024–2025 World Cup season, viewership of women’s Nordic Combined events grew by 25%.

The lack of growth in the sport is directly tied to its absence from the Olympics. Every young athlete shares the same dream: to become an Olympian. When a young girl is choosing a sport, she isn’t going to choose the one in which she is denied the chance to fulfill that dream. Additionally, by excluding women from competing in Nordic Combined, the IOC is failing to uphold one of the goals laid out in its charter. Founder Pierre de Coubertin stated, “The Olympic Games are open to all the world. No discrimination is allowed.”

This is not a new story. Since the very first Winter Olympics, certain sports and events have been open only to men. Over the course of a century, athletes and fans pushed back. Eventually, only two holdouts remained: ski jumping and Nordic Combined. In 2014, women’s ski jumping was added to the Winter Olympics, leaving Nordic Combined as the Winter Olympics’ last holdout.

Now it is time for us—the athletes, the fans, and everyone who believes in the Olympic dream—to speak up. Every year without women’s Nordic Combined at the Olympics sends a clear message to young girls watching from the sidelines: this dream is not for you. That message contradicts everything the Olympics claim to represent. Equality cannot be selective. Opportunity cannot be conditional. The women of Nordic Combined have earned their place.

NO E❌CEPTION Campaign Poster by Jack Kroll and Nordic Combined USA.

History will not remember the excuses used to delay equality; it will remember who stood in the way of it. The Olympics pride themselves on progress. It’s time they prove it. No more waiting. No more excuses. No exception.

What Can You Do?

Change does not happen quietly. A petition supporting the inclusion of women’s Nordic Combined in the Olympic Games is linked here for readers who want to add their voice. Fans can also support the sport by tuning in to men’s Nordic Combined at the Olympics. Strong viewership of the men’s event increases the likelihood that the IOC will add the women’s event. Here’s where and when to watch men’s Nordic Combined at the Olympics.

Sign the Petition to Include Women’s Nordic Combined in the Olympic Games!

Where and When to Watch.

Filed Under: Opinion, Real World, Sports, Top Story

Pre-Game Rituals: Jett Jewett ’26

February 4, 2026 by Gavin Kruger

This edition of athletes’ pre-game rituals features Jett Jewett, who embodies the essence of simplicity and versatility. Jewett plays on the U19 soccer/football team, operating primarily as a defensive-minded midfielder, but has recently shown potential as a more box-to-box midfielder, one who can provide output both in defense and going forward. This is part of a series of articles about student-athletes’ pre-game rituals. Read them all here.

Jett Jewett ’27. Photo: Northwood Soccer/Instagram.

Though he has no superstitions, he does have a structured, consistent routine. “The night before game(s), I stretch out and do mobility work – after a long bus ride, my body is usually sore. So, I’ll hop on the bike at the hotel gym, if they have one; if not, I’ll just stretch out. Lastly, I need to get at least 8 hours of sleep. On gameday morning, I start by drinking a bottle of electrolyte at breakfast, then I always eat a Banana and an Orange. After that, I shower and then take the bus to the game. Once I get on the bus, I turn on my music; my two artists are Gunna and Drake.”

All athletes have gas station must-haves; some are healthier than others, prioritizing discipline and high-quality ingredients over sugary junk food. Jett falls into the healthy category: “I always get trail mix, specifically the bag with the M&M’s. On top of that, I grab myself a vitamin water – I keep it healthy.”

“I would suggest that you do not change anything on gameday – meaning don’t do things that you haven’t done before,” Jewett advises. “If you start preparing in ways that you don’t normally do, you subconsciously make the game feel bigger than it actually is. I stick to my routine and keep it simple; that works for me,” he added.

“What player inspires me? Kevin De Bruyne. I wouldn’t say that my playstyle is similar to his, but he’s been my favorite player from a young age; So, I don’t have a player who I try to model my game after, however, De Bruyne is the one that’s inspired me.”

Filed Under: People, Sports Tagged With: PreGameRituals

Super Bowl LX Preview and Predictions

February 4, 2026 by Kevin Betsch

The New England Patriots. Photo: The Boston Globe.

Super Bowl LX is approaching rapidly, taking place on Sunday, February 8^th, at 6:30 p.m. Super Bowl LX features the Seattle Seahawks versus the New England Patriots. These playoffs have been somewhat predictable this year, with no real upsets. However, if you told someone last year that the Seahawks and the Patriots were going to be in the 2026 Super Bowl, they would look at you like you were crazy.

Let’s start with the Patriots. Last year, the Patriots ended with a record of 4-13. This put them at the bottom of the division and landed them the 4^th overall pick in the NFL draft. With this pick, they drafted offensive tackle Will Campbell out of Louisiana State University. This draft was a homerun for them, as they landed TreVeyon Henderson in the second round and Craig Woodson in the fourth. TreVeyon Henerson and Will Campbell had immediate impacts on the Patriots’ struggling offense. Craig Woodson added a layer of safety to the Patriots’ defense as an elite rookie. Henderson performed so well that he has earned a nomination for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Patriots not only had a successful draft but also a successful free agency. The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs to a three-year contract. People were very skeptical of Diggs; he was a former superstar who had struggled with injuries and off-field issues over his past few seasons. Diggs proved all the Skeptics wrong, instantly becoming the Patriots’ number one wide receiver and totaling over 1000 yards receiving. The Patriots also completely revamped their defense by signing Rober Spillane, Harold Landry, Carlton Davis, and Milton Williams. None of these players were superstars by any means, but they were elite defenders looking for a change of scenery, and all found success this season. Now, let’s talk about the big difference for the Patriots in 2026: Drake Maye. The Patriots selected Maye 3^rd overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye started for the Patriots in the back half of his rookie year and looked good, but not elite. However, in his sophomore campaign, Maye took his game to a whole new level. He had better weapons on his offense, more elite offensive linemen, more receivers, and an elite running back in TreVeyon Henderson. All around, the offense was better, but Drake Maye threw for 4,394 yards with 31 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions, leading the Patriots to a 14-3 record and the third-place seed in the NFL. Maye has also become a favorite to win the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award.

The Seahawks did not have as dramatic a turnaround as the Patriots, but in the previous year, they were only 10-7. The Seahawks being 10-7 was honestly a shock to fans around the league because they were not supposed to be a winning football team. They didn’t have a franchise QB, and their defense was just okay. They were mediocre and didn’t seem to have the most fantastic future. However, they had a young elite WR from Ohio State, Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Njigba was good in his rookie year, catching 10 touchdowns and around 1,200 receiving yards. In his sophomore year, he made a massive jump in production, catching 10 touchdowns and leading the league with 1,793 receiving yards. Njibga solidified himself as the best WR in football and is in the running for the offensive player of the year award, and is a favorite to win. In the Seahawks’ 2025 draft class, they selected a future All-Pro in Nick Emmanwori. Emmanwori quickly became one of the best safeties in the NFL and was nominated for defensive rookie of the year; he transformed the Seahawks’ defense into one of the league’s best. They also signed Sam Darnold in the offseason. Sam Darnold was a quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings who had bounced around the league before becoming the starter in Minnesota. Darnold was initially drafted by the Jets as an early first-round pick, but he never panned out and was considered a bust. However, over the past two years, he has become an elite player. He also transformed the Seahawks offense into one of the best in the NFL. Darnold threw 4048 passing yards, adding 25 touchdowns.

This game could absolutely go either way. Both teams are elite on offense and defense. I would give the Patriots the better offense and the Seahawks the better defense. The Patriots have battled playoff conditions and faced the NFL’s best defenses, beating the Texans and the Broncos. The Seahawks have had a much easier path, beating a significantly injured 49ers and a very elite Rams team. However, the Rams’ defense is much weaker than the Patriots’, and I think that will decide the Super Bowl. The Patriots are used to facing elite defenses, and the Seahawks are not ready for how the Patriots will rush against them. I think this game will be the battle of defenses, but I have the Patriots winning 20-14.

Filed Under: Sports

First Starts, Strong Finishes: Benjamin ’26 and White ’26 Debut in Freestyle Competition

February 3, 2026 by Yosef Spear

The freestyle ski team has opened its competition season with two first-time competitors: Nate Benjamin ’26 and Ben White ’26. Both athletes made their competitive debuts this winter, gaining valuable experience and strong results in their initial events.

Benjamin White ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

White has competed once so far, entering a rail jam at Titus Mountain. In a rail jam, skiers focus exclusively on rails and are judged on their tricks, consistency, and variety. Benjamin competed in both a slopestyle event at Whiteface Mountain and the rail jam at Titus Mountain, his first time in each format. Slopestyle competitions feature a line of jumps with rails integrated into the course, and athletes are judged on the same criteria of trick difficulty, consistency, and variety.

This is White’s first year at Northwood School and his first season on a freestyle team. Still relatively new to freestyle skiing, he has been working hard on fundamentals. At the rail jam, White chose to stick with the tricks he knew rather than attempting higher-risk maneuvers, recognizing that completing a clean run is better than falling in competition. That approach paid off, as he placed third, an outcome he credits to consistent training and smart decision-making.

“My first time competing was a little nerve-wracking,” White said. “But I spent the entire day skiing, which was fun. I also received support from my coach and teammates, making it easier for me. I learned a lot from the rail jam, and one of my biggest takeaways was to wear more protective gear while skiing. I ended up placing third and was satisfied with my result and performance.”

Protective gear plays an important role in freestyle skiing, where falls can result in injuries that sideline athletes for days, weeks, or even months. White has been enjoying his experience on the freestyle team, praising the coaching and daily opportunity to ski. His favorite trick is a front 270 off a rail. “Nothing flashy,” he says, but a fun and reliable core trick.

Nathaniel (Nate) Benjamin ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.

Benjamin, meanwhile, has been on the freestyle team for two years, though this season marks his first time competing. Last year, he focused on developing fundamentals during his first season of freestyle skiing. This year, his progression has been significant, as he has learned more difficult tricks and pushed himself further. His slopestyle competition went well, earning him a first-place finish, which he attributes to focused training on jumps. At the rail jam, Benjamin placed second, finishing just behind White.

“My first time competing was exhilarating, but also nerve-racking, having judges watch me,” Benjamin said. “I learned many of the tricks on the spot at the event, which was cool. I learned that I should train even harder in the future because I feel behind where I should be right now. I want to be a good skier when the competitions get harder and the skiers are better. The competitions were not as competitive as I thought they would be, but the crowds pushed me to throw bigger tricks and put on a show instead of being lazy.”

Benjamin has also enjoyed training with new team members and expanding beyond freestyle-only terrain. He believes incorporating all-mountain skiing into training has helped everyone become more well-rounded skiers. His favorite trick during competition was a lip-on rail slide to front 270 out, while his favorite tricks overall are backflips and big 360s. Although backflips may appear more intimidating, Benjamin notes that a 360 is fundamentally harder because it requires more precise mechanics, even if committing to flipping backward feels more daunting.

With their first competitions behind them, both Benjamin and White have gained confidence, experience, and motivation as the freestyle season continues.

Filed Under: Sports

Northwood Alum Selected in First Round of MLS Draft

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

After a breakout sophomore season at Georgetown University, in which Mitchell Baker ’24 helped the Hoyas win the Big East Championship and make the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament, many started saying that an MLS Club would draft Mitch. After all, he was the 8th leading goal scorer in the country, a 2nd Team All American, a Mac Herman Semifinalist, a unanimous selection for the All-Big East team, as well as being a “true freshman”, having gone to college a year early at 17 years of age.

Baker celebrates a goal for Georgetown. Photo: Georgetown Hoyas

The Colorado Rapids post announcing Baker’s pick. (Instagram)

On December 18^th, 2025, Baker’s dream became a reality when he received a call from the Colorado Rapids at the 10^th overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft, marking the start of his professional soccer career. With that selection, Mitchell made history for Northwood, becoming the first alumnus to be drafted in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft, a huge milestone for both Mitch and the school.

Before his journey to the United States, Mitch, born in Melbourne, Australia, spent 10 years in Hong Kong, which led him to take up soccer instead of Australian Rules Football. He played for the Kitchee FC, a local professional academy, and the Hong Kong Football Club. Upon returning to Australia, Mitch played for Melbourne Victory (an A-League academy). Halfway through his freshman year, Baker made a huge move to the US at age 15 to Northwood School. Moving across to the other side of the world was challenging for Mitchell as he had to adjust to an entirely new environment. Although it was hard, it played a huge role in his character development.

Whilst Mitch had always been tall, he only physically developed after he arrived in the USA and switched from CB/CM to striker. He made a significant impact on the Northwood/Black Rock soccer program. During his sophomore year, he scored 56 goals and 19 assists, placing him on the radar for colleges across the country. Shortly after his sophomore year, he committed to Georgetown University. In his Junior year, Mitch scored 73 goals and 13 assists as a U19. That successful season allowed Mitch to make another bold decision, deciding to join the Georgetown Hoyas a year earlier than expected. Mitch totaled 141 goals and 39 assists in 121 games in his 2 and a half years at Northwood, a record that will be hard to beat.

Baker celebrates a goal while at Northwood. Photo: Mr. Michael Aldridge.

At Georgetown, Baker continued to grow beyond the score sheet. Georgetown coaches, teammates, and commentators were very impressed with Mitch’s technical skills and footwork, given his 6-foot 5 frame. They were also impressed by his aerial skills and his ability to hold the ball up and kick off both feet with equal skill. These skills were on display as he scored a brace as the Hoyas defeated UCF 2-0 in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Division 1 tournament.

Baker’s unique athletic attributes, paired with his consistent performances, attracted many MLS scouts who were looking at potential draft picks. What makes his selection even more special is that he told clubs he would not leave college until after he graduated.

Baker is a sophomore in the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown, majoring in Finance and minoring in Entrepreneurship, and he is accelerating his graduation path. He still managed a 3.8 GPA despite his workload and earned Second Honors last semester.

Interview with Mitch Baker regarding his Draft Day and journey:

What did it feel like when you got drafted 10^th overall in the MLS Superdraft?

“It was a dream come true. You look back at where it started and how tough the journey was, but it is satisfying to know that it was all worth it at the end of the day.”

What does it mean to be the first Northwood Alumnus drafted in the first round?

“It’s a special achievement for me, considering how big a role Northwood played in getting me to where I am. I’m just proud to represent the school in this way.”

Who are you most thankful for along the way?

“My family, without a doubt. I’m also thankful for the coaches and teachers at both Northwood and Georgetown because without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

How did you find the move from Australia to the United States?

“At first, it was challenging being away from mates and family, but overall, I think it forced me to mature and develop as a person.”

What excites you the most about joining the Colorado Rapids?

“I’m excited to be in a competitive environment surrounded by people with similar goals to me. I’m also excited because I think this will give me a feel for the professional lifestyle. Being drafted is great, but it doesn’t guarantee a contract (unlike other sports drafts). There is a lot of hard work to come, but I’m ready for the challenge!”

Baker’s journey from Melbourne to Lake Placid, to Washington, DC, and potentially Colorado is quite remarkable. His journey involved risk and hard work, which paid off. As he continues his path, his story will be seen as a milestone for the Northwood program, and it will be exciting to watch!

Filed Under: People, Sports, Top Story

Varsity Hockey League Weekend Preview

January 29, 2026 by Andrew Sherland

This weekend, the Varsity team travels to New England Sports Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts, for a United Tier 1 Hockey League (UT1HL) weekend. This is their second league weekend, and they went 2-2 at the previous UT1HL weekend. Northwood is 3-3 in the league and is looking to add to its win total this weekend.

The Huskies will start their weekend against Velocity Academy on Friday at 6:20 pm. On Saturday, Northwood faces off against Epic Academy at 1:10 pm. Later that day, they play the New Hampshire Avalanche at 8:10 pm. On Sunday, Northwood wraps up its weekend against Northeast Academy at 9:20 am. This weekend is huge for the Huskies as it is their last taste of league play before the playoffs, so a good weekend will result in a good seed for the postseason.

“I am very excited for this weekend! I think that we have had a really solid week of practice, and we are ready to go. We need to play together and trust each other to be successful. Our expectations are very high, and we need to step up our level of play,” said Henrik Hinse ‘27.

Filed Under: Sports

Two Ghanaian Soccer Talents at Northwood

January 29, 2026 by Josh Baker

There are two Ghanaian student-athletes, Abdul Baaki and Samuel Andoh, who are making an enormous impact on the field here at Northwood School. They have both brought unique stories filled with talent, sacrifice, and hard work, inspiring others in the soccer program.

Abdul Baaki ’28 (left) and Samuel Andoh ’28. Photo provided.

Abdul Baaki ’28 and Samuel Andoh ’28 share a lot more than just their home country. Both grew up in Ghana with an ambition to succeed educationally and in soccer. They both flew thousands of miles to chase their dreams at Northwood. But their journeys were quite different before intersecting here at Lake Placid.

Abdul grew up in Kumasi, one of Ghana’s largest cities. It is a well-known city for producing soccer talents. Ever since Abdul could touch a ball, his ability stood out immediately. Many people knew that he had something special about him. His talent was seen by Indian Mountain School, which eventually offered Abdul a scholarship. He stayed in the program for three years, continuing to develop both on and off the pitch. His experience at IMS prepared him well for the next step in his career, leading him to Northwood. Now he is playing as a winger for the U17s as a 2010. Despite being younger than many on the team, he has consistently been on the score sheet, using his incredible technical ability and speed. His style of play reflects flair and creativity, a trait commonly associated with West African soccer.

A young Abdul with Mohammed Kudus. Photo provided.

Andoh’s journey to Northwood began even earlier. Andoh left his home in Ghana to join Northwood School as a 9^th grader. He had a clear goal: to chase his dream of becoming a professional soccer player and to have an education that was not possible in his hometown. The adjustment to Northwood meant not only a new country but also a new academic system, faster-paced learning, and a different style of play. Despite these challenges, Andoh has performed well, establishing himself as a key player in the U17s.

Andoh with Mohammed Kudus. Photo by 3Sports Ghana

On the field, Andoh plays as a Striker and brings a physical style shaped by his experiences in Ghana. He was previously named Player of the Tournament at a competition held in Ghana by Mohammed Kudus, a Ghanaian who currently plays for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. Andoh is known for his skills, speed, and goal-scoring ability. This has helped him establish himself as a consistent goalscorer for the U17s.

Watch Mohammed Kudus’s Instagram post regarding the tournament: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLxfjhoN9xr/?igsh=aTgxZGJ2OGU0dWp6

Interview with Samuel Andoh and Abdul Baaki regarding their journey so far:

What is the most significant difference between playing soccer in Ghana and playing here?

Abdul: “The biggest difference is physicality. In Ghana, soccer is a lot more physical than here.”

Andoh: “The biggest difference is the surface. In Ghana, we do not have the resources we have here, so instead of turf, we played on rough grounds.”\

What are your goals this year?

Abdul: “My goal is to have 70 goals and assists by the end of the year.”

Andoh: “My goal is to score 60 goals by the end of this year.”

What has been the hardest adjustment since moving to Northwood?

Abdul: “The hardest part has been the travel schedule. When we get back from games at 01:00 a.m. and must go to school, it is hard.”

Andoh: “The hardest part has been trying to communicate with others.”

Together, Abdul and Andoh are a lot more than just talented soccer players. Their stories contain sacrifice, resilience, and the nature of opportunity. These stories show how special this opportunity at Northwood is and how Northwood can be a big step in a person’s life.

Filed Under: Northwood Life, People, Sports

Champions League Update

January 28, 2026 by Noah Moodey

This past Tuesday and Wednesday were quite eventful in the world of soccer: the second-to-last match day of the Champions League – soccer’s biggest club tournament, played out dramatically with clashes between the world’s best in every corner of the globe. The tournament bracket is set up as follows: 36 of the best teams from across Europe are added to a single league. In this league, the top 8 teams at the end of the 8 “matchdays” automatically qualify for the final round, which is an elimination tournament featuring 16 teams. The other 28 teams compete in a play-in to fill the last 8 slots. Most recently, matchday 7 concluded, with numerous results worth reporting.

Portuguese club Sporting Lisbon pulled off a massive upset against the reigning champions Paris St. Germain. This win bumps Sporting within striking distance of the top 8. Across Europe in England, Arsenal secured a massive win against Italian giants Inter Milan with a 3-1 victory. A Liverpool team in much need of 3 points emphatically battered French side Marseille 3-0 on enemy soil to bump them up to 4^th in the table. Lastly, Spanish giants Real Madrid put 6 goals, including a brace (2 goals) from star striker Kylian Mbappe, past a young and talented AS Monaco side, to push themselves to safety in 3^rd place.

Goal scorer and match-winner Kylian Mbappe of Real Madrid is celebrating the second of his two goals. Photo: FOTMOB

However, aside from Arsenal, currently top of the table, and Bayern Munich, a close second, none of the remaining 8 slots are at all secure. Just 2 points separate 3^rd place from 12^th, meaning in the final match week, everything is up for grabs. Every team will be putting their life on the line because this could be where many Champions League campaigns end. Some games to look out for are Paris St. Germain vs. Newcastle United, Newcastle are within striking distance of the top 8 and Paris are in 6^th, easily replaceable in the top 8 and Benfica vs Man City, Benfica is a powerful Portuguese team with a lot of history, and Man City despite having an amazing season are coming of two losses in a row and lacking confidence.

Regardless of what happens, it is sure to be an exciting matchday, full of goals, controversy, drama, and last-minute heroics. Standings this tight leading up to the final game have never been seen before. 12 teams competing for the final 6 safety slots are sure to bring the excitement, and while the table may seem set for the next round, I assure you, there will be some changes. Stay tuned because you won’t want to miss this upcoming match week, the last match week for a couple of weeks.