Podcasts
The Varsity
No one covers North Shore prep sports like we do, and we take it even further in The Varsity, where our hosts use a four-quarter format to give you the latest news, stats and scores, as well as their takes. They also chat with a special guest in have fun along the way.
-
Girls Hockey’s 2nd Straight Title, Spring’s Early Beginnings — Episode 241
New Trier girls hockey got it done for the second straight season, winning back-to-back state crowns for the first time since the early 2000s. We talk about their late-season and early-game surges, and hear from coach Ben Piskor.
Then it’s out with the cold and in with the spring season. We discuss early baseball, softball and soccer results, and give our thoughts on who’s got the goods to make a run this spring.
-
Runnerup Ramblers, Runnerup Green, Winter Rewind — Episode 240
For the second time in three years, Loyola girls hoops advanced to the 4A title game, but unlike two years ago, the Ramblers fell short this time. We talk the how and why of the state-title game and also hear from coach Jeremy Shoenecker.
New Trier Green hockey also came up short in the state title game, and we give that a look while also reviewing the upcoming girls hockey finals and our favorite moments of the winter season.
-
Final Four for Loyola Girls (again), More Playoff Hoops — Episode 239
The Loyola Academy juggernaut powers on, winning sectional and supersectional girls hoops titles over the past week. We break down their championship chances and ask: Are the Ramblers amid a dynasty?
Plenty more playoff hoops, from record breakers (NSCD) to season enders (New Trier). Plus, local swimmers and divers came home with several state medals, and we preview the hockey state championship on Friday.
-
Loyola girls in elite 8; Boys get started; Wrestling all-timers — Episode 238
Lots going on and we eclipse the hour mark for the first time in a while as we talk postseason winter sports. Leading off, Loyola girls are off to the state’s final eight thanks to a sectional win. Who can stop them? The boys are just getting started, and will Loyola and New Trier survive a tough Friday night?
Plus, Ramblers wrestlers put on a show at the state championships. Is Kai Calcutt a Loyola legend? And we don’t forget hockey or North Shore Country Day hoops in this one.
-
Capt. Kirk’s Big Return, Gymnasts and Wrestlers to State — Episode 237
New Trier star Christopher Kirkpatrick made a surprising — and successful — return to the court against Evanston on Friday. We talk through the big night and what it means for the Trevians and the sectional. Plus, girls playoff hoops are underway and look through the brackets. A number of local wrestlers and gymnasts punched their state tickets — who and how.
-
6 straight for NT hoops, LA wrestling does it as a team — Episode 235
New Trier boys basketball has found a groove, ripping off six straight as the postseason nears. We talk about what’s working and how they can keep it up, while also hearing from junior Matthew Logue. Meanwhile, Loyola wrestling nabbed the team regional title while winning a handful of individual brackets.
We also talk Loyola boys and girls hoops, state cheerleading and dance competitions, and more.
-
New Trier, LA Hoops Right Their Ships; Regina’s 1K Club — Episode 234
After some difficult losses, both New Trier and Loyola collected big victories — the Trevians winning four straight and the Ramblers collecting the Jesuit Cup over St. Ignatius. We discuss how they did and if all is well. Plus, Loyola girls continue to lay waste to the competition, and a pair of Regina Dominican seniors join an exclusive club.
We also chat wrestling and gymnastics as the postseason nears.
-
Buzzer Shock for Loyola, New Project from NT/MLB Alum — Episode 233
Loyola gets its heart broken by an Evanston buzzer beater. We talk what it means and what’s next for the Ramblers. New Trier boys get back on track against Kenwood, but can they keep it up with a big weekend? Loyola girls? They keeping rolling.
We also hear from Charlie Tilson, the New Trier product and former MLB player who is back with other former pros with a youth baseball program.
-
Bumps in the Road for New Trier, Loyola Hoops; But Not Ramblers Girls — Episode 232
Following a hot start, both New Trier and Loyola boys hoops have hit rough patches — and for different reasons. The Trevians are adjusting without their star and primary ball-handler, while the Ramblers offense appears stuck in the mud. We discuss if and how they right their ships.
Plus, the perfectly righted ship that is Loyola girls hoops, as well as Giants basketball, boys swimming, gymnastics and more.
-
Holiday Hoops Rewind, Big Matchups Ahead — Episode 231
Our local hoops teams had a busy holiday season and we dribble you through it. New Trier earned a trophy at Pontiac without star Christopher Kirkpatrick. We talk how they did it and what we know about Kirkpatrick. Loyola boys went down to Florida and won three times and are back with a big week. Ramblers girls won their host Christmas tournament and keep keeping on, while Highland Park boys and girls continue to find their way.