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.
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NT Soccer Takes An L, Track Postseason Incoming — Episode 246
Trevians girls soccer lost a toughie in tournament play. Are they still the best? (Hint: Yes they are). We talk their busy week and look at their postseason road. We also catch up on New Trier baseball, which may be turning a corner, and Highland Park baseball, which keeps on winning. We check in on softball squads, too.
Plus, track and field postseason competition is coming; how are New Trier girls looking and do the boys have a shot at a repeat?
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Blow to NT Vball, Hot NT softball and Cold NT Baseball — Episode 245
New Trier volleyball was on quite a run before suffering a setback over the weekend. Star Oliver Potterfield suffered a likely season-ending knee injury and we talk if the Trevians can rebound. On the diamond, NT softball keeps circling the bases during its hot streak, while NT baseball can’t seem to put it together. The Giants, though? They are getting it done.
Plus, Loyola took care of rival New Trier in resounding fashion in a lacrosse doubleheader
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Elite New Trier Soccer, Struggling Trevs Baseball — Episode 244
New Trier soccer is showing what it takes to be No. 1. We talk the Trevians statement win over Loyola and if they can live up to the hype of being the state’s top-ranked team. We also talk New Trier baseball’s tough patch, as well as if and how they can get out of it.
Plus, QB Jackie Ryder commits to Purdue and we hear from him; and former Trevs hooper Jake Fiegen lands with a big-name program. -
Coaching Great Returns, A Big Ten QB, On-Court Misbehavior — Episode 243
It’s springtime, but we’re breaking down big football news. Coach John Holecek is back at the helm of the Ramblers — what? why? how? We answer some of those questions and speculate on others, including what is a high school football GM and is Loyola starting a trend.
In more gridiron news, New Trier quarterback Jackie Ryder announces his BIG (Ten) commitment.
We also break down The Record’s reporting on the athletics divide between Loyola and Evanston, recently deepened by a coach’s remarks. -
Early Baseball Thoughts, College Hoops Moves — Episode 242
Local baseball is underway and our teams (Loyola, New Trier, Highland Park) have found early-season successes. We talk what that means for the season. Do they have what it takes? We do the same exercise for our softball locals, as Loyola and New Trier should be factors all year.
We end with some boys hoops chatter. Sure, the season is over, but a pair of ex New Trier hoopers have made big college decisions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.