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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Trevians Big Playoff Moment, Another State Title — Episode 265
On its biggest stage in years, New Trier football showed out, claiming a rare playoff win and setting up a big next round. We talk about what makes this team special and how they matchup with south-suburban Homewood-Flossmoor. Loyola had little trouble with Minooka, but things get difficult quick. Highland Park bowed out after a fine season.
And it’s another celebration pod as as talk about the state-champion Trevians field hockey team and hear from their coach. -
Ryan Field Special, Playoff Positioning — Episode 263
An extraordinary Week 9 saw local rivals play at Northwestern’s Ryan Field in an incredible spectacle. And across town, Loyola hosted its rival, Mount Carmel. We dig into New Trier’s win and Loyola’s loss to wrap up the regular season. That sets the stage for playoff chatter, and we look at the paths of the Trevians, Ramblers and Giants.
We, however, begin the podcast by addressing the ugly reports coming out of the Ryan Field game, alleging racist and homophobic language and behavior from New Trier fans.
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Another Victory Pod! And Ryan Field, Week 9 Primer — Episode 262
We revisit a incredibly fun Week 8, in which New Trier finally got Glenbrook South, Loyola mounted a serious comeback to remain unbeaten and Highland Park hung on for its fifth win. Trevs QB Jackie Ryder tells us about the highlight-filled victory over the Titans. Then we pivot to a HUGE Week 9, when New Trier and Evanston take things to Ryan Field and a crowd of maybe 25,000!! Plus, Loyola gets rival Mount Carmel in hopes of an undefeated season, and Highland Park looks for its second straight league crown.
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(Blowout) Victory Pod! Giants Crush Rivals — Episode 261
Three teams and three victories means a Victory Pod! And all three wins came in dominant fashion, with the biggest coming from Highland Park coming against cross-district rival Deerfield. We talk about the Giants bouceback before focusing on big matchups for New Trier and Loyola in Week 8.
Plus, local golfers are off to state, we do some playoff soccer talk and more. -
NT Passing Attack, LA’s Maldanado Go Off — Episode 260
The touchdowns were plentiful in Week 6. That was good news for New Trier (5-1) and Loyola (6-0) — not so much for Highland Park (3-3). Two-thirds of the way through the season, we talk the surprising Trevians offense (can they put average 45 all season?) and the talented Melo Maldonado (Is he the Catholic League Blue’s player of the year?)
Plus, we preview a big Highland Park showdown with Deerfield, look at playoff golf and more -
Giants Stand Tall , Trevs and Ramblers Roll (Victory Pod!) — Episode 259
Highland Park and Evanston haven’t met on a football field in quiet some time — and they made it worth the wait on Friday. The Giants, though, struck last and we talk about the significance of the huge win, plus hear from coach Anthony Kopp. We also recap New Trier and Loyola taking care of business in their road games in Week 5, and what we want to see from them down the stretch.
All that plus golf, flag football and soccer talk as well. -
Loyola Game of Season?; New Trier Proves its Mettle? — Episode 258
A battle of state powers lived up to the hype in Wilmette Friday night and we gleefully relive it! Discussing the incredible fourth-quarter back and forth, the Ramblers’ heroic effort; and if Loyola is the Class 8A favorite!
But let’s not sleep on New Trier, which gave potent Maine South a run for its money. We say the Trevs are legit, will it lead to playoff successes?
Plus, Highland Park gets even at 2-2 and a flag football checkin. -
Victory Pod! 3 teams, Week 3, 3 Wins — Episode 257
We did it! The first victory pod of the season! All three of our locals picked up victories (convincingly) in Week 3. Loyola looks legit and then some after a throttling of St. Rita, New Trier (3-0) continued its two-way dominance, and Highland Park got a much-needed and resounding win to start conference play. We break it all down plus look ahead to *huge* Week 4 matchups for New Trier and Loyola.
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Trevs, Ramblers Soar to 2-0; And Look Out for NT Volleyball — Episode 256
If local running backs had their way in Week 1, it was quarterbacks who were in the spotlight in Week 2. New Trier’s Jackie Ryder threw for three scores in his team’s shutout win, and Loyola’s Matthew Lee did the same to help the Ramblers win going away in Indy. Who is off to a better start and will it continue?
Highland Park, though, ran into another challenge, and we talk about if and when they can turn it around.And wait a minute! We move off the field and into the gym for a look at local volleyball, and you have to like what New Trier is bringing to the court. Coach Hannah Hsieh also tells us more.
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Trevs’, Ramblers’ Huge Openers; Giants’ Heartbreak — Episode 255
The optimism proved accurate for New Trier and Loyola Academy football, as both teams won their openers in dominant fashion. It was a big week for local running backs as New Trier’s Throy Nightingale Jr. debuted in style; Loyola’s two backs put up numbers; and Highland Park’s John Boman went off in a tough-luck loss. We talk road tests for the Trevians and Ramblers in Week 2, and a Highland Park home opener. Plus, we begin talking the other fall sports (soccer, volleyball, etc.)