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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.