Thursday, March 19, 2009

Whistles, No Bells...

There are an awful lot of great things that happen at North High School during the school day "between the bells", and an equally impressive number of achievements that are related to our academic endeavors but occur in clubs or academic competitions. This winter, though, we had a remarkable winter sports season that bears mention. The athletic program at North is a significant part of student life here, and what makes our school the great place it is. Since North's opening year in 1968, it has been known for its successful, comprehensive athletic program. This winter has been remarkable even for North.

Few things bring a community together more than athletic events. North has a great following of parents, students and community members at games. Approximately two thirds of our students participate on an athletic team at North, making athletics integral to our school community. During this winter sports season North had a long list of successes:

* Girls basketball followed its 2008 state championship season with a 21 and 4 year that ended this week with a loss in the state quarterfinals after conference, district and regional championships.
*The boys basketball team had one of the best years in North history, going 19 and 1 in the regular season, winning conference and district championships, and finishing the year 22 and 2 with a loss in the regional finals.
*The girls ice hockey team made it to the state's "Frozen Four", losing in the state semifinal game.
*The boys ice hockey team won a regional championship and also made it tot he state's "Frozen Four" before losing in the state semifinals.
* Two North wrestlers advanced to the State finals, and one finished as state runner-up, losing only in the state finals championship match.
*Several North swimmers advanced to the state finals in swimming and diving.

Over the past thirteen week days, North teams competed in a state tournament event on eleven of them. There were a lot of opportunities for our fans to see our student-athletes compete in tournament competition.

During these past three weeks, it has been especially gratifying to see the support of our community and the way athletics brings together young and old. Many parents of former students still come out and support North teams long after their own children have graduated.

Thanks to all who have supported North's athletic teams this winter. We look forward to an equally exciting spring season. Congratulations to all of our coaches and student-athletes, and to our phenomenal athletic director, Carmen Kennedy and her assistant Laura Huff for the great work they do with the athletic program. This success doesn't happen by accident.

Go Norsemen!

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