Girls Soccer Preparing and Succeeding During their Season

Sports

By Alex Budd

Husky Herald Reporter

  
   Port Huron Northern has a variety of talented soccer players at all three levels; Freshman, Junior Varsity and Varsity. They all work their hardest and try their best from tryouts all the way to the end of the season.

   Try outs are very nerve racking because each and every person trying out loves the game and would be devastated if they did not make it. “I was a bit nervous for tryouts... But they got me really excited for the soccer season.” Said Brooke Huellet (’16).

   After making the team, each athlete was very excited for the soccer season and was looking forward to many things. “I was looking forward to the games and getting to know the girls better and becoming a better player for the future” Said Huellet (’16). “I am very excited to see my team reconnect with everyone and win!” said Sophie Reinhard (’16).

   The girls train very hard to reach their goals and strive to win, “When we train we do a lot of running and a series of combination plays at a game speed so we know what to expect when we play.” Said Reinhard (’16).

  Port Huron Northern’s players stay positive and encourage each other, “I think our team will do amazing this year because we are stronger and better as a team!” said Reinhard (’16).

   Every team, and each team player has their struggles but they work hard to push through “I struggle with running so much, but I know I just need to push myself to run faster and I can do it” said Huellet (’16).

Giving it your all and pushing yourself is essential for every team, “ I believe everyone gives it their all and pushes themselves very hard,  I am proud of each and every player for the effort they put into our team and the sport as a whole.” Said Hannah Jones (’16).

   The Huskies have done very well in their season from day one, “I am so proud of the amazing things our team has accomplished and I know we will only get better as time goes on” said Reinhard (’16).

  

NBA Playoffs

Sports

By Justin Leseth

Husky Herald Reporter

   The NBA playoffs started April 19th and each match up has provided plenty of action. The first seed in the West the San Antonio Spurs are up 3-2 against the same state rivals Dallas Mavericks.

   The first seed in the East Indiana Pacers got a surprising lost to the 8^th seed Atlanta Hawks, the Pacers haven’t been playing very well lately so the Hawks have a better chance of winning the series.

   The rest of the match ups in the west Trailblazers vs. Rockets 3-2, Clippers vs. Warriors 3-2, and Thunder vs. Grizzlies 2-3.

  The rest of the match ups in the East are Bulls vs. Wizards 4-1, with the elimination of the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls.

   The Raptors are up on the Nets 3-2, and the defending champs two-years-running Miami Heat beat the Bobcats 4-0, making it look easy so far.
   Can the Miami Heat win their third title in a row or will another team emerge as champions this year?

   There are several teams that are legitimate contenders in the west are the San Antonio Spurs who lost to the Heat the finals last year but are back even better this year with the best record in the league 62-20.

   The Los Angeles Clippers emerged as legit contenders this year with the help of Blake Griffin having his best year and star point guard Chris Paul.

   Then there the OKC with their star player Kevin Durant who is also having his best year averaging 32 points per game and proved he can still carry a team even with Russell Westbrook gone for a big part of the season.  

   The Portland Trailblazers have a chance this year with sophomore Damien Lillard and star Power forward Lamarcus Aldridge who is also having his best year.  

Kevin Durant is the guy to do it if there is a chance to take the title this year with Westbrook back.

   The Western conference is much stronger than the Eastern Conference and there are really only two legitimate contenders in the East, the Pacers and the Heat.

   The 9^th seed Phoenix Suns are 48-34 that would tie for the 3^rd seed in the East which a lot of people are not happy with because it makes it easier to get into the playoffs in the east.

   Let’s see if Kevin Durant can finally stop LeBron James and get his first title to prove he’s better than LeBron.

  

   

  

   

Career Day with the Tigers

Sports

By Dallas Chicone

Husky Herald Reporter

   The Detroit Tigers hosted The Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, April 2.

   Attending the game were students from Port Huron Northern part of the Tigers Career Day. The students got to attend the game and were talked to by some of the Tigers front office about their careers before the game.

   Mrs. Peattie the Marketing teacher at PHN set all this up. “This a great way to show the kids possible jobs they might be interested in after college,” Peattie said.  There were a total of five speakers, Jordan Fields from the Detroit Tigers Foundation, Christy Hammond,  the Community Relations manager, John Rehm, who is in charge of Sponsorships, Keri Galagher, the Sponsorship Service Coordinator, Lindsey Hayes from Broadcasting, and Joel Bienenfeld, from the marketing Campaign “Who’s Your Tiger?” “They were very informative,” said Peattie.

   “The career stuff was informative,” said Keaton Sprotberry (’15). “It was nice hearing some info on how to be involved in professional sports even if you aren’t playing them.

   In the game itself, Max Scherzer took the mound for the first time this season along with Jason Vergas for the Kansas City Royals.

   The Tigers got a strong start from Scherzer as he went eight scoreless innings allowing four hits and striking out seven.  He would take a no-decision in the game.  Newly-acquired Ian Kinsler supplied the offence as he got his first hit as a Tiger, a solo homerun in the bottom of the 4^th to give the Tigers an early 1-0 lead.

   Jason Vergas put in a solid start for the Royals going 7 innings, allowing one run and striking out six, also getting a no-decision.

  The Royals tied the game in the top of the 9^th as Tigers closer Joe Nathan blew his first save of the year.  The Royals loaded the bases on Nathan and scored the one run on an Alex Gordon sac fly.

   In the bottom of the 10^th Kinsler struck again as he singled home the winning run and the Tigers walked off to victory for the second straight time.

   “The game was exciting!” Sprotberry said. “A 10^th inning walk off! It doesn’t get much better than that!”

   “The game was great!” Andrew Silver (’14) said. “The highlight of the day was not only the walk off,  but when the building outside the park caught on fire.”

   Mrs. Peattie said that she will be doing Career Day again at Comerica Park. So if you want to go to a Tigers game next year, sign up for Marketing!

  

  

  

  

   

Port Huron Northern Men's Track Team is Sprinting Ahead

Sports

By Trevor Lumpkins

Husky Herald Reporter

   There are high hopes for the Men’s Port Huron Northern Track Team, with successful juniors returning back this year, there are elevated expectations. Senior captain, Ty Dickinson (’14), says he would like to “repeat as MAC White Dual meet and invitational champions.”

    “We have a lot of potential to do what we would like to do this year. Just have to stay healthy and keep working” says head coach, Craig Dickinson.

   Last year the Track team was dual-meet champions and they are fighting to do that again this year. With five returning seniors, who have been on varsity since their freshman year, they have high hopes for this up and coming season.

   In order for the team to be MAC champs they are going to need every runner, jumper, and thrower to train hard and compete with great determination.

   The guys have their heads set on making it to states this year. Matt Thomas (’15) is training to qualify in the 1600m run, along with Ty Dickinson (’14), Brad Mallory (’15), and Brett Parent (’14).

   Brad Hunt (’14) looks to qualify in the 800m run, along with Trevor Lumpkins (’14) who also looks to qualify in the 400m run. Alex Lubbers is training hard to qualify to run at the state meet in the 110 and 300m hurdles.

   If their luck runs short in qualifying individually some of the guys hope to qualify in relays. Brad Hunt, Ty Dickinson, Brad Mallory, and Trevor Lumpkins have a strong chance to qualify in the 4 x 800m relay for the outdoor track state meet.

   This team already ran in the indoor track state championships and broke the school record for the 4 x 800m relay with a time of 8:28.

   The 4 x 800 m relay team is the same team for the 4 x 400 m relay. Last year at the regional state qualifier the relay team missed qualifying for the state meet by .2 seconds.  

   This team has very high expectations for this upcoming outdoor season and they are working very hard to achieve their goals.

Husky Hockey Rivalry

Sports

By Erich Elliot 

Husky Herald Reporter

   The Marysville, Port Huron Northern rivalry met at an all-time high this year. Going into the first game against the Vikings early in the season Northern was defeated 3-1.  It was an all-out tough game but the Vikings came on top with the win.

   During the middle of the season, the rivals met for a second time and came up with a tie. I spoke to one of the captains Justin VanBuskirk (14) and I asked him what his game plan is when they go up against the rival for a third time; the first round in the district playoffs.

    “I expect it to be a hard fought game on both sides, we have to come out on fire from the start and continue to play husky hockey.” Said VanBuskirk (14). The puck drop was scheduled to be at 8:15 Wednesday night.

    Six minutes into the game and Marysville puts one in the back of the net to start off a 1-0 lead against the huskies.  After one period of play the Vikings lead 1-0.  Three minutes into the second Brandon Shagnea (15) gets a one timer to tie things up. 

    Shortly after Bailey McVety (16) sets up Clay Wilson (15) for the second goal to put the huskies up by 1. Hunter Austin (15) found the back of the net twice that night; Nate Wilson (15) also contributed to the 5-1 win with two points.  Justin VanBuskirk (14), Jake Schott (15), Luke Scahill (15) all had an assist.  Trevor Mamps (14) the huskies goalie managed to stop 22 shots from going in.  All though Marysville out-shot the huskies by 14, we still managed to come away with the win.    
Northern plays Saturday at 2:00 the team they play is unannounced.  

Northern Boys Basketball Making A Rebound

Sports

By Dallas Chicone

Husky Herald Reporter

The boys’ varsity basketball team started off the season in a positive way. The Huskies started the season 2-0 beating L’Anse Creuse (57-54) and Lakeview (47-44).

   The first game of the year the boys’ basketball team won 57-54. The Huskies were led offensively by sophomore Geryd Welsh with 27 and Lucas Oppliger added 12 points. The second game of the season the Huskies won 47-44. 

  “Our goal this year is to play one game at a time” Jack Trimble (’14) says. “We need to play the game we know how and not take our opponents lightly” says Trimble.

Husky boy's basketball team in the midst of a game
Photo By: Taylor Humphrey

   The Huskies have run into a bit of bad luck lately. They have lost their last 5 games but the team looks to rebound. “We are capable of playing better” says Jacob Williams (’15). “If we play like we know how then we will win a lot more games” Williams says.

   “Right now the season has not been going as planned but alright” says Trimble. “Were not playing too bad, we just aren’t doing enough little things to finish and win games.” Lucas Oppliger (’14) says “The season is not going to well so far. We plan on turning it around” Oppliger says.

   The Huskies are staying positive and not worrying about the rest of the season. “If we do what we are supposed to do and play as a team I think the rest of the season will be great” says Williams.

   Jack Trimble and Lucas Oppliger are not worried about the rest of the season. “We have the talent to win the games and we will work the little things out in practice” Trimble says. “I think we’re going to turn the season around and finish strong going into districts” says Oppliger.

   The Huskies look to improve their season this month as they take on Anchor Bay, home against Fraser, at Port Huron High, and at Grosse Pointe South, all important games because all the teams are in their league.

   “There is nothing like a home game” says Trimble “The fans are great.”
Don’t forget to come and watch your Huskies in action and root them on.

Northern Hockey Team Shoots for State Finals

Sports

By Payton Schieman   

Husky Herald Reporter   

   Last year the Port Huron Northern Hockey team lost in the semifinals in Overtime.

   “It was a tough loss last year to come that close and not make it. It really hurts," said Brenden Shagena ('15).

   “I think we should be back to where we were in states last year. We are going to have to put in a lot more hard work into achieving that goal this year but as long as we give it the effort there’s no reason we can’t reach that goal” Shagena continued.

   The Hockey team has its home opener on Thursday November 21^st, where they will start off against Detroit Catholic Central.

   When asked what his favorite part of playing for Northern was, Shagena stated, “Definitely the team and the atmosphere. I love my team, and there couldn't be a better group of guys to play hockey with. Northern hockey has a rich history and it’s an honor to be a part of the Northern hockey family”.

  Asking him also about how he expects the year to go, Brenden stated “I am really excited to play this year! We should have a great team and hopefully we can bring home a state title! Even though we lost a couple of seniors, we are looking good this year so far”.

   Jake Schott ('15), talking about his teammates, stated, “Losing our goalie from last year is going to be tough, but we have another good one this year, and as a defense man, I’ll try to help him out as much as I can.”

   “The atmosphere in the locker room is the best! It’s like we are a family; all of us get along great. It is an honor to play for this team, and hopefully we can bring home the state title!” said Schott.

   It sounds like it’s going to be another great year from our hockey team. Hopefully the fans will go out and cheer them on so they can bring home that state title!

   “If we won the state title, words can’t explain the happiness I would feel, and they couldn't explain the emotion that the team and I would feel. That would be more than a dream come true for all of us!” said Shagena.

  

  

     

The Tigers May Have Lost The Game, But They Will Never Lose Their Roar

Sports

By Payton Schieman

Husky Herald Reporter

 The Detroit Tigers, after losing in the World Series in 2012, were disappointed and looked to improve in 2013.  With new right fielder, Torii Hunter, and Victor Martinez, coming back after a knee injury in 2012, looked to bounce back.

   Dallas Chicone (‘15) Tigers fan says that, “The 2013 tigers have what it takes to win it all; we just have to put all the talent together.” The Tigers have the fourth highest paid team in the majors and have a lot of pressure on them.

   Torii Hunter was a free agent after the 2012 season and all of the teams wanted him. Hunter’s son, Torii Hunter Jr, committed to play football at the University of  Notre Dame, so Hunter wanted to come somewhere close to the university so it was an easy decision to come to Detroit.

   At the All-Star break, the Tigers were in first place in their division, right where they wanted to be. Kyle Burch (‘15) said, “Half way through the year they looked like the best team I had ever seen.” 

   The American league won the all-star game which means that whoever would make it to the World Series would have home field advantage. 

   Miguel Cabrera, Tiger’s all-star, MVP, Triple Crown winner, and 3 time batting champion, got hurt halfway through the year.  No one knew what the injury was or how serious it was.

   Even though Cabrera was hurt, he still played, trying to win his second triple crown. Leading in batting average and RBI’s, he was trying catch up to Chris Davis of the Baltimore Oriels.

   Heading into September the Tigers had a five game lead on the second place Indians of Cleveland. Erich Elliott (‘14) said, “I am feeling pretty confident about the Tigers right now hopefully they can win it this year”

   The Tigers clinched with 5 games left in the season making it their 3^rd Postseason in a row.

    Heading into to the playoffs facing the Athletics of Oakland, Chicone said, “They are a scary but beatable team, it should be a good series.”

   Game three series tied at 1-1 the Athletics scored six runs and won the game. The Tigers were down in the series 2-1.

   The Tigers came back and won the series. They moved on to the ALCS against Boston, but in game six against Boston, they lost, falling short of the world series again.           

    

Powerlifting: Picking Things Up and Putting Things Down

Sports
By Jon May

Husky Herald Reporter

    Getting stronger, faster and more define in ones physique is a part of life. For the powerlifting team it is not just a way of life but a sport; a way of competing against other schools.

   The powerlifting team is run by Coach Connell. Some students on the team would include Damien Haeck (’14), Brandon Adair (’14) and Justin Fox-Bryer (’14).

   Brandon Adair has enjoyed powerlifting for three years. “This will be my 4^th year” said Adair “Mostly I enjoy the competition; I enjoy putting things above my head”.    

   This is a common joke used around the team, like Fox-Bryer says “I joined powerlifting because I like to put things up and put them down.” Haeck says “Anyone can join powerlifting” Assuming they have the right grades, and discipline required for every sport.   

   The powerlifting season occurs in the winter after football, soccer, and golf. The team size is average for a sport. “About 15 plus people come out every year” said Haeck. The team travels to several schools on every Saturday to go and get stronger. “The meets occur in any eligible High School” said Fox-Bryer.

   There are three main exercises that occur during meets, Dead lift, Bench, and Squat. Squatting uses almost all parts of the legs so you will be able to use a very heavy amount on them. Bench uses almost all parts of the arms, and Dead lift uses both the arms and legs and is the hardest exercise in powerlifting.

   Powerlifting like many other sports is 90% mental and 10% physical. What does this mean? This means that one has to be in the right state of mind in order to perform their best in this competitive sport, while also having some physical ability.

   Although anyone can join, powerlifting may not be for everyone. Only those that have the correct state of mind should join. Without the correct state of mind one won’t perform their own maximum potential. So if one feels like they are able and ready to join the power lifting team make sure to be both physically and ably ready for this club.