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Editorial

Editorial

SPORTS Shubnell named interim baseball coach

Winter sports wrap up

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By Lauren Veitengruber & Shannon Kane STAFF REPORTER & INTERN

In January, just three months before the season was to begin, the varsity boys baseball coaching position opened following the previous coach’s resignation. While several people applied, the athletic department announced history teacher and assistant football coach Kevin Shubnell as the interim coach for the upcoming season.

Shubnell felt the role was a good fit because of the relationships he has already created with several of the athletes trying out. He felt a profound loyalty to the seniors who will be committing their fourth year to the program, and wanted them to finish their career at North with a familiar face.

“The team needed someone who could provide stability and connection,’’ Shubnell said. “My main motivation was to provide stability for the seniors as well, it would be a tough situation for them if it wasn't someone that they knew coming in.”

Coaching is nothing new to Shubnell. He coached at the high school level at De La Salle and Hazel Park, as well St. Joan of Arc for five years. His 15 years of baseball experience has prepared him to take on this role, and meet his goals for the season.

“Our goal is to be a team that plays and creates that atmosphere that we are truly a team, and there's a sense of belonging for everyone on the team,” Shubnell said. Three year junior varsity player Jordan Arseneau is looking forward to a refreshing change in the program, and is confident that the team will succeed under Shubnell’s leadership. With the team coming back from a regional championship, Arseneau's goal is to win a state title. He is hopeful that with a new coach, the program will be able to attain its goals.

“Winning is a big importance but player development and relationships come first,” Arseneau said. “My goal is a state championship. I believe coach Shubnell and the whole coaching staff can really help us get there.”

Team parent Terry Schafer is in agreement with the players' hopeful mindset. Schafer is looking forward to the upcoming season under new leadership, and believes that the change will lead the team to achieve success.

“I think this change in leadership will have a positive impact on the team, Coach Shubnell is a respected teacher in the building, and coach on the football staff,” Schafer said. “ I think the players are truly looking forward to what this year will bring with a new staff.”

The team begins their season on April 9 at Birmingham Groves, and Shubnell plans to achieve his own and the players’ goals, while pushing his players to be the best that they can be.

“We have a lot of talent which speaks for itself,” Shubnell said. “The most important thing for us is to be a team and to hold ourselves accountable. Being the best versions of ourselves each day.”

GABE GOODE EXECUTING AND IMPROVING | The team is made up of many experienced players who know the game well. Coach Kevin Shubnell strives to find the areas that need focus in order to allow the team to play to their fullest potential. “We have a lot of talent which speaks for itself,” Shubnell said. “Making sure we get the most out of that talent is important, while still trying to get better each day.”

By Kaitlyn Barr SECTION EDITOR

COURTESY OF KYLE KINYON SPLASHING TO SUCCESS | Boys swim coach Kyle Kinyon reflects on their 2-3 record season. He says one of the standout moments from this year was at the team’s state meet, where multiple swimmers broke records. “The team of Ian Donahue, Jack Gehlert, Tommy Moreland and Gianni Carlino broke the school 400 free relay record,” Kinyon said. “Ian Donahue also broke the school record in the 50 and 100 freestyle and was All State as well.”

COURTESY OF MAUREEN STEPHANOFF SHOOT FOR THE STARS | The girls basketball team had an extremely successful season, becoming both MAC Red Division champions and district champions, according to head coach Gary Bennett. Their overall record was 18-5, and the team grew throughout the year. “The best part for me [was] seeing our team really come together at tournament time,” Bennett said. “We [were] collectively working hard together, we [were] sustaining our physical and mental efforts, and we [were] having fun.”

COURTESY OF KRISTINA KAISER

CHEERING FOR GROWTH | The girls cheer team worked to finish in fourth place in the MAC Blue Division. The team's efforts to improve their skills all year was one of the many things that impressed coach Kristina Kaiser. “My standout moment was watching a group of young women grow together and become closer than ever,” Kaiser said. “They really showed a lot of pride in their rounds and truly showed off amazing Norsemen spirit at each meet, cheering not only for themselves but other teams. I absolutely loved watching their passion for competitive cheerleading grow.”

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