Girls swim & dive with Niya Kendell:

As the seniors soak in the final moments of being able to jump in North’s pool, senior and captain Niya Kendell says that this season has held a special place in her heart. 

This year the team has made it a goal to focus on unity between each other, both inside and outside of the pool. Kendell recognizes how the extra time spent together has allowed the girls to build strong relationships with one another.

“This season we have been working more on our strength outside the pool during morning weight room practices,” Kendell said. “The team bond feels like a family and we work hard while still having fun.”

With that said, their team connection has led them to success. As a team captain, Kendell has given her teammates utter support, especially those who qualified to compete in the State meet.

“The girls who have qualified for states have some of the best work ethic, motivation and talent I’ve ever seen,” Kendell said. “They are always at practice and maintain their dedication to the sport even when they are not feeling 100%. I am so proud of all of them and they are all immensely talented.”

Boys cross country with Caleb Kosel:

Controlling what he can and working to find happiness through running is something junior Caleb Kosel truly values. 

The boys’ varsity cross country team has faced challenges this season, nevertheless, Kosel has accentuated the team’s

 ability to persevere through adversity and still attain team success. 

“Our team has suffered quite significantly from both sickness and injuries, so our season struggled,” Kosel said. “However, with incomplete varsity for races, we’ve still put up some good times and [Personal Records], as well as winning our Autumn Classic meet.”

As the cross country season is coming to an end, Kosel still strives to meet more goals, yet he acknowledges that just being able to run each day with his teammates has brought him joy.

“I’ve yet to PR with a busy junior year, so I’m still running after that goal to hopefully make out well this season, but no matter what I love this sport so there’s no wasted time here,” Kosel said. “It’s a great way to end a day with a relaxing workout around a personable group of people I’ve gotten to know for years now.”