Athletes of the Year

Maddie Clark, Sports Editor

Photo used with permission by Callie Pohlman

Callie Pohlman – Senior

1. What sports are you involved in?
I am involved in volleyball, basketball, and track.
2. How did you get involved in these sports?
I’ve played volleyball and basketball for almost my whole life. My parents played both in high school and college, so they definitely got me excited about the sports. This is my first year running track. Mr. Shadick encouraged me to try it, and I love it.
3. What is your favorite sport and why?
Basketball is my favorite sport because it is so much fun to play. You have to be able to be mentally and physically tough to perform well. It’s such a long season, so it is enjoyable to be able to work hard all year and see how much you’ve grown as a player by the end. I’ve learned very important life lessons, as well: leadership, work ethic, and perseverance. I’m excited to continue playing the sport I love at McKendree University for the next four years.
4. What was your favorite sports moment from this year?
My favorite sports moment was being able to go to state for volleyball and winning state for basketball. It’s such a fun experience to play in the Resch Center with my teammates. Rushing the court after winning state was probably the best moment for me, and kissing the Gold Ball.
5. How do you manage schoolwork and sports?
Time management is super important when it comes to playing sports and excelling in school as well. Education is first priority because I am a student before I’m an athlete. I try to work on things during off hours and right away after I’m done with a practice or game.

Photo used with permission by Andre Gruber

Andre Gruber – Senior

1. What sports are you involved in?
I played football in the fall and now I am running track in the spring.
2. How did you get involved in these sports?
I’ve been involved in sports my whole life, but I started both track and football in middle school. When I came to North, there was no doubt that I wanted to continue to play.
3. What is your favorite sport and why?
My favorite sport is track because your results are a reflection of how hard you work in practice.
4. What was your favorite sports moment from this year?
My favorite sport moment this year was beating Fond du Lac in football. It was a close game and I ended up having the game winning pick.
5. How do you manage schoolwork and sports?
I use my free time as effectively as possible and I try to get my homework done as soon as I get home after sports.

Photo used with permission by Sydney Squier

Sydney Squier – Sophomore

1. What sports are you involved in?
I’m involved in cross country, basketball, track and field
2. How did you get involved in these sports?
I have played basketball since 4th grade and then joined high school. For running, I followed in my older sister’s footsteps and joined cross country and track in middle school and then continued into high school.
3. What is your favorite sport and why?
My favorite sport is track and field because I love the team and to run. Also, I love the atmosphere from the coaches and athletes.
4. What was your favorite sports moment from this year?
My favorite sports moment from this year was winning conference for the first time in Appleton North Track and Field history with my teammates and coaches.
5. How do you manage schoolwork and sports?
I make sure to use my time wisely during the day and set aside time at night to get my homework done.

Photo used with permission by Collin Squier

Collin Squier – Senior

1. What sports are you involved in?
I’m involved in soccer, basketball, track, and football.
2. How did you get involved in these sports?
I got involved in soccer and basketball because I have been playing it since I was a 5. I was offered a spot to kick this year for football and [I do] track because I just wanted to be like Sydney Squier.
3. What is your favorite sport and why?
My favorite sport is soccer because I have been playing soccer since I was 5 and I have created some of my best relationships through the sport.
4. What was your favorite sports moment from this year?
My favorite sports moment this year was winning back to back FVA Soccer Championships and winning the regional championship for soccer.
5. How do you manage schoolwork and sports?
I manage schoolwork and sports by using my off hours, study halls, and free time effectively.