After an exciting fall season, filled with deep playoff runs, North looks towards the winter season, as tryouts begin Monday.

“I feel excited,” said special education teacher Paul Connolly, who coaches boys’ basketball. “A goal for this year is to carry on the tradition of Newton North Basketball by playing hard, playing smart, and playing together.”

Winter sports include alpine skiing, basketball, boys’ swim and dive, dance, gymnastics, ice hockey, indoor track, nordic skiing, and wrestling.

COVID-19 is still a top concern in North’s athletic department, and safety is a top priority for coaches and players. 

“We have been going into this season hoping to address a lot of things,” said athletic director Mike Jackson. “We’re making sure that every student and coach fills out a covid form, and we feel comfortable doing our best job to keep things under control.”

Beals’ house dean Scott Heslin, who coaches girls’ ice hockey, said that his team is following all guidelines put out by various athletic programs. “We will abide by the policies put forth by the MIAA, Newton HHS (Health and Human Services), and the local rinks,” said Heslin. “Safety is obviously of importance. If we are not healthy, we cannot play.”

Despite concerns surrounding the pandemic, North hopes to build off the COVID-afflicted season last year, with many maintaining a positive outlook.

“Our team is a very tight-knit group and this senior class has a lot of strong leaders,” said guidance counselor Patrick Manning, who coaches boys’ swim and dive. “They really came together during a challenging season last year and I’m excited to see more of that this year.”