Recent announcements from the CaliFall sports are officially back, and a fresh set of team captains are leading their teams both in and out of competitions. Not only is a dedication to their sport a significant prerequisite for captainship, but captains were chosen by their coaches because of their ability to convey a strong team mentality while fostering a safe space for their team members.

“To me, being a captain means you are someone everyone respects and has complete faith in, but it also means you have an incredible responsibility,’’ Varsity Football co-captain junior Andrew Penrod said. “It’s up to you to lead and take the team in the right direction.”

Penrod believes that football is undeniably a team sport and places heavy value on practice because it strengthens the bonds formed between his teammates. 

This season, he envisions a team that is “able to put 100% of their trust into all of the people around them in order for the team to succeed.” 

Penrod, along with co-captains juniors Adam Harper and Ace Jacobs, led his team into a 17-14 win in the first game of the 2021 season against Crean Lutheran High School. 

They have also won a recent game against Loara High School on Sept. 9. A similar leadership philosophy is exercised in Northwood’s pool by co-captain of the Boy’s Water Polo Team senior Danny Kim. 

“Trust, composure and chemistry are the defining characteristics of a team,” Kim said. “We’ve been working on encompassing these qualities the last few months for another memorable season.” 

The approach proved to be effective as the Varsity Boys’ Water Polo won 22-6 over Canyon High School in their first home non-conference game on Aug. 31. 

Last year, the Northwood Boys’ Water Polo team was able to advance to the semifinal round of the CIF Division 3 playoffs for the first time in four years. 

The team’s strong core of returning players is accompanied by a new group of younger student athletes who hope to tally enough wins to place at CIF again this season. 

Kim pays homage to the inspiriting job of Northwood athletes, who have kept their enthusiasm alive for their sport during a difficult time of no competition. 

“Whether you’re on the field, court, pool or track this year, make sure to have not only a successful season, but a memorable one with your team too,” Kim said. “I wish all of our new and returning Northwood athletes good luck.”