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The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

The news site of Evanston Township High School's student newspaper

The Evanstonian

Will Klearman

Will Klearman, Sports Co-Editor

Hey everyone! I’m Will Klearman (he/him) and this year I am the sports editor and am also working in the podcast section. I am a junior and this is my third year on staff. Previously, in addition to being on the sports staff, I worked in the opinion section where I wrote my infamous article, 'Normalize Dogs Out'. Being on The Evanstonian has been an amazing experience for me; throughout my three years on the paper, I have made many of my closest friends and have been welcomed into a truly vibrant community. Outside of the paper, I play tennis for the high school team and work at my synagogue. I love hanging out with friends, trying new food, and watching sports, particularly my Northwestern Wildcats.

By Will Klearman
The ETHS rowing program has taken a new approach in dispelling some of the sport's stereotypes.

ETHS crew rows forward

Will Klearman, Sports Editor September 13, 2024

The sport of rowing has long been associated with the wealthy—and predominantly white—elite. For some athletes, that stereotype needed to be broken. When Northwestern alum Luciana Ruiz first had the...

The Kits celebrate Grimm's three-run home run.

Evanston dominates Leyden in five innings, advances to regional finals

Will Klearman and Cash Nelson May 22, 2024

With one out in the bottom of the first inning and a man on first, senior second baseman Charlie Kalil set the tone early for the Kits. Kalil took a 2-0 pitch deep over the left field wall to give the...

Junior Kaloyan Mirtchev serves in Evanston's win against Maine South.

Boys volleyball holds on late against Maine South

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman April 10, 2024

Both the first and second sets in Beardsley Gym on Tuesday night were tied, 24-all.  That didn’t scare any Wildkit player on the court. With Maine South (6-4, 0-2 CSL) knocking at the door, Evanston...

Former Evanston star ready to shine in Final Four

Former Evanston star ready to shine in Final Four

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman April 6, 2024

When Lance Jones came into Evanston athletic director Chris Livatino’s office at the start of his high school senior year, Livatino posed a question to the basketball star. “I asked him about what...

Senior Tyler Tang serves during Evanston's victory over Notre Dame on Tuesday, April 2.

Boys volleyball recovers from early Notre Dame push, wins in two sets

Will Klearman, Staff Writer April 3, 2024

Despite early pushes from Niles Notre Dame on Tuesday night, boys volleyball took care of business against the Dons, 27-25 and 25-17.  The victory over Notre Dame (5-4) gave the Kits (6-2) solid momentum...

Eatin’ with Ethan Episode 5 – Parson’s Chicken and Fish

Ethan Ravi, Will Klearman and Owen Chiss March 25, 2024

Laughter is brightest where food is best. (Irish proverb)

Boys basketball departs in first round after being stunned by Maine South

Boys basketball departs in first round after being stunned by Maine South

Owen Chiss, Will Klearman and Cash Nelson February 22, 2024

When Evanston head coach Mike Ellis walked out of the locker room post-game on Wednesday night, he was simply at a loss for words. “I don’t know what to say. That’s how bad it was,” Ellis stated. Evanston...

Opinion | Bursting boba's bubble

Opinion | Bursting boba’s bubble

Will Klearman, Opinion Columnist February 22, 2024

Whether you are an avid boba drinker, know one or have overheard Northwestern University students talking about where they should go on their next boba adventure, you definitely have not missed seeing...

When Evanston last took on Maine South on Jan. 26, the Kits won, 58-45.

Boys basketball looking to ride momentum into playoffs

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman February 20, 2024

Boys basketball will enter into the Class 4A IHSA postseason on Wednesday against not only a familiar face but a face that the Kits have had their way with recently. For the third time this season,...

Evanston went into its contest against Glenbrook South with the knowledge that the team could be tipping off against the Titans in the regional finals in two weeks time on the same court, but coach Mike Ellis' focus was on one game at a time.

Glenbrook South closes out boys basketball in fourth quarter

Owen Chiss, Will Klearman and Cash Nelson February 10, 2024

Evanston has done an impressive job of pulling out come-from-behind victories recently. But every time the Kits attempted to cut Glenbrook South’s lead down on Friday night in Glenview, the Titans continuously...

Boys basketball upsets top-ranked New Trier in thriller

Will Klearman, Owen Chiss and Cash Nelson February 3, 2024

WINNETKA, ILL. - In a 35-35 game with 16 seconds remaining in Friday night’s contest against New Trier, junior Ian Peters stepped up to the free throw line for two shots. Evanston fans behind the hoop...

Lance Jones put up 26 points in Purdue's overtime victory over Northwestern on earlier tonight.

Former Kit Lance Jones makes national headlines for No. 2 Boilermakers

Will Klearman, Opinion Columnist January 31, 2024

When Purdue was stunned by No. 16 seeded Fairleigh Dickinson in an embarrassing loss in the Round of 64 in last year's NCAA Tournament, Purdue head coach Matt Painter knew he needed to find an experienced...

Evanston took home the win on Senior Night over De La Salle

Brown’s three forces OT, Kits complete improbable comeback on senior night

Owen Chiss, Will Klearman and Nate McDade January 30, 2024

Not having a lead for four quarters is typically not the recipe for a win. After last night, though, Evanston might say otherwise. Down by as much as 11in the fourth quarter alone on Monday night,...

Watson's big night fuels boys basketball past Maine South on road

Watson’s big night fuels boys basketball past Maine South on road

Will Klearman and Cash Nelson January 27, 2024

As soon as senior Morgan Brown won the tip-off on Friday night, the Maine South crowd’s presence was heard. “Overrated” chants echoed inside the arena while senior Brandon Watson crossed half-court...

Evanston shot 15 percent from three in its loss to Glenbrook North.

Boys basketball crashes again late against Glenbrook North

Owen Chiss, Will Klearman and Cash Nelson January 20, 2024

When senior Tyler Dennis cashed on two free throws off Glenbrook North’s Patrick Schaller fourth foul in the third quarter, the Kits had cut the Spartan lead to just 37-30.  Eight minutes later,...

New Trier dominates boys basketball in sold-out Beardsley Gym

Will Klearman and Cash Nelson December 22, 2023

After New Trier guard Colby Smith chucked the ball out of bounds just five seconds into Friday night’s game, Evanston’s student section, decked out in all-black, roared with excitement. The Kits marched...

Boys basketball-New Trier: What to expect from the talented Trevians

Will Klearman and Cash Nelson December 21, 2023

Boys basketball is set to face off tonight against perennial power and rival New Trier in a highly anticipated game in Beardsley Gymnasium at 7:30 pm. While the Kits (9-3, 2-1 CSL) have had a solid start...

Evanston shot over 50 percent from the field in its win against Maine South on Dec. 15.

Rocca leads well-rounded offensive performance in Kits win over Maine South

Owen Chiss, Will Klearman and Nate McDade December 16, 2023

On Tuesday night, boys basketball shot 31 percent from the field in a 42-39 upset loss to Carmel Catholic, who had lost six straight prior to their matchup in Beardsley Gym with the Kits. So when Evanston...

Evanston led for just the first minute of the conference matchup against Glenbrook North on Friday at Beardsley Gym.

Spartans’ senior guards help GBN stifle boys basketball

Cash Nelson and Will Klearman December 9, 2023

Evanston head coach Mike Ellis could tell early on Friday night that his young squad wasn't in the right headspace for its conference matchup against Glenbrook North. In the first quarter, senior Spartan...

In his fifth year of college eligibility, former Wildkit star Lance Jones opted to join a Purdue team hoping for a long March Madness run in 2024.

Now in college basketball spotlight, former Wildkit returns to Evanston

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman December 5, 2023

On April 8, former Evanston basketball star Lance Jones verbally committed to Purdue.  The Boilermakers, who were shocked in the 2023 NCAA March Madness Tournament by #16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson,...

Opinion | Normalize Dogs Out

Opinion | Normalize Dogs Out

Will Klearman, Opinion Columnist November 17, 2023

Dogs out – a term that has taken off in the 2020s. But what exactly does it mean? No, contrary to its name, it doesn’t actually have anything to do with dogs, but rather, toes. ‘Having the dogs out’...

Evanston Township High School boys soccer won its IHSA regional final against Maine South a year after faltering at the same stage in the playoffs against Lane Tech.

Boys soccer boots Maine South in regional finals win

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman October 22, 2023

After Cristiano Hamer scored a goal to put Evanston up 1-0 in the first three minutes of Saturday’s regional finals against Maine South, the Kits never looked back. In a late morning game in Park...

Opinion | ETHS students deserve a fresh start with tardies

Opinion | ETHS students deserve a fresh start with tardies

Will Klearman, Opinion Columnist October 20, 2023

Senior Lyana Hyman was just thirteen years old when she was admitted into the hospital for the first time and diagnosed with depression. Since then, Hyman’s continuous battle with mental health has followed...

Evanston kept its playoff hopes alive on the road against Deerfield.

Timberlake runs over Deerfield for three touchdowns, keeps Evanston’s playoff hopes alive

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman October 7, 2023

Just when you thought senior Damarion Timberlake’s list of 2023 highlights couldn’t get any longer, the running back delivered a career performance against Deerfield on Friday night. On a frigid,...

Against New Trier on Thursday night, Evanston allowed more goals than it had in its last four games combined.

New Trier hoses off boys soccer, hands Kits first loss of season

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman September 22, 2023

To an outside spectator, a fire hydrant may seem like a tool that keeps our streets flame-free. But to the Evanston and New Trier boys soccer teams, that object is synonymous with rivalry. The winner of...

Opinion | Block the block schedule: reflecting on the efficency of 85 minute periods

Opinion | Block the block schedule: reflecting on the efficency of 85 minute periods

Will Klearman, Opinion Columnist September 22, 2023

You’re in the closing stretch of your sixth block class. It’s been five hours since you have eaten breakfast, and you’re feeling very sluggish. To make it all worse, you’re in that class that you...

Tulane-recruit tramples over Kit football for 296 yards in blowout

Will Klearman and Tim Lister September 15, 2023

PALATINE, ILL. —A fumble on the Kits' very first play of the game set the tone for the rest of the evening. Evanston was dominated by Palatine—the 26th-best team in Illinois—on Thursday night....

Sophomore RB finds end zone twice, leads football to victory in season opener

Sophomore RB finds end zone twice, leads football to victory in season opener

Will Klearman, Opinion columnist August 26, 2023

As Evanston’s #2 bulldozed his way into the endzone for his second rushing touchdown of the night, many students and fans watching the game were left wondering, “Who is that?” That player was...

Players resting at tryouts.

“Defense, defense, defense” the key to boys soccer success

Will Klearman, Staff Writer August 14, 2023

Last season, ETHS boys soccer finished the regular season with a record of 13-6-2 (4-1 CSL) which earned them second place in the conference. Despite having high hopes in the postseason tournament, the...

Girls volleyball tryouts

Girls volleyball setting up a bounce-back season in McFall’s second year as coach

Will Klearman, Staff Writer August 14, 2023

After a disappointing 2022 season, girls volleyball is looking to have a rebound year. The team finished last fall with a record of 10-26 (0-10 CSL), landing them last place in the conference. “Most...

Photo courtesy of Cameron Wellington-Knibbs

True Perseverance: The Incredible Story of Cameron Wellington-Knibbs

Will Klearman, Staff Writer May 24, 2023

  On April 25, 2017, 11-year-old Cameron Wellington-Knibbs’ life changed forever. After years of inconsistent living, loss, and a lack of opportunity, Wellington-Knibbs’ aunt and uncle decided...

Photo courtesy of Cameron Wellington-Knibbs

Cameron Wellington-Knibbs

Will Klearman, Staff Writer May 11, 2023

If you told 10-year-old Cameron Wellington-Knibbs that he would earn a scholarship playing college football he would have been beyond astonished. Cam was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and lived there until...

Photo courtesy of Gabe Rosen

Gabe Rosen

Will Klearman, Staff Writer May 11, 2023

After three years of starting on the offensive line for the varsity football team, senior Gabe Rosen had a plethora of options to play at the next level. After numerous offers and interest from Division...

Photo courtesy of Dylan Groff

Dylan Groff

Will Klearman, Staff Writer May 11, 2023

During his four years at ETHS, Dylan Groff starred in both lacrosse and football, being a four-year varsity lacrosse player and the starting quarterback for varsity football. Although Groff likely could...

Baseball dominates Ridgewood in third-consecutive win

Will Klearman, Staff Writer March 28, 2023

The windy, cloudy, 40 degree weather couldn’t slow down the red-hot ETHS baseball team. The Kits dominated Ridgewood 6-1 last Friday at Northwestern’s Rocky Miller Park. After dropping the home...

Blake Peters. Picture by Jonah Charlton.

‘Anything is possible:’ Blake Peters’ journey from ETHS to the Sweet 16

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman March 23, 2023
Blake Peters is no stranger to clutching up in the biggest of moments. So when he stepped on the court in the second half of last Sunday's Round of 32 contest against Missouri, he was ready. 17 points and one more giant upset for the Cinderella 15-seed Princeton Tigers later, and Peters could add another moment to his long list of clutch performances: helping his team to the Sweet 16.

Northwestern’s unthinkable run to The Big Dance

Will Klearman, Staff Writer March 15, 2023

March Madness is one of the most anticipated tournaments in all of sports. Every March, the top 68 college basketball teams in the country are invited to the single-elimination tournament played all over...

Will Klearman

[Photo] Will Klearman

February 28, 2023

Despite loss to Regina, girls bowling maintains confidence heading into regionals

Will Klearman, Staff Writer January 31, 2023

ETHS girls bowling fell short to Regina in their last regular season contest. Regina narrowly defeated ETHS by a score of 2757-2751. The 2751, the team put up, is marginally better than the team average...

Photo courtesy of Eddie Roman

Despite losing season, football improves on both sides of ball

Will Klearman, Staff Writer November 14, 2022

After an up-and-down season, ETHS closed out the year with a record of 3-6, landing them in fourth place in the Central Suburban South standings. An exciting 53-50 overtime home opener win against Indian...

Football eliminated from playoff contention after loss to Maine South

Owen Chiss and Will Klearman October 16, 2022

To keep its playoff hopes alive, football not only had a 24-game losing streak against Maine South to break. Mother nature added a downpour. Though Evanston was able to hold Maine South to just seven points...

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