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The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

The Student News Site of Elkhorn North High School

The Howler

Caleb Polking

Caleb Polking, Sports Editor

Caleb Polking is a senior in his third year on staff. He’s a STRIV guy and helps run the Howler’s sports scene. He also loves to jump on desks and put peanut butter in the ceiling.

All content by Caleb Polking
Alabama's Bryce Young, the number one overall pick, holds a Carolina Panthers jersey following his selection

Draft Discussion

Caleb and Mason give their takes surrounding the 2023 NFL draft
By Caleb Polking and Mason SalisburyPublished May 12, 2023

Over 300,000 people crowded Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri to watch maybe the most eventful NFL draft in recent memory. From blockbuster trades to exciting draft picks, the 2023 NFL Draft did not...

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Wolf of the Week: Tara Binte-Sharil

Wolf of the Week: Tara Binte-Sharil

Senior newspaper managing editor Tara Binte-Sharil displayed her journalistic talent at Class B state journalism last week
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished May 1, 2023

Showcasing her skills on the big stage, Tara Binte-Sharil achieved incredible success in Class B state journalism on Monday, April 23. Binte-Sharil’s performance demonstrates the hard work and persistence...

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Britt Prince cuts the net at Pinnacle Bank Arena after winning the Class B State Championship.

Three-peat

The Elkhorn North girls’ basketball team defeated Skutt for its third state championship in the program's three year existence
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished March 13, 2023

March 6, 2021: The first dog pile of three in a row followed Elkhorn North’s 46-33 victory over the then-number one seeded Norris Titans. A state championship in the first year of the program. One of...

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Britt Prince wins Gatorade Player of the Year

By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished March 8, 2023

Wolves’ superstar Britt Prince was named the Nebraska Girls Basketball Gatorade Player of the Year on Wednesday, March 8. She follows Taylor McCabe, now at the University of Iowa, who won the award at...

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The 2023 NFL playoff bracket is set in stone and ready to take off this weekend

Postseason Draws Near

Caleb and Mason give their takes ahead of what should be an eventful NFL playoffs
By Caleb Polking and Mason SalisburyPublished January 13, 2023

  Another NFL season is in the books and it was certainly an exciting one. The playoff picture was heated through week eighteen, with several teams from both conferences fighting to obtain a spot...

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NILionaires

NILionaires

New legislation allows college athletes to make money.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished January 4, 2023

It is the dawn of a new age of college athletics. The logistics and structure of college sports are rapidly changing. Conferences at the highest level realign, athletes transfer at never-before-seen...

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Senior Cole Sharar (70) contemplating the former play in the Elkhorn North Vs Mount Michael game.

Sharar the Speaker

Senior Cole Sharar has a unique passion driving him forward.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished January 4, 2023

Walking through the halls of Elkhorn North, some students are easy to spot. Senior Cole Sharar is one of them. With a frame of 6’4”, 300 pounds and constantly dominating on the gridiron, Sharar...

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A picture of the college football playoff national championship trophy

Conference Championships Setting the Fate of the Final Four

Caleb and Mason are back to predict 2022’s power five college football conference championships
By Caleb Polking and Mason SalisburyPublished December 2, 2022

What a season of college football it’s been. If 2022 had any hope of topping the roller coaster that was 2021 college football, this year certainly made it close.  Several of the traditional blue...

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A visual of the Power Five college football conferences receiving money from TV companies

One Year Later: Are College Sports Changing for the Worse?

Caleb Polking takes a look at how college athletics have continued to change since his 2021 opinion piece
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished November 21, 2022

The buzzer sounded. Zeros on the clock. The college basketball world was shocked. Little fifteen-seeded Saint Peter’s erupted in celebration as John Calipari’s mighty two-seeded Kentucky Wildcats were...

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Monday Rewind: Defeat in a Defensive Showdown

A low-scoring affair ended in a 21-7 victory for Bennington over Elkhorn North
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 18, 2022

Elkhorn North gave Class B’s very best a run for its money on Friday night. In fact, the Wolves played Bennington closer than any other team has so far this season, with the next closest game the Badgers...

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Monday Rewind: Winning Amidst Adversity

Elkhorn North was able to edge Mount Michael in a 27-24 nail-biter
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 11, 2022

It wasn’t pretty at times, but Elkhorn North’s match-up at Mount Michael on Friday appeared in the win column for the Wolves. Ultimately, that’s all that will matter. Sure, Elkhorn North will look...

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Christian Young attempts to tackle an Elkhorn rusher

Monday Rewind: Falling Short of Rivalry Victory

Elkhorn North fell to 4-2 on the season after sustaining a 49-35 loss to Elkhorn on Friday night
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 4, 2022

It was the tale of two halves. Momentum shifts left and right. Two conflicting offensive styles. Massive chances and missed opportunities. After a high scoring affair which resulted in a final reading...

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Monday Rewind: Back on Track

Elkhorn North rebounded from its week four loss and downed brand new Omaha Westview 49-6 on Thursday night
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 27, 2022

On the heels of its 24-20 loss to Grand Island Northwest the previous week, the Wolves were able to put another game in the win column after defeating the Omaha Westview Wolverines with a score of 49-6....

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Monday Rewind: Missed Opportunity, Lessons Learned

Grand Island Northwest erased an Elkhorn North 20-3 halftime lead to hand the Wolves their first loss of the season
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 20, 2022

  After steaming past its first three opponents to amass a 3-0 record to start the season, Elkhorn North suffered its first defeat to Grand Island Northwest with a score of 24-20. The Wolves, after...

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Monday Rewind: Momentum Continues

The Wolves are now 3-0 on the season after convincingly defeating Crete 40-7
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 13, 2022

A 3-0 start. After two wins in two seasons, Elkhorn North is now one of the hottest Class B teams through week three. The Wolves have rolled past all three opponents with a combined score of 138-7. Overall,...

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Josh Basilevac takes the snap against Lincoln Northwest on Friday, September 3rd

Monday Rewind: Business Taken Care of

Elkhorn North traveled to brand new Lincoln Northwest for week two and prevailed 70-0
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 6, 2022

Right on the heels of a fantastic week one victory over Hastings, the Elkhorn North football team took its first road trip to a brand new school in Lincoln Northwest. The biggest challenge for the Wolves...

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Josh Basilevac attempts to lose a defender Friday night vs. Hastings

Monday Rewind: A Commanding Win to Start the Season

Elkhorn North opened up the 2022 season by shutting out Hastings 28-0
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished August 29, 2022

It was a much needed victory for Elkhorn North. The Wolves, despite having only won two games in two seasons, made progress over those first two years. For many, it seemed like this could be the year that...

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Elkhorn North lines up against Elkhorn High in the 2021 rivalry game

Fall Sports Preview: 2022 Edition

A look at each Elkhorn North fall sports team as seasons are commencing
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished August 25, 2022

A new school year is upon us, meaning fall sports at Elkhorn North are underway for year three. Year one saw trial and error; it saw several foundations being built. Year two saw unbelievable progress...

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The Elkhorn North Baseball team takes a picture with the state championship trophy after defeating Waverly.

Trial 2 of Elkhorn North Athletics: A Success

The culmination of the spring sports season, which included three state championships, reflects the overall advancement of the Elkhorn North athletics program in its second year
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished May 23, 2022

  Three state championships earned within a time frame of roughly twenty-eight hours. Baseball, girls’ tennis, and girls’ track and field all at the top of the Class B mountain. That is how...

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An image of Wordle.

The Internet’s Newest Sensation

Wordle has been on the rise since December of 2021 and is now one of the most widely played online games.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished April 14, 2022

It’s the biggest digital phenomenon. It’s captivated the attention of millions. It consists of one word, each day. It’s called Wordle, and it’s sweeping America. Wordle has its roots stretching...

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Kansas players, including Ochai Agbaji and Christian Braun, celebrate the Jayhawks' incredible comeback victory over North Carolina, 72-69

Another Year of Madness

Caleb Polking, Mason Salisbury, and Landon Mahnke dive into the biggest headlines of this year’s NCAA college basketball tournament
By Caleb Polking, Mason Salisbury, and Landon MahnkePublished April 12, 2022

College basketball is back. Fans are back. The madness is back. After missing one NCAA tournament and having another tournament in abnormal conditions, March Madness has returned to its old state that...

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The Elkhorn North girls' basketball team raises its state championship trophy after a 49-36 win over Skutt

Back-to-Back

The Elkhorn North girls’ basketball team continues to build a dynasty with its second state championship
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished March 25, 2022

The buzzer sounded and the dog pile ensued, signaling back-to-back state championships for the Elkhorn North girls’ basketball squad.  Following a split series of 1-1, the Wolves soundly defeated...

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Brandon Orgilbold shoots a free throw in Elkhorn North's game against Aurora

Entering the Final Stretch

Both the Elkhorn North boys and girls basketball teams are hitting the midpoint of the season.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished February 4, 2022

As we begin the month of February, the basketball squads at Elkhorn North will take on their final month of the season and, without a doubt, the most important stretch of regular season play. With December...

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The 2022 NFL Playoff Bracket

January’s Biggest Hit

Caleb and Mason give several predictions heading into the NFL postseason
By Caleb Polking and Mason SalisburyPublished January 18, 2022

The 2021 NFL season has brought a slate of excitement across 18 weeks of play all culminating with what should be an explosive and high-stakes playoffs. With the wild card matchups beginning this weekend,...

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An American Underdog poster.

Review | American Underdog

A review of the greatest undrafted football player of all time’s story, now in theaters.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished January 13, 2022

Joe Montana. Dan Marino. Two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history facing off in a high stakes battle in Super Bowl XIX, 1985. The historic matchup between the two quarterbacks rages as young Kurt...

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Several images of the many great war movies

Ranked: War Movies

A ranking of the top ten best war movies of all time.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished December 9, 2021

The plot, the dialogue, the characters, the stories. The war. War is one of the most popular genres in cinematic history. War movies have given us a wide range of history, from ancient times all the way...

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Michigan's Hassan Haskins celebrates after a touchdown against Ohio State

A Revolutionary Season Heads for Conference Championship Week

Caleb and Mason give their predictions for this year’s college football conference championships.
By Caleb Polking and Mason SalisburyPublished December 3, 2021

It was a year full of upsets, coaching changes, and Heisman fallouts. It was a year full of unprecedented action on the gridiron. It’s safe to say that 2021 has been one of the most exciting seasons...

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Bennington's Dylan Mostek gets into the open field in the state championship against Aurora

Bennington’s Dominance and Everyone Else

While entertaining, the Class B football season did not live up to the hype that 2020 had produced
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished December 3, 2021

When one is looking at a sports season and speculating on championship status, a number one seed vs. number two seed is usually not one that most fans enjoy. That’s ultimately how the 2021 Class B football...

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The Wolves celebrate after scoring a point against Norris in the state semifinal matchup

Wolves Prove in Year Two

The Elkhorn North volleyball team had an excellent second season which capped off with a state semifinal appearance.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished November 15, 2021

Following its inaugural season full of baby steps, the Elkhorn North volleyball team kicked the program into high gear this season, establishing itself as one of the best teams in Class B.  The Wolves,...

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The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) logo

Are College Sports Changing for the Worse?

The world of college sports is changing rapidly especially after this summer
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished November 3, 2021

There is something magical about college athletics. For most of their history, college sports have been a pinnacle of entertainment and enjoyment, have attracted large crowds, and have brought forth...

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The Elkhorn North offensive line faces up against the Elkhorn defensive line

Football Friday’s Battle of Maple Street

Elkhorn High took year two of the rivalry over Elkhorn North in convincing fashion
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 20, 2021

Long story short: the Antlers were perfect, the Wolves were not. That’s it. That’s the article right there. That’s what went down on Friday night at Elkhorn Stadium where the two football teams met...

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Brock Marler (75), rushes into a pile-up after a defensive play

Wolf of the Week: Brock Marler

2-Way Starter Brock Marler has made big impacts on the football team in his sophomore year
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 8, 2021

In the trenches of every Elkhorn North football game is sophomore Brock Marler, battling it out against guys that could be up to two years older than him. He has worked tremendously over the last two years...

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NEW PODCAST: The Elkhorn North Sports Show

NEW PODCAST: The Elkhorn North Sports Show

By Caleb Polking, Brandon Urbano, and Mason SalisburyPublished September 29, 2021

Our STRIV team has new content for you in the form of a podcast! Check it out on our STRIV channel: https://striv.tv/channel/elkhorn-north/

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Photo courtesy of ESPN Press Room.

Football Fanatics’ Main Event

With football season on the horizon, people prepare their NFL fantasy football teams
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 9, 2021

It’s a Sunday afternoon, beautiful weather outside, and the TV flipping between channels, showcasing NFL games currently being played. That’s a picture perfect Sunday for a football fan, and better...

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The Wolves' linemen push and shove as the play begins

Fall Sports Preview

The Elkhorn North fall sports squads prepare for their second ever season
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished August 27, 2021

School is back and classes are well underway, meaning fall sports are on the horizon. In Elkhorn North’s second year of operation, seniors are now a part of the school, which means that all athletics...

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The Wolves watch Lincoln Southeast warm up prior to the game

First Season on The Hill

The Elkhorn North baseball team has made great strides in its inaugural season
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished May 21, 2021

Rain, piercing wind, cold weather, and a group of guys with a passion for baseball have forged the new program at Elkhorn North. The Wolves have finished their first season on the diamond impressing everyone...

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The greatest sports movies span across a wide variety of sports

Top Ten Sports Movies

A ranking of the top 10 best sports movies
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished April 29, 2021

Through determination, grit, perseverance, and maybe a little comedy here and there, the teams and individuals of athletics have forged their stories, both real and fictional, into sports movies. Sports...

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The construction on 180th and Blondo intersection is well underway

“Road Work Ahead”

The construction on 180th and Blondo street has been an ongoing project for over a year
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished April 22, 2021

Roads, streets, avenues, boulevards. Projects are always occurring everywhere people drive. And the current construction on the intersection of 180th Street and Blondo Street is one of the largest in recent...

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Freshman Jeriah Station runs the ball up the field

Athletes in Preparation

Many athletes at Elkhorn North use one sport to prepare for another.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished April 13, 2021

As the world of sports shifts to more specialization and single-sport athletes, the traditional well-rounded athlete is becoming a thing of the past. However, there are many benefits to playing more than...

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The famous Croque Garcon Burger at Block 16

Review | Best Restaurants of Omaha

Local eateries top the must-eat list.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished March 26, 2021

Beyond the endless corn fields, flat plains, and nobody in sight, Omaha stands as the major population center in Nebraska. Like any other city, it has its long list of popular places to eat that draw in...

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Wrong Answers Only with Brandon Orgilbold

Wrong Answers Only with Brandon Orgilbold

Ramping up ENHS's social anxiety one question at a time.
Published March 5, 2021

Created and hosted by Brandon Orgilbold. Filmed by Caleb Polking. Edited by Braxton Mastre.

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Shan Acharya pancakes an Elkhorn defensive lineman

Big Man Has Even Bigger Plans

Junior Shan Acharya is currently going through the recruiting process for college football
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished March 1, 2021

From quarterback to offensive lineman and a lot in between, one of Elkhorn North’s premier athletes has made a name for himself in the school’s first year. Shan Acharya, a football player in his...

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The Elkhorn North student section on its feet as it cheers on the Wolves

New Tradition, New Feud

The Elkhorn North and Elkhorn High boys basketball teams have now played twice in the Wolves' inaugural year
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished February 11, 2021

Some might say anything can happen in a rivalry game, especially in a brand new one. And last Tuesday’s game held up to these standards. In its first year of play, the Elkhorn North boys basketball...

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Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski celebrate after winning

Brady Proves Yet Again

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers beat the Kansas City Chiefs to lay claim as Super Bowl 55 champions
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished February 9, 2021

It was a game no one expected. The fans came into it thinking they would see a back and forth burner right to the end.  It was two explosive offenses. A rising star versus a twenty-one year veteran. The...

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On the Spot with Brandon Orgilbold

On the Spot with Brandon Orgilbold

Things get awkward.
Published February 8, 2021

Filmed by Caleb Polking. Edited by Braxton Mastre.

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Head cross country coach, Bob Wolf, talks to his team

In the Classroom and On the Field

Teaching in coaching in high school is something many teachers enjoy doing
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished January 22, 2021

The teaching profession is hard enough as is, but there are many who add coaching careers to their already heavy workload. Despite having to prepare for daily lessons, grade papers, help students, and...

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Photo by: today.com

Christmas Movie Reviews With B.Dot and CP

Here are our ratings and reviews on the best Christmas movies.
By Brandon Orgilbold and Caleb PolkingPublished December 15, 2020

With Covid, the Presidential Election, and how 2020 has been, Christmas is coming in hot this year. One of the best parts about Christmas is the movies. Here are just a few of the best Christmas movies...

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The Elkhorn North offense and Elkhorn defense line up for the coming play.

The Michigan and Ohio State of Elkhorn

The school split of Elkhorn High and Elkhorn North has set the stage for a rivalry between the schools.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished November 19, 2020

The Red River Showdown, Bedlam, The Iron Bowl, The Holy War, Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry, The CyHawk Series, The Axe Game. Then there’s “The Game,” as it is known to be the name of the historic...

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Mr. Ford in his 2020 school picture.

Leaving Home for a New One

Athletic Director Luke Ford left Elkhorn High to be one of the founders of brand new Elkhorn North
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished November 5, 2020

16 years of teaching and administration, coaching, and now three different schools, has been the story for Elkhorn North Athletic Director Luke Ford.  Ford recently made the transition from assistant...

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Elkhorn North parking lot from above.

Students Behind the Wheel

High school is the time that people begin their driving careers
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 20, 2020

During the duration of high school, students encounter many new responsibilities that will ultimately be big parts of the rest of their lives. Arguably the biggest of those responsibilities is driving,...

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Head Coach Scott Frost leads the Huskers onto the field.

Back on the Gridiron

Nebraska football will make a return to the field in October
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished October 2, 2020

6 months ago, the thought of playing a football season this fall was one that crossed the minds of sports fans across the country. No one really knew what the situation with COVID-19 would be like 6 months...

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The new Elkhorn North weight room has been a great piece of the new school.

Pumping New Iron

Brand new ENHS weight room catches the attention of many.
By Caleb Polking, Sports EditorPublished September 16, 2020

  The moment Elkhorn North High School became a sure plan, the thought of the new weight room was at the front of minds. A center of sports and athletic training, the weight room is an important...

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