As we get more into the winter season, Utica’s tryouts were sent out and available. Students were able to try out for this year’s sports of Utica High.

“This year, we have a really good hockey team and all new equipment. The hockey players have a whole new locker room, and everything is so much nicer,” coach Ric Essad. “Other schools are jealous of what we became.”

Essad is very confident in this year’s Hockey team.

“Our team is good enough to win the league,” Essad said.

Essad has been coaching for 7 years, and this is his fifth season to be united with Henry Ford II High School.

Athletic Director Jim Vigus encourages all students to try out for a sport.

“Students who participate in sports,” Vigus said, “are generally more organized.”

This season’s sports include Cross Country, Football, Golf, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, Bowling, Competitive Cheer, Ice Hockey, Wrestling, Lacrosse, and Track and Field.