Sibling teamwork transcends sports

Multiple siblings compete against or support each other

Sibling rivalry can be summarized in a simple statement about a younger brother.

“I hate when (Jackson Sokolowski) runs in front of me,” senior Nick Sokolowski said.

Beyond the rivalry exists great admiration between the two brothers.

The younger brother, freshman Jackson Sokolowski, said their sibling competition is not a big factor on their athletics.

“It’s not really much of a competition, since Nick always wins,” Jackson said. “But of course I aim to be like him. He’s not cocky, he’s a great team leader, so he’s naturally someone I look up to.”

The Sokolowski brothers’ effort is reflected by their awards. Both received All-Conference recognition in cross country and Nordic skiing.

They recently participated as members of the Park Nordic ski team that won second place at the State meet.

Additionally, Nick said this sibling support brings them closer when it comes to mental preparation, in addition to their physical preparation on off-days.

“I feel a certain responsibility to make sure he’s staying out of trouble, and that he gets the proper advice from me,” Nick said. “If he has a tough race, I feel it too because we talk about everything.”

Nick said he expects his brother will compete at a high level for the rest of his Park career.

“Even though he’ll need to find new people that he can call who are willing to train at a moment’s notice. I know he’ll be breaking all of my records,” Nick said.

Twinning for victory

 

Although sophomores Jackson and Zoe Eilers are twins who compete on the nordic varsity team, they have starkly different personalities.

The twins attend the same classes and participate in the same sports, which leads to peers comparing them, Jackson said.

“I think since we are twins and in the same grade a lot of people compare us, which one’s better at this, which one’s better at that,” Jackson said. “It’s not like we are identical, we would be more competitive.”

Despite the competitive nature of a sibling rivalry, Zoe looks to her brother for help.

During her time as a sophomore Nordic skiing captain, she looked to her brother for help.

“I would ask Jackson on what he thought,” Zoe said. “I would take advice from him and advice from someone else and find a medium in between them.”

Sisters avoid any conflict

 

Leadership can be a rare trait among students, but for junior Anna Huber and sophomore Kate Huber it comes naturally.

Although Anna and Kate are captains of different sports, soccer and volleyball, there was a time in their childhood when they competed against each other. Kate said this phase ended quickly.

“I didn’t want to have to compete with her. I didn’t want the tension,” Kate said. “I know other siblings have that issue.”

For the Huber sisters a sibling rivalry ended early, resulting in strong friendship.