2 hours Ago By Reagan Hoverman
MAPLE — Every rule has an exception. In an increasingly specialized world, families venture into AAU athletics as early as elementary school. With each passing year, versatility, curiosity and experimentation appear to stay further and further from the societal norm.
ADVERTISEMENT Student athletes striving to enrich themselves — academically and culturally — may be a dying breed, but they’re not all gone. At least one still walks the halls of Northwestern High School every morning. “Josh Hanson is a key part of basically any activity that goes on around here,” Northwestern head coach Jovin Kroll said.
“He reaches every group of people, which is special because you build so many more relationships and friendships by doing that.” Hanson, a senior, may be known best for his role as a two-way starter on the Tigers’ offensive and defensive lines, but that’s the tip of the iceberg. He’s also deeply ingrained in Northwestern’s choir program, forensics and a litany of other student organizations.
His versatility, both on the field and in the arts, has yielded a chaotic schedule that would sink most high school students. The delight that Hanson garners from trying new things and meeting people from different walks of life is what keeps him enjoying a jam-packed calendar. “I do it all for the experience,” Hanson said.
“I like doing new things like quiz bowl. That’s where we answer trivia and it’s stuff that I didn’t know before getting involved. I started learning new things and was like, ‘Whoa, this is so cool.
’” When Hanson was a freshman, he jumped head first into the deep end, trying just about every club and student organization Northwestern had to offer. Some he liked, others he discovered might not be for him, but he gave nearly everything a chance. As a senior, Hanson is still involved in quiz bowl, student council, National Honor Society, FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), band, choir, which includes chamber singers and vocal jazz, in addition to forensics and track and field.
ADVERTISEMENT “It’s a long list,” Hanson said while laughing. “I take pride in it because it’s unique and I’m getting to experience a lot of great stuff. One day I’ll be out here playing football, then the next day I’ll be singing in a competition down in Eau Claire.
” The daily balancing act that Hanson does is nothing short of astonishing. While participating in all of his clubs and activities, the senior standout also takes dual enrollment college courses through the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Hanson excels academically, as he holds a GPA north of 4.
0, which has helped him set his sights on the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he plans to major in chemical engineering. Having an athlete like him on the football team has been a huge asset to Kroll. “He’s so articulate and intelligent, and he understands multiple positions,” Kroll said.
“I don’t think there is a spot on our offensive line that he hasn’t played. He’s also a long, tall, strong kid. That’s a great combination when he’s got a great head on his shoulders.
” Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 225 pounds, Hanson is a specimen on the offensive line. His physical gifts and intellectual understanding of the game have helped Hanson teach the position to the Tigers’ first-year varsity starters up front. No one has benefited more from Hanson’s instruction than junior guard Noah Bourque, who got his first varsity start this season.
Although Bourque has missed multiple games due to injury, he said Hanson has still been instrumental in his development this year. “We weren’t really sure what the line was going to look like at the beginning of the year,” Bourque said. “Getting placed next, and him being a senior, he helped me through and communicated really well with how I could learn the position better.
” ADVERTISEMENT Bourque learned quickly, but every week in practice — and occasionally in games — he turned to Hanson, a seasoned veteran, looking for advice about how to take his game to the next level. “When I have a question, I always ask him first,” Bourque said. “He’s a really smart guy, so even if sometimes I’m rattled and can’t think of what the best option is for a play, he’s right there to walk me through it.
” Hanson’s leadership runs through the entire offensive line, a unit that has been firing on all cylinders for the last several weeks. The Tigers have won three straight games, including a 64-0 dismantling of Bloomer on Homecoming night, Oct. 4.
Behind Hanson and the rest of a physical offensive line, Northwestern (5-2) ran for seven touchdowns and more than 400 yards. As if the night wasn’t great enough, Hanson was crowned Homecoming King at halftime. “It’s been one of the best nights I’ve had — very special,” Hanson said.
“Getting the win tonight, too, it was a big boost for us. It was the first time we’ve held a team to zero (this season), and it gave the JV a chance to play, too.” Being chosen as homecoming king is a testament to how Hanson’s peers feel about him and his ability to connect with a wide array of people.
Kroll said that’s something everyone can learn from, regardless of age. “To be as well-rounded as him is something everyone can take a lesson from,” Kroll said. “There is more here than just sports.
There are extremely successful music and drama programs, other clubs and activities. He experiences more than a lot of kids who specialize in one area get.” ADVERTISEMENT There is no question that Hanson has amassed a collection of priceless memories during his time at Northwestern, but few of them are as sweet as Tigers football under the Friday night lights.
“When the Tigers go on the field, you know it’s going to be a good game,” Hanson said. “It’s a one-of-a-kind experience playing out here. Running out onto this field, it’s a one-of-a-kind feeling.
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