Each week, the Alaska Nanooks will be publishing blog posts from one or more newcomers from each of Alaska's 10 varsity sports teams throughout their preseason. More sports will join the blog following their first official practice.

Hockey
By #8 Jordan Muzzillo | Fr. | Defenseman | Capron, Ill.

"Welcome back, Nanook Nation!

The season is right around the corner! This Saturday we have our annual Blue vs. Gold game at the Patty Ice Arena. The game will be starting at 7 o'clock p.m. so make sure you get there a bit early for a good seat! The boys are eager to finally start put all the hard work in on and off ice training into a game! Hope to see you all there!

This last Monday was our first official practice of the year! Meaning we will start getting into a routine in what our daily schedules will look like throughout the remainder of the season. Like I said, be sure to attend this weekend's game to see your 2018-19 Alaska Nanooks. During the intermission, we will also have some entertaining activities for all that attend to watch, such as fastest skater and hardest shot!

As mentioned in the last blog I had written, I have introduced all 10 freshmen on this year's squad. Hope you all got to know your newest Nooks a bit better! We look forward to seeing you a the Carlson Center this year cheering us on. It's been a bit of an adjustment period for us all, trying to balance school along with practices and community service but nevertheless, we are having a blast, and of course, staying busy!

Thanks for tuning into this week's blog! Hope to see you all this Saturday at the Patty cheering us on!"

Swimming
By Jessica Williamson | Freestyle/IM | North Pole, Alaska

"Hello! My name is Jessica Williamson. I am a freshman swimmer and lifelong Alaskan.

I have always wanted to attend UAF and I love being at this school. Most of my family attended UAF, so it was my goal to come here, as well. The few weeks that school has been going on, I have noticed that the people on campus are so kind and will help you with anything. There is such an atmosphere here that I feel is special to our school. The staff that work here make it their main priority to make you stay on the path of success throughout your collegiate career.

I love that I am able to swim for UAF on the Lady Nanook swim team. Coach Scott and Coach Becca are showing me that I have potential that I never knew I had. I was never the best student in middle or high school, but with the athletics program here, I feel confident that college will bring out the best in me. I love college in Alaska because no matter what season, hour of the day, or place you are within the state, it is absolutely GORGEOUS! Although the weather gets cold, at least the state gives you an amazing view to look at as you shiver."

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