Athlete of the Week: 10 questions with Jack Savino, New Trier hockey

Jack Savino is a senior defenseman for New Trier Green. He was selected to the All-State team and helped Green to a state championship victory on March 13.

1. Do you have pregame rituals or superstitions?

I’ve got a couple. I used to have to eat the same meal before every game, but then I got hurt and I took that one away. I try to take a nap before every game but that doesn’t work all the time.

2. What are your plans for next year?

I’m going to Miami of Ohio. It was between there and Boulder (Colorado) and has been since I was like 12 years old. One of my older sisters went to Boulder and one to Miami. I visited both a couple times and ultimately just decided Miami was a better fit for me. I love Oxford (Ohio) and the school is pretty and has great resources.

3. What is your favorite thing to do off the ice?

Hanging out with friends family. I am a very social person and like to be active a lot, like to be outside.

4. Who is your favorite athlete?

It used to be Cristiano Ronaldo and quickly switched over when I was younger to Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks — retired). I started to like Patrick Shaw (Chicago Blackhawks — retired) too because I like how aggressive he was.

5. If you could play another sport, what would it be?

Football. 100 percent. I think it’s such a sweet sport. Friday night lights and all that I find so cool. Football is very physical and I’m a fan of physical sports.

6. What would be your last meal?

Something that involves chicken probably. I’m a big chicken guy.

7. If you’re in Walgreens with a couple bucks, what are you buying?

A big Smart Water that will last me a while throughout the day. Try to get my gallon a day.

8. What is something people don’t know about you?

I recently revealed to everyone I know that I can juggle. And I’m actually pretty good at drawing. That’s my hidden talent. I’m a pretty good sketcher. Just random stuff. I like to draw mountains. That’s probably what i’m best at.

9. What do you love about hockey?

The constant pace of the game is so intriguing to me. I find there’s nothing better than being able to play a sport that you can skate at 24 mph and run into a guy at full speed and you get props for that. It’s not easy to score, the feeling of making a good pass, and the locker room has got to be one of the best parts of hockey — getting to know guys in 20-minute increments, getting to know a group of guys that I would’t know outside of hockey.

10. How does it feel to end high school with a state championship?

It feels unreal. There is no better feeling in the world. It’s such a long season, just to be rewarded like that at the end of the season, there’s no better feeling. It really just shows all the hard work you’ve put in all year.

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