Author: Ben Burns

Northern Star: Alex Schott

Third season as Hermantown's starting quarterback

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Experience can often be hard to come by at the quarterback position in high school football, but Alex Schott is a rare exception for the Hermantown Hawks. “You got your Peyton Mannings of the world, you got your Tom Bradys, and that was always kind of who I looked up to, and kind of wanted to always be…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton Wins Eighth Straight, Rails Tie With Agates

Lumberjacks 9-1 in 2024 season

DULUTH, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team have now gone eight games in a row without giving up a goal, shutting down Duluth Denfeld 2-0 Monday night. Mackenzie Lynch and Makena Smith scored the Lumberjacks’ two goals, the latter of which was Smith’s seventh goal on the season. This win puts Cloquet-Carlton at 9-1 on the season while Denfeld falls…

NorthShore Inline Marathon Brings Excitement, Family Fun

Over 2,000 skaters raced in 2024 event

DULUTH, Minn.- Over 2,000 skaters rolled down the North Shore in the largest NorthShore Inline Marathon since 2009. While the Elite roller skaters were once again the main attraction, roller skiers, runners and spectators made this year’s races a can’t-miss event. You can find the full results of Saturday’s races by clicking this link. Categories: Sports

Prep Football: Cloquet & Esko Earn Week 3 Victories, Two Harbors & Superior Fall

In Minnesota it was week three on Friday night. As for Wisconsin, it was week four.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet football team earned their first win of the season on Friday, defeating previously unbeaten Duluth East 47 to 22. The Lumberjacks improve to 1-2 on the season and will next play at Rock Ridge on September 20th. Duluth East will look to rebound next week against rival Duluth Denfeld. In other prep football action, Esko extended…

Top Plays: 9/13

Nelson makes top-shelf catch, Manns goes 33 yards for score

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Lake Superior Conference offensive playmakers are featured in this week’s Top Plays. At number two, Superior’s Jackson Nelson leaped over his defender’s helmet to make a deep catch in the fog against Eau Claire North. At number one, Duluth Denfeld’s Taye Manns stiff-armed a Pine City defender on a 33-yard touchdown, which was one of…

Manns, Hunters Race Past Pine City

Denfeld improves to 3-0

DULUTH, Minn.- In their first home game since their 2023 playoff loss, the Duluth Denfeld football team flexed their muscles and showed their speed in Thursday’s 56-0 win over Pine City. Senior Taye Manns had his fair share of game breaking plays, including an interception returned for a touchdown on the second play from scrimmage. Manns followed that up with…

Boys Soccer: C-E-C Tops Duluth East, Denfeld and Superior Settle for Tie

C-E-C will next play Grand Rapids on Saturday at noon.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton picked up a hard fought win on Thursday, defeating Duluth East 2-1. The two teams were tied at one at the half, before C-E-C pulled away in the 2nd half. C-E-C will next play Grand Rapids on Saturday at noon. As for Duluth East (4-4-1), they will host Moorhead on Saturday. In other prep boys soccer…

Northern Star: Addison Sandman

Co-Captain for Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team

CLOQUET, Minn.- As the Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team hunts for its fourth-straight Section 7AA title, Addison Sandman has become a critical part of the Lumberjackets’ success at midfield. “In my opinion, without the midfield, there wouldn’t be a soccer team,” says Sandman, who’s a co-captain in her senior season. “(Addison)’s the best, my favorite person to play with,” says junior…

Lumberjacks Win Sixth Straight, Score Six Against Bluejackets

Pavlatos scores hat trick

CLOQUET, Minn- The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team wasted no time finding the back of the net in Monday’s 6-0 win over Hibbing/Chisholm. The Lumberjacks scored three goals in a span of 10 minutes, including the game’s first goal less than 30 seconds after the opening whistle. Freshman Aubrey Pavlatos, who entered the game with one goal on the season, scored…

Cloquet/Carlton Girls Soccer Not Ready to Slow Down

Three-time defending section champions

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team have claimed three straight section 7AA championships, and they have no plans of ending their reign. The Lumberjacks have started the 2024 season 6-1 overall, giving up only two goals in their seven games. This year’s team is led by nine seniors, along with junior and rising star Lauren Hughes. What makes them…

Esko’s Jacion Owens Commits to MSU-Moorhead

Plays quarterback, defensive back for defending section 7AAA champions

ESKO, Minn.- One of the top playmakers in Minnesota’s section 7AAA has found his next football home. Senior Jacion Owens has committed do Minnesota State University-Moorhead, a Division II program in the NSIC. Owens is currently in his second year as Esko’s starting quarterback. However, he’s had an equal impact as a defensive back, where he’ll likely line up for…

Coaches Corner: Mike Sengbush

Duluth Marshall coming off 2023 Section 7A Championship

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Mike Sengbush of the Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer team. Sengbush discusses coming off a section championship, how the Hilltoppers can recover from early struggles, and why he still loves coaching soccer after decades on the sidelines. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Plays: 9/6

Superior, Esko defense steps up; Hill scores for UWS

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of defensive football plays and a big-time UWS goal have made the cut for this week’s top plays. At number three, Superior Defensive Lineman Garret Rivord is able to track down a batted pass for an interception against River Falls. At number two, Esko’s Easton Harker forced a fumble on a sack, resulting in Heath Sunnarborg…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Two Harbors, Esko, & Duluth East Earn Wins, Superior Falls

For prep football teams in Minnesota, it was week two. As for Wisconsin, it was week three.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The prep football season rolled on Friday night with Minnesota competing in their week two matchups and Wisconsin competing in their week three matchups. Some of the notable scores include: Cloquet 6, Hermantown 35 FINAL Mora 0, Two Harbors 48 FINAL Esko 56, Proctor 0 FINAL Hibbing 0, Duluth East 36 FINAL River Falls 44, Superior 20 FINAL…

UMD Soccer Season Begins With Blowout Loss

Wildcats score six consecutive goals

DULUTH, Minn.- For the second straight year, the UMD Soccer team has opened their season with a loss against Northern Michigan. The Wildcats handedly defeated the Bulldogs 6-1 Thursday night at Malosky Field. Nothern Michigan scored all six goals before UMD found the back of the net in the 80th minute (goal scored by Maria Zanotti). UMD will have a…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown & Grand Rapids Stay Unbeaten, Superior Sweeps Northwestern

Hermantown and Grand Rapids will meet on October 1st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team improved to 4-0 on Thursday, defeating rival Proctor in straight sets. The scores were as follows: 25-22, 25-21 and, 25-20. Gabi Arntson led Hermantown with eight kills in the victory. In other prep volleyball action, Grand Rapids is now 3-0 after taking down Duluth Denfeld in three sets. The Thunderhawks will next play at…

Northern Star: Tate Nelson

Two Harbors senior to play for UMD in 2025

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- As a high school senior at Two Harbors, Tate Nelson will soon achieve his dreams of playing for the UMD football team. “It’s a place that I’ve been cheering for all my life, going to games almost every weekend, just growing up around the team,” says Nelson. “It’s kind of been a spot that I’ve always been…

St. Scholastica Women Can’t Keep Up With Nationally-Ranked La Crosse

Saints give up seven goals

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s soccer team were outplayed by the seventh-ranked UW La Crosse Eagles, falling 7-1 on Sunday at Kenny Harkins Field. The Saints’ lone goal was scored by Mariah Hernesman off an assist from Kaitlyn Sautter. Goalkeeper Gracie Meagher recorded nine saves while facing La Crosse’s scoring onslaught. St. Scholastica will cross the bridge on Wednesday…

Second-Half Goals Lift Yellowjackets to Win Over Falcons

Second UWS win over UWRF in program history

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After losing their season opener, the UW-Superior women’s soccer team has earned their first win of the season in a 2-1 nailbiter over UW-River Falls. After giving up a goal in the final seconds of the first half, UWS scored two goals in the second half, including the go-ahead score by Brynn Crystal with less than eight minutes…

Tobias, UMD Soccer Have ‘Ring Season’ State of Mind

Bulldogs begin regular season Thursday vs. Northern Michigan

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Senior and Team Captain Anna Tobias is eager to add to her jewelry collection. Leading up to the 2024 season, Tobias has made an effort to get her teammates energized about her team’s chances. In 2023, the Bulldogs reached their first NSIC Tournament in six years, only to be eliminated in the first round. However, Tobias wants…

RT Quinlan’s Fantasy Football League Keeps Timeless Traditions

League meets every Wednesday of NFL regular season

DULUTH, Minn.- On one of the final Sundays before the NFL season begins, the RT Quinlan’s Fantasy Football League gathers for its annual in-person draft. “You’ve gotta let the draft come to you,” Advises Sean Woolverton, who’s won the league championship over the last two seasons. “It depends on what position you get. That pretty much dictates what strategy you…

St. Scholastica Women Open Season With Border Battle Loss

Saints' fourth-straight season-opening loss

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica women’s soccer team’s season has kicked off with a 1-0 loss to UW-River Falls in their annual Border Battle on Friday at Kenny Harkins Field. This marks the Saints’ fourth-straight season-opening loss. In 2023, St. Scholastica didn’t win until their 12th game of the season when they defeated Hamline 2-0. St. Scholastica will have one…

Top Plays: 8/30

Lewis, Paine, Adamski break off big runs

DULUTH, Minn.- Three Minnesota football teams were able to pull of game-breaking touchdown runs in their season-opening games this week. At number three, Hermantown’s Aidan Adamski pulled off a 41-yard touchdown, marking his first touchdown as a Hawk following his transfer from Duluth Marshall (previously played for Two Harbors). At number two, Mesabi East’s Landon Paine dashed 67 yards off…

Prep Football: Hermantown Retains Hammer, Two Harbors & Northwestern Earn First Wins

Minnesota prep football teams kicked off their seasons. Meanwhile in Wisconsin, it was week two.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team will hold onto the hammer for another year. On Friday, the Hawks defeated Proctor 72 to 0 in their annual rivalry game to begin the year at 1-0. Hermantown (1-0) will next host Cloquet on September 6th. Proctor (0-1) will try to bounce back against Esko also on September 6th. In other prep football…

Prep Football: Greyhounds Shock Esko, Giants Stomp South Ridge

Esko's first regular season loss in four years

ESKO, Minn.- The Blane Tetrault Era of Duluth East Football had an emphatic entrance on Thursday, defeating three-time defending section champion Esko 24-14 in their season opener. The Greyhounds’ defense gave Esko plenty of problems, forcing four turnovers through fumbles in the first half. Meanwhile, running back Michael Lewis scored two first-half touchdowns with the help of his offensive line….

UMD Football Eager for Season Opener at Northern Michigan

Bulldogs defeated Wildcats in 2023 regular season opener

DULUTH, Minn.- As students flooded UMD’s campus for the first day of classes, Head Coach Curt Wiese and his players continued to gameplan for their 2024 season opener against Northern Michigan. “This is an opportunity for us to be 1-0, to be able to start the season off the right way,” Noted Wiese, who will coach in his 14th complete…

Felipe Oliveira Right at Home With Yellowjackets

First-Team All-UMAC selection in 2023

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In the last year and a half in the Twin Ports, Felipe Oliveira has already made quite a name for himself on the pitch. In his first season with the UW-Superior men’s soccer team, Oliveira was a First-Team All-UMAC selection, scoring five goals while adding three assists. In 23 games, the Goshen College transfer started a team-leading 22…

Harbor Monsters Reflect on Unlikely Path to Inaugural Championship

"It wasn't anything that I truly expected"

DULUTH, Minn.- Two weeks after winning the first-ever ArenaMania Championship, Duluth Harbor Monsters General Manager Steve Walters thought back to his team’s title-winning performance. “To be honest, it wasn’t anything that I truly expected,” Recalled Walters, who worked in sales and marketing before joining the upstart indoor football franchise. “When it came to the championship itself, it was an amazing…

Coaches Corner: Joe Mooney

UWS Men's Soccer Coach entering 17th season

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we catch up with Joe Mooney of the UW-Superior men’s soccer team with the 2024 season right around the corner. Mooney is entering his 17th year as the Yellowjackets’ head coach and has already earned over 200 wins at the helm. The UWS men’s soccer season begins on Friday, August 30 on the…

Top Play: 8/23

Northwestern's Nelson recovers fumble for defensive touchdown

MAPLE, Wis.- It’s not often that defensive linemen are able to get their hands on the ball, let alone score touchdowns. On Friday, Northwestern’s Finley Nelson recovered a fumble in the end zone following a botched jet sweep handoff by Prescott. This marked the Tigers’ first touchdown of the season, but it was their only score in a 42-8 loss…

Northwestern & Superior Football Suffer Season-Opening Defeats

Friday was opening night for prep football teams in Wisconsin.

MAPLE, Wis.- The three-time defending Heart O’North champions, the Northwestern football team began their 2024 campaign on Friday. Unfortunately, their opponent Prescott was too much for the Tigers as they came away with the 42 to 8 victory. The contest was Northwestern’s first opening week loss since 2008. Northwestern (0-1) will try to bounce back next Friday at home against…

Northwestern Not Shying Away From High Expectations

10-2 in 2023, eliminated in third round

MAPLE, Wis.- After losing on their home field in a stunning WIAA Level 3 loss to St. Croix Falls, the Northwestern High School football team is ready to kick it up a notch this season. In 2023, the Tigers finished 10-2 overall, marking the seventh straight season with at least one playoff victory. Eighth-year head coach Jovin Kroll will have…

UWS Men’s Soccer Primed for UMAC 8-Peat

Finished 2023 regular season winning 15 of last 17 games

SUPERIOR, Wis.- After winning seven straight UMAC Championships, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team has no plans of ending their inner-conference reign in 2024. In 2023, the Yellowjackets won 15 of their last regular season games before delivering two shutouts in the UMAC Tournament. However, UWS was eliminated in the first round of the NCAA Tournament for the third straight year….

UMD Soccer Ready to Build on 2023 Tourney Appearance

Finished 6-7-6 in 2023 season

DULUTH, Minn.- After a mixed bag of a 2023 season, the UMD soccer team is eager to become a bigger threat in the NSIC. Last season, the Bulldogs finished 6-7-6 overall. Despite the mediocre record, it was enough to claim the eight-seed in the NSIC tournament, marking their first tournament appearance since 2017. This fall marks Greg Cane’s 30th anniversary…

UMD Cross Country Leaning on Leadership in 2024 Season

Head Coach Brette Jensen to take maternity leave

DULUTH, Minn.- Leadership is expected to play a major role in the UMD cross country team’s 2024 season. Brette Jensen is entering her third season as the Bulldogs’ head coach. However, she will soon step away from the team as part of her maternity leave, leaving it up to assistant coach Drew Palmer and her team captains to step up…

UMD’s Sam Pitz Catching Eye of NFL Scouts

Led Bulldogs with 9 receiving touchdowns in 2023

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Sam Pitz is entering his final eligible season of college football, but his career on the gridiron may only be getting started. The tight end from Appleton is getting attention from NFL scouts, who have been visiting UMD practices as the Bulldogs prepare for the regular season. In addition, Pitz has been named to the D2 Football…

Denfeld’s Anderson Reflects on Coaching Career as 30th Season Looms

Anderson thankful for players, Denfeld community

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Duluth Denfeld boys soccer team prepares for the 2024 season, Head Coach Scott Anderson was honored for his storied career at the Hunters’ helm. Anderson is entering his 30th season coaching Duluth Denfeld after starting his time with the Hunters as an assistant coach. He’s also been a part of Gitchee Gumee Soccer Club from its…

Cardell Thibodeaux’s Impact Evident During Huskies’ Playoff Push

55 runs, 51 hits for Duluth in 2024

DULUTH, Minn.- As the Duluth Huskies made a late-season push towards clinching a playoff spot, Cardell Thibodeaux always seemed to be in the spark that ignited his team’s success. Known for his speed and agility, he became a constant threat on the basepaths and a defensive asset in the outfield. Thibodeaux’s impact wasn’t just evident to the naked eye; his…

Two Harbors Poised for Season Against Section Heavyweights

Finished 7-3 in 2023 season

TWO HARBORS, Minn.- With many of their top weapons of the 2023 season back in pads, the Two Harbors football team has eyes on competing for the Section 7AAA title. Over the past five seasons, the Agates have been eliminated in the section semifinals. Yet, with returning stars like quarterback Jacob Carpenter and offensive weapon Tate Nelson, head coach Tom…

Bent Paddle Patrons Go for Gold in ‘Summer Beer Olympics’

Organized by Minnesota Brewery Running Series

DULUTH, Minn.- While most of us don’t have what it takes to compete on the world stage in Paris, a few dozen locals got to experience the rush of competition at the “Summer Beer Olympics” at Bent Paddle Brewing Company. The event was organized by the Minnesota Brewery Running Series, which also hosted a 5K fun run that same day….

Coaches Corner: Seth Marsolek

Director of Art Von Memorial Tournament

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Seth Marsolek, the Director of the Art Von Memorial Tournament. The 30th annual Art Von Memorial Tournament took place August 4-6 at Lake Park in Duluth and featured teams across Minnesota, Wisconsin and Canada. Click here for more information on the Art Von Memorial Tournament. Marsolek is also the co-founder…

Superior Football Energized by New Head Coach

Spartans finished 0-9 in 2023

SUPERIOR, Wis.- New Superior Head Football Coach Rob Scott admittedly feels at home as he prepares his players for the 2024 season. Scott is taking over for Bob DeMeyer, who retired after 18 years coaching the Spartans. Scott served as Eau Claire Memorial’s head coach since 2021. Before then, he was an assistant for the Spartans, along with the director…

UMD Football Named NSIC Favorites in Preseason Poll

Walljasper, Hennessey Players to Watch

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has been selected as the preseason NSIC favorites, according to a poll of coaches within the conference. Last year, the Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall, which put them in a tie for second place in the NSIC. In addition, Quarterback Kyle Walljasper and Defensive End Drew Hennessey has been named as Players to Watch in…

UMD Football Motivated by 2023 Playoff Snub

Opening season August 29 at Northern Michigan

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team arrived at Griggs Field with pent-up energy and excitement for the upcoming 2024 season. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m super excited to kind of get after it again and get back in the swing of things.” said tight end Sam Pitz. “It’s a great feeling, back with the boys. Kind of…

Superior City FC Men Take Wisconsin Cup in Season Finale

Defeated FC Milwaukee Torrent 1-0

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – The Superior City FC men ended their season on the highest of notes Saturday, winning the Wisconsin Cup Final 1-0 over FC Milwaukee Torrent. The match’s lone goal was scored by Mally Lumsden in the 54th minute. With Saturday’s game coming nearly two months after their most previous match, the Navy were forced to call up…

Harbor Monsters to Host ArenaMania Following Playoff Win

Defeated Ozarks Lunkers 50-18

DULUTH, Minn.- In their inaugural season, the Duluth Harbor Monsters have advanced to The Arena League’s ArenaMania after defeating the Ozarks Lunkers 50-18 in Saturday’s semifinal game. This marks the Harbor Monsters’ fifth consecutive win in what has been a major turnaround in Duluth’s road to ArenaMania. The Harbor Monsters will host the Iowa Woo, who pulled an upset victory…

Top Plays: 8/2

Thibodeaux makes diving grab, Elvis hits first homer

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies made a pair of eye-catching plays that lifted them to a 4-3 win on Sunday over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders. At number two, Centerfielder Cardell Thibodeaux made a diving catch for an out, despite losing his sunglasses and chain necklace during the play. At number one, Catcher Cal Elvis hit a three-run home…

CJ Ham Grateful for Ninth Vikings Training Camp

Teammates impressed with quarterbacks

EAGAN, Minn.- In near-90-degree weather in full pads, CJ Ham found himself enjoying his time at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp. Ham, a Duluth native, is entering his ninth season in the NFL. A well-seasoned veteran in the eyes of his peers, Ham has come a long way since he went undrafted out of Augustana. Following Monday’s practice, Ham says it’s…

Huskies Squash Dock Spiders, Retain Division Lead

1.5 games ahead in Great Plains East

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies have now won six of their last seven games following Sunday’s 4-3 win over the Fond du Lac Dock Spiders at Wade Stadium. Duluth’s first run came in the bottom of the third off the bat of Charlie Sutherland, who brought in Cardell Thibodeaux from third base. In the fourth, Cal Elvis electrified the crowd…

Jake Downing Keeping Cool Head With Duluth Huskies

Youngest player on Huskies roster

DULUTH, Minn.- As the only 2024 high school graduate on the Duluth Huskies’ roster, Jake Downing has done some on-the-fly adapting in the last month and a half. “Definitely a slow start, kind of just getting adjusted to everything,” says Downing, 18. “The faster pace of the game, the bigger guys, kind of learning as much as I can in…