Author: Neil Vierzba

Esko Girls Soccer Blanks Proctor for 4th Straight Section 7A Title

Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again get the chance to play for a state title. On Tuesday, Esko defeated Proctor 1-0 to claim their fourth straight Section 7A title. Esko was led by Britta Koski, who had the lone goal in the contest. Esko will learn who their first round opponent is at state over the…

Debay’s Late Goal in OT Sends Grand Rapids Girls Soccer to First-Ever State Tourney

Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids girls soccer team will finally be able to play on the big stage at state. On Tuesday, the Thunderhawks defeated the Hawks of Hermantown 1-0 in the Section 7AA title game. Kylie Debay scored the lone goal with 58 seconds left in overtime. The state tournament matchups will be announced over the weekend. Categories:…

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer Heading to State for 3rd Straight Season

Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall.

RAMSEY, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team claimed their 3rd straight Section 7A title on Tuesday. Playing Spectrum, the Hilltoppers found the back of the net four times in the first half and wouldn’t look back to pick up the 5 to 1 win. Mason Park and Benson Peterson each had two goals for Marshall. State matchups will be…

Northwestern’s Ethan Harms to Continue Football Career at Dordt

So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns.

MAPLE, Wis.- Northwestern’s Ethan Harms now knows where he’ll be heading once his time with the Tigers wraps up. On Sunday, Harms announced his commitment to Dordt University, a Division three team based out of the Great Plains Athletic Conference. So far this season, the quarterback/receiver has 440 rushing yards, 423 receiving yards, and 17 total touchdowns. He’ll join former…

After Suffering First Loss, UMD Football Falls to #16 in AFCA Poll

This is the 2nd time this season that UMD has been ranked 16th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team did see some movement after suffering their first loss of the year at Northern State on Saturday. The Bulldogs have fallen to 16th after previously being 10th a week ago. This is the 2nd time this season that UMD has been ranked 16th, with the last time being on September 15th. UMD will have…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays Put at #4 in Latest USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs suffered their first two losses of the season, falling 4 to 3 and 4-0 to top-ranked Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a tough weekend for the UMD women’s hockey squad. The Bulldogs suffered their first two losses of the season, falling 4 to 3 and 4-0 to top-ranked Wisconsin. Even with the sweep, UMD wasn’t impacted in the latest USCHO poll. The team remains ranked 4th in the nation. This upcoming weekend will mark the first time…

Prep Football: Northwestern Stays Undefeated, Cloquet Wins Thriller, Duluth Denfeld Falls at Home

Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. 

MAPLE, Wis.- Friday marked week 8 for prep football teams in Wisconsin. The Northwestern Tigers hosted Ashland in the U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. The Tigers defeated the Oredockers 49-0 to win their 18th consecutive U.S Highway 2 rivalry game. Over in Minnesota, the Cloquet Lumberjacks squared off against Duluth East. The Lumberjacks defeated the Greyhounds 21-20 after a game-winning…

Four-Goal 2nd Period Propels Bulldog Men’s Hockey Past Vikings

Scout Truman, Ty Hanson, Callum Arnott, and Max Plante all found the back of the net in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team improved to 3-0 on the season on Friday night, defeating Augustana 4-1. After a scoreless first period, the Bulldogs broke out in the 2nd, scoring four goals to head into the final period. Scout Truman, Ty Hanson, Callum Arnott, and Max Plante all found the back of the net in the victory. UMD…

Mirage Forward Taylee Manion Invited to U.S. U-18 National Team Selection Camp

Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Mirage sophomore Taylee Manion will get another chance to impress the U.S. U-18 higher-ups. Earlier this week, she was invited to their selection camp, set to take place on October 26th in Blaine. Manion has been on the Mirage varsity team since 8th grade and has totaled eight goals and 22 assists. She is the youngest player of…

Superior’s Austin Edwards Staying Home to Play College Baseball at UWS

This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A current Superior Spartan is staying home to play college ball. Senior pitcher and outfielder Austin Edwards announced his commitment to UW-Superior on Thursday. This past spring, the left-hander threw a team-high 40 innings. When he’s not pitching, he can play all outfield positions and also play some first base. During the summer months, Edwards suited up for…

Girls Soccer: Duluth East & Hermantown Make Respective Section Title Games

All section soccer title games take place on October 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, the Duluth East girls soccer team will play for the Section 7AAA title. On Thursday, the Greyhounds shut out Andover 8-0 in the semifinals to earn their spot. They’ll next host Blaine in the section title game on October 14th at 5 PM. In 7AA, Hermantown completed the upset over Cloquet-Carlton, 1 to…

UMD Men’s Hoops Picked to Finish 1st in NSIC North, Women Slated for 3rd

Both UMD squads will tip off the regular season on November 14th.

DULUTH, Minn.- If it was up to the NSIC coaches then the UMD men’s team is going to have a good season. On Thursday, the Bulldogs were picked to finish first in the NSIC North coaches poll. UMD received 47 points, which was four points higher than Minnesota State-Moorhead, who came in 2nd in the poll. Also announced were the…

Girls Soccer: Esko & Proctor to Meet in Section 7A Title Game After Semifinal Wins

It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team will once again play for the Section 7A crown. On Wednesday, Esko defeated Spectrum 10 to 0 in the semifinals to secure their spot. It will be the 4th straight year Esko has played for the Section title. They’ll next face Proctor, who defeated Legacy Christian Academy 4 to 0 in the other…

Panthers Release Former Bulldog Aiden Williams from Practice Squad

The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is once again a free agent. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers released Williams from their practice squad. The Alaska native originally signed with the team back on October 1st. He’s also spent time with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey to Clash with #1 Wisconsin in WCHA Opener

UMD will try for their first win in Madison since December of 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight season, the UMD women’s hockey team will open up WCHA play against the top ranked team in the nation. Last year, the Bulldogs swept Ohio State and this year they’ll try to do it against Wisconsin. UMD has struggled in recent years against the Badgers. In their last 10 meetings, the Bulldogs have only…

UMD Men’s Hockey & Augustana Set for First-Ever Matchup

The Vikings are currently in their 3rd season as a division one program.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returns home after a successful 2-0 weekend against Alaska Fairbanks. The Bulldogs now turn their attention to a Augustana squad, who they’ve never played before. The Vikings are currently in their 3rd season as a division one program. However, head coach Scott Sandelin says not to look past the fresh D1 squad. “They’re…

Northwood/Solon Springs Pitcher & Catcher Isaiah Ahlberg to Continue Baseball Career at UMD

Ahlberg plays pitcher and catcher for Northwood/Solon Springs.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- Northwood/Solon Springs senior Isaiah Ahlberg announced his commitment to UMD baseball. Just last season, Ahlberg had six wins and 96 strikeouts. He also led the team in runs, doubles, home runs, stolen bases, on base percentage and slugging. Categories: High School, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Girls Soccer: Esko & Proctor Both Secure Spots in Section 7A Semifinals

The Section 7A tournament continues on Wednesday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is one step closer to securing another Section 7A title. On Monday, Esko opened up Section 7A tournament play against PACT with a 7-0 victory. Esko will next face Spectrum, who topped Two Harbors 3-2, Wednesday at 6 PM. On the other side of the bracket, Proctor handled LILA, 6-0. Gianna Hansen scored…

After Bye Week, UMD Women’s Hockey Now Ranked 4th in the Country

So far this season, UMD is unbeaten as they picked up the sweep in Mercyhurst and Syracuse.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team saw some movement in the latest USCHO Poll. After being on a bye week, the Bulldogs moved up one spot to number four in the country. So far this season, UMD is unbeaten as they picked up the sweep in Mercyhurst and Syracuse. They continue their roadtrip this upcoming Saturday by taking on…

UMD Football Moves Up to #10 in Latest AFCA Poll

This is UMD's best national ranking since the 2018 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team continues to roll this season. Just this past Saturday, they handled Southwest Minnesota State 63 to 28 at home to improve to 6-0 on the year. As a result of their success, they are once again moving up in the AFCA Poll. The Bulldogs are now the 10th ranked team in the country after…

UW-Superior Men’s Golf Captures UMAC Title for 3rd Time in Last Four Seasons

It's the 6th conference title in program history for the Yellowjackets.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s golf team is once again UMAC champions. This past Saturday, they wrapped up their 6th conference title in program history by scoring a team total of 913, which was six strokes ahead of 2nd place, Bethany Lutheran. Individually, Superior’s Andrew Rude medaled with a three-day total of 223. This is the 3rd conference title in…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Duluth East, Cloquet, & Two Harbors All Secure Week 6 Wins

Friday marked Week 6 for prep football teams in Minnesota.

ESKO, Minn.- The Hermantown football team bounced back on Friday night, defeating Esko 31 to 6. Martin Sleen led the Hawks with 213 yards rushing and three rushing touchdowns. In Duluth, Duluth East and Duluth Denfeld renewed their rivalry. This year, bragging rights go to the Greyhounds as they come away with the 33-6 win. Cloquet is victorious for the…

C.J. Ham Listed as Questionable for Sunday’s Game Against the Browns

Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth native and Vikings fullback C.J. Ham is officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns. Ham has previously missed the first four games of the regular season while dealing with a knee injury. If he’s good to go, he’ll look to help out a depleted offensive line that’s without guard Donovan Jackson, centers Ryan…

Port Wing’s Megan Gustafson Looking to Add WNBA Champion to Resume

So far this postseason, the center has averaged three points per game on 46 percent shooting.

PORT WING, Wis.- It’s been quite the last 14 months for Port Wing native Megan Gustafson. In August of 2024, she suited up for Spain in the Summer Olympics. Then just two months ago, she released her first book. And now, she’s looking to add WNBA champion to her resume. Friday night, Gustafson and the Las Vegas Aces will host…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet/Carlton Girls Hand Esko 2nd Loss, Hermantown & Denfeld Boys Tie

The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team will enter section tournament play on a four-game winning streak.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet/Carlton girls soccer team will enter section tournament play on a five-game winning streak. On Thursday night, the Lumberjacks were able to get the best of Esko, 3 to 1. It’s just the 2nd loss of the season for Esko. Both teams now turn their attention to their respective section tournaments. In boys action, Hermantown and Duluth…

Vikings Open Practice Window for Fullback & Duluth Native C.J. Ham

Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a full participant all week at practice.

EAGAN, Minn.- Duluth native C.J. Ham is nearing a return to action. Earlier this week, Minnesota opened the practice window for the fullback. That means for the next 21 days he’ll be able to practice with the team and won’t count against the 53-man roster limit. Ham, who has been dealing with a knee injury, has so far been a…

UWS Goaltender Quinn Clark Earns UMAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors

The former Greyhound had 11 saves in contests against Northwestern and Minnesota Morris.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS goaltender Quinn Clark has earned UMAC Defensive Player of the Week honors for her efforts this past weekend. The former Greyhound had 11 saves in contests against Northwestern and Minnesota Morris. 10 of those saves happened in the bout against the Eagles. Clark is so far 3-3-2 in net this year for the Yellowjackets. She and the…

Northern Star: Jevon Williams

Williams leads the Saints with 503 rushing yards this season.

DULUTH, Minn.-St. Scholastica sophomore running back Jevon Williams is having quite the 2025 breakout campaign. In just three games this season, he’s already surpassed his rushing yards total from a year ago by 201 yards. “Just this whole off-season I’ve been really putting my focus towards just being a bigger part of this program, like really showing out for the…

Duluth East Boys Soccer Closes Out Regular Season with Shutout of Hermantown

Duluth East will enter section play with a 12-2-1 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East boys soccer ended the regular season portion of their schedule with a win. Playing Hermantown on Wednesday night, the Greyhounds came away with the 7 to 0 victory. They now turn their focus to section play, which is set to begin next week. As for Hermantown (8-4-3), they have one regular season game at Duluth…

Aiden Williams Back in the NFL as a Member of the Panthers’ Practice Squad

The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD offensive lineman Aiden Williams is back on a NFL roster. On Wednesday, the Carolina Panthers signed Williams to their practice squad. The Alaska native previously spent time with the Steelers in training camp and also was on their practice squad for a brief period. Since he was released by Pittsburgh on September 3rd, Williams had a…

UMD Volleyball Aims to Keep Perfect Home Record Alive Against Mary & Minot

Since 2013, the Bulldogs are a perfect 28-0 combined against the Marauders and Beavers.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team had to work the whole way through this past weekend as they went to five sets in both games against Wayne State and Augustana. In the first contest against the Wildcats, the Bulldogs were just four points away from the victory but Wayne rallied to hand UMD their first loss of the season. The…

UWS Volleyball Takes Bragging Rights Over CSS for 2nd Time in 2025

UWS was led by Makenna Hohbein, who had 11 kills in the victory.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The St. Scholastica and UW-Superior volleyball teams clashed for the 2nd time in 10 days on Tuesday. Like the previous matchup, the Yellowjackets once again came away with the victory, winning in straight sets. UWS was led by Makenna Hohbein, who had 11 kills in the victory. As for CSS, Ava Swangstue led the team with eight kills….

Duluth East Volleyball Captures 10th Win of Season at Superior

It's the Greyhounds third straight victory.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Duluth East volleyball team extended their win streak to three games on Tuesday, defeating Superior in straight sets. The Greyhounds are now 10-5 on the season and will next play in the Esko High School Tournament on Saturday. As for Superior, they are at Cloquet on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Football Not Looking Past Southwest Minnesota State in Week 6 Meeting

Saturday's contest will mark the 39th time that the Mustangs and the Bulldogs have clashed.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another weekend and another victory for the UMD football team as they were able to get the best of MSU-Moorhead, 28 to 14 this past Saturday. The Bulldogs had success in all three phases of the game. Quarterback Kyle Walljasper took over in the 3rd and 4th quarter with two total touchdowns, including the go-ahead one. The UMD…

Prep Football: Rapids Hands Hermantown First Loss, Northwestern Goes to 6-0, East & Superior Fall

In a battle of 7AAAA heavyweights, Grand Rapids reigned supreme over Hermantown on Friday night.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- In a battle of 7AAAA heavyweights, Grand Rapids reigned supreme over Hermantown on Friday night. The Thunderhawks handed the Hawks their first loss of the season, 34 to 20. In other Minnesota action, Duluth East played unbeaten North Branch tough. But, they fall to the Vikings, 22 to 12. Over in Wisconsin, Northwestern is now 6-0 on the…

UW-Superior Breaking Ground on New Track & Field Throwing Facility

The school plans on the facility being ready by May.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior continues to build. On Thursday, the school announced that they will be building a new throwing facility. It will be located behind Ross-Hawkes Hall, on the site of the former baseball field. UWS, who’s set to host the 2026 UMAC Outdoor Track and Field Championships, will be able to support events such as the hammer throw, discus,…

UW-Superior Men’s Soccer Takes Bragging Rights Over CSS for 10th Straight Time

The Yellowjackets had five different goal-scorers in the contest.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team was able to get the best of their border battle rivals, St. Scholastica on Wednesday night. The Yellowjackets blanked the Saints 5 to 0 to earn their 10th straight win against them. UWS (5-3) will next host Minnesota Morris on Saturday. As for CSS (0-6-3), they will host St. Olaf on Saturday. Categories:…

Former Duluth Marshall Goaltender Kaenan Smith Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Smith last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another local product will join the UMD men’s hockey team in the coming years. Former Duluth Marshall goaltender Kaenan Smith announced his commitment to the Bulldogs on Tuesday evening. He last manned the pipes for the Hilltoppers during the 2023-2024 season. In 19 games played, he went 10-8-1 and had a saves percentage of .934. Smith is currently…

Harbor Monsters Rebranding as Minnesota Monsters, Joining AF1

The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they'll enter year three.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are shaking things up as they’ll enter year three. No longer are they a member of the Arena League but they also have a slight name change. Wednesday, the team confirmed with Fox 21 that they will be joining the Arena Football One League and will now be called the Minnesota Monsters. Arena Football…

UMD Volleyball Improves to 10-0 on Season with Straight-Set Victory Over Bemidji State

The Bulldogs were led by Madeline Guetzkow, who had 14 kills in the victory.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team continued their perfect start to the season on Tuesday, defeating Bemidji State in straight sets. The Bulldogs were led by Madeline Guetzkow, who had 14 kills in the victory. UMD (10-0) will next play at Wayne State on Friday. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Duluth East Volleyball Rallies to Hand Greenway 4th Loss

The Greyhounds improve to 8-5 and will next play at Bemidji on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East volleyball team returned to the win column on Tuesday, defeating Greenway in four sets. Harlow Hartwick led East with 14 kills in the victory. The Greyhounds improve to 8-5 and will next play at Bemidji on Thursday. As for Greenway (13-4), they’ll host Mesabi East on Thursday. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD Football Seeks Redemption Against MSU-Moorhead

UMD is 18-1 against MSU-Moorhead since the 2002 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was in a contest against Minnesota State-Moorhead last September that the UMD football team adopted their motto for this season. The Bulldogs lost on a last second touchdown to the Dragons so the one play at a time method was born. So far, that’s resulted in a perfect 4-0 record, including last week’s 34 to 17 victory…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Play in Northern Ireland in 2026

The UMD men are the 2nd NCHC team to be invited to play in Belfast.

DULUTH, Minn.- In January, the UMD women’s hockey team will travel to Ireland to play in the Friendship Four. Ten months later, the UMD men’s squad will also play a regular season contest in Belfast. Announced Tuesday, the Bulldog men were one of four teams selected to play in the Friendship Four series. They’ll join UConn, Providence, and Colgate during…

UMD Volleyball Moves Up to #16 in Latest AVCA Poll

UMD remains unbeaten on the young season and are coming off a huge upset win over 6th ranked Southwest Minnesota State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team continues to move up in the AVCA Poll. On Monday, the Bulldogs jumped from the 24th spot to number 16. UMD remains unbeaten on the young season and are coming off a huge upset win over 6th ranked Southwest Minnesota State. The Bulldogs will look to go to 10-0 on the year Tuesday evening…

Prep Football: Hermantown, Esko, & Hibbing Earn Week 4 Wins, Denfeld & Superior Fall

Friday marked Week 4 for prep football teams in Minnesota and Week 5 for Wisconsin squads.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Hermantown football team continued to prove that they are a top contender for the Section 7AAAA title. On Friday, the Hawks improved to 4-0 after defeating Cloquet 41 to 21. In Esko, the Esko football team continued their winning ways as they topped Mora 50 to 0 for their 3rd straight victory. As for Duluth Denfeld, they…

Northern Star: Benson Peterson

Peterson tallied 17 goals in the first eight games of the season for Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn.- Changing positions can sometimes be an adjustment for players. But for Duluth Marshall senior striker Benson Peterson, it’s resulted in 17 goals in just eight games of action. “I’ve adapted my right wing game at striker. I tend to drive more and use my body to shield the ball and it’s led to lots of opportunites opening up…

Piazza Picks Up 1st Win as Coach as UWS Women’s Soccer Shuts Out North Central

UWS was led by Kamryn Hill, who had a hat trick in the victory.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Not only was it the UW-Superior women’s soccer teams first win of the season on Wednesday night, It was also the first win for new head coach Nick Piazza. Piazza and company shut out North Central, 6 to 0. UWS was led by Kamryn Hill, who had a hat trick in the victory. The Yellowjackets (1-4-1) will next…

Former Bulldog Wyatt Kaiser & Blackhawks Agree on New Contract Extension

Kaiser last suited up for UMD in 2023.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- On the verge of beginning traning camp, former UMD defenseman Wyatt Kaiser can finally get to work. On Wednesday, the restricted free agent and the Chicago Blackhawks agreed to a new two-year, 1.7 million dollar deal. Kaiser is coming off a career-year as he had highs in goals, points, games played, blocked shots, and lastly hits. He last…