Author: Neil Vierzba

Late Score Lifts Deer River Football Past Mille Lacs for Section 7A Crown

This is the 16th time in program history that Deer River has advanced to state.

CLOQUET, Minn.- After a one year hiatus, the Deer River Football team is heading back to the state tournament. On Friday, the Warriors defeated Mille Lacs 8 to 6 for the Section 7A title. Deer River scored with 38 seconds left in the game and went for two to take the eventual win. This is the 16th time in program…

WI Football: Northwestern Edges Stanley-Boyd to Move On to Level 3, Northwood/Solon Springs Advances

The Tigers now move on to Level 3 where they will face St. Croix Falls.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team continued their winning ways on Friday, defeating Stanley-Boyd 26 to 21 in level 2 playoff action. The Tigers now move on to Level 3 where they will face St. Croix Falls. That contest is scheduled for 7 PM on November 8th in St. Croix Falls. In 8-man action, Northwood/Solon Springs defeated Clayton 46 to…

Top Play of the Week: 11/1

Hermantown's Martin Sleen breaks a few North Branch tackles for a Hawks touchdown.

DULUTH, Minn.- This week’s top play came from on the gridiron. At number one, Hermantown’s Alex Schott with the toss to his running back Martin Sleen and Sleen just wouldn’t go down. He breaks a few vikings tackles as he’s in for six. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Mountain Iron-Buhl Football Holds Off Cherry for 4th Straight Section 7 Title

This is the 4th straight year that MIB has advanced to state. It's also the 11th time in program history.

AURORA, Minn.- The Mountain Iron-Buhl football team is once again state bound. On Friday, the Rangers defeated Cherry 34-28 to claim the 9-player Section 7 championship. This is the 4th straight year that MIB has advanced to state. It’s also the 11th time in program history. The Rangers will hear who their first round opponent is over the weekend.  …

Two Harbors Football Sees Season End in Section 7AAA Title Game Loss

Two Harbors finishes the year with a 8-2 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Two Harbors football team saw their season come to a close on Thursday, falling to Pequot Lakes 36 to 15 in the Section 7AAA title game. The Agates started out strong thanks to a safety and a rushing touchdown by Zack Libal that put them up 8-0. After that though, it was all Patriots as they outscored…

Cromwell-Wright Football Snaps Six-Year State Tournament Drought After Clinching Section 5 Title

A late touchdown pass by Brenden Gronner to Drew Nyberg in the 4th quarter was the difference maker.

BRAINERD, Minn.- For the first time since 2018, the Cromwell-Wright football team is heading to the state tournament. The Cardinals made that possible on Thursday when they defeated Nevis 20-14 in the Section 5, 9-Player title game. A late touchdown pass by Brenden Gronner to Drew Nyberg in the 4th quarter was the difference maker. Cromwell-Wright will learn who their…

UMD Men’s Basketball Ranked #13 in NABC Coaches Poll to Begin Season

The Bulldogs are coming off a 26-7 campaign in the 2023-2024 season, which resulted in their 3rd NCAA tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team begins the year ranked as they were slotted at number 13 in the NABC coaches poll. The Bulldogs are coming off a 26-7 campaign in the 2023-2024 season, which resulted in their 3rd NCAA tournament appearance. UMD tips off the regular season on November 8th, when they host Southeastern Oklahoma State in the…

UMD Tackle Aiden Williams Invited to 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl

Williams is the 3rd Bulldog in program history to be invited to the game and most recent invite since Brent Laing in 2023.

DULUTH, Minn.- Year after year it seems more and more UMD football players are getting chances to go on and do bigger things. That continued on Wednesday when sixth-year offensive tackle Aiden Williams was invited to the longest-running college all-star football game in the nation. Williams will make his way to Dallas, Texas on January 30th to compete in the…

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

Kidd currently leads the Yellowjackets with 17 goals on the season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS junior forward Jake Kidd has spent his whole life playing soccer in Superior And talk about a new meaning to homefield advantage as Kidd leads the Yellowjackets in goals with 17 and counting. “We’ve built a really strong chemistry and that’s allowed for me to help my team by scoring. Wouldn’t be able to do that without…

#4 UMD Women’s Hockey Returns to Action with Two-Game Series at MSU-Mankato

Just last year, UMD took all four meetings against the Mavericks.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s back to work for the 4th ranked UMD women’s hockey team, who are coming off their 2nd bye week in the now one month old season. The Bulldogs continue the conference portion of their schedule this weekend when they travel to play two at Minnesota State- Mankato. Just last year, UMD took all four meetings against the…

Coming Off Sweep of Stonehill College, UMD Men’s Hockey Heads Into Bye Week

UMD is next in action on November 8th against North Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team is coming off their bye week and the men’s team is heading into their bye week. The Bulldogs picked up their first sweep of the season as they took both games against Stonehill College this past weekend. Being that it is the first break for his squad, head coach Scott Sandelin reflected on…

Solon Springs/Northwood Set to Be Well Represented at WIAA State Cross Country Meet

Northwood/Solon Springs captured their 2nd straight WIAA Division 3 Cross Country Sectional title, clinching their 3rd consecutive state tournament appearance.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- The Solon Springs/Northwood boys cross country team continues to show that they are a running powerhouse. This past Saturday, the Green Eagles captured their 2nd straight WIAA Division 3 Cross Country Sectional title, clinching their 3rd consecutive state tournament appearance. Senior Isaac Dickenson had a weekend to remember as he ran a school record 16 minutes to…

State Girls Soccer: Esko’s Rally Falls Short in Semifinals Against Southwest Christian

Esko will next play in the 3rd place game on Wednesday.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team played in their first-ever state semifinal game on Tuesday. Unfortunately, their title hopes ended as top-seeded Southwest Christian came away with the 2 to 1 victory. Maya Johnson had both goals for the Stars in the contest. Reese Kuklinski was the lone goal-scorer for Esko. Esko will next play in the 3rd place…

UWS’ Jenna Anderson Claims 7th UMAC Defensive Player of the Week Honor

Through three contests this past week, Anderson had 63 digs.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS senior libero Jenna Anderson has once again captured the UMAC Defensive Player of the Week. This is the 7th time this season that Anderson has claimed the honor. Through three contests this past week, she had 63 digs. Anderson was joined by teammate Makenna Hohbein, who was named the UMAC offensive player of the week, after posting…

Esko Girls Soccer Looks to Knock Off Unbeaten Southwest Christian in State Semifinals

Southwest Christian is currently 18-0-1 and have picked up shutouts in 13 of those games.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is making their final preparations leading up to Tuesday’s state semifinal contest against Southwest Christian. Esko will look to do something that no other team has done this season and that’s defeat the Stars. Southwest Christian is currently 18-0-1 and have picked up shutouts in 13 of those games. Before the tournament began,…

UMD’s Dominic James Earns NCHC Forward of the Week Honors

James is currently on a four-game scoring streak.

DULUTH, Minn.- A UMD men’s hockey standout earned conference honors after a stellar weekend. Dominic James is the NCHC Forward of the Week thanks to his 4 goals and 1 assist in both contests against Stonehill College. James is currently on a four-game scoring streak. He’ll look to keep that up when UMD is next in action on November 8th…

Koi Perich Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week

On Saturday, Perich hauled in his 5th interception of the season in Minnesota's 48 to 23 win over Maryland.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- Esko’s Koi Perich continues to make a name for himself in his debut season at the University of Minnesota. On Saturday, Perich hauled in his 5th interception of the season in Minnesota’s 48 to 23 win over Maryland. He’s now tied for 4th in program history for interceptions in a season. Even better news for Perich, he was…

UMD Men’s Hockey Tops Stonehill College in First-Ever Meeting

UMD improves to 2-4 on the season and will once again host Stonehill on Saturday night.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team faced a new opponent on Friday night, meeting up with Stonehill College for the first time. After putting up two goals in the first, the Bulldogs never looked back as they came away with the 5 to 1 victory. UMD improves to 2-4 on the season and will once again host Stonehill on…

Rock Ridge Names Kassie Strand as New Girls Head Hockey Coach

Strand has been with the Wolverines for the past two seasons.

EVELETH, Minn.- The Rock Ridge girls hockey team has a new head coach. On Friday, the school announced that assistant coach Kassie Strand has stepped up to take the head coaching role. Strand has been with the Wolverines for the past two seasons. She takes over for Paddie Elsmore-Sautter, who accepted an assistant coaching position with the NA3HL Wilderness. Strand…

UMD Senior Forward Gabby Krause Medically Retires

In three seasons in Duluth, she tallied 32 points, 15 of which were goals.

DULUTH, Minn.- A UMD senior forward on the women’s hockey team is sadly calling it quits. On Thursday, Gabby Krause announced that she will have to medically retire. Krause was already ruled out for the season with an undisclosed injury. In three seasons in Duluth, she tallied 32 points, 15 of which were goals. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Duluth East Volleyball Eliminated From Section 7AAAA Tournament with Loss to Blaine

The Greyhounds finish the year with an overall record of 19-9.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East volleyball team saw their season come to a close on Thursday, falling to Blaine in straight sets. In the Section 7AAAA quarterfinals, the Bengals earned redemption against the Greyhounds after previously falling to them 3-1 in the regular season. The Greyhounds finish the year with an overall record of 19-9. Categories: High School, Sports

State Boys Soccer: Late Goal Lifts St. Cloud Cathedral Past Duluth Marshall in A Quarterfinals

The Hilltoppers finish with an overall record of 9-11.

MONTICELLO, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team made their 2nd straight state tournament appearance on Thursday. Unfortunately like the year prior, they saw their season come to a close in the A quarterfinals. St. Cloud Cathedral scored with under 20 minutes to go to eventually take the win, 2 to 1. Levi Mertens had the lone goal for Marshall….

State Girls Soccer: Esko Outlasts St. Cloud Cathedral in PK’s to Advance to Semifinals

Esko will next meet top seeded Southwest Christian on October 29th at U.S. Bank Stadium.

MONTICELLO, Minn.- After two straight years of heartbreak, the Esko girls soccer team was finally able to get past the state quarterfinals on Thursday. Esko and St. Cloud Cathedral went into penalty kicks after both teams were scoreless in regulation and overtime. Esko then outscored the Crusaders 3 to 1 to earn the 1 to 0 victory. They’ll next be…

Northland College Names Anne Kriskovich as New Head Women’s Soccer Coach

Kriskovich has had multiple stints at the school and most recently was an assistant for the men's team.

ASHLAND, Wis.- The Northland College women’s soccer team has a new head coach and she’s already familiar with the program. On Thursday, the school announced that Anne Kriskovich has taken over for Olaf Kristen, who stepped away from the position. Kriskovich has had multiple stints at the school and most recently was an assistant for the men’s team. She also…

State Boys Soccer: Blake Ends C-E-C’s Title Hopes in AA Quarterfinals

The Lumberjacks finish the season with an overall record of 15-4.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team entered state tournament play on Wednesday with high hopes. Ultimately, they fell short to Blake, falling by a final of 4 to 2 Noah Hansen and Hudson Snesrud were the goal scorers for the Lumberjacks. C-E-C was making their fourth straight state tournament appearance. The Lumberjacks finish the season with an…

Prep Volleyball: Hermantown, Esko, & Proctor Open Section Play with Wins

First round of Minnesota prep volleyball started Wednesday.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The first round of Minnesota prep volleyball playoffs started on Wednesday night. In section 7AAA, the Hermantown Hawks beat Duluth Denfeld 3-0, to move on to the semifinals. The Hawks will take on Princeton on October 28th. First serve is set for 6 p.m. Over in section 7AA, Esko earns the victory over Pine City 3-0. Esko will…

Northern Star: Lilly Kuettel

Kuettel is currently 5th in the state with 32 goals.

DULUTH, Minn.-You’ve heard of the term sophomore slump. But, Duluth East striker Lilly Kuettel continues to debunk that as she’s in the top five in goals for the state of Minnesota. “I just have a drive that I really just want to score because I want to accomplish something as a team,” said Kuettel. Even more of an impressive feat…

State Girls Soccer: Cloquet-Carlton & Duluth East See Seasons End in Quarterfinal Round

Cloquet-Carlton was making their 4th straight state tournament appearance. Meanwhile, Duluth East was making their first in 14 years.

WHITE BEAR LAKE, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team made their 4th straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday night. Unfortunately, it was a short stay as they fell to Orono, 2 to 1 in penalty kicks. Addison Sandman had the lone goal in regulation for the Lumberjacks. Cloquet-Carlton finishes the year with a record of 15-3-1. In other state girls…

UMD Head Men’s Basketball Coach Justin Wieck Talks Return to Iowa City

Wieck played two seasons at the University of Iowa.

DULUTH, Minn.- A special weekend awaits UMD head men’s basketball coach Justin Wieck. Wieck is set to lead his team against his alma mater Iowa in an exhibition game on Friday night. He spent two seasons playing for the Hawkeyes and also played a part in two NCAA tournament berths. Wieck said he wouldn’t be the coach he is today…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Face Stonehill College for First Time

Stonehill is in their 3rd year as a division one varsity program.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a weekend to forget for the UMD men’s hockey team as they were swept on their home ice by the 6th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. This upcoming weekend, they’ll try to bounce back against a team they have never played before. In their 3rd year as a Division one varsity program, Stonehill College will make their…

Experienced Cloquet-Carlton Girls Soccer Team Ready for Another State Tourney

The Lumberjacks will look for their first quarterfinal win since 2021 on Wednesday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It’s almost gameday for the Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team, who are set for their 4th straight state tournament appearance, would’ve been 6th if not for the pandemic. The Lumberjacks will look for their first quarterfinal win since 2021 on Wednesday when they clash with the Orono Spartans. Head Coach Dustin Randall says in games like Wednesday’s contest it…

UMD Football Returns Home to Face Much Improved Minot State Squad

UMD will look to get back to the .500 mark on Saturday with kickoff scheduled for noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team once again came close on Saturday, but ultimately fell short to Sioux Falls as their losing streak extended to three games. The Bulldogs return home this upcoming Saturday to face a much improved 4-4 Minot State squad. All-time, UMD is 11-0 against the Beavers. But, Head Coach Curt Wiese says Minot has been like the…

Hermantown’s Evan Senst to Play College Football at Rocky Mountain College

Senst has been a two-year starter for the Hawks, seeing time at the center, tackle, long snapper, and lastly defensive tackle positions.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown football senior has announced his next move. Offensive and defensive lineman Evan Senst announced his commitment to Rocky Mountain College, out of the Frontier conference. Senst made the official announcement on his own personal Twitter page. He’s been a two-year starter for the Hawks, seeing time at the center, tackle, long snapper, and lastly defensive tackle…

Two More UW-Superior Athletes Earn UMAC Weekly Honors

Both the soccer team and cross country team were represented.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Another week and another week of UWS athletes earning UMAC player of the week honors. On the pitch, Mya Holmquist is named offensive player of the week after posting eight points last week, including a hat trick versus Northwestern. Lastly in cross country, Maverick Hoogland is the runner of the week. He posted a personal best time of…

Youth Movement Lifts C-E-C Boys Soccer to 4th Straight State Trip

In the Lumberjacks previous three state tournament appearances, the team has only advanced past the quarterfinal round once.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It’s been almost an annual tradition for the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team as they are once again on their way to the state tournament. The Lumberjacks clinched their 4th straight tourney appearance last week, when they defeated Hermantown 3 to 2 in the Section 7AA title game. Now it’s onto a Blake squad, who posted a 13-2-1 record…

Esko Girls Soccer Set to Rely on Defense Heading Into State Tournament

The Esko girls soccer team is gearing up for their 3rd straight trip to the state tournament.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team is gearing up for their 3rd straight trip to the state tournament. Esko drew the five seed in the AA tourney and will meet up with the four seed St. Cloud Cathedral, a team they have never played before. Esko head coach Sharon Lahti said that this season has been a season of…

UMD Women’s Hockey Stays at #5 in Latest USCHO Poll

The Bulldogs are next in action on November 1st at MSU-Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team saw no movement in the latest USCHO poll. After picking up the sweep against St. Thomas this past weekend, the Bulldogs remain at number five. They’ll head into a bye week before returning to action on November 1st at Minnesota State-Mankato. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Big First Period Halts UMD Men’s Hockey’s Comeback Attempt Against #6 Minnesota

The Gophers and Bulldogs will continue their series on Saturday. Puck drop is at 6:07 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team renewed their rivalry with #6 Minnesota on Friday night. Unfortunately, it was a night to forget for the Bulldogs as the Golden Gophers put up four goals in the 1st period and never looked back, winning 7 to 5. Aiden Dubinsky led the Bulldogs with two goals in the contest. The Gophers and…

Top Plays of the Week: 10/18

At number one, Denfeld's Taye Manns highpoints the ball and makes the fingertip catch for six.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s top plays, both come from on the gridiron. At number two, Hermantown’s Martin Sleen takes the handoff and he is off to the races. A 95 yard run that goes to the house. At number one, Denfeld’s Taye Manns highpoints the ball and makes the fingertip catch for six. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Esko’s Jackson Peterson Commits to Play College Baseball at St. Mary’s

Just last season, Peterson went 8-0 on the bump with 59 strikeouts.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko senior Jackson Peterson knows where he’ll be playing baseball next. On Friday, the infielder and pitcher announced his commitment to St. Mary’s University on his own personal Twitter page. Just last season, Peterson went 8-0 on the bump with 59 strikeouts and an era of .344. He also played a big part in Esko’s 26 and 4…

#24 UMD Volleyball Unable to Hold Off #5 St. Cloud State

UMD falls to 9-8 on the year and will next play at Minnesota Crookston on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time this season, the UMD volleyball team was unable to take down St. Cloud State. The Huskies defeated the Bulldogs in straight sets on Thursday night. UMD was led by Samantha Paulsen, who had six kills in the contest. UMD falls to 9-8 on the year and will next play at Minnesota Crookston on Saturday….

Duluth East Girls Soccer Snaps 14-Year State Tournament Drought

This will be the 8th state tournament appearance in program history for the Greyhounds.

DULUTH, Minn.- Five prep Northland soccer teams will get the chance to compete at the state tournament next weekend. Out of the five, the longest wait goes to the Duluth East girls soccer squad. On Tuesday, the Greyhounds snapped a 14-year drought when they took down Centennial 1 to 0 in the Section 7AAA title game. A 12-game winning streak…

Duluth Marshall Boys Soccer State Bound for 2nd Straight Year

The Hilltoppers will look to go further than they did last year after falling in the quarterfinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Marshall boys soccer team is on to their 2nd straight state tournament. It was somewhat of a cinderella finish to the section tournament for the Hilltoppers as they went into previously unbeaten Legacy Christian Academy and handed the Lions their 1st loss of the year, 1 to 0 in penalty kicks. Head Coach Mike Sengbush says…

#24 UMD Volleyball Seeks Revenge Against #5 St. Cloud State

The Bulldogs have taken three out of the last four meetings against the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn.- The 24th ranked UMD volleyball team is gearing up again to face another ranked team Thursday evening. So far this season, they’ve played five. The Bulldogs just faced off against their opponent on Thursday back on October 1st, with SCSU winning in straight sets. That loss also signaled the start of a five-game losing streak, which UMD finally…

NA3HL Wilderness Names Paddie Elsmore-Sautter as New Assistant Coach

Elsmore-Sautter most recently served as the head coach of the Rock Ridge girls hockey team.

EVELETH, Minn.- The NA3HL Wilderness team in Eveleth continue to add to their coaching staff. Their latest hire is Paddie Elsmore-Sautter, as she has joined the team as an assistant coach. Elsmore-Sautter also becomes the first woman hired to an NA3HL coaching staff. She most recently served as the head coach of the Rock Ridge girls hockey team. Elsmore-Sautter also…

MN Prep Football: Hermantown, Rock Ridge, Two Harbors End Regular Season with Wins

Prep football regular season wraps up in Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.– Wednesday signaled the final week of the regular season for prep football teams in Minnesota. Over in Denfeld, Hermantown took down Duluth Denfeld 31-19, to finish at 7-1 in the regular season. The Hunters end their regular campaign with a 5-3 record. In other action, Rock Ridge picked up the win over Duluth East 19-14, finishing the regular…

Northern Star: Niya Wilson

Wilson owns the all-time record at the school with 80 goals and counting.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- There hasn’t been many places that UWS forward Niya Wilson hasn’t scored at during her career. On October 12th, she added to her legacy by finding the back of the net at the newly-opened SCCU stadium. “For me, being able to leave my mark on the first game is a super exciting thing. We had a lot of…

UMD Men’s Hockey Set to Clash with #6 Minnesota in Early Season Showdown

Last year, UMD dropped one game and tied the other in their meetings with Minnesota.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team returns home this upcoming weekend for quite the litmus test. As the 6th ranked Minnesota Golden Gophers are in town. The Bulldogs are coming off a split with UMass-Lowell just a week ago. There were some highs and lows with the Red Hawks. Friday was the high point as the Bulldogs put up…

#5 UMD Women’s Hockey to Welcome St. Thomas to Amsoil for Home Opener

UMD boasts an 11-0-1 all-time record against St. Thomas, including a 4-0 mark last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Friday will mark their first home game of the season for the UMD women’s hockey team as they take on St. Thomas. It’s been somewhat of a lop sided affair when the Tommies and the Bulldogs clash. UMD boasts an 11-0-1 all-time record against St. Thomas, including a 4-0 mark last season. Head Coach Laura Schuler said you…