Author: Neil Vierzba

Top Plays of the Week: 9/1

This week’s top play belongs to Northwestern quarterback Gavin Williams.

MAPLE, Wis.- This week’s top play belongs to Northwestern quarterback Gavin Williams. Williams had an impressive run for a touchdown in the Tigers contest against Spooner. Coming in at number two was Two Harbors wide receiver Tate Nelson. And round out the top three was Duluth Denfeld running back Taye Mann. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Esko Football Takes Down Duluth East to Extend Regular Season Winning Streak to 18 Games

Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko football team opened up their season on Thursday, topping Duluth East 63 to 6. With the win, Esko has now won 18 consecutive regular season games. A streak dating back to 2020. Esko (1-0) will next host Proctor on September 8th. Duluth East (0-1) will look to bounce back at Hibbing on September 8th.   Categories:…

Duluth Denfeld Girls Soccer Blanks Hastings On Home Turf

Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two Harbors on September 5th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Denfeld girls soccer team picked up their 2nd win of the season on Thursday, shutting out Hastings 3 to 0. The Hunters were led by Alyssa Doyle, who had two goals in the victory. Cayley Larsen was dominant in net stopping the 17 shots she saw in the game. Duluth Denfeld (2-1-1) will next host Two…

Duluth Native C.J. Ham Named Vikings Team Captain

It's the 3rd consecutive year Ham has been named a captain.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Vikings announced their team captains for the 2023 season on Thursday. For the 3rd consecutive year, Duluth native and Vikings Fullback C.J. Ham has earned the honor of repping the “C” patch. He’s joined by Kirk Cousins, Harrison Smith, Brian O’Neill, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Jordan Hicks and finally, Josh Metellus, as the 8 captains for the…

Duluth East Girls Soccer Picks Up 1st Win at Home Against Hastings

Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East girls soccer team picked up their first win of the season on Wednesday, defeating Hastings 4 to 2. The Greyhounds had four goal-scorers in the contest. They were Lilly Kuettel, Jessie Paulson, Taitaum Snustad, and Ali Lemon. Duluth East (1-1-1) will next host Wayzata on Saturday. Categories: High School, Sports

UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer Picked 1st in UMAC Preseason Poll

The men are looking for their 8th straight conference title. The women are aiming for their third.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The preseason polls were released for the UMAC conference on Wednesday. No surprise on the women’s side, as UWS was selected as the favorite to win their 3rd straight UMAC conference title this season. The Yellowjackets received 49 points, which placed them ahead of Northwestern by nine points. Bethany Lutheran would round out the top three with 39….

Hermantown & Wilderness Defenseman Beau Janzig to Play for Air Force

In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown standout and recent member of the Minnesota Wilderness is making the jump to the division one ranks in two years. Defenseman Beau Janzig announced his commitment to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday. In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness. Then just the year before, he had 29…

Coaches Corner: Chelsea Meierotto

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica head volleyball coach, Chelsea Meierotto.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with St. Scholastica head volleyball coach, Chelsea Meierotto. Meierotto is entering her first season as head coach of the Saints. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cloquet-Carlton Girls Start Season With Scoreless Draw, C-E-C Boys Fall to Two Rivers

Both teams will return to the pitch on Saturday.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The defending section 7AA champions in both boys and girls soccer began their seasons on Friday. The Cloquet-Carlton girls would have to settle for the scoreless draw with St. Francis. The Lumberjacks (0-0-1) will next play at Two Rivers on Saturday. Then later that evening, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys would fall to Two Rivers 3 to 1. Joe Bailey…

Former UWS Forward Jordan Martin Signs with Indy Fuel

The former Yellowjacket called Superior home from 2018 to 2022. He collected 55 total points for UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A former UWS forward is gearing up for his 3rd season in the pros. And he’ll be doing so with a new team. Jordan Martin signed with the Indy Fuel of the ECHL on Thursday. He split last season with Iowa and Toledo, tallying three points. Martin also played for the Birmingham Bulls of the SPHL, where he…

Hermantown Volleyball Opens Season with Straight Set Victory Over Duluth Marshall

Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team opened up the regular season on Thursday, hosting Duluth Marshall at home. The Hawks would go on to win the contest in straight sets. (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th. Duluth Marshall (0-1) will look to bounce back against Proctor, also on the 29th. Categories: High School,…

The Arena League Unveils Duluth Harbor Monsters as Team Name

The team will begin play in June of 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- At a press conference on Thursday, the Arena League finally unveiled the team name for the indoor football squad that’s set to begin play in of June 2024. After two days of riddles, CEO Brent Labrie and The Arena League Advisor Tommy Benizio had one last riddle. They ended it by saying, “hey guys we’re the Duluth Harbor…

UW-Superior Women’s Soccer Hungry for 3rd Straight UMAC Title

UWS kicks off their season September 1st at Gustavus Adolphus.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The road to a three peat in the UMAC began this week for the UWS women’s soccer team. The Yellowjackets haven’t had much change this off-season. The team saw one player graduate with seven new faces sprinkled in with the rest of an experienced core. Head Coach Allison DeGroot says it’s been nice picking up where they left…

Former UMD Assistant Coach Carson Shanks Joins New York Knicks Staff

Shanks was on the Bulldog coaching staff from 2019 to 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD men’s basketball assistant coach Carson Shanks continues to climb up the ranks in the NBA. Shanks will be joining the New York Knicks as an assistant video coordinator this upcoming season. He spent the past two years with the Milwaukee Bucks as a player development coach and video assistant. Shanks was on the Bulldog coaching staff…

UMD Volleyball Ranked #8 in AVCA Preseason Poll

UMD opens up their season September 1st against Adelphi.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bulldog volleyball team will enter the season ranked 8th in the nation after the AVCA preseason poll came out on Tuesday morning. UMD has been ranked in the top 10 in the preseason 15 times in the last 17 seasons. The Bulldogs finished last year ranked 7th after making it to the 2nd round of the NCAA…

UMD Soccer Names Sidney Burrell as New Assistant Coach

Burrell joins the Bulldog coaching staff after spending last year with Colorado State University Pueblo.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD soccer has a new assistant coach. Sidney Burrell joins the Bulldog coaching staff after spending last year with Colorado State University Pueblo. She has previous ties to the NSIC conference as she was a graduate assistant for Concordia-St. Paul for two seasons. Burrell also played her college ball in the division, suiting up for UMary. Categories: College,…

Hermantown Volleyball Boasts Strong Returning Core of 9 Seniors

The Hawks open the season at home Thursday against Duluth Marshall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two days from Tuesday a number of teams will have their first regular season games. That includes the Hermantown Hawks, who having a whopping nine seniors on the roster this season. Head Coach Jessica Williams enters her 2nd year at the helm. She says having that amount of experience will help her team throughout the course of the…

CSS Volleyball Begins New Era Under Head Coach Chelsea Meierotto

The Saints open the season September 1st against Lawrence University at the SMU Sugar Loaf Classic.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s a new era for the St. Scholastica volleyball team as Chelsea Meierotto takes over for Dana Moore, who retired after 26 seasons leading the Saints. Meierotto is in his first week of practice as head coach of CSS. She comes from Northland College in Ashland, where she coached the Lumberjills the last four seasons. New is a…

UMD Defenseman Will Francis’ Cancer Returns, Says Plan is to Return to Hockey in January

In two years at UMD, Francis has played in 33 games and recorded one assist.

DULUTH, Minn.- Some unfortunate hockey news as UMD junior defenseman Will Francis has announced his cancer has returned and he will miss the first half of the 2023-2024 season for treatments. In a statement, Francis said he is disapointed and shocked at the news but ended it by saying he’s determined to make a return in January. In two years…

Chisholm’s Tresa Baumgard to Join MSU-Moorhead Basketball in 2024-2025 Season

Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she's only 318 points away from breaking the program record.

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm senior post Tresa Baumgard has been playing varsity basketball since she was in the 7th grade. Her playing career will continue for at least four more years after her time with the Bluestreaks comes to an end as recently she announced her commitment to MSU-Moorhead. Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she’s only…

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald. Lofald is entering his 5th season coaching the Hunters. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

MIB’s Hali Savela to Play College Basketball at Jamestown

Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season.

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Mountain Iron-Buhl senior guard Hali Savela announced her commitment to the University of Jamestown on Friday. Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season. Savela joins Grand Rapids forward Jessika Lofstrom as part of the 2024 Jimmies recruiting class. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson to Head to London Following WNBA Season

Gustafson is currently having a career-year averaging seven points and three rebounds per game for the Phoenix Mercury.

PORT WING, Wis.- Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson will head across the pond once her WNBA season is over. Gustafson is set to join the London Lions after spending last off-season in Greece. The center is currently having a career-year averaging seven points and three rebounds per game for the Phoenix Mercury. This will be her 5th season overseas. Categories:…

Esko’s Finn Furcht Commits to Play College Baseball at Iowa Western

The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko pitcher and outfielder Finn Furcht announced his commitment to Iowa Western on Thursday. The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season. He could also hit too as Furcht had 10 extra base hits with 29 runs batted in. Furcht played a huge role in helping lead Esko to their first…

Huskies Announce Temporary & Permanent Front Office Changes

Applications for the GM job will open on September 26th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies made some front office changes on Thursday. After General Manager Greg Culver stepped down on August 13th, Owner Michael Rosenzweig will take over the position on an interim basis. Taylor Terfehr will serve as the Assistant General Manager after being an intern the last two seasons. The team also announced Field Manager Marcus Pointer will…

Youth Movement No More as CSS Football Enters Year 3 in MIAC Conference

The Saints open the season September 9th at Rockford University.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Thursday afternoon the St. Scholastica football team held their first practice of the season. After getting their first win in the MIAC conference last year, St. Scholastica preps for their 3rd full season in the division. Different from those first two years are a number of upper classman. CSS has 20 juniors and 4 seniors returning to…

Proctor’s Hope Carlson to Play College Hoops at St. Scholastica

Carlson averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game last season.

PROCTOR, Minn.- A Proctor girls basketball standout won’t have to go far for her next team. Forward Hope Carlson announced that she will suit up for the College of Scholastica this upcoming season. Just last season, Carlson was a Class AA All-State honorable mention. She averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game. Categories: College, High School, Sports

CSS & Duluth FC Defender Ken Pryde Signs Pro Deal in Philippines

In four years for the Saints, Pryde tallied 12 goals and two assists in 69 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former St. Scholastica and Duluth FC defender is heading to the pros. Ken Pryde has signed a deal with Stallion Laguna FC in the Philipines Football League. In four years for the Saints, Pryde tallied 12 goals and two assists in 69 games of action. He also earned all-conference honors in three of the four seasons. Categories:…

Duluth Native Greg Anderson Set to Make Return to Brainerd International Raceway

Anderson will be looking for his first victory of the 2023 season.

BRAINERD, Minn.- Duluth native Greg Anderson is set to make his return to Brainerd International Raceway this weekend for the first time since 2019. Anderson, who is a Denfeld grad, is a five-time NHRA pro stock champion and has over 100 career wins. Three of those wins have come at the same track that he will be racing on starting…

Proctor Football Aims to Change Narrative & Mindset in New Campaign

The Rails are entering year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It was a learning year for the Proctor football team in 2022. They picked up two wins, including their first since the 2020 season. Now, the Rails enter year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk. With a heavy senior class led by Zak McPhee, Aaron Bergquist, Nolan Okstad, and Gavin Tabbert, Proctor is looking to put more blocks…

Former Huskie Wade Meckler Makes MLB Debut with San Francisco Giants

Meckler spent the summer of 2019 with the Huskies.

SAN FRANCISCO, C.A.- A former Huskie made his major league debut Monday night with the San Francisco Giants. Centerfielder Wade Meckler batted 2nd in Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays after being called up earlier in the day. Meckler spent the summer of 2019 with the Huskies. He hit .267 with five stolen bases, 10 doubles and a triple….

St. Scholastica Names Alum Jason Kask as New Head Nordic Skiing Coach

Kask is the 3rd head coach in program history.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica has a new head coach and he’s an alum of the university. On Tuesday, the school hired Jason Kask as the team’s nordic skiing head coach. Kask was a member of the nordic skiing and cross country teams at CSS from 2004 to 2008. Upon graduation, he became the owner of Superior performance. Kask is the…

Hermantown Football Preaching Responsibility Ahead of 2023 Season

The Hawks kick off week one in the annual hammer game against Proctor on September 1st.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team is back at it on the practice field after a 6-3 campaign a year ago. Having a season like that is something you can pat yourself on the back for. But, for Hawks head coach Mike Zagelmeyer and his 14 seniors they still think about the ending. Which was a 7AAAA semifinal loss to…

No Need for Speed, Duluth Denfeld Football Already Has It

The Hunters open the season September 1st at home against Mora.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld football made a step forward in 2022, picking up three wins last season. Which was three wins better than the year before. Even better news for the Hunter program is that a lot of those guys that competed in those games last year are back. That includes quarterback Mace Brooks, running back Taye Manns, and wide…

UMD Captain Mannon McMahon Named to U.S. Collegiate Select Women’s Team

McMahon will get her first action in the red, white, and blue on Wednesday when they face Canada in a three-game series.

DULUTH, Minn.- Current UMD women’s hockey captain Mannon McMahon was named to the U.S. Collegiate Select Women’s Team on Saturday. McMahon will get her first action in the red, white, and blue on Wednesday when they face Canada in a three-game series. McMahon posted 10 goals and 19 assists just this past season with the Bulldogs. Categories: College, Sports, University…

Fresh Off First NCAA Tournament Berth Since 2019, UMD Volleyball Ready to Run It Back with 6 Starters

The UMD volleyball team had a season to remember in 2022, making their first NCAA tournament since 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team had a season to remember in 2022, making their first NCAA tournament since 2019. But, like each team every year they started over on Monday with their first practices of the season. There weren’t too many nametags on at the first practice. Because UMD will return six of their seven starters from a year…

Cloquet Football Faces Challenges of Restructuring Line & Road Dominated Schedule in 2023

The Lumberjacks will play most of their home games at Egerdahl Field in Proctor this season.

CLOQUET, Minn.- It was the first day of practice for prep sports in Minnesota on Monday. One of those teams kicking off their 2023 season was the Cloquet football team, who is coming off a 7-4 season. The Lumberjacks return a number of skill position players including running back & linebacker Warren Hietala and fullback & linebacker Carter Horvat. However,…

Huskies GM Greg Culver Steps Down After Nine Seasons with Team

Under Culver's guidance, the Huskies made two World Series appearances, once in 2018 and once in 2022.

DULUTH, Minn.- A long term member of the Duluth Huskies front office is moving on. General Manager Greg Culver has stepped down after nine seasons with the team. Under Culver’s guidance, the Huskies made two World Series appearances, once in 2018 and once in 2022. The Huskies finished this past year with a overall record of 36-32. Categories: Northwoods League,…

Huskies Shortstop Michael Hallquist Wins Northwoods League Player of the Year Award

Hallquist was also on the postseason all-star team, where he is joined by teammates Brandon Compton and Joshua Duarte.

DULUTH, Minn.- He’s racked up hit after hit for the Duluth Huskies all season long. Now, shortstop Michael Hallquist is being recognized for his efforts. On Friday, the Northwoods League announced their postseason awards. And Hallquist was named the 2023 Player of the Year. This season the Fargo, North Dakota native is batting .353 with 13 home runs, 18 doubles,…

Duluth FC Midfielder Kostyantyn Domaratskyy Signs Pro Deal with LA Force

Domaratskyy would tally 12 goals in two years suiting up for the BlueGreens.

DULUTH, Minn.- A Duluth FC midfielder is making the jump to the pros. Kostyantyn Domaratskyy has signed with the LA Force, out of the N-I-S-A. Domaratskyy spent two seasons in Duluth. He would tally 12 goals in those two years suiting up for the BlueGreens. The 12 goals would land him as the club’s 4th all-time goal scorer. Domaratskyy was…

Minnesota Wilderness Temporarily Moving to Proctor for Start of Season

The team said they hope to return to Cloquet on October 20th.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have had quite the eventful off-season. First, they had to add a new head coach as the team brought in Colten St. Clair. Then, they had to hold their tryout camp in Superior due to the Northwoods Credit Union Arena being iceless after a cooling tower issue. Now, they’ll be away from their home till…

Hibbing Native Jarrett Lee Re-Signs with Wheeling Nailers

In 13 games for the Nailers last season, Lee would tally eight points.

WHEELING, W.V.- Earlier this week, UMD captain Tanner Laderoute re-signed with the Wheeling Nailers. Now, a Hibbing native will be joining him as Jarrett Lee re-signed with the team for the upcoming season. Lee joined Wheeling late last season after finished up his college career at the University of St. Thomas. In 13 games for the Nailers, he would tally…

St. Scholastica Baseball Adds Seth Betts to Coaching Staff

He reunites with CSS Head Coach Brooks Repking, as the two were teammates in 2018.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team added to their coaching staff on Thursday. Seth Betts has been named the new Director of Player Development and Assistant Head Coach. He most recently was the Director of Baseball and Director of Hitting at Starters Sports Training in Burnsville. Betts played collegiately at Crown College, where he was the UMAC Player of…

Duluth Marshall Alum Grace Kirk Hosts First-Ever Girls Basketball Camp

The camp wasn't all basketball as Kirk led a talking session on self-determination, self-worth, and voice for young women.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall alum Grace Kirk has gone on to do big things since her Hilltopper career ended in 2020. Now a senior guard at Brown University, Kirk made her return to the Duluth community to give back with her first-ever girls basketball camp. Nearly a dozen local athletes grades 8 through 12 were on hand to receive instructions…

UMD Volleyball Lands at #3 in NSIC Poll, Gordon Named Player to Watch

The Bulldogs are coming off a season in which they made their first national tournament since 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC preseason coaches poll was released on Wednesday morning. Coming in at number three was UMD with 165 points. Just ahead of them was Wayne State at number two and Concordia-St. Paul at number one. On the players to watch list is 5th year senior Madison Gordon. Gordon recorded career-highs in assists, kills, and points last year….

UMD Captain Tanner Laderoute Re-Signs with Wheeling Nailers of ECHL

The UMD captain would suit up in 11 games for the Nailers last season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Last season, Tanner Laderoute split time with UMD and the Wheeling Nailers of the ECHL. Now, he’ll enter his first full season as a pro with the same team that gave him his first opportunity. Laderoute is staying in Wheeling on a one-year deal. The UMD captain would suit up in 11 games for the Nailers. He would…

Former UMD Defenseman Derek Daschke Joins Abbotsford Canucks

Daschke most recently played for the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD Defenseman Derek Daschke will play for the Abbotsford Canucks in the AHL this upcoming season. After his lone season with UMD in which he totaled 16 points, Daschke played for the Toledo Walleye in the ECHL. He would also have one goal and six assists in the games he skated. Daschke would tack on two more…

Rox Score Seven Unanswered Runs Late to Top Huskies in Game One

The two teams will meet again on Tuesday. Except the game will take place in St. Cloud at 6:35 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies would start the game strong on Monday against the St. Cloud Rox. However, St. Cloud would score seven unanswered late to take down the Huskies 8 to 3. Duluth was led by Joe Vos, who went two for three with one run batted in. The two teams will meet again on Tuesday. Except the game…

UMD Football Aims to Get Back to Playing the Standard in 2023 Season

UMD's first regular season game is at home on August 31st against Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team is coming off an 8-3 season just a year ago. Which on paper looks pretty good. But as the Bulldogs hit the practice field this afternoon for the first time this season, they were adamant that that’s not the standard. 105 players make up the 2023 camp roster. Which consist of a mixture of…