Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

Former UMD Goaltender Alex Stalock Joins Ducks On One-Year Contract

This upcoming year will be Stalock's 12th in the league.

ANAHEIM, C.A.- A former UMD goaltender has found a new NHL team. Alex Stalock and the Anaheim Ducks agreed to a one-year contract through the 2023-2024 season. Stalock comes from the Chicago Blackhawks, where he had 24 starts last season. He went 9-15-2 with two shutouts in those games. Anaheim will be the 4th NHL team for Stalock. He’s previously…

Grand Rapids Forward Jessika Lofstrom to Play College Hoops at Jamestown

Just this past season, Lofstrom averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd consecutive state tournament.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids standout Jessika Lofstrom has announced her college commitment. Over the weekend, Lofstrom said on her personal twitter page she intends to suit up for the University of Jamestown, once her time with the Thunderhawks comes to an end. Just this past season, she averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd…

UMD Men’s Hockey to Face Northeastern University at Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off

The game will take place at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team had an addition to their schedule earlier this week. The Bulldogs will face Northeastern University on December 28th at the home of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. The semifinal game is a part of the Kwik Trip Holiday Face-Off. UMD is one of four teams scheduled to play at the…

Six Superior City FC Women Earn All-League Selections

Superior City FC finished their first-ever season with a UPSL Midwest-West semifinal appearance.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- A whopping six players on the Superior City FC women’s squad earned all-league selections. On the first team is midfielder’s Emilia McGiffert and Gwendolyn Lilly, and goalkeeper Gracie Meagher. Then on the 2nd team is forward Alyssa Doyle, midfielder Molly Henderson, and defender Hunter Zamzow. Superior City FC finished their first-ever season with a UPSL Midwest-West semfinal appearance….

Huskies Add St. Scholastica Infielder/Pitcher Payton Jeffries to Roster

Jeffries would tally 17 strikeouts total this past season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies have added a St. Scholastica Saint to their roster. The team signed infielder and pitcher Payton Jeffries for the remainder of the season. Jeffries appeared in six games this past spring for the Saints. He best outing came on May 3rd when he went all nine innings and struck out five. Jeffries would tally 17…

Vikings Waive Former UMD Tight End & Captain Zach Ojile

Ojile signed with the Vikings on May 15th as an undrafted free agent.

EAGAN, Minn.- After almost three months of being on the Vikings roster, Zach Ojile’s dream of playing for his hometown team has come to an end for now. The former UMD tight end was waived by Minnesota on Friday after the team signed XFL running back Abram Smith. Ojile’s journey to the NFL started back on May 12th, when he…

Former Bulldog & Vikings FB Zach Ojile Reflects on 1st NFL Training Camp & Impending Preseason Debut

Ojile is looking to be the first Bulldog to make an active NFL roster since Dave Viaene in 1992.

EAGAN, Minn.- Former UMD tight end now turned Vikings fullback Zach Ojile has officially had one week of training camp under his belt. He’ll now have over three more weeks to impress the coaching staff as he fights for a spot on the 53 man roster. Ojile is in a position battle with Duluth native C.J. Ham. But there are…

Duluth Native & UMD Assistant Laura Bellamy Named Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Harvard

Bellamy spent eight seasons on the Bulldog coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- A longtime assistant coach is departing the UMD women’s hockey program. Associate head coach Laura Bellamy has accepted the head coaching position at her alma mater Harvard. The Duluth native spent eight seasons on the Bulldog coaching staff. She helped guide UMD to one national title game, two frozen fours, and five postseason wins in the past three…

Huskies DH Brandon Compton Named MVP of Great Plains All-Star Game

Tuesday night, Compton would go 1 for 3 with two runs batted in in the Great Plains All-Star Game in Bismarck.

BISMARCK, N.D.- Huskies designated hitter Brandon Compton is not only an all-star but he’s now an all-star mvp. Tuesday night, Compton would go 1 for 3 with two runs batted in in the Great Plains All-Star Game in Bismarck. Compton’s two run double in the top of the 7th would help the East tie the West at three late in…

Superior Football Riding Youth Movement Into 2023 Season

Superior is looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hard to believe but in just 17 days from now, prep football in Wisconsin kicks off. Tuesday was the first day teams hit the practice field in preparation of the 2023 season. One of those teams getting things going was Superior, who are looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022. Head Coach Bob DeMeyer…

Rilee Dawson to Step Down as CSS Head Softball Coach

Dawson led the Saints to four UMAC regular season titles and one NCAA Regional tournament appearance.

DULUTH, Minn.- After twenty years in the program as a player, assistant coach, and finally a head coach, Rilee Dawson is stepping down as the St. Scholastica head softball coach. The move will be official on August 4th as Dawson is expected to pursue other opportunities. In her first six seasons as Head Coach, she led the Saints to four…

Hermantown’s Henry Peterson Commits to Play Hockey at St. Thomas

Peterson skated in 22 games last season for the Hawks and would tally one goal and two assists.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the calender flipping over to August, junior high school hockey players are allowed to announce their verbal college commitments. Hermantown junior defenseman Henry Peterson was one of those players to waste no time. Peterson announced via his own personal Twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas. He skated in 22 games last…

Twin Ports Pro Development Camp Returns for 8th Straight Year

Head instructor and Superior native Brett Olson is once again at the helm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- For the 8th consecutive summer, local area kids have a chance to learn from the pros as the Twin Ports Pro Development camp began Monday morning in Superior. Head instructor and Superior native Brett Olson is once again at the helm, teaching the next generation skills development while also putting them through strength and conditioning sessions. New this…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Emma Sobieck to Coaching Staff

Sobieck comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has a new assistant coach. On Friday, the team hired Emma Sobieck to join the coaching staff. She comes from Bemidji State, where she was also an assistant for the past two seasons. Sobieck also played collegiately for the Beavers, skating in 146 games. In her senior year, she had a career best…

UWS Men’s & Women’s Soccer Release Schedules for 2023 Season

The UWS women's squad is vying for their 3rd straight UMAC title. The men are aiming for their 8th.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The defending champions in the UMAC released their schedules for the upcoming season. First up the women’s squad, the Yellowjackets will start the year on the road. A whopping six games away from Superior to begin the season. Their first match is September 1st against Gustavus Adolphus. Five games later, they’ll finally have their home opener on September…

Brent LaBrie Named Team Owner of Duluth’s Arena League Football Team, Team Name Reaches Final Four

Fans are encouraged to head to the arena league's website to vote for their favorite name.

DULUTH, Minn.- In less than a year, Duluth will be home to a Arena League football team. And on Thursday, the team made some formal announcements, including the introduction of the team’s owner. Brent LaBrie, a Wisconsin businessman takes the helm for the yet to be named Duluth team. He along with his family have visited the Twin Ports many…

Trio of Huskies Set to Compete in Northwoods League Great Plains All-Star Home Run Challenge

The Home Run Challenge takes place July 31st in Bismarck, North Dakota.

DULUTH, Minn.- They’ve been hitting the ball out of the park all season long. Now, they will do it in a competition. Three Huskies have been selected to compete in the Great Plains All-Star Home Run Challenge next week in Bismarck. They are Michael Hallquist, who currently leads the Northwoods League with 13 home runs. Calyn Halvorson, who has four…

Nemadji Women’s Golf Club Invitational Celebrates 75th Anniversary

All proceeds from the tournament went to the Superior girls golf team.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Nemadji Women’s Golf Club reached an impressive mark on Wednesday as they held their 75th anniversary of their invitational tournament. Dozens gathered at the golf course to take part in the event. And it went towards a great cause, as all proceeds will go to the Superior girls golf team. President Barb Hoag says it isn’t just…

Thunderhawks Head Coach Wade Chiodo Named Team President of Oklahoma Warriors

Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids head boys varsity hockey coach Wade Chiodo has been serving as director of player personnel for the Oklahoma Warriors of the NAHL the last three seasons. Now, he’s preparing for a new gig as Chiodo was named as Team President. Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season. Grand…

Northland College to Add Men’s & Women’s Wrestling in Fall of 2025

With the addition of both wrestling squads, the school will now have 16 varsity sports.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College in Ashland announced they are adding men’s and women’s wrestling beginning in the Fall of 2025. The school has immediately begun their search for a head coach. With the addition of both wrestling squads, the school will now have 16 varsity sports. The NCAA currently has 109 institutions that offer men’s wrestling and 44 schools that…

UMD Soccer Announces Captains for 2023 Fall Season

UMD opens the season on August 31st at Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD women’s soccer announced their captains for the upcoming season. They are fifth-year seniors Lauren Hansen and Sarah Stange, and senior Jackie Jares. Hansen and Stange previously served as the Bulldog captains in 2022. Hansen would play in all 18 games while Stange had an injury that limited her to only nine games. Jares started in 15 games…

UMD’s Anneke Linser Joins Djurgardens in Swedish Women’s Hockey League

Just this past season, the 5th year senior would tally 17 goals and 30 points in 39 games for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in early JuneĀ  former Bulldogs Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed pro deals in the PHF. After the league was bought out, Rogge made the jump to the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Now Linser will be joining her. However, they’ll be on different teams as Linser signed with Djurgardens. Just this past season, the 5th year…

Former Huskies All-Star Mike Boeve Signs Rookie Deal with Brewers

Boeve played for the Huskies back in the summer of 2021. He would club 84 hits and have 47 runs batted in.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- Former Huskies All-Star Mike Boeve is officially a member of the Milwaukee Brewers organization. On Wednesday, he signed his rookie deal with the team. Boeve’s contract is for 1.25 million dollars. The years on the deal are still to be announced. The former Duluth 3rd baseman had one more year of eligibility left. But with the contract now,…