Author: Neil Vierzba

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…

UMD Men’s Hockey Relying on Veterans Ahead of New Year

UMD opens the season October 3rd at Alaska Fairbanks.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team is coming off another down year. But, the beauty of a new season means everyone starts over from scratch. The Bulldogs, who are just a little over two weeks from their season opener in Alaska, return a lot of talent. Those back include defenseman Joey Pierce, Aaron Pionk, and Ty Hanson. Plus, forward…

UMD Forward Max Plante Named to NCHC Preseason All-Conference Team

Plante is the first Bulldog to be named to the team since current Flyer Noah Cates earned the honor ahead of the 2021-2022 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD forward Max Plante has landed on the NCHC Preseason All-Conference team. Just last season, the former Hermantown Hawk had nine goals and 19 assists in 23 games of action. He also secured a NCHC All-Rookie team nod for his efforts. Plante is the first Bulldog to be named to the team since current Flyer Noah Cates earned…

UW-Superior’s Savanna Hering Claims UMAC Defensive Player of the Week Honors

Hering had 53 digs this past weekend at the UW-La Crosse tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior native and current UWS libero Savanna Hering has been named the UMAC Defensive Player of the Week. Hering had 53 digs this past weekend at the UW-La Crosse tournament. She and the Yellowjackets also went 3 and 1 at the tourney. They’re next in action this weekend, hosting the Stinger Classic. Categories: College, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Rails Rally Past Greyhounds, Hawks Handle Spartans

Both the Proctor and Hermantown volleyball teams picked up road wins on Tuesday.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Proctor volleyball team returned to the win column on Tuesday night. After dropping the first set to Duluth East, the Rails rallied to take the next three and come away with the four-set victory. Reagan Rodberg led Proctor with 17 kills in the contest. Proctor plays at Two Harbors on Monday. As for Duluth East, they host…

UMD Men’s Hockey Names Joey Pierce Captain for 2025-2026 Season

Pierce is the first Hermantown Hawk to be named the Bulldogs captain since Adam Krause during the 2015 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has announced their captains for the upcoming season. Repping the “C” patch will be defenseman Joey Pierce. He’s the first Hermantown Hawk to be named the Bulldogs captain since Adam Krause during the 2015 season. As for the alternates they will be Kyler Kovich, Aaron Pionk, Ty Hanson, and lastly Max Plante. UMD…

UMD Football to Take On Sioux Falls in Battle of 3-0 Teams

UMD is just 2-7 against Sioux Falls since the 2013 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese has been preaching the one play at a time mindset to his players all off-season long. This past Saturday, UMD’s contest against Minnesota State-Mankato just so happened to come down to just one final play. And unlike a few times last year, the Bulldogs came out on the right end this time…

UMD Volleyball Cracks Top 25 After 7-0 Start

Just this past weekend, UMD took down Michigan Tech, Adelphi University, and Northern Michigan.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Bulldog volleyball squad has cracked the top 25 for the first time this season. UMD comes in at number 24 in the AVCA poll after starting the season at 7-0. Just this past weekend, UMD took down Michigan Tech, Adelphi University, and Northern Michigan, with the last two contests resulting in straight-set sweeps. The Bulldogs continue their…

Greenway Senior Ava Johnson Tallies 1,000th Kill

Johnson finished with 16 kills and 31 digs as the Raiders ending up falling to Chisholm in five sets.

COLERAINE, Minn.- Congratulations are in order for Greenway senior outside hitter Ava Johnson. In Monday night’s contest against Chisholm, Johnson tallied her 1,000th kill. It happened on her first point of the night. She finished with 16 kills and 31 digs as the Raiders ending up falling to Chisholm in five sets. Johnson and Greenway are next in action on…

Prep Soccer: Lumberjack Girls Extend Win Streak to 6, Hawk & Bluejacket Boys Pick Up Conference Wins

With the win, Cloquet-Carlton has now won their last six contests.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team continued their hot streak on Monday night. Playing Duluth Denfeld in a Lake Superior conference matchup, the Lumberjacks left no doubt as they came away with a 6-1 victory. With the win, Cloquet-Carlton has now won their last six contests. They’ll next play at Proctor on Thursday. As for the Hunters, they are…

UMD Women’s Hockey Ranked 6th to Begin Season

The Bulldogs were the 4th team in the WCHA to crack the top 6.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team will enter the year ranked 6th after the first USCHO Poll was dropped Monday morning. The Bulldogs were the 4th team in the WCHA to crack the top 6. Wisconsin is ranked first with Ohio State and Minnesota following them respectively. UMD drops the puck on the 2025-2026 season this upcoming Friday, when…

Former Hilltopper Nolan Krenzen Re-Signs with South Carolina Stingrays

Krenzen last played for the Hilltoppers during the 2018 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Hilltopper is re-upping with his current pro team. Nolan Krenzen has re-signed with the South Carolina Stingrays, who are the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. Krenzen appeared in four games for the team last season. Before that, he skated for the University of Nebraska-Omaha, where he tallied a total of 40 points. Krenzen last played…

Prep Football: Northwestern & Hermantown Remain Perfect in 2025 Season

Northwestern (4-0) will next play at Cumberland on September 19th.

MAPLE, Wis.- The Northwestern football team continued their perfect start to the season on Friday night. Facing St. Croix Falls in their home opener, the Tigers left no doubt as they came away with the 41 to 0 victory. Northwestern (4-0) will next play at Cumberland on September 19th. Speaking of unbeaten teams, Hermantown took down Duluth East 42 to…

Bemidji State Spoils Home Opener for UMD Women’s Soccer

UMD (1-1-1) will next host Sioux Falls on September 19th.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s soccer team was able to play in front of their home fans for the first time on Friday. Taking on Bemidji State, UMD took a 1-0 lead into the half thanks to a goal by Kaitlyn Beavers. After that though, the Beavers responded with three unanswered goals in the 2nd half to come away with…

Jacob Lambert Becomes New Owner of Duluth Harbor Monsters

Lambert is a native of Kettle River and was very involved with the team as a sponsor before.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are under new ownership. After multiple discussions throughout the 2025 season, Brent Labrie and Kramer Service Group has now sold the team to Jacob Lambert and J&B Manufactured Homes. Lambert is a native of Kettle River and was very involved with the team as a sponsor before. With the move, General Manager Steve Walters…

CSS Women’s Hockey Adds Hoff & Wolff to Coaching Staff, Eckstrom & Sandelin to Roster

The Saints are entering their first year under head coach Sydney Brodt.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been a busy off-season for the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team. That trend continued this week when the team hired former North Shore girls head coach Callie Hoff and former Bulldog Nick Wolff to the coaching staff. Hoff will be an assistant while Wolff will be a player development and skills coach. Other notable moves from the…

UMD Volleyball Edges Michigan Tech in Five Sets to Remain Unbeaten

UMD (5-0) will next host Adelphi University on Friday at 6 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team returned home on Thursday for their home opener against Michigan Tech. After dropping the first and third set, UMD bounced back in the 2nd, 4th, and finally the 5th set to take the 3-2 victory. The Bulldogs were led by Kylie Broten, who had 15 kills. UMD (5-0) will next host Adelphi University on…

Prep Soccer: Esko Girls Improve to 7-0, Duluth East Boys Extend Win Streak to Five

Esko is next in action on Tuesday at Two Harbors.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Esko girls soccer team continued their perfect start to the season on Thursday night. Playing at Hermantown, Esko shutout the Hawks 3-0 to improve to 7-0 on the season. Esko is next in action on Tuesday at Two Harbors. As for Hermantown (3-3-2), they’ll host Benilde-St. Margaret’s on Saturday. Over on the boys side, Duluth East extended…

UMD Volleyball Begins Six-Game Homestand with Up North Preseason Tournament

Combined, the Bulldogs are 65-25 all-time against their Up North Tourney foes.

DULUTH, Minn.- You couldn’t ask for a better start to the season for the UMD volleyball team.  A perfect 4-0 record at the McKendree Invitational. An added bonus is they’ll spend the next six contests at home. Bulldogs once again playing host for the Up North Preseason Tournament. First up on the docket is a Michigan Tech squad that UMD…

Kidd’s Goal Not Enough as UWS Men’s Soccer Falls to Macalester

Jake Kidd scored the first goal of the season and lone score of the contest for UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UW-Superior men’s soccer team is still searching for their first win of the 2025 season. On Wednesday night, the Yellowjackets hosted a 3-1 Macalester squad that was able to get the best of them, 2-1. Jake Kidd scored the first goal of the season and lone score of the contest for UWS. UW-Superior (0-3) will next be…

New Faces & New Leadership for UMD Women’s Hockey in 2025-2026 Season

UMD's season opener is September 19th at Mercyhurst University.

DULUTH, Minn.- We are just nine days away from the start of another UMD women’s hockey season. After making it to the national tournament for the 5th straight year in their last campaign, UMD will try to work their way back there with a lot of new faces. 13 newcomers along with 10 returners will don a Bulldog sweater this…