Author: Neil Vierzba

Superior’s Eva Peterson Commits to Play Hoops at Grand View University

The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Eva Peterson made her college commitment on Thursday. Peterson will play college hoops for the Grand View University Vikings beginning in the fall of 2024. The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year. She would also tally 32 steals and 40 assists as Superior went 21-3. Categories: High School,…

Former UMD Standout Caroline Ouellette to Be Inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame

Ouellette has already been selected for the IIHF and the UMD Hall of Fame recently.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another week, another hall of fame induction for former Bulldog standout Caroline Ouellette. Announced on Wednesday, Ouellette will be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame on November 13th. She’s most known for winning four goal medals with Team Canada. But, she also got it done in the college ranks winning two national titles for UMD, one as…

Former Bulldog Joey Anderson Re-Signs with Chicago Blackhawks

Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022.

CHICAGO, Illinois.- Former UMD forward Joey Anderson re-signed with the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. It’s a one-year, eight hundred thousand dollar deal with the Chicago Blackhawks. Anderson would split time with Chicago and the Toronto Maple Leafs organization in 2022. He would suit up in 38 NHL games, tallying 9 points total in those contests. This upcoming season will be…

Cohasset Native Hunter Shepard Wins Calder Cup with Hershey Bears

Shepard was also named MVP of the Calder Cup Playoffs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD goalie Hunter Shepard and the Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Wednesday night. Shepard would stop 45 of the 47 shots he saw in the game 7, 3-2 overtime victory. For his efforts, the goaltender would be awarded the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy, which is awarded to the MVP of…

Honkers & Huskies Settle for Split to Remain Tied at 1st in Standings

The Huskies (13-9) will next host the Waterloo Bucks on Thursday. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies and Rochester Honkers would play two on Wednesday. In game one, Rochester would jump out to an early lead and never give it back, winning the contest 8 to 5. Then in game two, Duluth put up a three spot in the bottom of the 8th to bounce back and win 3 to 1. The…

Public Schools Stadium to Be Renamed on July 1st

It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field.

DULUTH, Minn.- Beginning on July 1st, Public Schools Stadium on the campus of Duluth Denfeld high school will have a new name. It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field. Hunting coaching the Denfeld football team from 1927 to 1955, winning 14 city titles, and 5 state titles, some of which were official and some were unofficial. Heikkinen…

Maesyn Thiesen Joins UMD Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff, Cecile Kieger Named Lead Assistant

Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball player Maesyn Thiesen will be joining the coaching staff this upcoming season. Thiesen is coming off a season in which she averaged 7.6 points per game and 4.6 rebounds per game, helping lead the Dogs to the national title game. Thiesen wasn’t the only coaching move as Cecile Kieger has been named lead assistant…

Former UMD Women’s Basketball All-American Lindsey Dietz to be Inducted into 2023 NSIC Hall of Fame

Dietz becomes UMD's 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former UMD women’s basketball All-American Lindsay Dietz has been named to the NSIC Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Dietz becomes UMD’s 23rd inductee into the NSIC Hall of Fame and the first since 2017. She would suit up for the Bulldogs from 2002 to 2006. During her time at UMD, Dietz was the first Bulldog women’s player…

Elisha Barno Makes It 5 Grandma’s Marathon Victories, Hagans Unseats Lindwurm in Women’s Race

Barno now has a marathon-leading five career victories.

  DULUTH, Minn.- After being inducted into the Grandma’s Marathon Hall of Fame on Friday, Elisha Barno followed up that honor by winning the full Grandma’s Marathon on Saturday. Barno now has a marathon-leading five career victories. He would finish with a time of 2:09:14, eight seconds short of the record. “I think it’s like a blessing because to win…

Pike Snags 5th Overall Grandma’s Win in Wheelchair Division, Fesemyer Earns 1st

Pike has now gone back to back, previously winning in 2022 as well.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Aaron Pike is once again the Grandma’s Marathon male wheelchair division winner. He picked up his 5th overall win with a time of 1:27:34. Pike has now gone back to back, previously winning in 2022 as well. On the women’s side, Jenna Fesemyer picked up her first career win on Saturday. I guess I’m getting better with…

Montoya Breaks Course Record in Grandma’s Half, Reichow Takes Top Honors for Men

Maggie Montoya would set the new course record with a time of 1:09:26.

  DULUTH, Minn.- Kara Goucher’s course record in the Grandma’s Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon is no more. On Saturday, Maggie Montoya would set the new course record with a time of 1:09:26 to take 1st for females in the Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon. “No I had no idea what the record was, I found out when I was crossing the…

Newcomers Eye Big Debut in 2023 Grandma’s Marathon

The full Grandma's Marathon begins at 7:35 AM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Grandma’s Marathon brings in plenty of new faces for elite runners. A couple of debuts are scheduled for tomorrow. In the men’s division, Kevin Lynch will run Grandma’s for the first time. He’s previously picked up big wins at the Salt Lake City Marathon and the Big Bear Marathon. Meanwhile in the women’s division, Jessica Watychowicz will…

Shea Wins William A. Irvin 5K for 2nd Time, Cerbin-Bohach Takes Women’s Title

Shea last won the Irvin 5K back in 2021.

DULUTH, Minn.- The William A. Irvin 5K officially kicked off Grandma’s Marathon on Friday night. In the men’s race, we now have a two-time champion. Mason Shea crossed the finish line with a time of 15 minutes and 40 seconds. He last won the 5K back in 2021. Then in the women’s race we have a new winner, Flannery Cerbin-Bohach,…

Ondoro & Lindwurm Look to Defend Grandma’s Marathon Crowns

The full Grandma's Marathon begins Saturday at 7:35 AM.

DULUTH, Minn.- All of the elite Grandma’s Marathon runners made their way to Duluth on Friday. That includes two two-time champions who have hopes of making it three come Saturday. On the men’s side, Dominic Ondoro looks to repeat after finishing with a time of 2 hours and 9 minutes last year to take 1st. That time nearly broke his…

Esko Baseball Shuts Out Perham for First-Ever State Championship Title

In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize. “We were a little nervous at the beginning, which is to be expected, but they weathered the storm and our offense carried us today and we got three unbelievable pitching performances in the tournament. I think we…

Reyelts, Nelson, & DeMars Selected in NAHL Draft

Proctor's A.J. Reyelts, Hermantown's Drew Nelson, and Grand Rapids' Hayden DeMars are taking their talents to the NAHL.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NAHL draft took place on Wednesday and three local area hockey players heard their name called in the 15 round affair. The first to hear their name called was Proctor goalie A.J. Reyelts. He was selected at pick number 125 in the 4th round by the Kenai River Brown Bears. Reyelts manned the pipes in 15 games…

Ashland Girls Soccer Sees Season End in D3 WIAA State Semifinals

Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2.

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- The Ashland girls soccer team would battle with Edgewood on Thursday in the D3 WIAA State Semifinals, ultimately falling to the Crusaders 5 to 1. Cassidy Lustig had the lone goal for the Oredockers in the contest. Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Philadelphia Flyers Extend Qualifying Offer to Former Bulldog Noah Cates

Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests.

PHILADELPHIA, Penn.- A former Bulldog appears to be sticking around in the City of Brotherly Love. The Philadelphia Flyers extended a qualifying offer to Noah Cates on Wednesday. Cates would skate in 82 games for Philly last season. He would total 38 points in those contests. The qualifying offer is worth nearly 875 thousand dollars on a two-way contract. Cates…

State Baseball: Esko Earns Spot in AA Championship Game, Grand Rapids Places 4th, South Ridge Wins Consolation

Esko will next play Perham in the title game on Friday at 1 PM at CHS Field in St. Paul.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is on their way to St. Paul after defeating Cannon Falls 7-2 in the AA semifinals on Wednesday. In the bottom of the 4th, Esko would take the 3-2 lead via a throwing error by the Bombers shortstop. Moments later, Isaak Sertich stepped to the plate and crushed a grand slam to give…

Huskies Settle for Split with Honkers as Four-Game Winning Streak Ends

Duluth (8-6) will next be in action on Thursday at Eau Claire. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies four-game winning steak came to a close on Tuesday, as the team fell to the Rochester Honkers 8 to 4. Rochester would score at least once from the 2nd through the 8th inning. Duluth (8-6) will next be in action on Thursday at Eau Claire. First pitch is at 6:35 PM.   Categories: Northwoods League,…

State Baseball: Esko Advances to Semifinals, South Ridge Upset By B-B-E

Esko will next play Cannon Falls in the semifinals at 1:30 on Wednesday.

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team made their first state appearance since 2000 on Tuesday, shutting out St. Agnes 1-0 in the AA quarterfinals. Esko was led by Cale Haugen, who pitched a seven inning complete-game shutout and had 12 strikeouts on the day. Esko will next play Cannon Falls in the semifinals at 1:30 on Wednesday. In other…

Former Bulldog Sydney Brodt Re-Signs with Minnesota Whitecaps

Brodt is the 5th UMD player on the Whitecaps roster.

RICHFIELD, Minn.- Former UMD forward Sydney Brodt is staying in the state of hockey. Brodt re-signed with the Minnesota Whitecaps on a two-year deal. In her first season with the Whitecaps, she tallied five goals and nine points in 21 games of action. She was also one of six Whitecaps players to be selected to the PHF All-Star Game. Brodt…

State Baseball: Grand Rapids Blanks St. Thomas Academy to Advance to AAA Semifinals

Next up for Grand Rapids, they'll play Mahtomedi in the semifinals at noon on Wednesday.

JORDAN, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team lived up to the underdog role on Tuesday, upsetting #2 St. Thomas Academy 5-0 in the AAA semifinals. Kyle Henke led the Thunderhawks offensively with two runs batted in. Next up for Grand Rapids, they’ll play Mahtomedi in the semifinals at noon on Wednesday. The game will be played at the Mini Met…

Esko Community Sends Off Eskomo Baseball to First State Tournament Since 2000

Monday afternoon, the community gathered at the Esko Sports Complex to give the team well wishes before they departed for St. Cloud.

ESKO, Minn.- It’s been a long wait for the Esko baseball team since they last made it to the state tournament. 23 years to be exact. But that wait comes to an end Tuesday when they open up tournament play. Monday afternoon, the community gathered at the Esko Sports Complex to give the team well wishes before they departed for…

Huskies Walk-Off Against 1st Place Honkers in Series Opener

The Huskies (8-6) will once again host the Honkers on Tuesday at 6:35 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies opened up a new series with the 1st place Rochester Honkers on Monday. Trailing 8-5 in the bottom of the 8th, Duluth would tie the game up heading into the 9th. Then in the bottom of the 9th, Max Coupe sent the Huskies fans home happy with a walk-off single. The Huskies (8-6) will once…

Ondoro & Lindwurm Headline Returners for 2023 Grandma’s Marathon

Both Ondoro & Lindwurm are looking for their 3rd overall Grandma's Marathon win.

DULUTH, Minn.- We are just five days away before a stacked lineup toes the starting line for the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. On the men’s side, defending champion and event record holder Dominic Ondoro returns. He’s aiming to be the 2nd man to win three or more Grandma’s Marathons. The only other runner to do that is Elisha Barno, who also…

Top Plays of the Week: 6/9

This weeks' top play belongs to the South Ridge and Grand Rapids baseball teams.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weeks’ top play belongs to the South Ridge and Grand Rapids baseball teams. Both squads would win their section titles in walk-off fashion. Coming in at number two was Hermantown baseball’s Brayden Lundeen.   Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Superior Softball Clinches Spot in WIAA D1 State Championship Game

Superior will next play either Kaukauna/Oak Creek in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 PM.

MADISON, Wis.- The magical season for the Superior softball team continues as on Friday they defeated Sun Prairie East 6-3 in the semfinals. With the win, the Spartans are now 27-0 on the season. Superior will next play either Kaukauna or Oak Creek in the championship game on Saturday at 6:30 PM. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Wilderness Name Colten St. Clair as New Head Coach

St. Clair comes from the Sioux City Musketeers, where he spent the last two seasons as associate head coach.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Just a week after their former head coach Brett Skinner informed them that he was leaving for the Fargo Force job, the Minnesota Wilderness have found their new leader on the bench. The Wilderness named Colten St. Clair as their new head coach on Thursday. He’s the sixth head coach in franchise history. St. Clair comes from the…

Barno, Dock, & Korte Make Up 2023 Grandma’s Hall of Fame Class

The ceremony takes place on June 16th.

DULUTH, Minn.-  The Grandma’s Marathon is next weekend and as a part of the weekend festivities they’ll be honoring their Hall of Fame class. This year three individuals will be inducted. One of those is also running this year’s race, that would be Elisha Barno who had four straight Grandma’s Marathon victories from 2015 to 2018. Joining Barno is longtime…

Connolly & Ouellette Headline 2023 UMD Athletic Hall of Fame Class

This will be the first induction ceremony since February of 2019.

DULUTH, Minn.- Earlier this week, the UMD athletic department announced their 2023 Athletic Hall of Fame class. This year they will induct 10 members for their 22nd class. Among those being honored include former hockey All-americans Jack Connolly and Caroline Ouellette, as well as track and field and cross country All-American Morgan Kowalik, and football All- American Russ Rabe among…

7A Baseball: South Ridge Tops Cherry Twice for 5th Straight Section Crown

This is the 5th consecutive season that the Panthers have went to the state tournament.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The South Ridge baseball team is once again heading to state after defeating Cherry twice on Thursday. In game one, the Panthers would go on to take the contest 12 to 6. Then the following game, it once again went South Ridge’s way as they topped Cherry 8 to 7 in eight innings. This is the 5th consecutive…

State Softball: Moose Lake/Willow River Falls In Semifinals, Proctor to Play for Consolation Title

The Rebels will play for 3rd on Friday. Meanwhile, Proctor will play for 5th.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to competing for a state title. On Thursday, the Rebels would defeat New Ulm Cathedral 7 to 2 in the Class A quarterfinals. Moose Lake/Willow River would next play Badger/Greenbush-Middle River and that’s where their title hopes would end as they fall 2 to 1. The Rebels will…

Superior Softball Holds Off Menomonee Falls 6-5 to Advance to State Semifinals

Superior will next play Sun Prairie East in the semifinals Friday at 7 pm.

MADISON, Wis.- The unbeaten Superior Spartans faced Menomonee Falls to open up D1 tournament play on Thursday. Emma Raye would club a solo homer in the 4th and Gabbi Saari would pitch in two runs batted in, as the Spartans hold off the Phoenix 6 to 5. Superior will next play Sun Prairie East in the semifinals Friday at 7…

Duluth FC Settles for 1-1 Tie with MN United FC U19

Next up for Duluth FC, they'll host La Crosse Aris FC on June 10th at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth FC would battle with Minnesota United FC U19 on Wednesday, ultimately settling for the 1-1 tie with the Loons. Tyler Limmer would have the lone goal for the Bluegreens. Next up for Duluth FC, they’ll host La Crosse Aris FC on June 10th at 7 PM. Categories: Sports

7AAA Baseball: Grand Rapids Battles Back Against Hermantown for Three-Peat

Grand Rapids has now tied the record for most state appearances with 21.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team would need to win two against Hermantown on Wednesday in the Section 7AAA championship. And that they would do as the Thunderhawks repeated as Section 7AAA champions for the third straight year. Kyle Henke would club a grand slam walk-off home run in game two to give the Thunderhawks the 7 to…

After Making State Title Games in 2022, Both Proctor & MLWR Hope for Different Results in 2023

St. Agnes and Proctor will start at 11:30. Following that game, New Ulm Cathedral and Moose Lake/Willow River will play at 1:30.

PROCTOR, Minn.- It was nearly a year ago, the Proctor Rails softball team found themselves in the Class AA state title game. Fast forward to now, and the team is ramping up again for a shot at the title. Proctor, who drew the number three seed will open up state tournament play Thursday morning against unseeded St. Agnes. Both teams…

7AA Baseball: Esko Handles Rock Ridge 7-1 for Spot in Section Title Game

Esko will next play Mora in the section title game on Thursday. First pitch is set for 5 PM at Wade Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Esko baseball team inched closer to their first state tournament berth since 2000 on Tuesday, defeating Rock Ridge 7-1 in the 7AA semifinals. Cale Haugen would club his 10th home run of the season in the contest, setting a new program record. Esko will next play Mora in the section title game on Thursday. First pitch is…

UMD’s Linser & Rogge Sign with Metropolitan Riveters

Linser and Rogge join Emma Soderberg and Maggie Flaherty as Bulldogs that have signed pro deals this off-season.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ.- Within the last month, the UMD women’s hockey team has seen two players go on to the pros. They can now add two more to that list. Forwards Naomi Rogge and Anneke Linser each signed one-year deals with the Metropolitan Riveters of the PHF. Rogge graduated as the program’s all-time games played record holder. She was also…

Superior Softball Prepares for 2nd Straight Trip to State

First pitch between the Phoenix and Spartans is set for 8 AM Thursday in Madison.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior softball team continued their memorable season last Thursday when they took down SPASH 1 to nothing in the D1 sectional final. Now it’s onto state as the Spartans are getting ready for their 2nd consecutive state tournament appearance. Last year, Superior saw their season come to a close in the semifinals. But this year, with a…

Coaches Corner: John Shuster

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth FC Co-Owner, John Shuster.

DULUTH, Minn.-  In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth FC Co-Owner, John Shuster. Shuster is in his first full year with Duluth FC. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Plays of the Week: 6/2

This weeks' top play belongs to Emma Raye of Superior softball.

DULUTH, Minn.- This weeks’ top play belongs to Emma Raye of Superior softball. Her two home runs lifted the Spartans past D.C. Everest in sectional play. #2- Esko baseball’s Isaak Sertich. #3- Duluth Marshall baseball’s Charlie Hayden. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Cloquet Boys & Rock Ridge Girls Golf Heading to State Tournament

The Class AA state tournament begins June 13th at Ridges at Sand Creek in Jordan.

BIWABIK, Minn.- Two local golf teams are heading to state after securing the Section 7AA titles Thursday at Giants Ridge. The Rock Ridge girls would claim the top honor with a team score of 779. On the boys side, Cloquet took first with a 607. As for individual standouts, Cloquet’s Karson Young would win the boys title with a score…

Esko Senior Cale Haugen Named MN Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year

Haugen is the first player from Esko to win the award.

ESKO, Minn.- Gatorade announced on Friday that Esko’s Cale Haugen is the 2022-2023 Gatorade Minnesota Baseball Player of the Year. He’s the first player from Esko to win the award. Before the section tournament, Haugen posted a 5-0 record with a 0.22 ERA through 20 games. He can also hit too, as Haugen had a .571 batting average with six…

Prep Baseball: Esko & Hermantown Advance to Respective Section Semifinals

Esko will next meet up with Rock Ridge on Tuesday. As for Hermantown, they'll host Grand Rapids on Saturday.

ESKO, Minn.- The Esko baseball team continued Section 7AA tournament play on Thursday with another win as they defeated Pine City 14 to 3. The Eskomos would have four home runs, including one from senior Cale Haugen. Esko will next meet up with Rock Ridge on Tuesday in the winner’s bracket semifinals at Wade Stadium. The Wolverines would walk-off against…

Wilderness Wing Kevin Marx Noren to Play College Hockey at Northern Michigan

Noren's coming off a breakout year where he tallied 33 goals and 26 assists.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Wilderness Wing Kevin Marx Noren is making the jump to the college ranks next season. On Thursday, Noren announced his commitment to Northern Michigan. He’s coming off a breakout year where he tallied 33 goals and 26 assists for a total of 59 points on the season. Noren also played a big role in getting the Wilderness to…

Superior Softball Heading to State for 2nd Consecutive Year

Next up for the Spartans, they'll open up state tournament play next Thursday. Opponent and time is TBD.

MARSHFIELD, Wis.- The Superior softball team is heading to state for the 2nd consecutive season. On Thursday, the Spartans would walk-off against Spash 1-0 to win the D1 WIAA Sectional Final. Gaabi Saari played hero in the bottom of the 7th as she had the game-winning hit. Next up for the Spartans, they’ll open up state tournament play next Thursday….