Author: Neil Vierzba

Prep Softball: Proctor & Grand Rapids Open Seasons with Victories

Proctor will next play at Superior on Friday. Meanwhile, Grand Rapids will play at Rock Ridge on Wednesday.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team opened their season on Tuesday with two wins. They would defeat Bemidji 5 to 2 earlier in the day. Then follow that up with a 16 to 1 victory over South Ridge. Proctor (2-0) will next play at Superior on Friday. In other softball action, Grand Rapids would get the best of Duluth Denfeld…

Woes Continue for CSS Baseball as Gusties Sweep Saints

CSS (3-20) will next host Carleton on Saturday in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team would put up a fight against Gustavus Adolphus on Tuesday, ultimately falling short in both games of a doubleheader. In game one, the Gusties would take down the Saints seven to nothing. They would follow that up with a 10-2 victory in game two. CSS (3-20) will next host Carleton on Saturday in…

UMD Men’s Hockey Reveals Schedule for 2023-2024 Season

UMD will drop the puck against Michigan Tech on October 7th for a single game to open the season.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team revealed their schedule for the 2023-2024 season on Tuesday. They’ll drop the puck against Michigan Tech on October 7th for a single game to open the season. The following weekend they will have their first full series when they welcome Northern Michigan to town. One other notable includes a home and home series…

Bulldog Women’s Hockey Seniors McMahon & Stewart to Return for 5th Year

The duo has plenty of experience which includes two NCAA Frozen Four appearances during their tenure.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team received a boost from two key returners on Tuesday. Mannon McMahon and Taylor Stewart both have accepted their additional year of eligibility that was granted by the NCAA due to the Covid-19 pandemic. McMahon is coming off a career year in which she had 11 goals and 18 assists, both were career-highs. Same…

UWS Tennis Defends Home Court with Sweep of UMAC Foe Bethany Lutheran

The Yellowjackets will next be in action on Friday when they play at Crown College.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS men’s and women’s tennis teams would pick up wins on Monday. The men’s team would improve to 18-3 overall and 6-0 in the conference by defeating Bethany Lutheran 8 to 1. As for the women’s team, they captured win number seven with the 9 to 0 victory over the Vikings. The Yellowjackets will next be in…

UMD Graduate Forward Gabbie Hughes Grabs Gold at Women’s Worlds

In national play, the Lino Lakes native would tally one goal and one assist.

BRAMPTON, Ontario.- UMD graduate forward Gabbie Hughes has captured gold with the US Women’s National Team. Hughes and Team USA would defeat Canada 6 to 3 in the IIHF Women’s World Championship on Sunday. In national play, the Lino Lakes native would tally one goal and one assist. Hughes was one of four Bulldogs to medal at the tournament. In…

Prep Baseball: Hibbing & Cloquet Grab Wins on the Diamond

Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games.

DULUTH, Minn.- The prep baseball season is officially underway in the Northland. Wade Stadium was the place to be on Friday as it hosted multiple prep baseball games. Early in the day, Hibbing would defeat South Ridge 9 to 7. The Bluejackets (1-0) will next play at Hermantown on Tuesday. As for the Panthers (0-1) they will look to bounce…

Duluth Wolfpack Girls Open Season with 14 to 9 Victory Over Big Lake

The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian.

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Wolfpack girls lacrosse team opened the year with a win on Friday, defeating Big Lake 14 to 9 at home. The Wolfpack (1-0) will next be in action on April 21st when they play at Southwest Christian. Game time is at 5:15 pm. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Softball Knocks Off Winona State in Home-Opening Doubleheader

The Bulldogs (27-8) will next be in action on Saturday when they take on Upper Iowa in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for noon.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD softball team improved to 27-8 on the season on Friday after sweeping Winona State at home. In game one, UMD erupted for ten runs to take down the Warriors 10 to nothing. Nicole Schmitt would hit a grand slam to in the 1st inning to help lead UMD. Then in game two, it would take extras…

Packers Tailgate Tour Makes Stops in Superior

President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron Jones and Elgton Jenkins, along with former players Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Eddie Lacy, Evan Smith, and Davon House were all on hand.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In recent years, the Packers have had to modify their tailgate tour due to the pandemic. But this year, they’re back in full force and they made their way to Superior Thursday for multiple stops. One of the stops was at Superior High School Thursday morning. President and CEO Mark Murphy, as well as current Packer players Aaron…

Concordia-St. Paul Takes Two from UMD Baseball in NSIC Doubleheader

UMD (12-20) will next be in action on April 19th when they host Bemidji State in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD baseball team held their first two games in Duluth on Thursday. Ultimately, it would go the road team’s way both games as Concordia-St. Paul took down UMD. In game one, the Bulldogs would hold a 7-0 lead through four innings. After that though it was all Golden Bears as they score 11 unanswered for the 11…

Former Bulldog Nick Swaney to Make NHL Debut with Minnesota Wild

Swaney will be the 17th former Bulldog to play in a NHL game this season.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- Former UMD right winger Nick Swaney received the call of a lifetime on Wednesday as the Minnesota Wild called him up from the AHL. Swaney will be in uniform and make his debut Thursday when the Wild play at the Predators. So far this season, he has tallied 28 points for the Iowa Wild. Swaney will be…

Cobbers Spoil Home Opener for Saints Baseball with Doubleheader Sweep

The Saints will next be in action on Saturday when they host Augsburg in a doubleheader. First pitch of game one is set for 1 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica baseball team opened up the home portion of their schedule on Wednesday. Unfortunately, they would drop both games to Concordia. In game one, the Cobbers would score 13 unanswered runs to take the victory 13 to 2. Jack Harris would have two runs batted in to lead the Saints. Then in game two, it once…

UMD’s Lauren Dixon Named NSIC Pitcher of the Week for 2nd Straight Week

It's the 5th time this season a Bulldog has either won the NSIC Player of the Week or NSIC Pitcher of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn.- What a eventful two weeks it has been for UMD junior pitcher Lauren Dixon. Just last Tuesday, she was the first ever UMD pitcher to be named D2 NFCA Pitcher of the Week. That same day she was named NSIC Pitcher of the Week. Fast forward to Tuesday, and Dixon has done it again. She is the NSIC…

UMD Men’s Hockey Adds Bast & McMenamin Via Transfer Portal

Bast played for North Dakota the last seasons. Meanwhile, McMenamin is coming in as a senior from Penn State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team has added two members to their roster for the upcoming season. They come via the transfer portal and have seen plenty of action over the past few seasons. First up is senior wing Connor McMenamin, who comes from Penn State. McMenamin served as the alternate captain for the Nittany Lions the past two…

CSS Softball Settles for Split in Home-Opening Doubleheader with Concordia (MN)

CSS (11-9) will next play at Augsburg for a doubleheader on Tuesday. First pitch of game one is set for 3:30 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica softball team finally was able to play on campus on Monday. They would go on to split a doubleheader with Concordia (MN). In game one, the Cobbers would hang on against the Saints as they picked up the 7 to 4 victory. Then in game two, the Saints battled back for another close contest that…

Brooke Olson Named Finalist for D2 Honda Athlete of the Year for Basketball

Olson is coming off a season in which she led the Bulldogs to their first-ever appearance in an NCAA title game.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another prestigious honor for UMD graduate forward Brooke Olson. Olson was named a finalist for the D2 Honda Athlete of the Year award for basketball on Monday. She is coming off a season in which she led the Bulldogs to their first-ever appearance in an NCAA title game. Olson averaged an impressive 28.5 points per game and 19.6…

Wilderness Salvage Split with Windigo in Final Regular Season Home Series

Kevin Marx Noren, Oliver Stumpel, and Sawyer Scholl would all score for the Wilderness in the contest.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness bounced back on Friday, defeating the Wisconsin Windigo 3 to 2 at home. Kevin Marx Noren, Oliver Stumpel, and Sawyer Scholl would all score for the Wilderness in the contest. Next up, Minnesota will travel to Chippewa Falls to face the Steel in their final regular season series. Puck drop for game one is set…

Gabbie Hughes Wins 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award

Hughes is the first-ever Bulldog to win the humanitarian award.

DULUTH, Minn.- It was a day to remember for UMD graduate forward Gabbie Hughes on Friday. Hughes won the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award for her involvement with Sophie’s Squad. Sophie’s Squad is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the mental health of athletes from the youth level to college. Just this past season, the Bulldogs hosted a hockey hits back…

Superior City FC Men’s Team Reveals First Two Players on Roster

Lumsden and Gonzalez both played for the Hayward Wolfpack last season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The newly formed Superior City FC men’s soccer squad has announced the first two players on their roster. And both have ties to the Twin Ports. First up is forward Mally Lumsden. Lumsden played collegiately at St. Scholastica and most recently he suited up for the Hayward Wolfpack. Just last season, he led the WPASL with 26 goals….

UMD Football Releases Regular Season Schedule for 2023 Season

The Bulldogs will open up the year with an opponent they haven't seen since 1998.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD football released their schedule for the upcoming 2023 season on Thursday. The Bulldogs will open up the year with an opponent they haven’t seen since 1998. It’ll be Northern Michigan and UMD at Malosky Stadium on August 31st to kick off the season. That game will also be the first non-conference game the Bulldogs have played in…

Duluth East Guard Jobe Juenemann to Play College Hoops at Bemidji State

The senior would average 16.3 points per game while shooting 41 percent from beyond the three point arc.

DULUTH, Minn.- After helping lead the Duluth East boys basketball team to a 20-8 record this past season and finishing in the section 7AAAA semifinals, forward Jobe Juenemann announced his college commitment late Wednesday night. Juenemann will make the two hour and 45 minute drive to Bemidji to play for the Beavers of Bemidji State next season. The senior would…

The Arena League Awards Duluth with New Indoor Football Team

The yet to be named Duluth team will play their home games at the DECC arena beginning in June 2024.

DULUTH, Minn.- In early February, there were reports that Duluth was one of the choices on a fan vote for a arena football league team set to begin in 2024. Fast forward to Wednesday. “The Arena League is here to announce that Duluth will be one of the four teams that will be a part of our season starting in…

Superior’s Kloe Zentkowski Commits to Play Basketball at Michigan Tech

She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior junior guard Kloe Zentkowski knows who her next team will be. Zentkowski announced her commitment to Michigan Tech late last week. She would average nearly 12 points and eight rebounds per game for the Spartans this past season. Her efforts on the court made her an honorable mention on the All Lake Superior conference team. The 6’1…

Gabbie Hughes Makes U.S. National Team for 2023 Women’s World Championship

Hughes finished her college career fifth all-time at UMD in scoring with 214 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- Gabbie Hughes may have finished up her Bulldog career just a few weeks ago. But, she will hit the ice once again this week donning the red, white, and blue for Team USA at the Women’s World Championship. Hughes is one of 25 players selected to represent Team USA. This will also be her IIHF debut as she…

UMD’s Memorable Season Comes to a Close in First-Ever National Title Game

UMD finishes the year with a program best 32-4 record.

DALLAS, Texas.- Saturday was the day that the UMD women’s basketball team competed in their first-ever Division II National Championship game. The Bulldogs would come into the matchup with a 32-3 record while their opponent, Ashland was a perfect 36-0. UMD would have some high points in the 1st, including an Ella Gilbertson drive- by lay in that gave them…

UMD Women’s Basketball Makes Red Carpet Entrance for Championship Game

UMD and Ashland tip things off at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon.

DALLAS, Texas.- Before the UMD women’s basketball team took the floor at American Airlines Center, they walked the red carpet being greeted and cheered on by some of their biggest supporters. The team would make their way in from the Party Plaza and through a sea of maroon and gold into the center. Click on the video above to see…

UMD Talks Night Before & Court Ahead of National Championship Game

The team had their final practice in Irving Friday morning before Saturday's title game.

DALLAS, Texas.- For most, if not all the UMD players, Saturday will mark the first time they have played on an NBA Court. The UMD women’s team had their first chance at testing out American Airlines Arena on Thursday. Here’s what they had to say on the differences and challenges of playing in a different setting. “Well coach Pearson always…

Bulldog Alums Flock to Dallas to Root on Alma Mater

Neil Vierzba caught up with former player and current Superior Athletic Director Ella Olson to talk all things Bulldogs and the upcoming National Championship game.

DALLAS, Texas.- It’s a once in a lifetime experience and many alumni are flocking to Dallas to cheer on their Bulldogs. Neil Vierzba caught up with former player and current Superior Athletic Director Ella Olson to talk all things Bulldogs and the upcoming National Championship game. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Parents Feel Pressure Too as UMD Nears Title Game

Joanne and Tim will be at the game to cheer on their daughters Saturday at 2:30 PM.

DALLAS, Texas.- Playing for a national championship can make any player nervous. But what about their biggest supporters? Neil Vierzba caught up with a few parents to hear what their emotions will be like once they see their Bulldog hit the American Airlines arena floor on Saturday. “It’s as much a dream come true for us as it is for…

Dogs in Dallas: What to Expect

Stay with Fox 21 as we'll have live reports from Dallas on Friday and Saturday.

DALLAS, Texas.- Fox 21 Sports Director Neil Vierzba is down in Dallas, Texas to cover the Division II Women’s National Championship game between Ashland (OH) and UMD. He joined Morning Anchor Maria Vollom on the morning show to discuss the weekend ahead as well as all the events involving the Bulldogs. Stay with Fox 21 as we’ll have live reports…

Grand Rapids Native Micah Miller Signs with Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL

The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State.

TUCSON, Arizona.- Grand Rapids native Micah Miller is the latest local hockey standout to put pen to paper. Miller is now a member of the Tucson Roadrunners of the AHL. The Roadrunners are the affiliate of the Arizona Coyotes. The former Thunderhawk just finished up his 5th season at St. Cloud State. His best season came in the 2021-2022 season…

UMD Women’s Basketball Arrives in Dallas Ahead of National Title Game

The Bulldogs will hold a practice in Dallas Thursday. Then on Friday, they'll get to take in the Division I Final Four as fans.

DALLAS, Texas.- Wednesday was the day that the UMD women’s basketball team departed for Dallas ahead of their National Championship Game on Saturday. The Bulldogs would leave campus around 8:30 AM Wednesday morning and then would touchdown in the Lone Star State later in the afternoon. Earlier this week, we caught up with a few players and asked them if…

Sandelin Reflects on 2022-2023 Season in Final Press Conference of the Year

UMD has already received a boost as they will return forwards Luke Loheit and Quinn Olson as well as goalie Matthew Thiessen.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s hockey team wrapped up their season just over two weeks ago. It was a down year of sorts as the Bulldogs would finish with an overall record of 16-20-1. Now, they turn the page to the off-season. UMD has already received a boost as they will return forwards Luke Loheit and Quinn Olson as well…

For 2nd Straight Year, Minnesota Sweeps Wisconsin at DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Basketball Games

Pine City's Sophie Lahti and Duluth East's Jobe Juenemann would earn MVP honors in the games.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd straight year, Minnesota reigned supreme over Wisconsin at the DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Games. In the first game, the Minnesota girls would defeat Wisconsin by a final of 95 to 78. Pine City’s Sophie Lahti would earn MVP honors in the contest. Following that game, the Minnesota boys would handle Wisconsin 115 to 86. Duluth…

Former Greyhound Ryder Donovan to Return to Hockey with St. Thomas

Donovan spent three seasons with Wisconsin totaling 12 points in 88 games.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- A former Greyhound is once again on the move. After taking last season off, forward Ryder Donovan is ready to get back to playing hockey. And he will do it in his home state as the one time Wisconsin Badger is now going to be a St. Thomas Tommie. Donovan spent three seasons with Wisconsin totaling 12…

UMD Junior Forward Luke Mylymok Transfers to Niagara

Mylymok saw plenty of playing time this past season, appearing in 31 games. In those contests, he would tally three goals and five assists, which was a career-best eight points.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another Bulldog hockey veteran will be leaving the program. Junior forward Luke Mylymok entered the transfer portal on Tuesday and would then transfer to Niagara. Mylymok saw plenty of playing time this past season, appearing in 31 games. In those contests, he would tally three goals and five assists, which was a career-best eight points. He’s the second…

Juenemann & Zubich Selected to MBCA All-Star Series Rosters

The games are put on to represent the forty best senior basketball players in the state.

COON RAPIDS, Minn.- A pair of area senior basketball standouts will get a chance to play one last game at the high school level. Duluth East guard Jobe Juenemann and Mountain Iron-Buhl guard Asher Zubich are set to play in the MBCA All-Star basketball series on Saturday at Anoka-Ramsey Community College. Juenemann will play for Team Green while Zubich is…

Days from Dallas: UMD Women’s Hoops Making Final Preparations Before Departure

The game will take place at American Airlines Center in Dallas on Saturday. Tip-off is at 2:30 pm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The countdown is on! Five days until the UMD women’s basketball team tips things off with Ashland of Ohio for the National Championship Game in Division Two. The Bulldogs will have two days of practice in Duluth before they board a plane Wednesday morning to the Lone Star State. These last couple days of preparation will consist of…

Hermantown Native Ryan Sandelin Signs Pro Deal with Colorado Eagles

Sandelin just finished up his four years at Minnesota State-Mankato. He would tally 43 goals and 33 assists in 128 career NCAA contests.

WINDSOR, Colorado.- A Hermantown native is making the next step in his hockey career. Ryan Sandelin has signed a pro deal with the Colorado Eagles of the AHL. It’s a two-year contract with the affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche. Sandelin just finished up his four years at Minnesota State-Mankato. He would tally 43 goals and 33 assists in 128 career…

UMD Football Holds 1st Practice of the Spring

UMD's spring game is scheduled for April 21st at Malosky Stadium.

DULUTH, Minn.- The season may not start for another four months, but on Monday the UMD football team hit the field to begin the spring portion of their off-season. Practice number one of the 15 scheduled happened on Monday. UMD is coming off an 8-3 season and are tasked with replacing some key players that have graduated. Offensive lineman Brent…

Former Grand Rapids-Greenway Standout Claire Vekich Enters Transfer Portal

Vekich is coming off a fairly successful season for the Beavers as she would lead the team with seven goals.

BEMIDJI, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids-Greenway standout is looking for a new program. Bemidji State sophomore forward Claire Vekich has entered the transfer portal. She’s coming off a fairly successful season for the Beavers as she would lead the team with seven goals. She also would pitch in seven assists for a total of 14 points this year. Vekich has…

Former Bulldog Isaac Howard Joins Michigan State

Just this past year, Howard recorded six goals and 11 assists in 35 games for the Bulldogs.

EAST LANSING, Michigan.- It was announced last Thursday that UMD freshman forward Isaac Howard has entered the transfer portal. Just days after that announcement, he’s already found his new home. Howard will play for Michigan State next season. Just this past year he recorded six goals and 11 assists in 35 games for the Bulldogs. That would be good enough…

Coaches Corner: TJ Oakes

The Yellowjackets are so far 4-6 in Oakes' 2nd season at the helm.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this weeks’ Coaches Corner, we talk with the head coach of the UWS baseball team, TJ Oakes. The Yellowjackets are so far 4-6 in Oakes’ 2nd season at the helm. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

CSS’ Ledenkov Brothers & Bostedt, UWS’ Meilun Named All-Americans

Scholastica snaps a six year skid of not having an All-American. UWS makes it two consecutive years of All-Americans.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of St. Scholastica Saints earned All-American status on Thursday. Brothers Filimon and Arkhip Ledenkov landed on the West 1st team. While their teammate, and goaltender Jack Bostedt made it on the 2nd West team. Arkhip would finish the year with 48 points for the Saints. And his brother Filimon was right behind him with 42 points….

Boys Basketball: Cherry’s Late Rally Falls Short as R-T-R Eliminates Tigers Title Hopes

The Tigers will next play in the 3rd place game against Spring Grove.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team once again saw their title hopes end in the Class A semifinals on Friday, falling to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 61 to 57. Isaac Asuma would lead Cherry with 21 points in the contest. Noah Asuma would also chip in 13 points. The Tigers will next play in the 3rd place game against Spring Grove. Tip-off…

UWS Baseball Looks to Build Off Momentum from 2022 Season

UWS will next be in action on Sunday when they play Macalester.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The UWS baseball team is gearing up for their second season under head coach T.J. Oakes. Year one was one to remember as the Yellowjackets finished the year strong by beating the top two teams in the conference to advance to their 2nd ever UMAC title game. Now, Superior is turning the page to this season with a…

Kris Hamling Steps Down as Grand Rapids Girls Basketball Coach

Of the 10 years leading Rapids, she helped guide the Thunderhawks to the state tournament six times.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A longtime girls basketball coach at Grand Rapids is stepping down. After 10 seasons with the Thunderhawks, Kris Hamling is moving on. Of the 10 years leading Rapids, she helped guide the Thunderhawks to the state tournament six times. Their most recent state tournament berth was this past season where they would finish with a 26 and…