Author: Sam Ali

Superiro S
High School, Sports

Superior’s Jake Kidd, Otto Berti Invited to Wisconsin High School All-Star Soccer Game

Kidd finished his senior year second in the state in goals and became the 13th Wisconsin player to score 100 career goals.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Jake Kidd received an invite to take part in the Wisconsin High School All-Star soccer game, which will take place later this summer. Kidd finished his senior year second in the state in goals and became the 13th Wisconsin player to score 100 career goals. And he won’t be alone at the event as…

Prep Golf
High School, Sports

Cloquet Boys, Mesabi East Girls Capture Section 7AA Golf Championships

Kelby Anderson of International Falls took first place in the girls meet and will also be heading to state.
Sam Ali,

BIWABIK, Minn. – Thursday, the Section 7AA prep golf championships took place up at Giant’s Ridge. On the boys side, Cloquet is heading back to the state tournament for the second straight year. They were led by junior Karson Patten and sophomore Anders Gunelson, who finished in first and second place, respectively. On the girls side, it was Mesabi East…

Ga
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Ellie Gandy Commits to UW-Stout Women’s Lacrosse

Gandy has suited up for the varsity squad since 2019 and battled back from a knee injury during her junior campaign.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This week, Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Ellie Gandy signed her National Letter of Intent to join the UW-Stout women’s lacrosse team. Gandy has suited up for the varsity squad since 2019 and battled back from a knee injury during her junior campaign. As a senior, she finished with three goals, one assist and six ground balls, helping the…

Sam Part1
Coffee Conversation, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News

Coffee Conversation: FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali Bids Farewell To Station

Dan Hanger, Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. — FOX 21 Sports Director Sam Ali is leaving the station after four years to take a new opportunity closer to his family in Michigan.  Sam stopped by the morning show Friday on his last day to talk to his best friend Dan Hanger about his time at FOX 21, look at embarrassing childhood photos of himself, and…

Asdasdss
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Scott Sandelin Signs Two-Year Extension with UMD Men’s Hockey

The Hibbing native has been with the program for the past 22 seasons and has led the Bulldogs to seven straight NCAA tournament appearances and 11 overall during his tenure.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD and men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin have agreed to a two-year contact that will keep him with the team through the 2026-27 season. The Hibbing native has been with the program for the past 22 seasons and has led the Bulldogs to seven straight NCAA tournament appearances and 11 overall during his tenure. That also…

Superior Wins
High School, Sports

Superior Softball Clinches First Trip to State Tournament Since 1993

The Spartans now await seeding for the state tournament, which will be announced this weekend.
Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Senior Emma Raye knocked in four runs and junior Haley Zembo struck out 13 batters in seven shutout innings of work as the Superior softball team knocked off SPASH 9-0 to clinch the program’s fifth-ever state trip to the state tournament and their first since 1993. The Spartans now await seeding for the state tournament, which…

Huski
College, Northwoods League, Sports

Duluth Huskies Fall at Home to Minnesota Mud Puppies

The Huskies will be back at home Friday night when they host the Willmar Stingers.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting a big win in the home opener Wednesday night, the Duluth Huskies dropped Wednesday afternoon’s game to the Minnesota Mud Puppies 7-6 in 12 innings. The Huskies will be back at home Friday night when they host the Willmar Stingers. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Mlwr Softball
High School, Sports

First Section Championship in 40 Years for Moose Lake/Willow River Softball

This will be the Rebels' first trip to the state tournament since 1982, when they won it all behind Minnesota State Hall of Famer Annie Adamczak.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team battled back from the elimination bracket and picked up two wins over Cherry to win the Section 7A championship 7-1 and 11-1 in six innings Thursday afternoon at Braun Park. This will be the Rebels’ first trip to the state tournament since 1982, when they won it all behind Minnesota State…

Hhhhhh
High School, Sports

Hermantown Softball Falls in Section Title Game to Chisago Lakes

The Hawks finish their season with a 12-4 overall record and runner-up honors in Section 7AAA.
Sam Ali,

FOREST LAKE, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team would rally late against Chisago Lakes, but the Hawks would fall one run short as the Wildcats win 4-3 to capture the Section 7AAA championship Thursday afternoon. The Hawks finish their season with a 12-4 overall record and runner-up honors in Section 7AAA. Categories: High School, Sports

Umdberloleaves
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Josh Berlo Leaving UMD to Become Athletic Director at Denver

Since his arrival in Duluth, 15 of the 16 Bulldog teams have reached the NCAA tournament, which includes back-to-back national championships for men's hockey team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In his nine years as UMD’s athletic director, Josh Berlo has led the Bulldogs to their most successful era in recent memory. And now, he will be taking on a new challenge at another school. Berlo has been named the new athletic director at the University of Denver. Since his arrival in Duluth, 15 of the 16…

Duluthfckostya
Coaches Corner, College, Sports

Duluth FC’s Kostyantyn Domaratskyy Discovers Ukranian Ties with Host Family

The Ukranian mid-fielder was paired with a host family in Duluth who also has ties to his home country.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth FC soccer team is filled with footballers from all over the country and all over the world. And as fate would have it, one Ukrainian member of the club would already have a connection with his host family in Duluth. Last year, Laura Witrak went to a Duluth FC match and learned about becoming a…

52722 Baseball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Duluth East, Duluth Marshall, Superior, Proctor Wrap Up Regular Season with Home Wins

The Greyhounds, Hilltoppers, Spartans and Rails ended their respective regular seasons on a high note.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East baseball team closed out the regular season with a home win over rivals Duluth Denfeld 12-6 Friday afternoon at Ordean Field. In other prep baseball action, Duluth Marshall knocked off Mora 3-1 at Wade Stadium, thanks to 15 strikeouts from freshman pitcher Owen Marsolek. Also, Superior got the walk-off win at home over Hudson…

Coaches Corner
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Nick Garramone

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Marshall baseball team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth Marshall baseball coach Nick Garramone as the Hilltoppers wrap up their regular season and get ready for the section playoffs. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Kneepkens Utah
College, Sports

Duluth Native Gianna Kneepkens Signs NIL Deal with Options Travel

Kneepkens is coming off a stellar first year at Utah, earning PAC-12 Freshman of the Year honors this past season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been almost a year since the NCAA has allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. And one former Duluth Marshall basketball star is taking advantage of that opportunity right in her own backyard. Utah guard Gianna Kneepkens has agreed to an NIL deal with Options Travel, a company that helps streamline the traveling…

Girls Hockey
High School, Sports

Northland Girls Hockey All-Star Game Back On, Thanks to Northern Elite Development Program

The event was put together in just a few weeks by the Northern Elite Development Program after members of the community realized that the boys game took place and there wasn't one for the girls.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This Monday, the Northland girls hockey all star game will take place for the first time in three years. The event was put together in just a few weeks by the Northern Elite Development Program after members of the community realized that the boys game took place and there wasn’t one for the girls. “We’re a big…

Jaxaa
College, High School, Sports

South Ridge’s Bennett Brothers Sign NLIs for Minnesota Crookston Baseball

The Bennetts will be joining former teammate Connor Bushbaum, who currently plays outfield for the Golden Eagles.
Sam Ali,

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge twin brothers Aaron and Jaxson Bennett have both signed their National Letters of Intent to join the Minnesota Crookston baseball team. The Bennetts have been a key part of the Panthers’ dominance on the diamond with three straight section titles. “Well my friend Connor went there and so we decided to check that out. He…

Supstuff
High School, Sports

Superior Softball Wins Playoff Opener Over Wausau East

The Spartans move on to face New Richmond in the regional finals Thursday afternoon.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Emma Raye’s solo home run was part of a four-run third inning as the Superior softball team defeated Wausau East 6-0 Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the WIAA playoffs. The Spartans move on to face New Richmond in the regional finals Thursday afternoon. Categories: High School, Sports

Umd Brezinka
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka Set to Make First Appearance at Nationals

In her final year at UMD, Brezinka will make her first appearance at nationals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Bright and early Tuesday morning, UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka ran around the track at Malosky Stadium one last time before she hit the road to head to the NCAA outdoor track and field championships. The fifth-year senior, who is going to nationals for the first time in her career, qualified for the 800-meter run thanks to her performance…

Sas
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Tanner Laderoute Named UMD Men’s Hockey Team Captain; Luke Loheit, Quinn Olson to Serve as Assistants

Laderoute served as an assistant captain last season and was named a finalist for the NCHC's Defensive Forward of the Year award.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey forward Tanner Laderoute has been named team captain for the upcoming season. The fifth-year senior served as an assistant captain last season and was named a finalist for the NCHC’s Defensive Forward of the Year award. Senior forwards Quinn Olson and Luke Loheit will serve as assistant captains. Last season, Olson tallied career-highs in…

Plesh
High School, Sports

Jamie Kenyon-Plesha Steps Down as Head Coach of the Duluth Northern Stars Girls Hockey Team

Following the official announcement, Kenyon-Plesha would tweet that part of her decision was because of "lack of outside support" and "constant pushback from parents".
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the cold hard truths about today’s era of high school athletics is that more and more head coaches are leaving their positions due to factors outside of the sport they are in. And that was the case Monday in the Duluth school district. The district announced that Jamie Kenyon-Plesha is stepping down as head coach…

Prep Softball
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Softball Tops Duluth East to Sweep Season Series

The Hunters and Greyhounds wrap up their respective seasons and now get ready for the section playoffs which begin Wednesday.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld softball team picked up a road win over rivals Duluth East 7-4 Monday afternoon at Ordean Field. The Hunters and Greyhounds wrap up their respective seasons and now get ready for the section playoffs which begin Wednesday. Categories: High School, Sports

Ols
High School, Sports

Proctor Baseball Wins Nail-Biter at Home Against Hermantown

Tanner Olson would hit a two-run home run in the first inning.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Tanner Olson would hit a two-run home run in the first inning as the Proctor baseball team held on to defeated Hermantown 3-2 Monday night at Egerdahl Field. The Rails will be back in action Tuesday with a road trip against Crosby-Ironton. Categories: High School, Sports

Beth
High School, Sports

Beth Clark Stepping Down as Hermantown Athletic Director

Clark confirmed with FOX 21 that she will remain the head coach for the girls basketball team on a year-to-year basis.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown High School athletic director Beth Clark will be stepping down from her position at the end of the school year. Clark has been the A.D. for the Hawks for over 16 years. She confirmed with FOX 21 that she will remain the head coach for the girls basketball team on a year-to-year basis. The school board…

Htown Esko Baseb
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Esko Blasts Mora, Hermantown Walks Off on Chisago Lakes

The Eskomos powered past the Mustangs and the Hawks won a thriller over the Wildcats.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Cale Haugen would hit a home run in the sixth inning as the Esko baseball team knocked off Mora 15-7 Friday afternoon at the Esko Athletic Complex. In other prep baseball action, Chase Carlson would knock in Wylee Arro for the game-winning run as Hermantown earns the walk-off win over Chisago Lakes 8-7 at Mettner Field Categories:…

Jack Schelonka
College, Northwoods League, Sports

St. Scholastica Baseball’s Jake Schelonka Signs with Duluth Huskies

The Huskies will open their season Monday, May 30th in Mankato.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies announced Friday that they have signed St. Scholastica pitcher and infielder Jake Schelonka. The Sartell native was with the team last year in the final few weeks of the season and he says that experience was a big reason why he wanted to come back to play at Wade Stadium. “I’ve never played with…

Vikings Camp
High School, Sports

Minnesota Vikings to Host Summer Youth Camp in Two Harbors

Registration is open now, but it will be capped at a total of 250 campers from ages six to 14.
Sam Ali,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings will be hosting a special camp this summer at Two Harbors High School. It will take place July 19th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is open now, but it will be capped at a total of 250 campers from ages six to 14. For more information, click here. Categories: High School,…

Rock Ridge Tennis
High School, Sports

Rock Ridge Boys Tennis Win Second Straight Section 7A Championship

The Wolverines now get set for the state tournament which will begin June 7th.
Sam Ali,

HIBBING, Minn. – The Rock Ridge boys tennis team defeated Hermantown 6-1 to capture the program’s second straight Section 7A title in its second year of existence. The Wolverines now get set for the state tournament, which will begin June 7th at the Baseline Tennis Center on the campus of the University of Minnesota. Categories: High School, Sports

Starks Camp
Professional Sports, Sports

Registration Open for Starks Academy Timberwolves/Lynx Summer Camp

All the campers will receive complementary tickets to a Timberwolves game next season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is officially open for the third annual Starks Academy Timberwolves/Lynx Summer Camp. The event will take place at the College of St. Scholastica and is open for grades third through eighth. And all the campers will receive complementary tickets to a Timberwolves game next season. “It’s been a great partnership these last three years. We’ve had…

Duluth East Nlis
College, High School, Sports

Six Duluth East Greyhounds Sign National Letters of Intent

Six Greyhounds in total put pen to paper on their college commitments, with each one having their own reason for their respective decision.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, a handful of Duluth East student-athletes signed their national letters of intent. Six Greyhounds in total put pen to paper on their college commitments, with each one having their own reason for their respective decision. “I think my family’s pretty pumped. My mom’s a ski coach. My dad skied in college as well. My parents…

Duluth Fc
College, Sports

Blake Perry Scores Twice as Duluth FC Earns Home Shutout Win to Stay Undefeated

The Bluegreens improve to 3-0 on the season as they will face St. Croix Legends in a friendly match on Sunday.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UW-Superior men’s soccer star Blake Perry would record his second multi-goal game of the season as Duluth FC shutout the Minnesota Twin Stars 5-0 Wednesday night at Public Schools Stadium. The Bluegreens improve to 3-0 on the season as they will face St. Croix Legends in a friendly match on Sunday. Categories: College, Sports

Supeskosb
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Superior Blanks Proctor Behind Zembo’s No-Hitter, Esko Tops Cloquet in Lightning-Shortened Game

It was a good day on the diamond for the Spartans and the Eskomos.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Junior pitcher Haley Zembo finished with 16 strikeouts and her second no-hitter of the season as the Superior softball team defeated Proctor 5-0 Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. In other prep softball action, Esko would get the win over Cloquet 9-5 in a lightning-shortened game at Braun Park. Categories: High School, Sports

Dulwks
High School, Sports

Duluth Girls Lacrosse Shakes Off Slow Start For Road Win Over Hermantown/Proctor

The Wolfpack will be back in action Friday night when they travel to Moorhead.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – After falling into an early hole, the Duluth girls lacrosse team bounced back to get the road win over Hermantown/Proctor 12-10 Tuesday night at Centricity Stadium. The Wolfpack will be back in action Friday night when they travel to Moorhead. Categories: High School, Sports

Umdwhky
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD to Host Live Panel to Celebrate Anniversary of Title IX

Among those scheduled to speak are former Bulldogs goaltender Maddie Rooney and senior associate athletic director Karen Stromme.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Next week, UMD will be hosting a special live guest panel to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX. The event will take place Tuesday, May 24th at 3 p.m. at the Marshall Performing Arts Center on the UMD campus. It will be free of charge and livestreamed for those who can’t attend in person. Among those…

Umd Pauley Packers
Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Former UMD Football Star, Duluth Native Noah Pauley Selected for Coaching Fellowship with Green Bay Packers

The former Duluth Central High School star will join the Packers for the next two months to focus on wide receivers, a position he currently coaches at North Dakota State in Fargo.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – As part of the NFL’s Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship, the Green Bay Packers have announced that 12 coaches will be joining their staff and one of them is a Duluth native. Former Duluth Central High School star Noah Pauley will join the Packers for the next two months to focus on wide receivers, a position he…

Rogge
High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD’s Naomi Rogge Serving as Assistant Coach with Duluth Girls Lacrosse Team

Rogge was a three-time state champion for her high school lacrosse team at Eden Prairie before she decided to skate for the Bulldogs.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Naomi Rogge is known for many things. She’s one of the top scorers on the women’s hockey team. She’s a multi-time scholar athlete in the WCHA. And now, she’s a varsity lacrosse coach in Duluth. This season, Rogge has been an assistant coach for the Wolfpack girls lacrosse team. She was a three-time state champion for…

Htownsrbaseball
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Hermantown Wins Home Opener, South Ridge Tops Cloquet

It was a good day on the diamond for the Hawks and the Panthers.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In its first game at Fichtner Field, the Hermantown baseball team used an eight-run third inning to knock off Hibbing 14-4 Monday afternoon. In other prep baseball action, Aaron Bennett limited Cloquet to just two hits in six innings while striking out nine as South Ridge defeated the Lumberjacks 4-1. Categories: High School, Sports

Mlwrsoftball
High School, Sports

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Earns Road Win Over Duluth East

The Rebels will be back on the road Tuesday when they travel to Crosby-Ironton.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Moose Lake-Willow River softball team scored early and often, getting the road win over Duluth East 14-1 in six innings Monday afternoon at Ordean Field. The Rebels will be back on the road Tuesday when they travel to Crosby-Ironton. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Ben Haugen

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Esko baseball team.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Esko baseball coach Ben Haugen, who earned his 250th career head coaching victory earlier this week. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Uws Baseball
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UW-Superior Baseball Pulls Off Another Upset to Advance to UMAC Championship Game

The Yellowjackets move on to face Northwestern in the UMAC championship game on Saturday.
Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – For the second straight day, the UW-Superior baseball team pulled off an upset win as they defeated Crown 9-3 Friday afternoon at Reynolds Park. The Yellowjackets move on to face Northwestern in the UMAC championship game on Saturday. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Monte Mayberry
College, High School, Sports

Northwestern’s Monte Mayberry Commits to Cardinal Stritch Men’s Basketball Team

This past season, Mayberry led the Tigers in scoring at just under 20 points per game.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wis. – This week, Northwestern’s Monte Mayberry signed his National Letter of Intent to join the men’s basketball team at Cardinal Stritch University. This past season, Mayberry led the Tigers in scoring at just under 20 points per game. He was also selected to take part in the 2022 WBCA All Star Game next month in Wisconsin Dells. “When…

Mr D Field
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Hosts Special Ceremony for Tom Drazenovich Field

The idea has been several years in the making as the community was looking for the best way to honor "Mr. D" as a coach and an educator.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Friday, Grand Rapids High School hosted a special ceremony to officially name its practice field after Thunderhawks coaching legend Tom Drazenovich. The idea has been several years in the making as the community was looking for the best way to honor “Mr. D” as a coach and an educator. “His impact here really transcends sports. And…

Duluth Fc
College, Sports

Excitement Building for Duluth FC Home Opener at Public Schools Stadium

Duluth FC will take on Minneapolis City Saturday night at 7 p.m.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, Duluth FC head coach Sean Morgan said he wants his team to come out firing in their season opener. And not only did they do that, but it was as big of a statement as the squad could ever make. The Bluegreens would blowout Joy Athletic 6-0 behind two goals from UWS star Blake Perry….

Duluth Blax
High School, Sports

Smith Powers Duluth Boys Lacrosse to Road Win Over Hermantown/Proctor

The Wolfpack will be back in action Saturday afternoon when they host Mahtomedi.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Tyler Smith would score six goals to help the Duluth boys lacrosse team knock off Hermantown/Proctor 14-6 Thursday night at Centricity Stadium. The Wolfpack will be back in action Saturday afternoon when they host Mahtomedi. Categories: High School, Sports

Mrshhh
High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Baseball Team Wins Nail-Biter Against Rock Ridge

Freshman pitcher Owen Marsolek allowed four hits and struck out 10 batters in six innings of work.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall baseball team scored three runs in the first inning and that’s all they would need as the Hilltoppers hang on to beat Rock Ridge 3-1 Thursday afternoon at Wade Stadium. Freshman pitcher Owen Marsolek allowed four hits and struck out 10 batters in six innings of work. Categories: High School, Sports

Sssssssssssssssssss
High School, Sports

Robillard’s One-Hitter Gives Superior Softball Home Shutout Win Against Carlton/Wrenshall

Freshman pitcher Ari Robillard allowed just one hit and struck out seven batters in seven innings of work.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior softball team improved to 9-1 on the season as they blanked Carlton/Wrenshall 4-0 Thursday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. Freshman pitcher Ari Robillard allowed just one hit and struck out seven batters in seven innings of work. Categories: High School, Sports

Byron Negen
High School, Sports

Byron Negen Named First-Ever Head Coach of Rock Ridge Girls Basketball Team

Negen spent 14 years leading the Virginia girls basketball program and the last decade working alongside Jeff Buffetta at Mountain Iron-Buhl.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This week, Byron Negen has been named the first-ever head coach of the Rock Ridge girls basketball team. Negen spent 14 years leading the Virginia girls basketball program and the last decade working alongside Jeff Buffetta at Mountain Iron-Buhl. Negen says he’s excited for this unique opportunity to start a brand new program. “I think the biggest…

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