Author: Sam Ali

Proctor Names Cole Lipinski New Head Coach of Boys Basketball Team

The former Rail spent seven years as an assistant coach under former head coach Todd Clark.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Cole Lipinski has been named the new head coach of the proctor boys basketball team, pending an expected approval by the school board. The former Rail spent seven years as an assistant coach under former head coach Todd Clark, who Lipinski says taught him everything he knows about coaching. “He got me when I had been coaching…

UMD Not Planning to Release COVID-19 Testing Results of Student-Athletes

UMD says they can't release the results of their COVID-19 testing due to the private nature of the data.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, universities across the country partially opened their campuses for the return of student athletes. One of the conditions for these voluntary workouts would be that athletes needed to be tested for COVID-19. Over two dozen schools, including the University of Minnesota, have been releasing the results of those tests, while places like UMD do not…

Coaches Corner: Josh Berlo

For this week's segment, we hear from UMD's director of athletics.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo. Among the topics discussed includes the latest regarding the status of the fall sports season, as well as the partial re-opening of campus for voluntary workouts. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

It’s Tournament Time for Playmakers North AAU Boys Basketball Team

Last weekend, the team competed in their first tournament in Wisconsin Dells, winning all three games by a wide margin.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Playmakers North AAU boys basketball team are back in action. Last weekend, the team competed in their first tournament in Wisconsin Dells, winning all three games by a wide margin. The players admit though the experience was different than what their used to. “It was weird when we weren’t playing. But when we were playing, it…

MSHSL Planning to Start Fall Practices On Time

The MSHSL is also putting together a task force to create contingency plans for the possibility of positive COVID-19 cases before or during the season.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Athletic directors, coaches and players have been thinking the same thing for the past few months: will there be a high school sports season in the fall? The Minnesota State High School League shed some light on the issue this week and it sounds like good news. The MSHSL’s Board of Directors will move forward on…

Former CSS Goalie Lexi Thomeczek Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year Award

Thomeczek wrapped up her career at CSS as the all-time leader in five major categories, including wins, saves and shutouts.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, former St. Scholastica goalie Lexi Thomeczek has been nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The St. Louis native says she is honored to be one of 220 nominees in all of Division III that are being recognized for their accomplishments in women’s sports. “Some people sometimes look down upon it and don’t…

A Different Look for This Year’s Park Point 5-Miler

The 49th annual Park Point 5-Miler had a different look this year as runners had to sign up for specific waves throughout the entire day, which had up 25 people running at a time.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland running community took a big hit last month when Grandma’s Marathon was cancelled for the first time in the race’s history. But as restrictions began to be lifted, it gave hope to other summer races to take place, including the oldest road race in Northern Minnesota. The 49th annual Park Point 5-Miler had a different…

Rails, Greyhounds Girls Basketball Teams Meet Up for Summer League Game

No fans or parents were allowed to attend the games, but there was a live stream available on Facebook for those who wanted to watch.

PROCTOR, Minn. – It’s been about four months since we’ve seen some high school basketball action. Until Thursday, when the Proctor girls basketball team hosted Duluth East in a summer league game. The league usually hosts ten local teams, which includes a championship tournament. But this year, it’s mostly pick up games with nothing on the line. Just coaches and…

UMAC Provides Update on Fall Sports, Includes Schedule Adjustments

The league says they still intend on playing sports this fall with a few tweaks to the schedule.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Thursday, the UMAC released an update On the status of fall sports. The league says they still intend on playing sports this fall with a few tweaks to the schedule. Men’s and women’s soccer will have eight league games, as well as two additional games, which won’t count in the UMAC standings. Same for volleyball As…

USA Luge Recruiting Tour Coming to Duluth

The event is looking for kids ages 9 to 13 with no prior experience with luge.

DULUTH, Minn. – The White Castle USA Luge Slider Search will begin its national search for talent in Duluth on July 25th and 26th. It’s open to kids ages 9 to 13 as the events helps USA Luge find 60 to 80% of their Olympic teams every year. “The nice thing about the slider search is that is allows us…

CSS Ski Team Starts Fundraiser for Duluth Chapter of NAACP

The team says they were motivated to help out, despite coming from a sport that has little to no diversity.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been nearly two months since the death of George Floyd sparked protests across the world, including right here in the Northland. One local team was moved so much by the protests that they want to give back to the cause. The St. Scholastica ski team started a fundraiser to benefit the Duluth branch of the NAACP….

Former UWS Basketball Standout, Duluth Native Eva Reinertsen Nominated for NCAA Woman of the Year Award

She was a three-time All-Conference selection in her time with the Yellowjackets while recording a 4.0 GPA in social work.

DULUTH, Minn. – Each year, the NCAA recognized female student-athletes who have distinguished themselves in academics, athletics, service and leadership. 220 nominees came from Division III including a Duluth native. Former UWS basketball standout Eva Reinertsen is a UMAC nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year award. She was a three-time All-Conference selection in her time with the Yellowjackets…

Jeff Laspi Named New Head Coach of Proctor Boys Hockey Team

Laspi has been coaching various sports since 2002, most recently a six-year stint as an assistant with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Jeff Laspi has been named the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team. He takes over for Dan Stauber, who stepped down this past season. Laspi has been coaching various sports since 2002, most recently a six-year stint as an assistant with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team alongside longtime Mirage coach Glen Gilderman. In that…

UMD Men’s Hockey Postpones 2020 Ice Breaker Tournament

The tentative dates are now October 15th and 16th of 2021.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sports schedules have been turned upside down thanks to the pandemic. This week, the UMD men’s hockey team will put out an updated version of their upcoming schedule and we already know one big change that is coming. The 2020 Ice Breaker Tournament, which was scheduled for October 9th and 10th, will be postponed to next season….

Derek Plante Returns to UMD Men’s Hockey Team as Assistant Coach

Plante was inducted into the UMD Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004 and finished his career with the Bulldogs tied for second place on the all-time scoring list.

DULUTH, Minn. – Monday, the UMD men’s hockey team announced they are bringing back Hall of Famer Derek Plante for another stint as an assistant coach. The Cloquet native was on the coaching staff when they won their first national championship in 2011 and he says he’s excited to once again work alongside head coach Scott Sandelin. “Obviously he’s a…

Scott Perunovich Signs Two-Year, Entry-Level Deal with St. Louis Blues

The 21-year-old won the 2020 Hobey Baker Award after leading the NCHC in scoring.

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – It looks like Scott Perunovich’s pro debut will be on hold for at least another year. The Hibbing native has agreed to a two-year, entry-level deal with the St. Louis Blues and will be eligible to join the team next season. The 21-year-old won the 2020 Hobey Baker Award after leading the NCHC in scoring. Due…

Coaches Corner: Kevin Moore

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the CSS men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chatted with the new head coach of the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team Kevin Moore. Moore spent the past two seasons in the NCHA as an assistant at Adrian College. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Marshall Basketball Teams Take Summer Practices Outdoors

Organized youth activities have been allowed for almost a month now, and the Hilltoppers are glad they can get some work in.

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – These days, finding gym time is hard to come by with so many teams and not a lot of courts available. But that doesn’t matter to the Duluth Marshall basketball teams as they’ve taken their training outside. The boys and girls teams have been alternating time during the week at their high school gym and…

Jason Carter Named New Head Coach of Northland College Women’s Hockey Team

Carter will join the LumberJills after spending three seasons as an assistant at St. Mary's college.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College has hired Jason Carter to lead their women’s hockey program. Carter will join the LumberJills after spending three seasons as an assistant at St. Mary’s college. He takes over for Kelly Rider, who stepped down last month. Carter is a 2013 graduate of St. Thomas and began his coaching career while still in college as…

St. Scholastica Tabs Kevin Moore As New Head Coach of Men’s Hockey Team

Moore spent the past two seasons in the NCHA as an assistant at Adrian College.

DULUTH, Minn. – Three months ago, Tim Madsen resigned as head coach of the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. The Saints began a nationwide search for their next bench boss and found their man who has some ties to the east coast. CSS announced Thursday that Kevin Moore is the new head coach of the men’s hockey team. Moore spent…

MCAC Football Coaches React to Fall Sports Cancellation

Seven Northland colleges were impacted by the MCAC's decision to cancel the fall sports season.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the Minnesota College Athletic Conference cancelled their fall sports season. The news was tough to hear for local head football coaches who had the unenviable task of breaking the news to their players that their season was over before it even began. “It was difficult. We had heard whispers as a…

StayMelo Charity Basketball Game to Raise Funds for “Play for Jay”

The fun starts at 4 p.m. and organizers are asking those who plan to attend to be prepared for social distancing guidelines.

DULUTH, Minn. – The StayMelo Charity All-Star game is set to take place this Saturday at the Hillside basketball courts in Duluth. The event, which is in its second year, looks to raise funds for a local cause. And this year, they’ll lend a helping hand to the family of Jay Nick, a local youth basketball player who was diagnosed…

Scott Perunovich to be Honored by Hobey Baker Committee Next Month

The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hobey Baker Award committee announced Wednesday that former UMD Bulldog and 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Perunovich will be honored at a banquet/golf outing next month. The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN. The event was scheduled to take place back in April, but the coronavirus…

Lake Superior College’s Daniel Fanning Talks Fall Sports Cancellation

The IceHawks will lose both men's and women's soccer, as well as cycling.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the first domino fell for the status of fall sports as the Minnesota College Athletic Conference announced that they would be cancelling their fall season. This impacts seven Northland colleges, including Lake Superior College. Athletic director Daniel Fanning gave his thoughts on the announcement. “It’s a tough decision. We really do feel bad for the…

Superior Trailblazers Pool League Hosts All-Star Pool Match

The league has about 200 players, but this action features the top eight in a four-on-four showdown.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Trailblazers Pool League hosted their first-ever all-star match Tuesday night at the Top Hat Tavern in Superior. The league has about 200 players, but this action features the top eight in a four-on-four showdown. The event was originally scheduled for back in April, but was postponed a few times due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We…

UMD Hockey Great Caroline Ouellette Named Interim Head Coach at Concordia University

She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May.

MONTREAL, Canada – Former UMD women’s hockey legend Caroline Ouellette has been named interim head coach of the Concordia University women’s hockey team, which is located in her hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May. Ouellette has…

Enger Park Golf Course Hosts 4th Annual Junior Golf School

The camp is set up where golfers learn different skills like putting, chipping and driving, as well as golf etiquette while out on the course.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Enger Park Golf Course is hosting its fourth annual junior golf school. The camp is set up where golfers learn different skills like putting, chipping and driving, as well as golf etiquette while out on the course. But mostly, it’s about just having fun. “I like the challenge because I think it’s hard to try to…

UMD Releases Updated Schedules for Fall Sports

The football team was scheduled to close the season against Northern State, but that game has been dropped.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Athletics have released updated sports schedules for the fall. For the football team, the schedule has been reduced from 11 games to 10, per NCAA regulations, which means the season will start one week earlier. The Bulldogs will open their season at home against MSU-Mankato on September 12th. The season opener against Upper Iowa will now…

Hermantown VFW, Legion Baseball Teams Shutdown for “Precautionary Measures”

No players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – According to Hermantown athletic director Beth Clark, the Hawks VFW and Legion baseball teams will be shutdown for the rest of the week for “precautionary measures”. Clark added that no players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Hermantown’s Legion baseball team will not participate in the Midsummer Classic tournament this weekend up in…

Vintage Sport Camps Aim to Get Kids Away from Technology

The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12.

DULUTH, Minn. – No phones. No TV. No tablets. No gaming. Those are the rules for the annual Vintage Sport Camps, which began this week at the Duluth Heritage Center. The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12. Campers have a chance to learn new sports and improve social skills. This…

Nemadji Golf Course Staffer Tests Positive for COVID-19

The clubhouse and grill will be closed and check-in will take place through the window of the golf shop.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Nemadji Golf Course announced this weekend that they are adjusting their operations due to a positive case of COVID-19 by one of their staffers. The clubhouse and grill will be closed and check-in will take place through the window of the golf shop. Food orders are to be called in and beverage carts will be out…

Minnesota College Athletic Conference Cancels 2020 Fall Sports Season

Team and group activities will not take place, even for winter and spring sports teams.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Minnesota College Athletic Conference announced Monday that they are cancelling their 2020 fall sports season. This includes football, volleyball and soccer, but does not apply to low-risk sports such as clay target shooting and golf. Team and group activities will also not take place, even for winter and spring sports teams. The conference has 24 teams…

Coaches Corner: Seamus Gregory

For this week's segment, we chat with the full-time athletic director at Northland College.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Seamus Gregory, who was recently named the full-time athletic director at Northland College. Gregory also serves as the head coach of the men’s hockey. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Registration Open for Duluth Little League’s Practice Season

It will be a six-week practice season as the league won't be able to host any games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Little League has announced that registration is open for kids ages four to 12. It will be a six-week practice season though as they won’t be able to host any games. League president Dan Fraser says it’s the best they can do given the current circumstances. “Practices are probably the most important thing. Kids definitely love…

In-Person Option Available for Park Point 5-Miler

They will be offering three different three-hour blocks throughout the day that will each include 10 waves of up to 25 people.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Park Point 5-Miler race will still have an in-person option on Thursday, July 16th. They will be offering three different three-hour blocks throughout the day that will each include 10 waves of up to 25 people. You can also run it virtually between July 13th and the day of the race, but you have to…

Ella Olson Takes Over for Ray Kosey as Superior’s New Athletic Director

Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week marks the official start to the high school academic year. And that means it’s the first week on the job for Superior High School’s new athletic director. Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring. Olson is a teacher at Bryant Elementary in…

Halvor Lines Speedway Cancels All Races Through July

The situation will be re-evaluated later this month and they are hoping for a better outlook at that time.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Halvor Lines Speedway has announced that they are cancelling all scheduled events through the month of July. According to their Facebook page, they say after an analysis of all the initial opening costs and the additional costs associated with COVID-19, they can’t afford the financial risk at this time. The post goes on to say that the…

UMD Set to Partially Re-Open Athletic Facilities for Voluntary Workouts

The guidelines and protocols call for all student-athletes to quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to campus.

DULUTH, Minn. – For those who are hoping for the return of sports this upcoming fall, we got a small glimmer of hope, courtesy of UMD. The university announced Thursday its initial plans for a phased approach to bringing student-athletes back to campus. Beginning Monday July 6th, around 100 student-athletes will return to campus for voluntary workouts. Only select facilities…

“Alternative Baseball Organization” Looking to Expand to the Northland

The organization, which is based in Georgia, is in nearly 40 cities across the country thanks to the efforts of 24-year-old Taylor Duncan, who also has autism.

DALLAS, Ga. – The Alternative Baseball Organization provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults with autism and other special needs. The program was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but when they start back up in the spring of 2021, they want to bring their game right here to the Northland. The organization, which is based in…

Seamus Gregory Named Full-Time Athletic Director at Northland College

Gregory has been interim A.D. for a year and a half while also serving as the head coach of the Lumberjacks men's hockey team.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College has removed the interim label off of Seamus Gregory’s title and named him the full time athletic director. Gregory has been interim A.D. for a year and a half while also serving as the head coach of the Lumberjacks men’s hockey team. “My family’s excited. I got the three little girls here in town so…

WIAA, University of Wisconsin Study Shows Depression, Anxiety Up Among Student-Athletes Due to Shutdowns

Of the more than 3,000 participants, 65% reported anxiety symptoms, with 25% of those being moderate or severe.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The effects of the pandemic are still being felt throughout high school sports. Right now, the question of whether or not we’ll have sports in the fall is weighing heavily on school administrators, coaches and of course, the student-athletes. But how is the uncertainty impacting the mental health of those players? A recent study tried to…

Melissa Fracker Excited for New Era of UWS Softball

Fracker is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last week, UW-Superior announced that Melissa Fracker would become the new head coach of the Yellowjackets softball team. She’s originally from Connecticut and didn’t know much about Superior. But when she got the job, she was pumped to join the UWS family. “I was beyond excited for a different opportunity. I’ve realized just being at home that…

“Way of the Warriors” Film Opens Casting Call for Northland Hockey Players

Ideally, they want players with some acting experience in a high school play or musical, but it is not a requirement.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday Night Lights. Hoosiers. Remember The Titans. What do these three movies have in common? They chronicled the life of high school athletes and what sports mean to small communities. An upcoming movie wants to do the same thing, but this time, it’s about high school hockey in the Northland. According to their website, “Way of the…

Coaches Corner: Maura Crowell

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD women's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell about how the pandemic has impacted communication with her team, as well as recruits. Also, Crowell spoke about the PWHPA and what it means to see three of her former players join the organization. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional…

UMD Softball Recruits Meet for First Time at National Tournament

This week, five future Bulldogs joined the Minnesota A's fast pitch softball team for a national tournament in Florida.

VIERA, Fla. – Recruiting has been a challenge for college coaches across the country. In person visits have been replaced with Zoom meetings. And even after recruits commit, it may be a while before they even get to meet each other. But that wasn’t the case for a group of future UMD softball players. This week, five future Bulldogs joined…

MN Junior PGA Tour Returns to Enger Park Golf Course

The event was open to players from all over the state of Minnesota, as well as Wisconsin with a total of 59 golfers hitting the links.

DULUTH, Minn. – A few months ago, no one thought we’d have any kind of sports activities going on this summer. But with restrictions being lifted in the past few weeks, things are opening up just in time for some junior golf action. The Minnesota Junior PGA Tour made its way back to the Enger Park Golf Course, which also…

WIAA Makes Changes to Boys Hockey, Basketball Seeding, Girls Wrestling

The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association approved some changes to boys high school hockey. The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward. Also, regular season overtimes will start with an eight-minute sudden victory period. If the game is still tied after that, five minutes of 3-on-3 will be played. If there is still no winner,…

Hermantown, Esko VFW Baseball Teams Meet Up for First Game of the Summer

High-risk umpires will also have the option of calling the game behind the pitcher instead of behind the catcher.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Baseball made its triumphant return to the Northland less than a week after the Minnesota Department of Health allowed outdoor youth sports to take place. It was great news for local VFW baseball teams as Esko and Hermantown met up in the first game of the summer. Before the game, both head coaches talked about what the…

Former UMD Goaltender Hunter Shepard Signs Pro Deal

Shepard has signed with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

HERSHEY, Penn. – Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard announced on his Twitter page that he has signed his first professional contract with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The Cohasset native helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships as a sophomore and junior, the latter earning the Grand Rapids alum the NCAA Tournament MVP award….

Duluth Huskies Officially Cancel 2020 Season

The team says that there are too many unanswerable questions in many areas critical to their 2020 season being successful

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, the Duluth Huskies confirmed what many fans had feared since the pandemic began: their 2020 season has officially been cancelled. In a statement, the team says that there are too many unanswerable questions in many areas critical to their 2020 season being successful, including health issues and safety for fans, coaches, host families and staff. The…