Author: Sam Ali

Former CSS Star Aaron Olson Joins Saints Coaching Staff

Olson says he's still looking for opportunities to possibly play professionally overseas.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica has a new member on their coaching staff. Esko native and former Saints star wideout Aaron Olson has joined Mike Heffernan’s staff. Olson says he’s still looking for opportunities to possibly play professionally overseas. But for now, he’s glad to be back with the Saints. “I was excited for camp to start. I was just…

Prep Soccer: Cloquet Boys Win Home Opener, Denfeld Girls Fall

The Lumberjacks boys soccer team needed one goal to top Columbia Heights.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Henry Slater’s rebound goal in the first half was the difference as Cloquet hangs on for the home win over Columbia Heights 1-0 Friday afternoon at Bromberg Field. And in girls action, Duluth Denfeld fell in their home opener to Visitation 6-0. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Tom Nelson

For this week's segment, we chat with Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson to preview the upcoming season. The Agates are coming off a historic season which saw them advance to the state tournament for the first time in over 40 years. They’ll open their season next week at Cloquet. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night…

Numbers An Issue for Cardinals Football Team

Cromwell-Wright is struggling with numbers once again this season.

CROMWELL, Minn. – Last season, the Cromwell-Wright football team made it all the way to the state title game last season. And that was with their smallest roster in school history. This season will be more of the same as the Cardinals have 13 players after two weeks of practice. The team hopes that they can stay healthy to finish…

Redemption on the Mind of Panthers Football Team

South Ridge is looking for revenge after their loss in the section finals.

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge is looking to avenge their loss in last year’s section final game to Cromwell-Wright, which was their only loss on the season. Big shoes to fill for the Panthers seniors, but they think they’ve got what it takes to finally send their school to the state tourney. Panthers will be on the road next week…

Prep Football: Tigers, Spartans Win Season Openers

Both Northwestern and Superior were on the road to the start the season.

SPOONER, Wisc. – Turnovers worked in favor of the Northwestern football team as they opened their season with a road win over Spooner 28-14 on Friday night. Brennan Werner scored in the first quarter for the Tigers, giving them a lead they would not relinquish. Northwestern will hold their home opener next week against Hayward. And at Somerset, Superior opened…

Kneepkens Scores Twice as Hilltoppers Girls Soccer Win Season Opener

The Duluth Marshall girls soccer team defeated Two Harbors at home.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gianna Kneepkens scored two goals as the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team blanked Two Harbors 4-0 Thursday afternoon at Marshall High School. Baamlak Haugen and Maren Friday also scored for the Hilltoppers, who opened their season with a win. Categories: High School, Sports

Season-Opening Change for Tigers Football Team

Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they'll start off playing at Spooner.

MAPLE, Wisc. – Wisconsin high school football gets started this Friday night as Northwestern will look to continue their success from last season. The Tigers are switching things up though. Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they’ll start off with a Heart O’ North conference opponent, playing at Spooner. Head coach Jovin Kroll says…

Cromwell-Wright’s Shaily Hakamaki Commits to UMD

Shaily's cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April.

CROMWELL, Minn. – Cromwell-Wright senior guard Shaily Hakamaki announced on Twitter Wednesday that she has verbally commited to the UMD women’s basketball team. Shaily’s cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April. Shaily averaged more than 20 points a game as she and Taya helped lead the Cardinals to a runner-up finish in Section 7A…

Yellowjackets, Saints Ranked Third, Fourth in UMAC Volleyball Poll

The two teams will play each other September 6th in Superior.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference announced Wednesday the preseason coaches poll for volleyball. UWS came in at #3 receiving one first-place vote while St. Scholastica is right behind them at #4. Minnesota Morris and Northwestern are tied for first. The Saints will open their season August 30th against Buena Vista while the Yellowjackets will open the…

UMD Men’s Hockey Team Unveil Championship Rings

For the second time in as many years, the UMD men's hockey team unveiled their championship rings from this past season.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second time in as many years, the UMD men’s hockey team unveiled their championship rings from this past season. The ceremony started with a few words from head coach Scott Sandelin. Then the players watched a video with highlights of the national championship game. Then it was time to unbox the hardware as the players…

Northland College Sweeps Lake Superior College in Soccer Doubleheader

Both the NC men's and women's teams picked up wins over LSC.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Northland College would pick up two wins Wednesday afternoon as the men’s and women’s soccer teams defeated Lake Superior College at Egerdahl Field. In the women’s match, the LumberJills defeated the IceHawks 5-1 and the LumberJacks won their match 4-1. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Volleyball Team Continues Nationally-Ranked Streak

UMD has been ranked in every AVCA poll since September 10th, 2002

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team is once again ranked nationally in the first preseason poll of the season. The Bulldogs come in at #6 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. UMD has been ranked in every AVCA poll since September 10th, 2002, a stretch of 233 consecutive polls, the longest active streak in Division II. The…

Carlton Volleyball Team Takes Part in Polar League Jamboree

The Bulldogs are bringing back a huge senior class, who will go down as one of the most successful in school history.

ESKO, Minn. – The annual Polar League Volleyball Jamboree took place Tuesday at Esko High School. Among the teams taking part were the Carlton volleyball team, fresh off being ranked ninth in Class A. These scrimmages will be important as the Bulldogs will open their season next week. “They’re important to see. The kids get a little opportunity to have…

Saints Football Team Ranked 4th in UMAC Preseason Poll

St. Scholastica did receive one first-place vote.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The UMAC football preseason coaches poll was released Tuesday and the Saints come in at the number four spot. Most notable from the list is that CSS did receive one first-place vote. Defending conference champs Martin Luther occupy the top spot in the poll. The Saints will open their season with a non-conference game Saturday September…

Franco Bari Talks Joining St. Scholastica Athletics

Bari was named the new CSS director of athletics last week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, St. Scholastica announced their new director of athletics would be Franco Bari, who spent over a decade at St. Lawrence University in New York. Tuesday, he spoke with the media for the first time and talked about how the Saints were able to lure him away from his alma mater. “I just think that overall…

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

For this week's segment, we're chatting with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Erik Lofald who is the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team. Lofald takes over for longtime Hunters head coach Frank Huie, who retired after nearly four decades with the program. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lots of Talent to Replace for Lumberjacks Football Team

The Lumberjacks will open their season August 30th at home against Two Harbors.

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are already through one week of fall practices which means we are that much closer to the regular season. And we continue with our high school football previews with a team who came inches away from a trip to the state tourney: Cloquet. The Lumberjacks finished their regular season with just one loss, but fell to…

Greyhounds’ Anderson, Jeanette Leaving School for USHL

Charlie Erickson will be the only forward on the team with any varsity experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has always been a hockey factory, always churning out great high school players. But sometimes, the best of the best have to decide between staying in school or playing junior hockey. And Duluth East got a double wammy announcement on Thursday. Greyhounds standouts Logan Anderson and Jacob Jeanette have decided to leave school for the…

Greyhounds Football Team Eyeing Deep Playoff Run

The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just their second day in pads.

DULUTH, Minn. – Early on in fall camps for high school football teams, coaches can get a good idea of who spent their summer in the gym and who spent it on the couch. The same can be said about the Duluth East football team. The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just…

UMD Announces Contract Extension for Head Football Coach Curt Wiese

The deal will keep him on the sidelines through the 2022–2023 season.

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth has announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Curt Wiese. The deal will keep him on the sidelines through the 2022–2023 season. Wiese is in his 12th year with the UMD football program and seventh as the head coach. In that time, he has led the Bulldogs to a 63–12…

Lester Park Golf Course Hosts MN Junior Golf’s “Warrior Cup”

58 golfers ages 16 to 19 competed in the final major youth golf tourney in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lester Park Golf Course hosted the Minnesota Junior PGA Championship, better known as the “Warrior Cup” Wednesday afternoon. It’s high level competition that features the winners of various events from this season’s junior tour. “I’m probably most proud of just seeing all the kids go on to play at D1, D2 and D3 schools with the…

Proctor Football Team’s New Mantra: “I Control Effort”

The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament.

DULUTH, Minn. – We continue with our high school football previews and catch up with a team that’s looking to wash out the bad taste of 2018 and do much better this upcoming season. The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament. So for the seniors, they’ve got one thing on…

Former UWS Standout Ashley Birdsall Signs with Buffalo Beauts

The Duluth native skated for the Yellowjackets from 2008 to 2013.

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Former Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey standout Ashley Birdsall has signed a deal with the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League. The Duluth native, who is about to complete her ninth year of service with the Minnesota Army National Guard, also spent time with the Minnesota Whitecaps for three seasons before they joined the NWHL. Birdsall had…

UMD Women’s Soccer Picked to Finish Eighth in NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs will open their season at home on September 6th against Northern Michigan.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC released their preseason coaches poll for women’s soccer Wednesday morning and UMD locks down the #8 spot on the list. Minnesota State-Mankato, who are ranked #25 in the country, were picked to win the conference. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 that saw them win just seven matches. Among the…

St. Scholastica Names Franco Bari New Director of Athletics

Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York.

DULUTH, Minn. – Four months ago, then-CSS athletic director Brian Jamros stepped down from his position after two years with the Saints. And today, CSS announced who will be taking over. Franco Bari will take over effective August 19th. Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York where he was director of athletics since 2012. He…

Hermantown’s Peter Soumis Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Peter Soumis announced on his Twitter account Monday that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season, helping Hermantown finish with a 16–10 record, including 7–3 within Section 7AAA. Two years ago as a sophomore, Soumis scored 15…

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Powers Wisconsin GLO to GWBA Championship

Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors.

OSHKOSH, Wisc. – This past weekend, the Wisconsin GLO defeated the three-time reigning GWBA champions the Flint Monarchs 80–78, thanks in large part to a former Northland basketball star. Superior native Jessica Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors. “It was a team effort at the end of the day and…

UMD Football Team Hold First Fall Practice of 2019

The Bulldogs will open their season at home on September 5th against Minot State.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team held their first official practice for the upcoming fall season Monday at Malosky Stadium. And coming off an undefeated regular season, the Bulldogs are extra hype for 2019. “It couldn’t have come sooner. We busted our butts all summer and I know the guys were itching to get our here. I was itching…

NSIC Ranks UMD Volleyball Second in Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs are tied for second in the preseason coaches poll. UMD shares the #2 spot with Concordia St.-Paul

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team is getting high praise from the NSIC. The Bulldogs are tied for second in the preseason coaches poll. UMD shares the #2 spot with Concordia St.-Paul, while Northern State comes in at the top spot. Emily Balts was named to the list of NSIC Players to Watch for the 2019 season which will…

Al Sands Settles for Majority Draw Against DeShon Webster

It is the first draw of Sands's boxing career.

HINCKLEY, Minn. – It was a bittersweet night for Duluth native Al Sands who settled for a majority draw in his boxing match against DeShon Webster Friday night at the Grand Casino. Two of the three judges scored the match a draw, while the third gave Sands the edge, rendering the rare decision of majority draw, the first career draw…

Coaches Corner: Karson Kuhlman

For this week's segment, we catch up with Esko native Karson Kuhlman.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton and UMD hockey star and current Boston Bruins forward Karson Kuhlman. The Esko native talked about his last year of playing hockey that saw him win an NCAA championship with the Bulldogs, as well as score a goal for the Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals. Categories:…

State Tournament Awaits Northwestern Bass Fishing Team

In their first year as a club team, the Tigers are sending six people to the Minnesota State Junior Bass Nation Tournament of Champions.

SOLON SPRINGS, Wisc. – It’s been a year of firsts for the Northwestern bass fishing team. This past summer was their first year as a club program. “Since I had two boys of my own who were in high school, I knew I had the two people that I needed. So I started the process and paperwork and we ended…

Duluth Native Jesse Walters Wins Pro Boxing Debut, Huffman Settles for Draw

Both Walters and Huffman will be back in action on October 11th for a boxing card in Duluth.

MAPLEWOOD, Minn. – The Jungle Boy Boxing Gym had a great showing Thursday night at the Generation Next show at the MYTH Nightclub in Maplewood. Duluth native Jesse Walters won his debut fight via knockout in the second round. And fellow Dulutian Danny Huffman went the distance in his bout, but settled for a draw, which preserved his undefeated record….

Big Shoes to Fill for Tigers Football Team

The Tigers will open their season August 23rd at Spooner.

MAPLE, Wisc. – The Northwestern football team is wrapping up their first week of practices. And although the team will be loaded with seniors once again, they’ll have big shoes to fill from last year’s squad who finished 11–1, including an undefeated record in the Heart O’ North Conference. “We just learned how our offense and defense needs to be…

Playoff Hopes Take a Hit as Huskies Fall to Bucks

Duluth will play their final home game Friday night.

DULUTH, Minn. – Nico Lima would drive in two runs in the bottom of the first, but Duluth would get blanked the rest of the way as Waterloo gets the win 4-2 Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Schuyler Hill struck out eight batters in four innings of work as the Huskies will play their home finale Friday night. Categories: Northwoods…

Saints Men’s Soccer Team Get Youth Ready for High School Season

This camp is more intense than others as the Saints are preparing the campers for their upcoming high school seasons.

DULUTH, Minn. – Football season is upon us, but don’t forget that soccer action is right around the corner as well. And some of the best local high school players spent this week with some of the best in the college game. The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team held a special high school prep camp this week up at Saints…

Strong Field Expected for 94th Annual Northland Golf Invitational

After an exciting finish at the Arrowhead Invite two weeks ago, the field is as competitive as it has been in recent memory.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 94th annual Northland Golf Invitational will begin Thursday at the Northland Country Club in Duluth. The fun starts with the qualifying round, followed by the first and second round of match play on Friday, leading up to the championship on Sunday afternoon. And after an exciting finish at the Arrowhead Invite two weeks ago, the field…

Bulldogs Picked to Finish First in NSIC Football Preseason Poll, Larson Named Preseason Offensive POTY

Since the NSIC began divisional play back in 2008, the Bulldogs have won at least a share of all 11 North Division championships.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC preseason football coaches poll was released Wednesday and UMD was picked to win the North Division once again. Since the NSIC began divisional play back in 2008, the Bulldogs have won at least a share of all 11 North Division championships. However, the top overall spot went to Minnesota State-Mankato, who shared the conference title…

Wilderness Promote Jon Vaillancourt to Head Coach

Vaillancourt was brought in back in May as an associate head coach.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Minnesota Wilderness have announced that assistant coach Jon Vaillancourt has been promoted to head coach of the team. General manager Dave Boitz, who served as head coach this past season, will remain in his role saying in a press release that the team decide “it was best for the organization and our players to have a…

Spartans Football Team Hold First Practice of 2019

Although it was just the first practice, the team is excited to be back together and ready to get to work.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – High school football is officially back in the state of Wisconsin. Practices kicked off this week across the state including for the boys across the bridge. The Superior football team held their first official practice Tuesday afternoon and will have the next few weeks to get ready before the season starts. Although it was just the first…

UWS Hosts Third Mini-Track Meet of the Summer

The final meet of the series will be next Tuesday at the UWS track.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior Mini-Track Meet began its third week of action Tuesday afternoon. The meet is open to all ages and abilities and includes events like the 100-, 400- and 800-meter dashes, as well as a 5K cross country course. Organizers say it’s a great way to get people outside as the summer season starts to…

Superfan Joe Garson Continues Support for Duluth Huskies

Garson has not missed or been late to a Huskies home game since the team's inception in 2006.

DULUTH, Minn. – Later this week, the Duluth Huskies will play their last two home games of the season. It’s also the final two home games for one Huskies superfan, who has been there with the team through the good times and the bad. Wade Stadium is just as much a home for the Huskies as it is for Joe…

Coaches Corner: Al Sands and Mike McKean

For this week's segment, we talk boxing with the "Haitian Temptation" Al Sands.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re talking with local pro boxer Al Sands about his upcoming fight next Friday at the Grand Casino in Hinckley. We also spoke with his trainer Mike McKean about what they learned from Sands’ bouts overseas. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Hosts Summer Youth Camp

It is the first time the camp was held at Amsoil Arena.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, some of the brightest and best youth girls hockey players will get to learn from some of the best in the game at UMD. The Bulldogs women’s hockey team held their annual summer camp at Amsoil Arena. The girls came from all over the country, including seven different states and a even few from Canada….

Duluth Native CJ Ham Ready for Year Four with Vikings

With Kevin Stefanski being promoted to offensive coordinator and a healthy batch of weapons, Ham believes this will be a good year for the Vikings.

EAGAN, Minn. – Vikings training camp is well underway and Duluth native CJ Ham is looking forward to his fourth season in the purple and gold. After being an undrafted free agent and spending most of his rookie season on the practice squad, the Denfeld alum has found himself in a comfortable spot for his fourth year. Ham saw playing…

Born to Box: Jesse Walters Gets Set for Pro Debut

Walters will make his pro debut next Friday against Mark Slyter from Kansas.

DULUTH, Minn. – For 18-year-old Jesse Walters, you could say he was born with boxing gloves on his hands. “Basically I was already introduced to it when I was two weeks old. I went to one of Zach’s first fights,” said Walters. “Shortly after he was born, they brought him and said, “Meet little Jesse!” I’m all sweaty coming out…

Starks Academy Welcomes Timberwolves, Lynx to the Northland

Starks Academy was joined by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, who were very impressed with the turnout for this camp.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, basketballers from across the Northland laced up their shoes and headed to the Ward Wells Fieldhouse at UMD for the annual Starks Academy Basketball Camp. Kids of all ages were put through several drills and scrimmages to continue to build on their fundamental skills of basketball. And of the many things that sets this camp…

Guzman, Tappen Each Homer as Huskies Power Past Loggers

Duluth would score seven runs in the fifth and sixth innings combined.

DULUTH, Minn. – Max Guzman and Alex Tappen would each hit three-run home runs as the Duluth Huskies knock off La Crosse 11-5 Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. Aaron Greenfield also chipped in with three hits on the night, while Colton Williams pitched six shutout innings, allowing just five hits and striking out four. Huskies will be back at home…

Pionk, Kuhlman Team Up for Bulldogs Hockey Camp

While there was a competitive nature to the camp, both Kuhlman and Pionk were excited to work with each other.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, a group of local squirt hockey players got the special opportunity to learn from not one, but two former UMD stars who both currently play in the NHL. Hermantown native Neal Pionk and Esko native Karson Kuhlman are teaming up this week for a Bulldogs hockey squirts camp. The idea for this camp was brought…