Northern Star

High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Markus Pokornowski

For this week's segment, we feature a running back on the Cloquet football team who's using his injury as motivation for his senior season.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Last season, the Cloquet football team lost in the section 7AAAA final for the first time in three years. “It’s a team game and our team just didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” senior running back Markus Pokornowski said of that loss. But the Lumberjacks were missing a big piece in that game, as Pokornowski…
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Reagan Ruffi and Brody Payton

For this week's segment, we feature two Northwestern alums and rookies on the UMD football team who are excited to go through this experience together.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team is officially one week into the 2019 season. “I am pumped to be here. I’ve been wishing away my summer to be here and I’m pretty excited,” freshman running back Reagan Ruffi said. Fall practice allows the whole team to come together and is crucial for the freshmen and newcomers to learn the…
Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Gabby Seyfer of the Duluth Figure Skating Club

She will be skating at a new national competition in Florida this June.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – Gabby Seyer, a rising sophomore at East High School, has made figure skating her life for the past ten years. Now, she’s one of only 18 girls in her level competing at the inaugural National Excel Festival in Coral Springs, Florida. “I’m excited about meeting new competitors from all over the country. So I’m kind of excited…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ben Pedersen

For this week's segment, we feature the ace on the Duluth Marshall baseball team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of athletes in northern Minnesota, you think of all of the great hockey players and the kids who learned how to skate before they can walk. But baseball is growing in the Northland, and part of the reason for that is Hilltoppers senior pitcher Ben Pedersen. “I grew up wanting to play hockey. I…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Gabby Blomdahl

For this week's segment, we feature a Hermantown softball player who uses her coaches and hometown as inspiration for her future.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Anyone from Hermantown can tell you how much the town means to them. “Hermantown, oh boy, it means a lot. It’s where you’ve grown up, it’s the tight community, it’s welcoming, it’s where you have all your friends. It’s definitely going to be hard to leave the small town feel of knowing everybody and having everyone know…
High School, Northern Star, Professional Sports, Sports

Northern Star: Andrew Standfield

For this week's Northern Star, we learn about a local powerlifter who was born with a rare genetic disorder.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Next month, Andrew Standfield will be representing Team USA at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Helsingborg, Sweden. But how we got to this point has put as much strain on his body as the weights he trains with. “They noticed during an ultrasound that his belly was bigger than his head. They were like, “OK…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Mady Stariha

For this week's segment, we feature a Superior softball player who's taking her talents across the bridge for college.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior softball is off to another strong season and a key reason for that is senior pitcher Mady Stariha. “She’s definitely one of the leaders and they all look up to her,” Superior head coach Mike Sather said. Stariha is 11–1 on the season, has allowed just 10 earned runs and has struck out 109 batters, which…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Aaron Weber

For this week's segment, we feature the captain on the St. Scholastica baseball team who's just grateful to be playing at the next level.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica baseball junior outfielder Aaron Weber is having a monster season, leading the Saints with a .400 batting average and has been a consistent glove in right field. “On the field he’s been our most consistent offensive player. We moved him to the outfield last year as well, and he’s adapted really well out there and…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Gabby Gidley

For this week's segment, we feature the senior catcher on the Wisconsin-Superior softball team who's thankful she made the choice to play in her hometown.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior catcher Gabby Gidley has been a key part in turning the Yellowjackets season around, leading the team to a perfect 8-0 home record in front of her hometown. “I have people that I don’t even know personally on a personal level come up and talk to me about my successes or they’ll say ‘Oh I’ve watched you…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: UMD Bulldogs Men’s Hockey

For this week's segment, we hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo for the Frozen Four.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey team is embarking on their third straight trip to the Frozen Four. For this week’s Northern Star, hear from the Bulldogs before they head out to Buffalo to try to defend their title. “Some people don’t get the opportunity obviously to even make a regional, in the four years that they go to college…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Jordyn Thomas

For this week's segment, we feature a Minnesota Duluth softball player who always knew she'd be a Bulldog.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jordyn Thomas always knew she’d be a Bulldog. “Just being 15 minutes away from Hermantown, UMD has just been home and it’s always been that way so it feels right to be here,” Thomas said. The Hermantown native grew up playing basketball and softball for the Hawks and has always had deep ties to the Bulldogs. “With…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Brynne and Elise Hauer

For this week's segment, we feature sisters on the St. Scholastica women's tennis team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – A bond between sisters can’t be broken, and that’s exactly what St. Scholastica women’s tennis teammates Brynne and Elise Hauer have. The sisters are playing in their first and only season together with the Saints and are enjoying every moment. “It’s definitely a different bond being a sister, especially when you also wear that teammate hat and…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Parker Mackay

For this week's segment, we talk with the captain of the Minnesota Duluth men's hockey team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After winning their second ever national championship, the UMD men’s hockey team needed a trusty captain this year. That’s when they looked to their assistant Parker Mackay and decided to give him the “C”. “It was special honestly. I was excited for the challenge but a little nervous maybe just with the high expectations that this group had…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Danielle Kohlwey

For this week's segment, we sit down with a UMD track senior who recently made program history at the NCAA Tournament.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Third time’s the charm for senior Danielle Kohlwey.  In her third straight trip to the NCAA Division II Indoor Track and Field Championship, she finally came out on top. Kohlwey captured the 60-meter hurdle title on Saturday with a time of 8.24 seconds. But going into the weekend, Kohlwey just wanted to enjoy the moment. “With this being my…
Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jacob Herter

For this week's segment, we feature a local hockey player who's taking the next step at the junior level.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Jacob Herter has always called the Northland home. “This whole Twin Ports area, the hockey is so amazing. The completion around here is unbelievable,” Herter said. Herter spent three years playing with Hermantown and is now just down the road playing in the NAHL with the Minnesota Wilderness. “I always kind of wanted to play for the…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Josie Buckley

For this week's segment, we feature a senior on the UMD women's basketball team who's just thankful that she's able to play.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth women’s basketball team is having one of their best seasons in program history. But for the seniors on the team, especially forward Josie Buckley, they’re not ready to think about the season winding down. “I just haven’t really been thinking about it much. We’ve been having such a great season and it’s been fun,…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Darian Gotz

For this week's segment, we feature the captain of the Hermantown hockey team.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. -With talent up and down the lines, the Hermantown boys hockey team is once again one of the top powerhouses in the state. But with so much talent, a trusty captain is needed, and that’s what they have in senior Darian Gotz. “He’s our leader, hands down. And it’s not because he’s the rah-rah guy in the locker room….
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Sam Risley

For this week's segment, we feature a Northwestern boys basketball player who is leading the Tigers to success.
Claudia Chakamian,

MAPLE, Wis. – After going 12–12 last year, the Northwestern boys basketball team has been dominate this year. The Tigers are currently undefeated in conference play and ranked in the top 10 in division three within the state. “We’re about 10, 11 guys deep that I can play at any single time in any single game and that’s a luxury…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Pavel Mikhasenok and Artur Terchiyev

For this week's Northern Star, we highlight the relationship between two players from countries who are currently at war with each other.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – This month marks five years since turmoil began between Russia and Ukraine. Two players on the UWS men’s hockey team know all about it: Russian Pavel Mikhasenok and Ukrainian Artur Terchiyev. “We’ve know each other for five years because we went to school together back at Everest Academy. And we room together also so we never talk…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jayden Ruberg

For this week's segment, we talk with one Two Harbors basketball player who's joining his family members by leaving a legacy within the program.
Claudia Chakamian,

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – Jayden Ruberg comes from a basketball family. His dad, aunt and older sister all played for Two Harbors and each left legacies within the program. “They were pretty much the reason I started playing basketball. They’re my role models. I wanted to play like them, be like them, that’s my motivation,” Ruberg said. Ruberg’s sister holds…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Caitlin Breen and Victoria Thorson

For this week's segment, we feature two Duluth Marshall girls hockey players whose chemistry on the ice goes far beyond the Northland.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After birth, Caitlin Breen and Victoria Thorson were both in the same orphanage in Bogota, Colombia, but never met each other. Breen was adopted at two months old and her family moved throughout the US while Thorson was adopted at three months old and came straight to Duluth. When Breen’s family made the move to Duluth and…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Quinn Fischer

For this week's segment, we sit down with Esko native and current St. Scholastica freshman.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Quinn Fischer has been playing basketball his whole life and is now finding success early at the collegiate level thanks to his St. Scholastica teammates. “It’s definitely different, going from high school to college, but with all of the upperclassmen showing us what it takes and them opening up a lot of things for me, offensively, defensively,…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender

The duo has led Cloquet-Esko-Carlton in scoring for the past three seasons.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Taylor Nelson and Kiana Bender have been key contributors to the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton girls hockey team this season, and their connection goes beyond being linemates. “We met when we were in boys hockey in like squirts or whatever. We were the only two girls on the team so we kind of just had to be friends and we’ve…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Brandon Myer

For this week's segment, we talk with the UMD junior forward who takes his preparation very seriously.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the middle of the Northland’s first winter storm of the season, Brandon Myer is still at practice one hour early. “Like all the greats that play in the NBA, they say confidence comes with preparation. If you out-prepare the people you play against, then you’re more likely to do better,” said Myer. Myer says it’s just…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Ryan Gray

The Proctor/Hermantown goalie has been a key part of the program for the past six years.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Ryan Gray has given Proctor/Hermantown a sense of security in net for the past six years, as she’s climbed from a middle school player on junior varsity to the senior starting goalie. “So she started out, I think in seventh grade, as a JV goalie and played for a few years there and then slowly moved her…
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Cole Koepke & Jesse Jacques

This week's segment features two former Hermantown teammates who now take the ice for UMD.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Seems like it was just yesterday that we saw Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques bring state titles to Hermantown. Now their mission is to do the same not too far from home with the UMD bulldogs. “When I saw that he was coming to Duluth, I was excited. And I didn’t even know it was initially this…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Mac Reykdal

For this week's segment, we sit down with one Wisconsin-Superior basketball player who aims to make a difference on and off the court.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Mac Reykdal is having a breakout year on the court this season; he scored a career–high 27 points in the Yellowjackets loss on Saturday at Minnesota Morris. But Reykdal’s work off the court is standing out more. “Really takes a lot of pride in what he does, both on the court and off the court. It’s something he’s…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Alexia Klaas

For this week's segment, we talk to the St. Scholastica women's hockey senior captain who said her family on and off the ice has made her the player she is.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After transferring from Minnesota Duluth after her freshman year, Alexia Klaas has been a key part of the St. Scholastica women’s hockey program for the past three years. The senior is currently tied for the most goals on the team and is second with 12 points, and has helped lead the Saints to a 7-3-1 record. But…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Makayla Suominen

The senior swimmer signed her National Letter of Intent on Monday for the University of Alaska Fairbanks.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Makayla Suominen has been a standout on the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton high school swim team for six years, swimming in five state meets, earning eight medals, countless top–five finishes, and even a state title her sophomore year. “Coming in, I knew it was my senior year and taking all of the other years into account and I was pretty…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Duluth East Cheerleading

For this week's segment, we take a look at the Duluth East Cheer team, who is going to nationals for the first time in program history.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East Cheer team has spent most of the year on the sidelines of Friday night lights, cheering on the Greyhounds each week. But over the past month, they’ve been putting in the work for competition season. “We do a lot more performances for our school and then we work on competitions so they only had about…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Brynne Mickle

This week's segment we talk to Carlton volleyball player and her twin sister.
Mariah Janos,

CARLTON, Minn.- After losing in the section finals last season the Carlton Bulldogs have redeemed themselves and are headed to state for the first time since 2014. A big reason for that is setter Brynne Mickle. “After we lost last year it just hung over our heads the whole season and we used it as fuel to motivate ourselves because we…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Markus Pokornowski

The junior running back helped lead the Lumberjacks to the Section 7AAAA Championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – If you’ve attended a Cloquet football game at all this season, you’ve definitely heard the name Markus Pokornowski blare over the stadium speakers. His success on the field goes beyond natural athleticism. “Obviously he’s a good athlete but he’s really coach-able. He’s worked hard to get better at things when he doesn’t have the football. He’s a…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Hannah Norlin

In this week's segment, we talk to a senior forward on the Wisconsin-Superior basketball team.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Hannah Norlin is a UWS senior playing the game that has taught her invaluable life lessons. “Basketball has been a huge role because of all the time spent. It is something that really helps with your work ethic. You are constantly working and trying new things, learning new skills and not giving up,” Norlin said. Her work…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Reagan Ruffi

For this week's segment we catch up with senior running back from Northwestern high school.
Mariah Janos,

MAPLE, Wis.- The last time the Northwestern Tigers went 9–0 was back in 2010 and if you ask anyone for a reason behind their success they’ll give you one name: Reagan Ruffi. “Teams that have a record similar to ours, they’ve got some exceptional players and that’s what Reagan is. He is an exceptional player. But he leads not only on…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Caitlin Schneeweis

The Denfeld outside hitter is taking her talents to the University of Mary.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.-  If you’ve set foot inside the Duluth Denfeld gymnasium in the past four years, you’ve probably witnessed Caitlin Schneeweis absolutely killing it on the volleyball court. But she admits it hasn’t always been this way. “I always played basketball so my mom wanted me to do something in the off-season to get ready for basketball. I just decided…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: William Francis

The forward has just broken the all time scoring record for Duluth East soccer.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- William Francis entered his senior season at Duluth East with hopes of break the school record as leading goalscorer for the Greyhounds and just last week he made that happen. “I kind of had it in the back of my mind before the season started. Every game I just tried to make an appearance in the game, tried…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Maddie Rooney

The redshirt junior is back after her time with team USA.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.-Maddie Rooney is rejoining the Bulldogs after taking time off to backstop Team USA to victory in the 2018 winter Olympics. The redshirt junior’s game has reached new heights and she’s ready to make it known. “Over the past year I’ve definitely matured a ton as a player. All the experiences I’ve had, my game has developed so much…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Kendra Kelley

This week's segment features senior forward on the Cloquet-Carlton girl's soccer team.
Mariah Janos,

CLOQUET, Minn.- Kendra Kelley has been a key member of the Cloquet–Carlton girls soccer team long before she even began high school. “I’ve been playing at this varsity level since seventh grade. I’ve just grown so much as a person, as an athlete. I’m really close with these girls and with my coach as well. It’s a great family and…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Wryott Gerson

For this week's segment we speak to Denfeld wide receiver Wryott Gerson
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Denfeld football recorded only one win last year. But in game one of the 2018 season they matched that record and a main part of that was senior wide receiver Wryott Gerson who believes that this is the year of the Hunters. “We kind of got that in our mind set that we can do good this year….
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Aaron Olson

Former Esko football player is now entering his senior season at St. Scholastica
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Esko football wide receiver is entering his senior season at St. Scholastica. “I love St. Scholastica. I’m super glad I came here. It’s a small school, kind of a small team, private team. We should win the conference every year. They’re a winning team so that’s why I pretty much came here and I wanted to win,”…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Joe Yernatich

The offensive lineman looks back on his years as a Bulldog.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Joe Yernatich is entering his 12th and final season of his football career. “It feels weird. I’ve been playing football since fourth grade. This is the last time i’ll strap it up, last fall i’ll be able to play so it’s weird,” said Yernatich. Since the age of 14 the Duluth native had envisioned himself as a UMD…
College, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Tim Pokornowski

Former Cloquet three sport all star turned UMD Football defenseman.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- For as long as he can remember, Tim Pokornowski has been a three sport athlete. But when it came down to his future there was one game that he knew he needed to continue playing. “It was a dream of mine ever since I was a kid to play college football somewhere and it just feels great to…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Duluth Marshall Baseball Pitcher Ben Pederson

The force of nature junior dominate on the mound, at the plate, and in the dugout.
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH, Minn.- Ben Pedersen is a junior pitcher for Duluth Marshall baseball. Standing at 6 foot 5 and weighing in at 235, there’s no question that this guy is a force to be reckoned with in every aspect of the game. “Ben is probably the most important player in our program in terms of his athletic ability on the mound…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Esko softball pitcher Emilee Wilson

The Eskomos senior has her team poised for a deep run in the sectional tournament
Mariah Janos,

ESKO, Minn.- From the mound, to the plate, to the dugout, Emilee Wilson is performing at her highest level. The Esko senior takes on every task with the people she cares about in mind. “Just giving my team the best chance to win and just working ahead and just kind of playing my level of softball. And it usually has good…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

From A Spartan to a Bearcat

Superior softball pitcher, Mady Stariha, verbally commits to Binghampton University's Division I program
Mariah Janos,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Mady Stariha is a junior member of the Superior softball team serving as the star pitcher for the Spartans, dominating the mound any chance she gets. But getting to this point didn’t come easy. Before this season, Stariha had barely seen any playing time. “The first two years were an adjusting period coming in as a freshman and having…
Northern Star, Sports

Steven Neutzling Leads St Scholastica to UMAC Tournament

The senior captain reached his 200th career hit just a few weeks ago
Mariah Janos,

DULUTH — Steven Neutzling is a four year member and captain of the St Scholastica baseball team. Since high school Neutzling has been known for his tremendous performance at the plate. Which is why it came as no surprise when he achieved his 200th career hit just a few weeks ago. “It was kind of a little bit of a relief I…
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Duluth Wolfpack Dedicate Season to Fallen Teammate

The Duluth lacrosse team are honoring Will Schlotec, who died last summer.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH — “I remember getting the call late that evening. I’m hearing about it. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t believe it had happened,” head coach Scott Wishart recalls. “We were all just kind of shocked because he was almost untouchable to us. He was just that kind of guy,” Kale Mosiniak said. “It was definitely super hard to really wrap…
Northern Star, Sports

The Twin Ports Gymnastics Trio

Three gymnasts from Superior recently captured top honors at a regional competition.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR — Jack Johnson, Haydn Suske–Funk and Isaak Hopp. These three are coming off a great performance last week in the men’s gymnastics regional competition down in Des Moines, Iowa. The event features the best athletes from several states. But it was Jack, Haydn and Isaak who took first place, thanks to their work that began at a very young…
Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Rooney’s Road to Gold

The UMD goalie talks about how she went from Bulldogs goalie to Olympic darling.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH — “I just knew I was going to go into it working hard. Put my head down and work hard. I didn’t know what to expect. I knew I was seen as the third goalie there in the beginning and I knew I was going to get a shot and to just capitalize on my opportunity and it kind…