Whether it’s the World Curling Championships, or the Winter Olympics its nothing new for John Shuster. The Chisholm native has now his sights set on yet another milestone, a 4th winter Olympic games, with a team that’s been training together for years. But Shuster didn’t start with the Olympics in mind, it started as a hobby that grew into a…
ESKO, Minn- Ground and pound offenses are typical for many northland high school football teams. However, for the Eskomos of Esko, it’s all about the big air. Which is just fine for senior wide-receiver Branden Matteen. After a setback in 2016, Esko looks back to from this season, boasting an undefeated conference record and just a single loss all year. That’s…
DULUTH, Minn- For the past four years, UMD’s captains have been home grown right here in the Northland and this season there will be no change to that as Esko native Karson Kuhlman takes over. “He’s had votes for three years, certainly a very deserving leader for us and the guys have a lot of respect for him,” said Head…
CROMWELL, Minn- If speed kills you might call Cromwell–Wright’s Nic Johnson an assassin. Originally from St.Cloud, Nic showed promise from a young age, and had a breakout season as a high school junior, becoming one of the Cardinals deadliest offensive receiving weapons. In 2016 along with standout QB Zion Smith, Nic helped lead last year’s Cardinals through the gates of U.S….
WRENSHALL, Minn- High school football teams are often described as a band of brothers, and for Wrenshall brothers Jared and Tyler Kelley the saying rings a little truer. Playing together since they were young, the two have always dreamed of showcasing their talents on the varsity gridiron. However, in 2015 when the wrens had to forfeit their varsity season it seemed…
DULUTH, Minn- Former Greyhound and Duluth native Joe Yernatich has always dreamed of playing UMD football. “Growing up a couple of blocks from campus I’ve always wanted to be a Bulldog, I told myself when I was little that’s who I want to be, that who I want to play for, so its been a dream come true.” Playing his…
DULUTH- Arica Sheff chose CSS because of their nursing program, at the time they didn’t have a golf team. On Sunday she led the team at the Georgianni Blugold Invitational with an 85. Categories: College, Northern Star, Sports
DULUTH, Minn- The City of Duluth found itself in the corner pocket this June, with the 2nd Annual Eight Ball Classic at the Break Room. The local event is attended by some of the best pool players in the world, including, Minnesota native and rising star on the national scene, 17–year–old April Larson. The familiar image of a pool room…
Categories: Northern Star, Sports
Categories: College, Features, Northern Star, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth
PROCTOR, Minn- Proctor’s John Aase has been making plays on the diamond for years. Last season, along with senior catcher Jake Malec, the rails southpaw helped lead the team to a perfect section record and an appearance in the state tourney he won’t soon forget. Aase remembers, “Just one pitch I wish I could take back, it wasn’t even a…
SUPERIOR, Wis- Competitive archery is a sport the requires patience and precision, with an outcome determined by just a few inches. However, it’s exactly this unique and meticulous approach that drives Tailyn Bennett. Superior High School Senior Tailyn Bennett remembers, “When I was little I had a little bow, and I thought it was really interesting, I used to shoot…
SUPERIOR, WIS- Twin Ports Gymnastics sent four girls to the regional meet over the weekend. Taylor Thursby, Brooklyn Gould, Reese Deyo and Andrea Silverio all competed. This is the first year that level six and seven athletes were able to qualify. “It’s a big opportunity, not many girls like me get to do it,” said Thursby. The girls spend anywhere…
In hockey, strength, speed, and size are all essential. Just don’t try telling that to Wilderness forward Luke Dow. Former Duluth East Greyhound and Current Minnesota Wilderness Forward Luke Dow says, “Especially when you’re a smaller guy like me you got to learn how to avoid contact I guess, and try to play your game through the physicality and the…
From Superior, up to Grand Rapids. Megan Pehrson knows playing softball in the Northland can be a challenge but UWS was a perfect fit for the former Thunderhawk. “I’m really close with my family. I have loved Duluth my entire life it was easy to come here,” said UWS Freshman Pehrson. Going to college was easy but playing college softball?…
George Bibeau didn’t really get into basketball until he was already a sophomore in high school. North Woods Senior Captain George Bibeau remembers, “It was just kind of a game I used to play once in a while with my friends.” Since his first competitive season, he’s been dedicated to the hardwood. Bibeau says, “Then you come out the following…
The defining aspect of any high school team is its senior leadership, and out at Esko High School that responsibility falls with four young athletes. “Ben Fisher, forward.” “Stone DeLeon, guard.” “Bryce Bottila, shooting guard.” “Isaak Blue, forward.” These four Eskomos have been playing together for years. Bottila says, “Yeah, I’ve been playing with them since kindergarten, we’ve been to…
Dylan Samberg grew up wanting to be a Hermantown Hawk. “He’s our captain, he’s our best player, he’s a great skilled guy, good kid tough kid,” said Hermantown Head Coach Bruce Plante. Samberg ended his career at Hermantown Saturday at the State Championship, where he scored the winning goal. Now, Samberg is on to conquer another one of his other…
SUPERIOR, WIS.- Superior Senior Braden LaPorte is everything you could want in a Captain. “He’s a nice young man, he’s always polite, saying please and thank you, opening doors. He leads my team in that regard. Always makes sure when we walk into a building hats are off,” said Head Coach Jason Kalin. A four-year starter LaPorte was an obvious…
DULUTH, Minn- The Lakeview Christian Academy boy’s basketball team has had no shortage of 1000 point scorers, and his past Friday they added one more to the club. “Josh Emerson, sophomore, shooting guard.” Josh has been a varsity contributor since 7th grade and has always had a deep appreciation for basketball. Now in just his sophomore year he’s already reached…
Callie Hoff’s senior season has been full of high and lows. The lowest point coming before the season even started. “It was our preseason scrimmages in forest lake… about half way through almost, I was taking a face off and the girl put her stick in between my skates and kind of flipped me and as I fell I tore…
This boy’s basketball season at Duluth East started off like any other, with high hopes and high expectations. However, sweet dreams soon turned sour as the start of the Greyhounds season took a bad bounce with the team winning just 1 of their first 7 games. Greyhounds Senior Forward Malique Goulet comments, “It was a little discouraging at first, not…
DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East Junior Gabi Lott has been skating for over a decade. “When I was about four -years-old my parents signed me up for the learn to skate program and my dad kind of had in his head that I would do hockey,” said Lott. But just playing a sport wasn’t enough for Lott, she wanted to…
Often in High School athletics, teams are lead by a single stand out athlete. However, up at Mountain Iron-Buhl they’ve got 3. Head Coach Jeff Buffetta says, “Their leadership and qualities are invaluable to our program. Just seeing those guys come up. They together won pace setter championships back in 5th and 6th and 7th grade, and they sort of…
DULUTH, Minn. – Lexi Lanigan couldn’t always throw far when curling but she stuck with it. “Even in high school I would miss my sweetheart dance, or I would miss my soccer banquet, or a soccer game and it was hard to tell people that I was missing for curling,” said Lanigan. The Duluth native now attends University of Minnesota…
When Emma Peterson takes the ice she’s all business. Superior Senior Defender Emma Peterson comments, “I listen to music and stuff, just focus. I kind of go through my head what I have to do during the game, picture different situations on the ice.” Her Head Coach Kayla Chilstrom adds, “She’s one of those players where, wherever she’s needed she’ll…
Two Harbors senior forward Ayla Lemke has a bright future. Lemke explains, “Basketball is just a thing for my family. I don’t know how else to say it.” Teammate and co-captain Brianna McGrath says, “She brings a lot to the team, she’s always positive no matter what is going on.” She committed to play basketball at Concordia St.Paul earlier this…
For Brionna Stafne hockey was always a family affair but after Brionna’s sophomore year, Cory Stafne’s contract with the northern stars wasn’t renewed. “I’m super close with my parents so it would have been uncomfortable to go back into a setting that didn’t like support him,” said Brionna. “It made sense to open enroll at Hermantown rather than continue at…
Ethan Youso was born to be a basketball player. Youso comments, “Well I’ve been playing basketball as long as I can remember.” Making his 1st varsity appearance as an 8th grader he developed a strong passion early on. Head Coach Rich Odell says, “It may sound kind of corny, but you can see it in his eyes. He’s never been…
Bryceton Butkiewicz walked off the football field as a rebel and on to the ice to play with the Minnesota Wilderness.
Kristofer McKinzie played at Mars Lakeview Arena for Marshall Schools but now he wears a different jersey.
This week’s Northern Star spotlights Ely senior Josh Heiman, who’s working towards his goal of attending West Point Academy.
USA Hockey allows kids to try youth hockey around the nation for free.
Spencer Wehr continues his successful junior season into State.
In Cromwell the undefeated Cardinal football team is being lead by a senior quarterback driven by legacy.
Jay Boder almost couldn’t play soccer but it turned out to be the perfect fit.
Duluth Marshall senior Alli Mckenna is leading the Hilltoppers girls soccer team with some serious spirit.
Scott Anderson was inducted into the Duluth East Hall of Fame this weekend.
Out in Cloquet two brothers are showing the Lumberjack football team exactly what it means to be a family on the gridiron.
Makenzie Stariha is this week’s Northern Star
At Duluth Denfeld Senior quarterback Cody Brown is proving that brain over brawn isn’t just a metaphor, and that football is no longer just a big man’s game.
Gunnar Gronski and Gunner Johnson are both helping Superior to a successful season.
Categories: Northern Star
Cloquet’s captain leads the team in stats and on the field.
Hermantown junior Breanna Thomas uses softball to overcome shyness.
Ryan Cunningham is a freshman pitcher at UMD.
“Justin’s not just a pitcher for us, he’s also our number three hitter. Hes got great bat speed, he runs the bases well so he helps us in all areas of our game,” said Don Dembroski, Superior baseball coach.
Jaustin Culbert has won two state championships and is looking for a third.
Proctor senior Jake Malec will not only be making the transition to the college game next year but also to the outfield.
Esko’s senior catcher Nick Emanuel is this week’s Northern Star
