Northland Coach Fights Battle Off The Court
Northland College Men's Basketball Coach Scott Sorenson
Categories: College, Features, Northern Star, Sports
Northern Star
Norsemen’s Wenzel Playing With Purpose
Mesabi Range Freshman Driven by Second Chance
VIRGINIA, Minn- The 2017 football season marks the Mesabi Range Norsemen’s first winning record since 2010, and at the heart of the program’s turnaround is former Denfeld Hunter and Proctor Rail Terrance Wenzel. This past May, Wenzel’s life was forever altered. He was involved in a car accident with a drunk driver, taking the life of his friend, 19–year–old, Axton…
Marshall Hockey is a Family Affair with the Staubers
Levi and Willy Stauber are both seniors this year at Marshall.
DULUTH, Minn.- Levi and Willy Stauber couldn’t be more different but a couple things they have in common are their name and their work ethic. “I remember like it was yesterday when they first started in ninth grade with us and we could tell right away these Staubers were hockey players. You know what you’re going to get when you…
Shuster Eyes Fourth Winter Olympics
Chisholm Native Hopes To Represent U.S.A.
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…
Matteen, Eskomos Freezing Out Competition
Esko Senior Making Major Impact
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…
UMD Continues Homegrown Captains Trend with Kuhlman
Karson Kuhlman is the fourth UMD captain in a row to be from the Northland.
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…
Johnson Helping Cardinals Fly to State
Cromwell-Wright Sets Sights On U.S. Bank Stadium
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….
Kelley Brothers Helping Wrens Soar
Wrenshall Boasts Impressive Dynamic Duo
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…
Yernatich Continues Duluth’s Big Dog Tradition
Former Greyhound Representing On UMD O-Line
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…
Saints Get a Hole-in-One with Sheff
Arica Sheff went to CSS for the nursing program and now leads their golf team.
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
April Larson, Running The Table
Minnesota Standout Making A Name For Herself
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…
This Week’s Northern Star Features the 2017 DECC Athletic HOF Class
Six new members were inducted this week.
Categories: Northern Star, Sports
DECC Inducts 6 Into Hall Of Fame
Mike Sirtich, Ted McKnight, Joel Maturi, Debbie Hunter, and Bob and Ruby Maxson Join Exclusive DECC Club
Categories: College, Features, Northern Star, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth
Rails’ Senior Duo Has Sights Set On State
Aase & Morin Have High Hopes For Final Season
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…
Tailyn Bennett On Target
Superior's Straight Shooter Takes Aim at National Competition
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…
Twin Ports Gymnastics Sends Four to the Regional Meet
This week's Northern Star features four athletes that are all breaking new ground.
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…
The Dow Of Luke
Dow, Wilderness Continue Thier Run at The Robertson
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…
Pehrson Finds Perfect Fit on UWS’ Mound
This week's Northern Star is former Thunderhawk Megan Pehrson, a freshman at UWS.
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?…
Solo Senior Helps Grizzlies Shatter Ceiling
North Woods Captain Set On State
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…
Meet Esko’s Senior Core Of Four
Eskomos' Long Running Success Starts With Seniors
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…
Samberg Makes Dreams Come True Through Hermantown Hockey
Dylan Samberg won his second state championship with the Hawks Saturday.
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…
LaPorte Leads the Spartans On and Off the Ice
Braden LaPorte is this week's Northern Star
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…
Josh Emerson Continuing Elite Tradition
LCA Sophomore Cracks 1000 Point Milestone
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…
Hoff Doesn’t Miss a Beat in Return
Callie Hoff was out for 11 games and has since been leading the Mirage's offense.
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…
The Greyhounds Fab Five
Duluth East Seniors Transform Final Season
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…
Lott Getting Comfortable on the Ice
This week's Northern Star is Duluth East Junior Gabi Lott
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…
Ranger Trio Leading MIB
Northern Star: MIB Gunning For State Title
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…
Lanigan Curling for Gold
Duluth native Lexi Lanigan is competing at Nationals for a chance at worlds.
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…
Playing With a Purpose
Superior Senior Inspiring Skaters
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…
Lemke Back In Action
Two Harbors Senior Makes Stellar Return To Court
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…
Stafne’s Sacrifice Pays Off
Brionna Stafne had to sit out of varsity sports for one year to join the Mirage.
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…
Virginia’s Youso Student of The Game
Blue Devils Jr. Plays with both Intensity and Intelligence
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…
Butkiewicz Trades Cleats For Skates
Bryceton Butkiewicz walked off the football field as a rebel and on to the ice to play with the Minnesota Wilderness.
Bryceton Butkiewicz walked off the football field as a rebel and on to the ice to play with the Minnesota Wilderness.
McKinzie Continues to Score in the Same Net
Kristofer McKinzie played at Mars Lakeview Arena for Marshall Schools but now he wears a different jersey.
Kristofer McKinzie played at Mars Lakeview Arena for Marshall Schools but now he wears a different jersey.
Hieman Answers Call To Serve
Ely Senior Heading To West Point
This week’s Northern Star spotlights Ely senior Josh Heiman, who’s working towards his goal of attending West Point Academy.
Future Northern Stars Try Hockey for Free
USA Hockey Program Encourages Kids to Try Hockey
USA Hockey allows kids to try youth hockey around the nation for free.
Wehr Running Cloquet to the State Tournament
Spencer Wehr continues his successful junior season into State
Spencer Wehr continues his successful junior season into State.
Smith Lives Up to Cardinal Legacy
Cromwell-Wright QB Makes Statement In Senior Year
In Cromwell the undefeated Cardinal football team is being lead by a senior quarterback driven by legacy.
Boder Leading CEC From The Backfield With Heart
Jay Boder almost couldn't play soccer but it turned out to be the perfect fit.
Jay Boder almost couldn’t play soccer but it turned out to be the perfect fit.
McKenna Provides Leadership With Attitude
Stellar Senior Leading the Way for Hilltoppers
Duluth Marshall senior Alli Mckenna is leading the Hilltoppers girls soccer team with some serious spirit.
Anderson Carving His Own Path at Duluth East
Scott Anderson was inducted into the Duluth East Hall of Fame this weekend.
Scott Anderson was inducted into the Duluth East Hall of Fame this weekend.
Brothers In The Backfield
Evan and Tim Pokornowski Show That Football Is Family
Out in Cloquet two brothers are showing the Lumberjack football team exactly what it means to be a family on the gridiron.
Stariha Setting Up Spartans For Success
Makenzie Stariha is this week's Northern Star
Makenzie Stariha is this week’s Northern Star
Denfeld’s Cody Brown Big On Leadership
Senior QB Leading The Way For Hunters
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.
Two Spartans With More in Common Than Their Jerseys
Gunnar Gronski and Gunner Johnson are both helping Superior to a successful season.
Gunnar Gronski and Gunner Johnson are both helping Superior to a successful season.
Northern Star
Categories: Northern Star
Langenbrunner Leads the Lumberjacks
Cloquet's captain leads the team in stats and on the field.
Cloquet’s captain leads the team in stats and on the field.
Softball Brings Thomas Out of Her Shell
Breanna Thomas gets confident and comfortable on the field.
Hermantown junior Breanna Thomas uses softball to overcome shyness.
Cunningham is Having a Smooth Transition to College Baseball
Ryan Cunningham is a Virginia High School alumni and now attends UMD
Ryan Cunningham is a freshman pitcher at UMD.
Reinkall Fills Many Roles For Spartans
Justin Reinkall pitches for Superior and is their number three hitter.
“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.
