College

UMD Cross Country Leaning on Leadership in 2024 Season

Head Coach Brette Jensen to take maternity leave

DULUTH, Minn.- Leadership is expected to play a major role in the UMD cross country team’s 2024 season. Brette Jensen is entering her third season as the Bulldogs’ head coach. However, she will soon step away from the team as part of her maternity leave, leaving it up to assistant coach Drew Palmer and her team captains to step up…

Mixed Bag of Veterans & Rookies Make Up 2024 UMD Volleyball Team

UMD's season begins on September 6th at the Texas A&M Kingsville Invitational.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team is coming off another successful campaign in 2023, which resulted in the team’s 2nd straight NCAA tournament appearance. Monday, marked the beginning of the road to trying to make it a 3rd straight appearance as the team held their first practices. The Bulldogs return a lot of experience from a year ago, including four…

UMD’s Sam Pitz Catching Eye of NFL Scouts

Led Bulldogs with 9 receiving touchdowns in 2023

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s Sam Pitz is entering his final eligible season of college football, but his career on the gridiron may only be getting started. The tight end from Appleton is getting attention from NFL scouts, who have been visiting UMD practices as the Bulldogs prepare for the regular season. In addition, Pitz has been named to the D2 Football…

Celebration for UMD Hockey Legend Mike Sertich Announced

The legendary UMD head hockey coach passed away last week after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

DULUTH, Minn.- A celebration for Mike Sertich has been announced for next month. The legendary UMD head hockey coach passed away last week after a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer. A visitiation and service is set for September 13th at the DECC. The visitiation will go from 12 to 2 pm and the service will begin at 2 PM. Sertich…

UMD Men’s Cross Country Picked to Finish 3rd, Women Slotted at #6 in NSIC Preseason Polls

Jack Van Kempen and Franny Seidel were named to the players to watch list.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s and women’s cross country squads learned where they stand as the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll was released Thursday morning. The men were picked to finish 3rd after placing 2nd at the NSIC Championship last year. As for the women, they’re slotted in at number six after also going 6th at the NSIC Championship a year…

Northland College Picks Jake Bobrowski to Lead Women’s Hockey Program

Bobrowski is the 4th head coach in program history.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College announced on Wednesday that Jake Bobrowski is the new head women’s hockey coach. Bobrowski comes from PWHL Minnesota, where he was an assistant for the Walter Cup Champions. Prior to that, he was the head coach at Elmira University and also spent time at the University of Minnesota. Bobrowski is the 4th head coach in program…

UMD Names Nat Wagner as New Head Softball Coach

Wagner will lead a Bulldog squad that is coming off a 41-15 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD softball has a new head coach. On Wednesday, the school announced Nat Wagner is set to take over for Lynn Anderson, who was at the helm for the last three seasons. Wagner comes from St. Thomas, where he was an assistant coach for the Tommies for two years. He has plenty of experience in the NSIC as…

UMD Announces Partnership with 218 Champions Collective

The collective aims to support UMD athletes from all sports who want to earn money off their name, image, or likeness.

DULUTH, Minn.- On Tuesday, UMD announced a partnership with the 218 Champions Collective. The collective aims to support UMD athletes from all sports who want to earn money off their name, image, or likeness. The alliance between the two partners will provide prospective donors and businesses the opportunity to make contributions through the collective that can fit any budget. Memberships…

UMD Soccer Picked to Finish 8th in NSIC, Haugen & Tobias Named Players to Watch

UMD is coming off a 6-7-6 a year ago.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC Coaches Preseason Poll was released on Tuesday morning. Coming in at number eight was the UMD Bulldogs, who finished 6-7-6 a year ago. The conference players to watch list was also revealed and it included two Bulldogs. They are Baamlak Haugen and Anna Tobias. Haugen played a key role in the UMD defense as they held…

UMD Football to Enter Season Ranked #17 in AFCA D2 Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs are one of four NSIC teams in the top 25, joining Augustana, Minnesota State-Mankato and Bemidji State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team learned their AFCA Division two ranking heading into the season on Monday. The Bulldogs come in ranked at number 17, the highest preseason ranking they’ve had since the 2021 season. UMD finished their 2023 campaign slotted as the 25th team in the country. The Bulldogs are one of four NSIC teams in the top…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Pick Up Another Preseason Honor

The duo was previously named to the East-West Shrine Bowl 1,000 Watchlist.

DULUTH, Minn.- Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were named to the D2football.com Elite 100 Watch List on Thursday. Pitz was the lone tight end listed on the first team. As for Williams, he earned 2nd team honors. This is the 2nd preseason accolade for the duo as they were previously named to the East-West…

Superior’s Jackson Marthaler Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Just last season, Marthaler skated in 18 games for the Spartans. He had six goals and one assist.

SUPERIOR, Wis.-  The UMD men’s hockey team has added another key recruit for the class of 2026. Superior’s Jackson Marthaler is staying close to home. He made the official announcement on his own personal Instagram page Thursday afternoon. Just last season, Marthaler skated in 18 games for the Spartans. He had six goals and one assist. Marthaler is set to…

Former Bulldog Player & Coach Michelle McAteer Named New WCHA Commissioner

McAteer skated for UMD from 1999 to 2003 and was a part of the Bulldogs only three-peat.

DULUTH, Minn.- The WCHA has a new commissioner and she just so happens to be a former Bulldog player and coach. Thursday, it was announced that Michelle McAteer has been selected to lead the conference. McAteer skated for UMD from 1999 to 2003 and was a part of the Bulldogs only three-peat, winning titles in 2001, 2002, and 2003. She…

UMD Volleyball Picked 5th in NSIC Preseason Poll, Paulsen Named Player to Watch

UMD received 148 points in the poll.

DULUTH, Minn.- The NSIC preseason volleyball poll was released on Thursday. Coming in at number five was the UMD Bulldogs, who received 148 points. Wayne State, Concordia-St. Paul, St. Cloud State, and lastly Southwest Minnesota State were the teams ahead of UMD. In other Bulldog volleyball news, senior right side hitter Samantha Paulsen was named to the Player to Watch…

Longtime UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Mike Sertich Passes Away

Sertich led the Bulldogs from 1982 to 2000.

DULUTH, Minn.- Legendary UMD men’s head hockey coach Mike Sertich passed away at the age of 77 on Thursday. Sertich led the Bulldogs from 1982 to 2000, guiding the team to three WCHA regular season titles, two league playoff titles, and four NCAA tournament berths. He also was named WCHA Coach of the Year four times and was the first…

Mesabi Range Men’s Basketball Coach Tamara Moore Steps Down, Joins Mavericks as Scout

Moore made history with the Norsemen, becoming the 1st African American woman to coach a men's college basketball program.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Mesabi Range head men’s basketball coach Tamara Moore is stepping down after four seasons. Moore made the official announcement on her own personal Twitter page on Wednesday. She made history with the Norsemen becoming the 1st African American woman to coach a men’s college basketball program. Moore is making the jump to the pros as she is joining…

Justin Richards Heading Overseas to Continue Pro Career in Germany

It's Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Nick Swaney wasn’t the only former Bulldog to put pen to paper recently. On Tuesday, former center Justin Richards joined Dusseldorfer EG of the German Hockey League. It’s Richards first stint overseas as he played in the Rangers, Blue Jackets and Sabres organizations for the past four seasons. He was most recently with the Rochester Americans of the…

Nick Swaney Departs Wild Organization to Join Hurricanes AHL Team

Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Bulldog Nick Swaney is no longer a free agent. Late last week, Swaney signed with the Chicago Wolves, who are the AHL affiliate of the Carolina Hurricanes. Swaney was in the Wild organization for the past four seasons. After dealing with an injury for most of the year, Swaney skated in seven games for the Iowa Wild….

Former Bulldog Luke Johnson Transfers to Alaska Fairbanks

In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back in April, forward Luke Johnson entered the transfer portal, ending his two-year stint at UMD. Now, it appears he’s landed with a new team. Johnson has enrolled at the University of Alaska-Fairbanks and is set to play for the Nanooks this upcoming season. In the 2023-2024 season, Johnson had one goal and two assists. He had the…

UMD Football Named NSIC Favorites in Preseason Poll

Walljasper, Hennessey Players to Watch

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team has been selected as the preseason NSIC favorites, according to a poll of coaches within the conference. Last year, the Bulldogs finished 9-2 overall, which put them in a tie for second place in the NSIC. In addition, Quarterback Kyle Walljasper and Defensive End Drew Hennessey has been named as Players to Watch in…

UMD Football Motivated by 2023 Playoff Snub

Opening season August 29 at Northern Michigan

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD football team arrived at Griggs Field with pent-up energy and excitement for the upcoming 2024 season. “It’s been a long time coming, but I’m super excited to kind of get after it again and get back in the swing of things.” said tight end Sam Pitz. “It’s a great feeling, back with the boys. Kind of…

Hermantown Native Victor Plante Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

Victor's brothers Max and Zam are set to suit up for UMD this upcoming season.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Another member of the Plante family will soon call UMD home. On Friday, Victor Plante verbally announced his commitment to the Bulldogs. And if all goes to plan, he could join his brothers Max and Zam in the 2026-2027 season. Victor’s dad Derek also played and served as an assistant coach for the team. The Hermantown native is…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Brykaliuk & Soares to Coaching Staff

Brykaliuk and Soares are the first two hires done by new head coach Laura Schuler.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two new assistant coaches have joined the UMD women’s hockey program. One is already familiar with the team and that is Ashleigh Brykaliuk, who was an assistant before stepping away in 2021. She also played her college hockey at UMD from 2013 to 2017. The new face is Olivia Soares, who joins the team after spending the last…

UMD’s Gascon & Kraemer Named to Canada’s National Development Team

The series against USA begins August 14th in Thorold, Ontario.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Bulldog women will represent Team Canada later this month for the development series against Team USA. Goaltender Eve Gascon and incoming forward Caitlin Kraemer have made the roster of 24. Both have prior experience with the team as Gascon made the development team last year and Kraemer was on the U-18 team. The series begins…

UWS Men’s Soccer Releases Schedule for Upcoming Season

UWS is coming off a 17-4-2 record a year ago.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The seven-time defending UMAC champions, the UW-Superior men’s soccer team announced their schedule for the upcoming season. After three exhibition bouts, the team will open up the regular season at Augsburg on August 30th. One week later, they’ll host Carleton in their home opener and first-ever game at SCCU Stadium. For a full look at the schedule, click…

Former UMD Defender Quinn Dunkle to Play for Union

Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former UMD women’s hockey player has found her next college team. Quinn Dunkle is set to suit up for Union this upcoming season. Dunkle only skated in Duluth for one season. In 36 games, she had one assist. Dunkle is the fourth player to transfer out of the program. She joins goaltender Hailey MacLeod, who went to…

NCHC Announces New Playoff Format for 2027 Season

Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament.

DULUTH, Minn.- With the addition of St. Thomas to the NCHC, the conference is changing their playoff format. Beginning in 2027, all 10 teams will make the conference tournament. The playoffs will take place over the course of three weekends and will happen at on-campus sites. A difference from year’s past. The conference also announced they will revert back to…

Northland’s Bloedel & Superior’s DeQuevedo Nominated for NCAA Women of the Year Award

Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Two local student-athletes have founds themselves up for a prestigous award. Northland College’s Maddy Bloedel and UW-Superior’s Alexxa Dequevedo were each nominated for the NCAA Women of the Year award. Bloedel plays golf and hockey for the Lumberjills. While, Dequevedeo is on the UW-Superior Track and Field team. Each player nominated is picked based off of academics, athletics,…

Natasha Hawkins Joins St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey as Assistant Coach

Hawkins spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year.

DULUTH, Minn.- Just a day after stepping down as the Northland College Head Women’s Hockey Coach, Natasha Hawkins has found her next spot. On Thursday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Hawkins is the new women’s hockey assistant coach. She spent the last two seasons in Ashland and was the interim head coach in her final year. Hawkins helped…

UMD Women’s Hockey Adds Defender Devyn Millwater Via Transfer Portal

Millwater spent the last three seasons with St. Cloud State.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has added another player from the transfer portal. The latest being defender Devyn Millwater, who comes from St. Cloud State. She spent the last three seasons with the Huskies. During that time, Millwater skated in 71 games and tallied one goal and five assists. She’s the fourth player to join UMD this off-season…

Natasha Hawkins Steps Down as Head Women’s Hockey Coach at Northland College

Hawkins was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College is in need of a new head women’s hockey coach. On Wednesday, the school announced that interim head coach Natasha Hawkins has stepped down after one year at the helm. She was on the staff for a total of two seasons and helped lead the Lumberjills to their first playoff win. The search for her replacement…

Former Bulldogs Forward Connor McMenamin Rejoins Reading Royals

The Royals are the ECHL affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers.

DULUTH, Minn.- Another former Bulldog is staying put with his current team. Forward Connor McMenamin has re-signed with the Reading Royals. McMenamin saw a little bit of time with the squad last season, skating in 10 games. The former Nittany Lion played in only one season for UMD. That was in the 2023-2024 season in which he tallied six goals…

UMD & Head Football Coach Curt Wiese Agree on Contract Extension

The extension keeps Wiese on the sidelines through the 2029 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD head football coach Curt Wiese won’t be leaving the Bulldogs anytime soon. On Tuesday, the school announced that Wiese has agreed to a contract extension, keeping him on the sidelines through the 2029 season. Wiese has led UMD for the past 13 seasons. During that time, he’s posted a record of 97-23. Also during his reign, the…

UMD Football’s Pitz & Williams Named to East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist

The selections serve as a preview of who could suit up in the East-West Shrine Bowl.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two UMD football players have landed on the East-West Shrine Bowl 1000 Watchlist. Graduate Tight End Sam Pitz and sixth-year offensive lineman Aiden Williams were each recognized, becoming the first known Bulldogs to be honored in the preseason by the annual all-star game. Pitz is a three-time NSIC all conference selection, including two first-team nods. Meanwhile, Williams is…

St. Scholastica Names Christian Butler as Interim Head Men’s Basketball Coach

Butler takes over for David Staniger, who stepped down after 24 seasons at the helm.

DULUTH, Minn.- The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team has found their new leader for the time being. Assistant Coach Christian Butler has moved into the interim head coaching position after David Staniger stepped down last week. Before Butler’s first season at CSS, he coached at Aurora University for three seasons. He also played at Hope College and was a student…

UMAC Athletic Conference Unveils New Logo & Brand Identity

It's the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- On Monday, the UMAC athletic conference unveiled a new logo along with their new brand identity. The logo was designed by SKYE and it was designed to convey toughness, togetherness, and an upward trajectory. It’s the first major rebrand since the conference introduced their previous logo in 2003. For more information, click here. Categories: College, Sports

Esko Native Karson Kuhlman Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Kuhlman most recently played for the Bridgeport Islanders in the AHL.

ESKO, Minn.- After seven years of pro hockey in the states, Esko native Karson Kuhlman is taking his talents overseas. Over the weekend, Kuhlman signed with Lukko in Finland. The forward saw plenty of time over the years, skating in games for the Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Winnipeg Jets. This past season, Kuhlman was in the Islanders organization, playing…

Coaches Corner: Grace Hadlich

Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints.

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, St. Scholastica assistant softball coach Grace Hadlich joins us to discuss her new role. Hadlich just wrapped up her four-year playing career for the Saints. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Names Ashley Gustavson as Intern Assistant Coach

Gustavson played for both Wayne State and Minnesota State-Moorhead.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s basketball team has added to their coaching staff. And it’s a former NSIC rival. Former MSU-Moorhead and Wayne State student-athlete Ashley Gustavson has joined the team as an intern assistant coach. Just this past year, she averaged four and a half points in all 29 games for the Dragons. Before that, she played four years…

UMD Volleyball Adds Natalie Pedersen to Coaching Staff

Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD volleyball team has added to their coaching staff. On Friday, the team announced they have added former Central Lakes student-athlete Natalie Pedersen to the staff as a Intern Assistant Coach. Pedersen has previously coached for her alma mater New York Mills and the Central Lakes Juniors. She most recently was the coach for the Minnesota North…

David Staniger Resigns as CSS Head Men’s Basketball Coach After 24 Seasons

Staniger has the most wins in program history with 287.

DULUTH, Minn.- Longtime St. Scholastica head men’s basketball coach David Staniger has resigned. Staniger has been with the team since the 2000 and 2001 season. Over the course of that reign, he led the Saints to one national tournament, four UMAC regular season titles and four UMAC postseason titles. Staniger has the most wins in program history with 287. He…

Aaron Blanchard Joins UMD Women’s Soccer Coaching Staff

Blanchard spent the last four seasons on the Northland College coaching staff.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s soccer team has added an assistant coach. Former Northland College head coach Aaron Blanchard has joined the staff. He previously served the Lumberjills for the past four seasons. Blanchard is also the head coach of the Superior City FC women’s team. This past summer, he led them to a 6-2-3 record. UMD opens the season…

Scholastica’s Jason Schmitz to Coach at 2024 Women’s NCAA College Basketball Academy

The camp goes from July 27th through July 29th in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica women’s basketball head coach Jason Schmitz will make his way to South Carolina later this month. Schmitz is one of the 10 coaches picked to lead at the 2024 Women’s NCAA College Basketball Academy. The camps are put on to provide prospective student-athletes a sample of the college basketball experience. The camp goes from July 27th…

Esko’s Koi Perich Featured in “EA Sports College Football 25”

Perich was one of the 14,000 college football players to opt into "EA Sports College Football 2025".

ESKO, Minn.- Esko’s Koi Perich is in the game! Perich was one of the 14,000 college football players to opt into “EA Sports College Football 2025”. The current Golden Gopher is rated 75 overall, which is the highest rating for Minnesota safeties. DA USER#3 pic.twitter.com/E0uPMvJnge — Koi Perich (@koiperich3) July 16, 2024 All players who opted in were given six…

Duluth East Hockey Product Luke LaMaster Transfers to Alaska After Four Seasons in Wisconsin

LaMaster skated in 66 games total for Wisconsin.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Greyhound has found his next college home. After four seasons at the University of Wisconsin, forward Luke LaMaster has committed to Alaska for his final season. LaMaster only played in one game for the Badgers last season. Prior to that, he skated in 65 games over the course of three seasons, including 34 appearances in 2022…

Former Bulldog & Saint Brenden Kotyk Named Assistant Coach for Savannah Ghost Pirates

Kotyk last suited up for UMD back in 2017. He was with CSS for one season in 2012 and 2013.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former St. Scholastica Saint and UMD Bulldog continues to make his way up the coaching ranks. Brenden Kotyk has been named as the assistant coach of the Savannah Ghost Pirates of the ECHL. The Ghost Pirates are an affiliate of the Florida Panthers. Kotyk is no stranger to the ECHL. He spent the last four seasons in…

Forward Cole Spicer Departs UMD Men’s Hockey Program

Spicer spent two years at UMD.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD Center Cole Spicer announced he will not be returning to the team for the upcoming season. Spicer confirmed the decision to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune. He also added that he is done playing hockey for the foreseeable future to focus on some mental and personal matters. Spicer missed the 2nd half of this past…

Laura Schuler Officially Introduced as UMD Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler's debut will come on September 21st at Ohio State.

DULUTH, Minn.- She’s spent a total of 10 seasons as a UMD women’s hockey assistant coach. And on Thursday, Laura Schuler officially took over the top spot, becoming the 3rd head coach in program history. Schuler was introduced during a press conference at Amsoil Arena. It’s a full-circle moment as she was a finalist for the same position nine years…

Four Bulldogs Set to Participate at USA Hockey Women’s National Festival

The camp begins on August 4th at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, New York.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two former UMD women’s hockey members and two current members will get the chance to skate for the red, white, and blue at the USA Hockey Women’s National Festival. Sydney Brodt, Hanna Baskin, Gabbie Hughes, and lastly, Clara Van Wieren are on the over-18 team. There’s also two future Bulldogs on the under-18 team. They are Rae Meyer…

UMD Names Laura Schuler as New Head Women’s Hockey Coach

Schuler is the 3rd head coach in the team's 25 year history.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been over a month since Maura Crowell departed the UMD women’s hockey team for Dartmouth. On Wednesday, the university finally selected her replacement and it just so happens to be one of her former assistants. Laura Schuler has been named new head coach of the program. She’s the 3rd head coach in the team’s 25 year history….