Friday Night Frenzy

Prep Girls Soccer: Duluth Denfeld, Marshall, East Drop Home Openers

Alyssa Doyle scored the lone goal for the Hunters while Nina Thorson scored for the Hilltoppers.

DULUTH, Minn. – Leah Hamm made her debut as head coach of her former program, but the Duluth Denfeld girls soccer team couldn’t fight back as North Branch got the 2-1 win. Alyssa Doyle scored the lone goal for the Hunters. In other prep girls soccer action, New Prague defeated Duluth Marshall 4-1, with Nina Thorson scoring the lone goal…

South Ridge Football Ready to Complete Unfinished Business This Fall

The Panthers will open this season at Bigfork on Thursday, Sept. 2. 

CULVER, Minn. – We have one week until the Minnesota high school football season officially gets started and after not getting to end their season the way they had hoped last year, the South Ridge football team is eager to get going. The Panthers bring back a good amount of experience, especially on the line this year. They say they…

Coaches Corner: UMD Volleyball

For this week's segment, we chat with the UMD volleyball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from the UMD volleyball team, including head coach Jim Boos and team captain Kate Berg, as the Bulldogs began their first week of fall practices. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Prep Football: Northwestern Dominates Ashland, Superior Falls to Ellsworth

The Tigers got the road win over the Oredockers, while the Spartans struggled at home against the Panthers.

MAPLE, Wis. – Greg Ohman found the endzone twice as the Northwestern football team knocked off Ashland 42-7 Friday night at Oredocker Stadium. In other prep football action, Superior dropped their season opener at home to Ellsworth 50-22. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Jackie MacMillan Speaks Out for the First Time Since Resignation at St. Scholastica

The former CSS women's hockey coach says her issues with the administration, and not the athletic department, ultimately forced her to step down.

DULUTH, Minn. – Eleven years ago, the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team began their first year as a program and their first ever head coach was Buffalo, Minnesota native Jackie MacMillan, who knows a thing or two about first-year women’s hockey programs. She was part of the first recruiting class at the University of Wisconsin back in 1999. “There’s some…

Duluth Huskies Rally Comes Up Short Against Bismarck, But Eau Claire Loss Clinches Playoff Spot

Dom Meza homered in the seventh inning as the Huskies are heading to the postseason for the first time since 2018.

DULUTH, Minn. – Down 8-0 in the seventh, the Duluth Huskies started to rally, but came up just short in the ninth as Bismarck got the 8-7 win. However, with Willmar beating Eau Claire, the Huskies have clinched a playoff spot and are back in the postseason for the first time since 2018. The Huskies and Bismarck Larks will wrap…

Coaches Corner: Curt Wiese

For this week's segment, we talk with the head coach of the UMD football team as they wrapped up their first week of fall practice.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UMD football head coach Curt Wiese as the Bulldogs wrapped up their first week of fall practice. UMD hit the field for fall practice for the first time in nearly two years after having last season canceled. The Bulldogs will open the 2021 season at Upper Iowa on Sept….

UMD’s Brent Laing Named to 2022 Senior Bowl Watchlist

For many players, this serves as the first step of the NFL Draft process and mostly consists of players on the Division I level. The 2022 Senior Bowl is set for Feb. 5 in Mobile, Alabama. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team wrapped up their first week of fall practice on Friday. The Bulldogs also learned that one of their own is getting some national recognition for his play on the field. Offensive lineman Brent Laing has been named to the 2022 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watchlist. For many players, this serves as the first step…

UWS Men’s Basketball to Play UW-Green Bay in Exhibition Next Season

This will be the first time the Yellowjackets will play a DI school since November 2009 against Wisconsin. 

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior men’s basketball team announced their schedule for the upcoming season and they’ve got a few big ones circled. On Nov. 27, the Yellowjackets will play the University of Green Bay in an exhibition game. This will be the first time the Yellowjackets will play a DI school since November 2009 against Wisconsin. “I think your…

Saints’ Kevin Ritsche Steps Down as Head Baseball Coach

The CSS alum led the Saints to a 20-9 overall record this past spring and to a runner-up finish in the UMAC regular season, and in the tournament as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica head baseball coach Kevin Ritsche is stepping down. He was hired two years ago but had his first season cut short due to the pandemic. This past spring, the Superior native led the Saints to a 20-9 overall record and a runner-up finish in the UMAC regular season, and in the tournament as well. Ritsche…

Coaches Corner: Jen Walter

For this week's segment, we chat with the former head coach of the UMD softball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD softball coach Jen Walter, who announced this week that she is leaving the program become an assistant coach at St. Thomas. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Superior’s Rick Kennelly to be Inducted into WFCA Hall of Fame

Kennelly is just the third spartan coach to be inducted, joining Larry Hoff and Tom Mestelle.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Rick Kennelly is the definition of a Spartan for life. He graduated from Superior High School, played on the football team and then coached there for 40 years. And after retiring this past spring, Kennelly will be inducted into the Hall of Fame of the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association. “Coach DeMeyer’s nominated me a few times and…

Friends of Eveleth Native, Former UMD Hockey Player Mark Pavelich Hosting Special Events to Raise Money for Mental Health “Ranch”

The event will help raise money for a project Pavelich was working on before his death: "The Ranch: Teammates for Life" which rehabs, researches and educates people on mental illness.

SAUK CENTRE, Minn. – Evelth native and former UMD hockey standout Mark Pavelich will be honored and remembered with multiple events next weekend. Friends and family of the “Miracle on Ice” star want to use the event to continue the conversation of mental health awareness, while also shining a light on who Pavelich was, besides his own mental illness. “People…

Duluth Huskies Hang On for Big, Bounce-Back Win Over La Crosse Loggers

Ambren Voitik delivered the game-winning RBI in the sixth inning to give the Huskies the series split over divisional foes La Crosse.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ambren Voitik delivered the game-winning RBI with the bases loaded and no outs in the sixth to score Brett Paulsen to give the Huskies got the 4-3 win over the La Crosse Loggers. Mike Boeve went 1-for-3 with 2 RBI while Michael Broks went 1-for-3 with two runs scored. Richard Kiel got the win, allowing just one…

Coaches Corner: Karson Kuhlman and Neal Pionk

For this week's segment, we chat with two former UMD men's hockey standouts.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from former UMD men’s hockey standouts Karson Kuhlman and Neal Pionk as they are back in town to help with the Bulldog Hockey Camp at Amsoil Arena. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Local YMCA Seeing Increase in Swimming Session Sign-Ups During Summer Olympics

Team USA has taken home a handful of medals already and it's inspiring more people to get in the pool, including at the Hermantown YMCA. 

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The 2020 Summer Olympics are underway and one of the sports in the main spotlight is swimming. Team USA has taken home a handful of medals already and it’s inspiring more people to get in the pool, including at the Hermantown YMCA. “I think the Olympics are definitely helping us with numbers. We definitely see an uptick…

Coaches Corner: New UWS Baseball Coach TJ Oakes

It's this week's Coaches Corner, we talk to TJ Oakes, the newest head baseball coach for UWS.

SUPERIOR, Wis.– It’s this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk to TJ Oakes, the newest head baseball coach for UWS. The new Yellowjackets leader talks about his coaching experience, what led him to Superior, and what he hopes to accomplish as head coach. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports

Coaches Corner: CJ Ham

For this week's segment, we chat with the Vikings Pro Bowlers and Duluth Denfeld alum.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Minnesota Vikings fullback and former Duluth Denfeld star CJ Ham as the Pro Bowler will be hosting his second-ever football camp this weekend at Public Schools Stadium. Categories: Coaches Corner, Professional Sports, Sports

Lakeview Summer Classic Hockey Tournament Set to Return to Mars Lakeview Arena Next Weekend

Duluth Marshall will open the tournament on Friday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. against Hutchinson, while Hermantown will open things up against Benilde-St. Margaret's on Saturday, July 24 at 10:45 a.m. All games will take place at Mars Lakeview Arena. 

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s nothing quite like hockey in the summer, especially in the Northland. And next weekend, teams from all over the state will be at Mars Lakeview Arena as the annual Lakeview Summer Classic returns. “It’s like Christmas in July,” Duluth Marshall senior goaltender Sam Anderson said. “This kind of signals the start of next season,” Duluth Marshall…

Huskies Complete Another Late Rally to Sweep Minnesota Mud Puppies

The Huskies scored six runs in the eighth inning to sweep the two-game series against the Mud Puppies.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second night in a row, the Duluth Huskies battled back in the eighth inning, six runs on Friday, to get the 10-7 win over the Minnesota Mud Puppies and sweep the series. Charlie Rhee and Ryan McDonald drove in two runs each while Michael Brooks and Calyn Halvorson each scored twice. The Huskies will be…

Duluth FC Wins Regular Season Finale to Clinch Spot in NPSL Playoffs

Dylan Sumner finished with two goals to help send the Bluegreens to the postseason.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dylan Sumner would score twice in the first half as Duluth FC defeated Sioux Falls FC 5-2 Friday night at Public Schools Stadium. Martin Grzywa, Sidney Warden and James Westfield also scored for the Bluegreens, who have clinched their spot in the NPSL playoffs which begin next Tuesday. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

St. Louis County Promotes COVID Vaccines with “Athletes vs. COVID” Campaign

The campaign features short PSAs where each person shares why they got the vaccine and why it's important to encourage others to do so as well.

DULUTH, Minn. – As of today, 70% of adults in the state of Minnesota have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine shot. And according to St. Louis County, there’s still more work to do so they’ve enlisted the help of some local sports celebrities. The county recently started putting out videos called athletes versus COVID, featuring some well known names…

Proctor Alum Matt Welch Riding Bike From Oregon to Maine

On June 21, Welch started in Seaside, Oregon, and will bike coast to coast, all the way to Portland, Maine. He's already traveled over 770 miles, which is only about 15 percent of his journey as he said the route he's taking is about 4,700 miles.

PROCTOR, Minn. – After not qualifying for the 2020 summer Olympic Trials, Proctor High School alum Matt Welch was looking for a new challenge. “I thought of this bike tour and three weeks later I’m on my bike and biking across the country. I’m really just getting started, I’m just getting warmed up right now,” Welch, who also ran track…

Huskies Bats Come to Life in Sweep of Rochester Honkers

Peyton Powell, Calyn Halvorson and Jesse Pierece drove in two runs each. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies came out on top of a back-and-forth with the Rochester Honkers, getting the 10-8 win to sweep the two-game series. The Huskies scored their runs in bunches, plating four in the third and five in the seventh to help secure the win. Peyton Powell, Calyn Halvorson and Jesse Pierece drove in two runs each….

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Talks Joining Team USA for Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Last week, Plante was named to the roster for the United States U-18 Select Team that will compete at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup next month.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Coaches always say that players should always focus more on the name in front of their jersey than the name on the back. Hermantown’s Zam Plante has done a great job representing the Hawks. But next month, the name in front of the jersey will be in red, white and blue. Last week, Plante was named to…

Chisholm Native Eli Sundquist Among Four All-Star Selections for Duluth Huskies

Sundquist has been stellar on the mound for the Huskies this season with 39 strikeouts, which ranks fifth in the entire Northwoods League.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the Northwoods League announced the rosters for this year’s All-Star game and the Duluth Huskies will have four representatives: infielder Ambren Voitik, third baseman Mike Boeve, along with pitchers will McEntire and Chisholm native Eli Sundquist. “I was pretty surprised. I was happy, excited, just all the above. It was nice to get that nomination to…

Cloquet’s Sam Baker Earns Spot at U.S. Junior Amateur Championships

The U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championships is set for July 19-24 at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, NC.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The stellar 2021 for Cloquet golfer Sam Baker continues. Two weeks after guiding the Lumberjacks to the team state championship and winning the individual title, Baker will now get to represent himself on the national stage. Baker has earned a spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship after finishing fifth at one of the qualifiers on Wednesday…

Coaches Corner: Phill Homere

For this week's segment, we talk with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team as he holds his first ever youth basketball skills camp

DULUTH, Minn.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team Phill Homere as he holds his first ever youth basketball skills camp. He’ll be holding another session starting July 19. If interested, contact Phill or the team directly. Categories: Coaches Corner, High School, Sports

Cloquet-Carlton’s Katie Turner Commits to Northern Michigan Women’s Soccer

Last season, Turner was second on the Lumberjacks with 10 goals, including one game-winner, while adding seven assists

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer standout Katie Turner announced on Twitter that she has committed to Northern Michigan University. Last season, Turner was second on the Lumberjacks with 10 goals, including one game-winner, while adding seven assists, as Cloquet-Carlton dropped just one game on their way to winning the section 7A title. In her sophomore season, Turner’s 16 goals…

Duluth Huskies Drop Home Series to Waterloo

Mike Boeve led the Huskies with two RBI as the Huskies will look for better results this weekend when they host Bismarck.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Waterloo Bucks would score nine runs in the final two innings as they get the road win over the Duluth Huskies 11-5 Friday night at Wade Stadium. Mike Boeve led the way with two RBI as the Huskies will look for better results this weekend when they host Bismarck.   Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods…

Shea, King Win Modified Version of William A. Irvin 5K

Just over 1,000 runners took part in this year's modified version of the race, which began and ended at Bayfront Festival Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend is officially underway and Friday’s William A. Irvin 5K kicked off the races. Just over 1,000 runners took part in this year’s modified version of the race, which began and ended at Bayfront Festival Park. The top male finisher was 19-year-old Mason Shea. The River Falls, WI native finished with a time of 16…

Coaches Corner: Nate Hanson

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the Hermantown girls soccer team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Nate Hanson, who was just named the new head coach of the Hermantown girls soccer team. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Baseball Falls to Mahtomedi in Class AAA State Championship Game

Ren Morque, Myles Gunderson and Kyle Henke each finished with two hits as the Thunderhawks finish their season with an overall record of 19-8.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – An early deficit was too big to dig out of as the Grand Rapids baseball team fell to Mahtomedia 20-3 Friday afternoon in the Class AAA state championship game. Ren Morque, Myles Gunderson and Kyle Henke each finished with two hits as the Thunderhawks finish their season with an overall record of 19-8. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Registration Still Open for Sixth Annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp

The camp will take place from July 26th to the 29th at the Superior Ice Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The time for summer hockey camps is right around the corner. And registration is still open for one of the best in the Northland. The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is back for its sixth year of providing elite level instruction and training for local boys and girls youth hockey players. A lot of the same faces…

Duluth East Boys Golf Battle the Elements to Get to State Tournament

The Class AAA boys golf tournament will take place June 15th and 16th at the Bunker Hills Golf Club in Minneapolis.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the Duluth East boys golf team went down to the Grand National Golf Club in Hinckley with one mission: win the section championship and make some history along the way. And after a stellar two days, their mission was accomplished. After leading the way on Day One, the Greyhounds shot a 309 on Day Two…

City of Duluth Works to Maintain Wade Stadium During Busy Summer

With high school section playoffs and the Duluth Huskies being home, it's been a busy week at Wade Stadium. But thanks to the artificial turf put in in 2014, the stadium has been made easier to maintain.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Huskies season underway and section baseball playoffs wrapping up, Wade Stadium was a busy spot throughout the week. “That’s what we look forward to all year. After having nothing here last year so to have it all come back and get it all get going is nice,” lead worker for the City of Duluth Jack…

Mike Randolph Speaks Publicly Following Resignation

The former Greyhounds hockey coach blamed "parental pressure" and lack of "administrative support" for his decision to leave.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, Mike Randolph spoke publicly for the first time since resigning as head coach of the Duluth East boys hockey team. He read from a prepare statement and did not take questions from the media. The lobby at the Heritage Center was packed with supporters as Randolph explained that the press conference was the best way for…

UMD Researcher Looking Into Why Head Coaches Are Leaving Their Positions

The Mike Randolph situation has prompted more conversations about the role parents play in youth sports.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Mike Randolph situation has prompted more conversations about the role parents play in youth sports. Sean Bedard-Parker, a local soccer official who works in the education department at UMD, is currently researching organizational leadership in sports while trying to answer the question “why do people who are involved in the game decide to leave it?” “I…

Coaches Corner: Duluth Huskies

For this week's segment, we hear from members of the Duluth Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from members of the Duluth Huskies baseball team, including team manager Marcus Pointer, outfielders Kyle Westfall and Kimo Fukofuka and pitcher Ben Pedersen. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods League, Sports

Superior Softball Tops Rice Lake in Regular Season Home Finale

The Spartans have now won six straight.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior softball team jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, getting the 7-5 win over Rice Lake on Friday in their regular season home finale. The Spartans have now won six straight and improve to 17-1 on the season. Superior will play a doubleheader at Eau Claire Memorial on Monday with first pitch…

Superior Baseball Sweeps Chippewa Falls

The Spartans rallied for six runs in the fourth inning to get the game one win.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior baseball team rallied to score six runs in the fourth inning to get the 9-4 win over Chippewa Falls in game one of the doubleheader. In the second game, the Spartans topped the Cardinals 8-5. Superior will host Rice Lake on Monday in their final home game of the regular season.   Categories: Friday Night…

Senior Trio Leads Cloquet Golf to Third-Straight State Tournament

Sam Baker, Trevor Steinert and Brayden Tyman have all been playing together on the Cloquet golf team since the 8th grade and have now led the Lumberjacks to three straight state tournaments.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Sam Baker, Trevor Steinert and Brayden Tyman have all been playing together on the Cloquet golf team since the 8th grade. Now, in their last year playing together, they’ve led the Lumberjacks back to their third straight class AA state tournament. “We’ve been ride or die since the start,” senior Sam Baker said. “I’m a teacher at…

Greenway Softball Downs Duluth Marshall, Finishes Regular Season Undefeated for First Time in Program History

The Raiders improve to 20-0 and will now get set for the section playoffs next week.

BOVEY, Minn. – The Greenway softball team scored seven runs in the second inning to help get the 14-2 win over Duluth Marshall in five innings to end the regular season. With the win, the Raiders improve to 20-0 on the season to finish the regular season undefeated for the first time in program history. Duluth Marshall and Greenway will…

Coaches Corner: Josh Berlo

For this week's segment, we catch up with the UMD Athletic Director after he signed a contract extension to stay in Bulldog Country through June 2026.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo after he signed a contract extension to stay in Bulldog Country through June 2026. Berlo talked about the success of the department this academic year and how he’s looking forward to getting crowds back at games following the pandemic. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday…

Wisconsin-Superior Softball’s Season Comes to End in NCAA Tournament

The Yellowjackets end the year with a 22-16 record.

WAVERLY, Iowa – The Wisconsin-Superior softball team’s run in the NCAA Tournament was short, as the Yellowjackets lost to top-seeded St. Olaf 11-3 in the first game then lost to Webster in the second 9-1 to be eliminated from the tournament. In the first game, St. Olaf got off to a strong start and never looked back. The Yellowjackets put…

St. Scholsatica Baseball Falls to Northwestern, UWS Eliminated from UMAC Tournament

CSS will face Bethany Lutheran in an elimination game on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. The winner will face Northwestern in the championship at 4:00 p.m. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The St. Scholastica baseball team suffered their first loss of the UMAC Tournament on Friday night, as top-seeded Northwestern got the 17-2 win to advance to the championship. The Saints got on the board early, with two runs in the first. Jake Schelonka hit an RBI single with the bases loaded, then Mitchell Olson scored on…

Coaches Corner: Mike Sather

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Superior softball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sit down with Superior softball head coach Mike Sather to talk about the Spartans hot start to the 2021 season. Superior is 12-1 on the season and will be back in action on Saturday hosting New Richmond. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Proctor, Cloquet Earn Home Wins

The Lumberjacks pushed their win streak to 13 straight games with a doubleheader sweep of Rush City while the Lumberjacks got the walkoff win over Hibbing.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor softball team pushed their win streak to 13 straight games with 6-2 and 6-0 wins over Rush City to sweep the doubleheader. Proctor improves to 18-1 on the season. In other prep softball, Cloquet got a 3-2 walkoff win over Hibbing. Dana Jones hit the game-winning RBI single. Cloquet improves to 10-6 on the season…