Friday Night Frenzy

UMD Men’s Basketball Drops Series Opener to MSU-Moorhead

Drew Blair led the way with 22 points while Joshua Brown finished with 19 points and four rebounds as the Bulldogs suffered their second straight loss.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team dropped their second straight game, as MSU-Moorhead got the 93-76 win in the first game of the weekend series. Drew Blair led the way with 22 points while Joshua Brown finished with 19 points and four rebounds. Austin Andrews chipped in with 10 points and four rebounds. The Bulldogs shot 52 percent…

Soderberg Shines In Net as UMD Women’s Hockey Blanks Ohio State

Anna Klein and Taylor Anderson each scored for the Bulldogs, who won their 10th straight home game against the Buckeyes.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior netminder Emma Soderberg finished with 34 saves and picked up her third shutout of the season as the UMD women’s hockey team defeated Ohio State 2-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Anna Klein and Taylor Anderson each scored for the Bulldogs, who won their 10th straight home game against the Buckeyes. UMD will aim for the…

Blair Leads UMD Men’s Basketball Past U-Mary

Freshman Joshua Brown chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Austin Andrews also finished with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sophomore Drew Blair scored 20 points as the UMD men’s basketball team returned to action in a big way, dominating U-Mary 72-50 Friday night at Romano Gym. Freshman Joshua Brown chipped in with 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Austin Andrews also finished with a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. UMD improves to 2-0 and…

Coaches Corner: Northland Coaches Talk Start of Winter Practices

For this week's segment, we hear from local head coaches on the start of winter sports practices.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, Northland head coaches talk about the start of the winter sports season. We hear from Hermantown hockey coach Patrick Andrews, CEC girls hockey coach Courtney Olin, Proctor girls basketball coach Matt Solberg and Duluth East boys basketball coach Rhett McDonald. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Men’s Hockey Drop Home Opener to St. Cloud State

Luke Mylymok and Blake Biondi each scored their first career goals while senior Nick Swaney capped off a three-goal second period

DULUTH, Minn. – For the first time in ten months, the UMD men’s hockey team played a game on their home ice at Amsoil Arena. But St. Cloud State spoiled the party as the Huskies held on for a 4-3 win Friday night. Luke Mylymok and Blake Biondi each scored their first career goals while senior Nick Swaney capped off…

Ashland Boys Basketball Spoil Opening Night for Superior

Kevon Powell led the Oredockers with 20 points while John Bochler and Alec Lindberg combined for 33.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Ashland boys basketball team picked up the road win Friday night over Superior 74-71 in overtime. Kevon Powell led the Oredockers with 20 points while John Bochler and Alec Lindberg combined for 33 in the winning effort. On the Spartans side, Kaden Kimmes led all scorers with 27 points. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

UMD Women’s Basketball Rolls Past Minot State in Home Opener

Brooke Olson finished with 22 points while Taytum Rhoades scored a career-high 19 points as they led a short-handed Bulldogs squad to a home-opening win.

DULUTH, Minn. – After getting their second game of the season canceled last weekend, the UMD women’s basketball team picked up right where they left off on opening night, getting the 83-65 win over Minot State in their season opener. The Bulldogs were short on players on Friday night, with just nine players available due to quarantine protocols after a…

Coaches Corner: Justin Wieck

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the UMD men's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UMD men’s basketball head coach Justin Wieck as the Bulldogs get their season started. Among the topics discussed are what the roster will look like this upcoming season and how the team will handle playing games during a pandemic. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Proctor’s AV Production Class Releases “Mask Up to Show Up” Video

The video tries to convince people to continue to abide by local and state COVID guidelines throughout the upcoming holiday season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Friday, The AV Production class at Proctor High School released a special video with a powerful message: Mask Up to Show Up. That’s the message from the 45 second video, which includes a scenario where the in-person graduation ceremony was cancelled as well. Head instructor Ted Kiefat says he hopes the video convinces people to continue to…

Coaches Corner: Seamus Gregory

For this week's segment, we catch up with the athletic director and men's hockey head coach at Northland College.

ASHLAND, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Northland College athletic director and men’s hockey head coach Seamus Gregory after the WIAC announced this week that the hockey season will begin next month. Gregory also spoke about his daughter Clare, who was diagnosed with cancer back in August, and what the overwhelming support from the hockey community…

Coaches Corner: Jamie Plesha

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Northern Stars girls hockey team Jamie Plesha about how her team is dealing with the pause on youth sports. She also talked about what her seniors have learned from being in quarantine. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

WIAC Announces Late January Start for Winter Sports Season

The UWS men's hockey team will open their season with an exhibition series against Northland College on January 27th, and then begin conference play the following week against the Lumberjacks.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – While college hockey is in full swing on the Division I level, some conferences in Divisions II and III are still waiting to hear about their plans for winter sports. And Friday, we got a surprise announcement from the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The WIAC has decided that they will be moving forward with their winter sports…

Coaches Corner: Mark Wick

For this week's segment, we catch up with the former head coach of the St. Scholastica men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from former St. Scholastica men’s hockey coach Mark Wick, who is now serving as the assistant hockey coach at Augsburg University. The Hermantown native is also the mental health advocate for the Auggies and spends much of his time speaking to coaches across the state about the issues of mental…

Rogge Powers UMD Women’s Hockey Past St. Cloud State

Junior forward Naomi Rogge scored twice in the second period and goaltender Emma Soderberg logged her second shutout of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior forward Naomi Rogge scored twice in the second period and goaltender Emma Soderberg logged her second shutout of the season as the UMD women’s hockey team blanked St. Cloud State 4-0 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. Assistant captain Anna Klein and freshman Clara Van Wieren also scored for the Bulldogs, who held the Huskies to just…

Coaches Corner: Scott Sandelin

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin as the Bulldogs get set to open their season next week in the NCHC’s pod in Omaha. Sandelin also spoke about his expectations for this year’s squad, as well as what he likes about his captain Noah Cates. Categories: College, Friday Night…

Northland Winter Sports Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Through the frustration, winter sports coaches continue to stay positive and hope that their players will be back on the court and the ice very soon.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, Minnesota governor Tim Walz ordered that all organized youth sports, including on the high school level, be paused for a period of four weeks. The decision prematurely ended the fall sports season, and now it’s delaying winter sports. We have reaction from local coaches including Esko boys basketball coach Derek Anderson, Duluth Denfeld boys Dale…

UMD Women’s Hockey Drop Home Opener to Minnesota

Ashton Bell and Kylie Hanley scored for the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior captain Ashton Bell and junior forward Kylie Hanley would score for the UMD women’s hockey team, but Minnesota would score four unanswered goals as the Golden Gophers knock off the Bulldogs 4-2 Friday night at Amsoil Arena. UMD will look to split the series Saturday afternoon. Puck drop for that game is set for 3:07 p.m….

Coaches Corner: Maura Crowell

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

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell as the Bulldogs open their season this week. Crowell also spoke about the protocols her team have to go through to get on the ice, as well as her expectations for junior goalie Emma Soderberg. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Cloquet tops Proctor in Final High School Volleyball Game of 2020

The Lumberjacks finished the season at 8-4 while the Rails end the year with a 6-4 overall record.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the final match of the Minnesota high school volleyball season, Cloquet picked up a road win over Proctor 3-1 Friday night. The Lumberjacks finished the season at 8-4 while the Rails end the year with a 6-4 overall record. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 11/20

It was the final night of the high school football season as teams looked to close the year on a high note.

PROCTOR, Minn. – It was the final night of the high school football season as teams looked to close the year on a high note. Here are the final scores: SECTION 5/6 NINE-PLAYER South Ridge 0 Win-E-Mac 50 SECTION 7 NINE-PLAYER Bigfork 12 Mountain Iron-Buhl 34 Silver Bay 27 Cherry 0 SECTION 7AA Crosby-Ironton 30 Mesabi East 6 SECTION 7AAA…

Coaches Corner: Mike Zagelmeyer

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

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with the head coach of the Hermantown football team Mike Zagelmeyer. Among the topics discussed are the Hawks’ big win in the Hammer Game over Proctor, as well as what this season has been like playing without packed stands at Centricity Stadium. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

Northwestern Football Knocks Off St. Croix Central in Level 1 Playoff Game

The Tigers advance to Level 2 and will face Ellsworth Thursday, November 19th.

HUDSON, Wis. – Senior fullback Brennen Werner scored two touchdowns in the first half and the defense buckled down in the second half as the Northwestern football team defeated St. Croix Falls 14-0 Friday night in Level 1 of the WIAA Playoffs. The Tigers advance to Level 2 and will face Ellsworth Thursday, November 19th. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High…

Coaches Corner: Joe Hietala

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth East football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth East head football coach Joe Hietala. Among the topics discussed was the team’s battle through various forms of adversity and how grateful the Greyhounds are to play this season with so much uncertainty in the Northland. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 11/6

Here's all the prep football action from Friday, including big wins for Grand Rapids, Duluth East, International Falls and Northwestern.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Grand Rapids football team continued their domination of the 2020 season as they picked up a road win over Cloquet 41-0 Friday night at Bromberg Field. The Thunderhawks improve to 5-0 as they’ll look to end their season undefeated next week against Hibbing. The Lumberjacks fall to 3-2 and they’ll wrap up their season against Duluth…

Coaches Corner: Tom Lenarz

For this week's segment, we catch up with the head coach of the Cloquet football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Cloquet head football coach Tom Lenarz. Among the topics discussed were the Lumberjacks great start to the season, as well as how he is communicating with his players in an unpredictable season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 10/30

Big wins Friday night for Duluth Denfeld, Hermantown, Duluth East and Mesabi East.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior running back Keyshawn Beckom finished with six touchdowns as the Duluth Denfeld football team knocked off Hibbing 50-20 Friday night at Public Schools Stadium. The win is the first on the season for the Hunters and the first head coaching victory for the Hunters’ Erik Lofald. Here are other scores from across the Northland: MN HIGH…

Coaches Corner: Greg Spahn

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Grand Rapids football team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Grand Rapids head football coach Greg Spahn about his team’s undefeated start to the season. Spahn also spoke about the experience of his senior class and what this final season means to them. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 10/23

Here's all of the action from Friday night including wins from Grand Rapids, Duluth East, Cloquet, Carlton-Wrenshall and South Ridge.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Duluth East football team scored 41 unanswered points as they rallied to defeat Hermantown 41-24. The Greyhounds improve to 2-1 on the season while the Hawks fall to 1-2. Here are some more scores from across the Northland. MINNESOTA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL Grand Rapids 55 Duluth Denfeld 12 Cloquet 58 Proctor 13 International Falls 42 Eveleth-Gilbert…

Prep Football: Big Home Wins for Grand Rapids, Cloquet

The Thunderhawks got the shutout win at home over the Hawks, while the Lumberjacks knocked off the Bluejackets.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – In a match-up between two of the top teams in the Northland, Grand Rapids came out on top in a big way as they shutout Hermantown 41-0 Friday night at Noble Hall Field. In other prep football action, Cloquet scored early and often as they topped Hibbing 76-22 and Barnum got the road shutout over Chisholm…

Proctor Cross Country Team Talks Qualifying for State During A Pandemic

The school is also planning on doing a special sendoff for the team as if they were going to state, which includes a celebratory run on the Proctor golf course.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This week, the Minnesota high school cross country season came to a close with section championships. But just because there’s no state meet doesn’t mean you can’t recognize those achievements. The Proctor girls cross country team qualified for state after finishing in second place in the Section 7A finals. John Werner and Joshua Knight also qualified for…

Coaches Corner: Remembering Bob McDonald

For this week's segment, the family of Bob McDonald remembers the coaching legend.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, the family of the late Bob McDonald offer their thoughts and memories of the coaching legend, who passed away earlier this week. Among those we spoke with were Bob’s sons Mike and Joel, as well as his grandson Rhett. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Friday Night Frenzy Highlights and Scores for 10/9/20

It was a successful opening night for Grand Rapids, Hermantown, Esko and South Ridge.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Opening Night at Noble Hall Field went better than expected as the Grand Rapids football team knocked off Duluth East 41-14. And another new turf field got a stellar debut as Hermantown blanked Duluth Denfeld 36-0. Here are the rest of the scores from across the Northland: MN 11-PLAYER FOOTBALL Cloquet 24, North Branch 12 International…

Coaches Corner: Northland Hockey Coaches React to MSHSL’s Schedule Changes

For this week's segment, we talked to local coaches about the MSHSL's decision.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Hermantown boys hockey coach Patrick Andrews and Duluth girls hockey coach Jamie Plesha as they react to the MSHSL’s decision to reduce winter sports schedules by 30% for this upcoming season. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Northwestern, Ashland Win Home Openers

It was a good night for the home teams as the Tigers and Oredockers emerged victorious.

MAPLE, Wis. – Colin Trautt rushed for over 200 yards as the Northwestern football knocked off Hayward 41-6 Friday night for their 19th straight Heart O’ North Conference win. Trautt, along with teammate Brennan Werner, combined to rush for five touchdowns as the Tigers will host St. Croix Falls next week. In other prep football action, Ashland picked up their…

Sticker Shock: Local High School Athletic Directors Talk Increased Fees from the MSHSL

A budget shortfall from the MSHSL has led to an increase in league fees upwards of 400% for some schools.

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the recent optimism for the return of sports, it’s been a rough year for athletic organizations especially when it comes to lost revenue. While the pros and top colleges are expecting their budget deficits to cross over 100 million dollars, high schools are also taking a hit as well. That includes Northland schools, who have been…

Northwestern Football Picks Up Blowout Win on Opening Night

The Tigers scored early and often against Chetek-Weyerhauser.

CHETEK, Wis. – Collin Trautt and Brennan Werner combined to score five touchdowns as Northwestern knocked off Chetek-Weyerhauser 62-0 on the opening night of the Wisconsin high school football season. In other prep football action, Hayward had a bad night in Medford as they lost 52-7 and Ashland fell short of the win as Merrill won 20-14. Categories: Friday Night…

Coaches Corner: Corey Bachand

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the Duluth East boys soccer team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth East boys soccer head coach Corey Bachand following their big win Thursday night over Duluth Denfeld. Bachand spoke about the team’s stellar defense, as well as the new playoff format coming in the next few weeks. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: MFCA President Chuck Ross

For this week's segment, we hear from the president of the Minnesota Football Coaches Association.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with the Minnesota Football Coaches Association president Chuck Ross, following the announcement that the MSHSL will be revisiting their decision to move the high school football season to the spring. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Mike Heffernan

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

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from St. Scholastica football head coach Mike Heffernan as the Saints returned to the practice field this week. Among the topics discussed are Heffernan’s thoughts on the season being moved to the spring and what his coaching staff plans to do in the meantime. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night…

UMD Hockey Coaches Talk Delayed Start to the Season

Both coaches also agreed that the joint statement from the 11 Division I hockey conferences was important to instill confidence that some form of hockey will happen this season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, we found out that the start of the season for the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams will be delayed. We caught up with both head coaches as they weighed in on the decision. “I think we all knew a delay was inevitable. Obviously we’re still hoping because things change daily, weekly and monthly it seems….

Coaches Corner: Zach Otto-Fisher

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UWS women's basketball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from UWS women’s basketball head coach Zach Otto-Fisher following the UMAC’s announcement that winter sports will be cancelled through the end of 2020. Other topics discussed include the impact on recruiting, as well as how the Yellowjackets will get ready during the fall. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Lumberjacks Soccer Trio Take a Knee to Protest Racial Injustice, Social Inequality

We spoke with seniors Mireye Mooose and Katelyn Kelley, as well as junior Ilei Benson, about what this past week has been like for them.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team started off their season with two wins this past week. A trio of players also decided that they would take a knee during the national anthem to bring attention to racial injustice and social inequality. We spoke with seniors Mireye Mooose and Katelyn Kelley, as well as junior Ilei Benson, about what…

Denfeld Alum CJ Ham Earning Veteran Status on Vikings Roster

Back in March, Ham signed a four-year extension with the Vikings worth $12 million.

EAGAN, Minn. – Everyone loves a great underdog. And the Northland has one of their own in Minnesota Vikings fullback CJ Ham. The Denfeld alum is once again suiting up for another season with the purple and gold, and is an important piece of the team’s rushing attack. Ham says his mindset hasn’t changed since his rookie year, when he…

Condensed Schedule Not An Issue for Duluth Marshall Girls Soccer Team

The Hilltoppers will open their season September 1st at home against Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we hear from high school teams across the Northland, one thing is certain about the fall sports season: it’s going to be different. But different doesn’t have to be a bad thing, according to the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team. The Hilltoppers, like all other teams, will be playing a condensed and localized schedule with just…

UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo Talks NSIC Cancellation of 2020 Sports Competitions

For this week's segment, we chat with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo following the NSIC decision to cancel all fall and winter sports through the end of the calendar year. Berlo also spoke about the impact the announcement has on the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Hobey Baker Winner Scott Perunovich Talks Signing On with St. Louis Blues

Instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract next season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD hockey star Scott Perunovich was officially awarded his Hobey Baker trophy Thursday night. Next up for the Hibbing native is preparing for the NHL. Last month, Perunovich signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. But instead of burning this season in the uncertainty of the NHL bubble, Perunovich decided to begin his contract…

Coaches Corner: Jovin Kroll

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

MAPLE, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Northwestern head football coach Jovin Kroll. Among the topics discussed are his initial reaction to the delayed start to the football season, as well as what the lack of a state tournament means to his team. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Jeff Laspi

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team.

PROCTOR, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with Jeff Laspi, the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team. Laspi takes over for Dan Stauber who stepped down this past season. He spent seven years with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team, alongside longtime former head coach Glen Gilderman. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School,…

High School Athletic Directors React to WIAA’s Decision to Delay Fall Sports

Earlier this week, the WIAA announced that high-risk fall sports, including football, boys soccer and volleyball, will be delayed until September 7th.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the Wisconsin Interscholastica Athletic Association announced that high-risk fall sports, including football, boys soccer and volleyball, will be delayed until September 7th. We spoke with three local athletic directors to get their reaction to the announcement: Superior’s Ella Olson, Northwestern’s Brian Smith and Ashland’s Travis Larson. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Josh Berlo

For this week's segment, we hear from UMD's director of athletics.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo. Among the topics discussed includes the latest regarding the status of the fall sports season, as well as the partial re-opening of campus for voluntary workouts. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth