High School

Janzig
High School, Sports

Hermantown & Wilderness Defenseman Beau Janzig to Play for Air Force

In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A former Hermantown standout and recent member of the Minnesota Wilderness is making the jump to the division one ranks in two years. Defenseman Beau Janzig announced his commitment to the Air Force Academy on Tuesday. In 58 games played last season, Janzig would tally 23 points for the Wilderness. Then just the year before, he had 29…

Prep Volleyball
High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Proctor, Cloquet Look Strong in Openers

Lumberjacks sweep Greyhounds in three sets
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two local high school volleyball teams tipped off their seasons with promising results Tuesday night. The Proctor Rails made some big plays on their home court against Duluth Marshall, who lost their season opener last week against Hermantown. Meanwhile, the Cloquet Lumberjacks picked up right where they left off in 2022, sweeping Duluth East in three sets. Here…

Duluth East Girls Tennis
High School, Sports

Duluth East Girls Tennis Headlined by Deep Senior Class

3-3 start to 2023 season
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The The high school girls tennis season is in full swing, and the courts at Longview will be getting plenty of use from the Duluth East girls, who have already been busy with competitions over the last two weeks. Entering this week, the Greyhounds have gone 3-and-3 as a team, which includes a 7-0 win over Grand Rapids…

Top Play Of The Week
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 8/25

Cromwell-Wright's Dahl fights for interception
Ben Burns,

CROMWELL, Minn.- This week’s top play belongs to Brady Dahl of the Cromwell-Wright football team. In the first quarter, Dahl snatched an interception on a deep pass from the Ogilvie offense. The Cardinals lost to the Lions 42-21 and will face Hill City/Northland next week. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Carlton Wrenshall Football
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Nevis Spoils Raptors’ Varsity Return in Blowout

Carlton-Wrenshall trailed 34-0 after first quarter
Ben Burns,

CARLTON, Minn.- Friday’s high school football game for Carlton-Wrenshall was supposed to be a celebration of their return to varsity action. Instead, they were the victims of a massive blowout, courtesy of the Nevis Tigers. On the first play of the game, Nevis pitched to running back Ayomide Ogundeji, who stiff-armed a defender and used his legs the rest of…

Cloquet Soccer
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Cloquet-Carlton Girls Start Season With Scoreless Draw, C-E-C Boys Fall to Two Rivers

Both teams will return to the pitch on Saturday.
Ben Burns, Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The defending section 7AA champions in both boys and girls soccer began their seasons on Friday. The Cloquet-Carlton girls would have to settle for the scoreless draw with St. Francis. The Lumberjacks (0-0-1) will next play at Two Rivers on Saturday. Then later that evening, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys would fall to Two Rivers 3 to 1. Joe Bailey…

Cromwell Wright Football
High School, Sports

Ogilvie Slips Past Cromwell-Wright in 9-Man Showdown

Cardinals cut lead to five in second half
Ben Burns,

CROMWELL, Minn.- The Cromwell-Wright Cardinals comeback effort wasn’t enough to earn a season-opening victory as they fell to the Ogilvie Tigers 42-21 Thursday night. Ogilvie was the first team to get on the board with a Colby Milbrandt touchdown pass to Cole Herges. The Lions would run a similar play later in the fourth quarter, but it would result in…

Hermantown Vb
High School, Sports

Hermantown Volleyball Opens Season with Straight Set Victory Over Duluth Marshall

Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown volleyball team opened up the regular season on Thursday, hosting Duluth Marshall at home. The Hawks would go on to win the contest in straight sets. (25-12, 25-12, 25-11) Hermantown (1-0) will next play at Esko on August 29th. Duluth Marshall (0-1) will look to bounce back against Proctor, also on the 29th. Categories: High School,…

Prep Soccer
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Proctor Girls, Denfeld Boys Drop Openers

Hunters give up nine goals in blowout
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Northland soccer teams were unable to secure season-opening victories on their home fields Thursday afternoon. The Proctor girls were defeated by the defending state champion St. Francis Huskies 2-1. The Rails trailed early after St. Francis’ Meghan Pryzbilla scored for the Huskies. Proctor will have another chance at a home victory Saturday when they host Esko. Meanwhile,…

Cloquet Volleyball
High School, Sports

State Tourney the Goal for Cloquet Volleyball

Reached sectional finals last two seasons
Ben Burns,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet Lumberjacks are hoping that the third time will be the charm this year if they were to once again play in the sectional finals. Led by Head Coach Heidi Anderson, Cloquet has reached the sectional finals two years in a row but lost in both appearances. Despite those losses, the Lumberjacks have won 44 games over…

Cloquet Carlton G Soccer
High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Girls Soccer Reloading With Young Lineup

9-0 home record in 2022
Ben Burns,

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer team has made their mark on the pitch in recent history, winning four straight section 7AA titles. Even without last year’s strong senior class, the Lumberjacks are ready to defend their crown. Cloquet-Carlton’s 2022 season included a 10-game winning streak. They were also a perfect 9-0 on their home field. Head Coach Dustin Randall…

Hermantown Volleyball
High School, Sports

Hermantown Volleyball Boasts Strong Returning Core of 9 Seniors

The Hawks open the season at home Thursday against Duluth Marshall.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Two days from Tuesday a number of teams will have their first regular season games. That includes the Hermantown Hawks, who having a whopping nine seniors on the roster this season. Head Coach Jessica Williams enters her 2nd year at the helm. She says having that amount of experience will help her team throughout the course of the…

Chisholm Gbb
High School, Sports

Chisholm’s Tresa Baumgard to Join MSU-Moorhead Basketball in 2024-2025 Season

Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she's only 318 points away from breaking the program record.
Neil Vierzba,

CHISHOLM, Minn.- Chisholm senior post Tresa Baumgard has been playing varsity basketball since she was in the 7th grade. Her playing career will continue for at least four more years after her time with the Bluestreaks comes to an end as recently she announced her commitment to MSU-Moorhead. Baumgard is on the brink of history this season as she’s only…

Superior Football Loses To Wasau West
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Superior Falls in Home Opener, Northwestern Cruises Past Ashland

Second-straight year Spartans lose to Warriors
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Despite an early lead, the Superior Spartans begin their football season with a 24-3 loss to Wausau West. Superior’s lone scoring drive began with a third-and-long conversion on a pass from Sam Meller to Taynum Clark, who broke multiple tackles before crossing the first-down line. Despite the drive stalling at the 34-yard line, Tanner Leno put the Spartans…

Coaches Corner
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we caught up with Duluth Denfeld head football coach, Erik Lofald. Lofald is entering his 5th season coaching the Hunters. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Top Play
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Top Play of the Week: 8/18

This weeks’ top play belongs to Tanner Leno of the Superior football team.
Ben Burns,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- This weeks’ top play belongs to Tanner Leno of the Superior football team. Leno booted an impressive 51 yard kick in Superior’s season opener against Wausau West. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Plays of the Week, Sports

Cec Soccer 8 18
High School, Sports

C-E-C Soccer Excited to Defend LSC Title

Third-place finish at 2022 State Tournament
Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- Last season, the Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys soccer team claimed the top spot in the Lake Superior Conference, going a perfect 7-0 against L-S-C opponents. On August 25, the Lumberjacks will be back in action with hopes of defending their title. C-E-C ended the 2022 season with a third-place finish at the Class AA State Tournament. The Lumberjacks were often…

Savela
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

MIB’s Hali Savela to Play College Basketball at Jamestown

Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season.
Neil Vierzba,

MOUNTAIN IRON, Minn.- Mountain Iron-Buhl senior guard Hali Savela announced her commitment to the University of Jamestown on Friday. Savela averaged 16 points per game helping the Rangers to their first state championship this past season. Savela joins Grand Rapids forward Jessika Lofstrom as part of the 2024 Jimmies recruiting class. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Furcht
High School, Sports

Esko’s Finn Furcht Commits to Play College Baseball at Iowa Western

The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season.
Neil Vierzba,

ESKO, Minn.- Esko pitcher and outfielder Finn Furcht announced his commitment to Iowa Western on Thursday. The soon to be senior compiled a 6-1 record with a 1.68 ERA last season. He could also hit too as Furcht had 10 extra base hits with 29 runs batted in. Furcht played a huge role in helping lead Esko to their first…

Esko Football
High School, Sports

Esko Ready to Overcome Recent State Losses

Undefeated in last two regular seasons
Ben Burns,

ESKO, Minn.- Over the last two years, Esko’s football team has had a spotless record in the regular season, but a pair of heartbreaking defeats in the postseason has kept the section 7AAA powerhouse outside of state title contention. In November of 2020, Esko lost in the state quarterfinals to Dylworth-Glyndon-Felton 21-17. Head Coach Scott Arntson is entering the year…

Carlson
College, High School, Sports

Proctor’s Hope Carlson to Play College Hoops at St. Scholastica

Carlson averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game last season.
Neil Vierzba,

PROCTOR, Minn.- A Proctor girls basketball standout won’t have to go far for her next team. Forward Hope Carlson announced that she will suit up for the College of Scholastica this upcoming season. Just last season, Carlson was a Class AA All-State honorable mention. She averaged 19 points, seven rebounds, and three assists per game. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Duluth East Football
High School, Sports

Duluth East Enters Football Season With New Look

Aiming for first winning season since 2020
Ben Burns,

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth East Greyhounds haven’t had a winning football team since the shortened 2020 COVID season. The freshmen from that team are now seniors, hoping to get their program back to its former glory. The Greyhounds will have a lot of fresh faces taking the field on their season opener. Head Coach Joe Hietala estimates he has about…

Proctor Football
High School, Sports

Proctor Football Aims to Change Narrative & Mindset in New Campaign

The Rails are entering year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk.
Neil Vierzba,

PROCTOR, Minn.- It was a learning year for the Proctor football team in 2022. They picked up two wins, including their first since the 2020 season. Now, the Rails enter year two under head coach Matt Krivinchuk. With a heavy senior class led by Zak McPhee, Aaron Bergquist, Nolan Okstad, and Gavin Tabbert, Proctor is looking to put more blocks…

Hermantown Football
High School, Sports

Hermantown Football Preaching Responsibility Ahead of 2023 Season

The Hawks kick off week one in the annual hammer game against Proctor on September 1st.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown football team is back at it on the practice field after a 6-3 campaign a year ago. Having a season like that is something you can pat yourself on the back for. But, for Hawks head coach Mike Zagelmeyer and his 14 seniors they still think about the ending. Which was a 7AAAA semifinal loss to…

Denfeld Football
High School, Sports

No Need for Speed, Duluth Denfeld Football Already Has It

The Hunters open the season September 1st at home against Mora.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Denfeld football made a step forward in 2022, picking up three wins last season. Which was three wins better than the year before. Even better news for the Hunter program is that a lot of those guys that competed in those games last year are back. That includes quarterback Mace Brooks, running back Taye Manns, and wide…

Cloquet Football
High School, Sports

Cloquet Football Faces Challenges of Restructuring Line & Road Dominated Schedule in 2023

The Lumberjacks will play most of their home games at Egerdahl Field in Proctor this season.
Neil Vierzba,

CLOQUET, Minn.- It was the first day of practice for prep sports in Minnesota on Monday. One of those teams kicking off their 2023 season was the Cloquet football team, who is coming off a 7-4 season. The Lumberjacks return a number of skill position players including running back & linebacker Warren Hietala and fullback & linebacker Carter Horvat. However,…

Carlton Wrenshall Football
High School, Sports

Carlton-Wrenshall Raptors Return to Varsity Competition

Co-op fielding 24 players following 2022 JV season
Ben Burns,

WRENSHALL, Minn.- The Carlton-Wrenshall Raptors have returned to the football field as they prepare for their season opener later this August. It will actually be their first varsity game in over a year after only fielding a JV team in 2022 due to low numbers. At the end of last fall, the Raptors had 20 high school players on their…

Grace Kirk
College, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Alum Grace Kirk Hosts First-Ever Girls Basketball Camp

The camp wasn't all basketball as Kirk led a talking session on self-determination, self-worth, and voice for young women.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Duluth Marshall alum Grace Kirk has gone on to do big things since her Hilltopper career ended in 2020. Now a senior guard at Brown University, Kirk made her return to the Duluth community to give back with her first-ever girls basketball camp. Nearly a dozen local athletes grades 8 through 12 were on hand to receive instructions…

Lofstrom
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Forward Jessika Lofstrom to Play College Hoops at Jamestown

Just this past season, Lofstrom averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd consecutive state tournament.
Neil Vierzba,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids standout Jessika Lofstrom has announced her college commitment. Over the weekend, Lofstrom said on her personal twitter page she intends to suit up for the University of Jamestown, once her time with the Thunderhawks comes to an end. Just this past season, she averaged 16 points per game and helped lead Rapids to their 3rd…

Northwestern Football
High School, Sports

Northwestern Football Relies on Young Talent in Upcoming Season

The Tigers are set to kick off their season, on August 18 on the road against Ashland. 
Cam Derr,

MAPLE, Wis.- In three of the last four seasons, the Northwestern football team has completed a perfectly unblemished regular season. This year, the 17-time Heart O’North Champions will face the challenge of filling 18 of the 22 starting spots. That all began on Monday, Day One of practice. The Tigers graduated a large senior class last season of key players…

Superior Football
High School, Sports

Superior Football Riding Youth Movement Into 2023 Season

Superior is looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Hard to believe but in just 17 days from now, prep football in Wisconsin kicks off. Tuesday was the first day teams hit the practice field in preparation of the 2023 season. One of those teams getting things going was Superior, who are looking to turn things around after a 1-8 season in 2022. Head Coach Bob DeMeyer…

Henry Peterson
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Henry Peterson Commits to Play Hockey at St. Thomas

Peterson skated in 22 games last season for the Hawks and would tally one goal and two assists.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- With the calender flipping over to August, junior high school hockey players are allowed to announce their verbal college commitments. Hermantown junior defenseman Henry Peterson was one of those players to waste no time. Peterson announced via his own personal Twitter account that he has committed to the University of St. Thomas. He skated in 22 games last…

Gr Coach
High School, Sports

Thunderhawks Head Coach Wade Chiodo Named Team President of Oklahoma Warriors

Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season.
Neil Vierzba,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- Grand Rapids head boys varsity hockey coach Wade Chiodo has been serving as director of player personnel for the Oklahoma Warriors of the NAHL the last three seasons. Now, he’s preparing for a new gig as Chiodo was named as Team President. Chiodo will still serve as head coach of the Thunderhawks for this upcoming season. Grand…

Menzel
High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Peyton Menzel to Play College Football at UMD

The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- A Hermantown standout is staying close to home to play college football. Hawks wide receiver Peyton Menzel announced his commitment to UMD on Saturday. The soon to be senior wideout hauled in 40 receptions with seven touchdowns and 579 yards receiving. Overall, he would accumulate 687 all-purpose yards. Menzel and Hermantown are coming off a 6-3 season last…

Pionk
College, High School, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown Native Aaron Pionk Selected By Minnesota Wild in NHL Draft

It will be a few years before Pionk puts on the Wild sweater. He's set to play for UMD this upcoming season.
Neil Vierzba,

  NASHVILLE, Tenn.- Hermantown native Aaron Pionk would have to wait a little bit on Thursday to hear his name called in the NHL Draft. Finally at pick number 149 in the 5th round, Pionk’s home state team, the Minnesota Wild would select the defenseman. “The thought of that is crazy. I thought I had played my last game there…

Aaron Pionk
High School, Professional Sports, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown Hockey Standout Aaron Pionk Soaking Up NHL Draft Experience

Pionk says he's spoken to seven organizations at the combine and has had others team reach out after the fact.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Hermantown hockey standout Aaron Pionk is set to experience a childhood dream. And that’s hear his name called at the NHL draft in the coming days. Over the past year, the former Hawk forward now turned defenseman, started to see interest from NHL teams at his USHSL games as well as the combine. He says he’s spoken to…

Edwards
College, High School, Sports

Former Greyhounds Pitcher Caden Edwards Transfers to Minnesota Crookston

Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games.
Neil Vierzba,

CROOKSTON, Minn.- Former Duluth East and NDSU pitcher and first baseman Caden Edwards announced on Tuesday that he is transferring to Minnesota Crookson. Over the course of three seasons in Fargo, Edwards appeared in eight games. He would strikeout eight over the course of 11 1/3 innings played. Edwards also earned his first collegiate win in a contest against Mayville…

Nhl Draft Prospects
High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Pionk & Hanson Hope to Hear Name Called in 2023 NHL Draft

Both players spent last season in the USHSL. They are each set to join UMD in the coming years.
Neil Vierzba,

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The NHL draft takes place on Wednesday in the Music City. And two local Hermantown standouts could potentially hear their named called on the two-day draft. Those two being defenseman Aaron Pionk and Ty Hanson. Pionk just recently flipped his commitment from MSU-Mankato to UMD. He spent last season with the Waterloo Blackhawks in the USHSL, posting 12…

Cale
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko Baseball’s Cale Haugen Awarded MSHSBCA AA Player of the Year

Haugen was also named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year.
Cam Derr,

ESKO, Minn.- Esko senior Cale Haugen reached another great honor to round out his high school career. Haugen was awarded Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association Class AA Player of the Year. The Mankato commit was lights out on the mound with a .27 earned run average with 98 ks in 51.1 innings pitched. While at the plate, he…

Peterson
High School, Sports

Superior’s Eva Peterson Commits to Play Hoops at Grand View University

The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year.
Neil Vierzba,

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Superior’s Eva Peterson made her college commitment on Thursday. Peterson will play college hoops for the Grand View University Vikings beginning in the fall of 2024. The junior would average 12.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game for the Spartans last year. She would also tally 32 steals and 40 assists as Superior went 21-3. Categories: High School,…

Pss
High School, Sports

Public Schools Stadium to Be Renamed on July 1st

It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- Beginning on July 1st, Public Schools Stadium on the campus of Duluth Denfeld high school will have a new name. It will now be called Walt Hunting Stadium-Marv Heikkinen Field. Hunting coaching the Denfeld football team from 1927 to 1955, winning 14 city titles, and 5 state titles, some of which were official and some were unofficial. Heikkinen…

All State Bsb Sb
High School, Sports

MSHSL All State Baseball and Softball Teams

All baseball and softball players that earned All-State Honors this season.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.- The MSHSL baseball All-State teams are as follows: Class A Fr. Noah Asuma, Cherry Jr. Logan Loe, Ely Sr. Wyatt Olson, South Ridge Class AA Jr. Finn Furcht, Esko Furcht batted .394, with 29 RBIs and 5 homeruns. On the mound he posted a 1.69 ERA, 69 Ks in 37.1 IP. Sr. Cale Haugen, Esko Haugen was voted…

Esko Records
High School, Sports

Esko Baseball with Record Setting Season

Esko now holds the MSHSL record for lowest batting average against with a combined .140.
Cam Derr,

ESKO, Minn.- The book closed on the 2023 prep baseball season this past Friday with one State Championship coming home to the Northland, by way of Esko’s 9-0 shutout over Perham to claim their first ever State Title. Aside from being the champs of Class AA, the Eskomos were on a tear this season, shattering one record after another. Esko…

Esko Baseball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Esko Baseball Shuts Out Perham for First-Ever State Championship Title

In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize.
Neil Vierzba, Cam Derr,

ST. PAUL, Minn.- In their first state tournament appearance since 2000, the Esko baseball team is leaving the tourney with the top prize. “We were a little nervous at the beginning, which is to be expected, but they weathered the storm and our offense carried us today and we got three unbelievable pitching performances in the tournament. I think we…

Nahl Draft
High School, Sports

Reyelts, Nelson, & DeMars Selected in NAHL Draft

Proctor's A.J. Reyelts, Hermantown's Drew Nelson, and Grand Rapids' Hayden DeMars are taking their talents to the NAHL.
Neil Vierzba,

DULUTH, Minn.- The NAHL draft took place on Wednesday and three local area hockey players heard their name called in the 15 round affair. The first to hear their name called was Proctor goalie A.J. Reyelts. He was selected at pick number 125 in the 4th round by the Kenai River Brown Bears. Reyelts manned the pipes in 15 games…

Ashlandoredockerssoccer
High School, Sports

Ashland Girls Soccer Sees Season End in D3 WIAA State Semifinals

Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2.
Neil Vierzba,

MILWAUKEE, Wis.- The Ashland girls soccer team would battle with Edgewood on Thursday in the D3 WIAA State Semifinals, ultimately falling to the Crusaders 5 to 1. Cassidy Lustig had the lone goal for the Oredockers in the contest. Ashland finishes the season with an overall record of 19-3-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Esko
High School, Sports

State Baseball: Esko Earns Spot in AA Championship Game, Grand Rapids Places 4th, South Ridge Wins Consolation

Esko will next play Perham in the title game on Friday at 1 PM at CHS Field in St. Paul.
Neil Vierzba,

ST. CLOUD, Minn.- The Esko baseball team is on their way to St. Paul after defeating Cannon Falls 7-2 in the AA semifinals on Wednesday. In the bottom of the 4th, Esko would take the 3-2 lead via a throwing error by the Bombers shortstop. Moments later, Isaak Sertich stepped to the plate and crushed a grand slam to give…