High School

Umpire Clicni
High School, Sports

Northland Umpire Development Alliance to Host Free Training Sessions for Youth Umpires

The sessions will take place Sunday May 8th and Saturday May 14th at the Wheeler Fields in Duluth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Umpire Development Alliance will be hosting training sessions for new baseball officials. The sessions will focus mainly on younger-aged umpires. Organizers say the older officials need to do a better job of passing the torch to the younger generation in order to reverse the damage done by the nationwide shortage of umpires. “Our group has…

Bella Scaia
College, High School, Sports

Hibbing’s Bella Scaia Signs NLI for St. Catherine Volleyball, Softball

Scaia was a four-year varsity player on the Bluejackets volleyball team, appearing in every set of every match in the past three years.
Sam Ali,

HIBBING, Minn. – Wednesday morning, Hibbing’s Bella Scaia signed her National Letter of Intent to join the volleyball and softball teams at St. Catherine University. Scaia says she plans to major in nursing, which will keep her extra busy while playing two sports at the college level. “I’m very excited, but it’s definitely going to be a challenge. A little…

Ryan Thomsche
College, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Ryan Tomsche Commits to UWS Men’s Soccer Team

Tomsche captained the Lumberjacks to their second-ever section title and first since 2011.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, Cloquet’s Ryan Tomsche put pen to paper on his commitment to join the UW-Superior men’s soccer team. This past fall, the center midfielder anchored CEC’s first line of defense for a squad that had a goals against average against under one. Tomsche also captained the Lumberjacks to their second-ever section title and first since 2011….

Pionk
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Aaron Pionk Selected in First Round of USHL Phase II Draft

Pionk currently skates for the Minnesota Wilderness and is fourth on the team among defenseman in points.
Sam Ali,

CHICAGO, Ill. – The USHL held its Phase II Draft Wednesday afternoon. And with the fourth overall pick, Waterloo selected Hermantown native Aaron Pionk. Other selections include a pair of Grand Rapids teammates as Hunter Bischoff went in the fourth roun to Youngstown and Ren Morque was a ninth-round selection for Sioux City. Also, Eveleth native Will Troutwine was taken…

E
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall Blanks Duluth Denfeld, Proctor Earns Walk-Off Win Over Superior

The Hilltoppers shutout the Hunters while the Rails won a thriller over the Spartans.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Freshman pitcher Owen Marsolek pitched a complete game, allowing three hits and no runs while striking out 10 batters as the Duluth Marshall baseball team shutout Duluth Denfeld 3-0 Tuesday afternoon at Wade Stadium. In other prep baseball action, AJ Reyelts hit a sac fly in the bottom of the seventh to give Proctor the walk-off win…

T
High School, Sports

Proctor’s Maddy Walsh Strikes Out 14 in One-Hit Shutout Against Hermantown

Junior Maddy Walsh allowed one hit and struck out 14 batters
Cam Derr,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Junior Maddy Walsh allowed one hit and struck out 14 batters as the Proctor softball team held on to beat Hermantown 1-0 Tuesday afternoon at the Rose Road Fields. The Hawks will look to bounce back Wednesday at home against Duluth Marshall while the Rails will host Duluth Denfeld at home. Categories: High School, Sports

Mike Randolph
High School, Sports

Former Duluth East Hockey Coach Mike Randolph Named New Head Coach at St. Thomas Academy

Randolph spent this past season as an assistant coach with the Cadets after coaching the Greyhounds for over 30 years.
Sam Ali,

MENDOTA HEIGHTS, Minn. – Former Duluth East hockey coach Mike Randolph has been named the new head coach at St. Thomas Academy. Randolph spent this past season as an assistant coach with the Cadets after coaching the Greyhounds for over 30 years. Randolph has the third-most wins ever for a head coach and in his time at East appeared in…

Esko Softball
High School, Sports

Esko Softball Hangs On for Home Win Over Duluth Denfeld

The Eskomos will be back at it again Tuesday afternoon at home against Virginia.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – In a back-and-forth battle, the Esko softball team shook off a slow start and held on for a tight win at home over Duluth Denfeld 6-5 in eight innings Monday afternoon at the Esko Sports Complex. The Eskomos will be back at it again Tuesday afternoon at home against Virginia. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet Baseball
High School, Sports

Home Opener Ends with Nail-Biting Win for Cloquet Baseball Team

Kade Kolodge would throw six scoreless innings for the Lumberjacks as Hayes would close out the Wolves in the seventh, who stranded the bases loaded to end the game.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Senior Marshall Hayes would knock in the only run of the game in the bottom of the sixth as the Cloquet baseball team held on to beat Milaca 1-0 Monday afternoon at Mettner Field. Kade Kolodge would throw six scoreless innings for the Lumberjacks as Hayes would close out the Wolves in the seventh, who stranded the…

Vieau
High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Vieau, Grand Rapids’ Rohloff Selected in USHL Phase I Draft

Vieau was selected by the Tri-City Storm, while Rohloff was picked by the Fargo Force
Sam Ali,

CHICAGO, Ill. – The USHL held its Phase I Draft Monday afternoon and a pair of Northland natives heard their names called. Hermantown’s Dallas Vieau was selected in the seventh round by the Tri-City Storm. Vieau was fourth on the Hawks in goals scored, helping the team capture the 2022 Class A state championship. In the ninth round, the Fargo…

Prcdenbaseball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Proctor, Duluth Denfeld Take Care of Business at Home

Home field advantage was key for the Rails and the Hunters.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor baseball team continued its stellar start to the season, defeating Warroad 10-4 Friday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. In other prep baseball action, CJ Christianson allowed just two hits while striking out 13 batters to help Duluth Denfeld knock off Hibbing 3-1 at Wade Stadium. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Olin Resigns
High School, Sports

Courtney Olin Steps Down as Head Coach of CEC Girls Hockey Team

Olin's decision comes as she will look to continue her career in education.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Seven seasons, 105 wins and an unforgettable run to the 2020 state championship game. That’s the resume for Courtney Olin as she announced earlier this week that she is stepping down as head coach of the CEC girls hockey team. And Olin says it was not at all an easy decision to make. “The moment I was…

Hibprcsoftball
High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Hibbing Picks Up Road Win, Proctor Victorious at Home

It was a good day on the diamond for the Bluejackets and the Rails.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hibbing softball team scored early and often as they defeated Duluth Denfeld 18-4 Thursday afternoon at Swanson Field. In other prep softball action, it was Proctor taking care of business at home against Duluth Marshall 10-0 in five innings. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet Signings
College, High School, Sports

Four Cloquet Lumberjacks Sign National Letters of Intent

The Lumberjacks hosted the athletes friends, family and teammates to celebrate their commitments.
Cam Derr,

CLOQUET, Minn.– Today, four Lumberjacks put pen to paper on their college commitments. Maddie Young signed on to continue her basketball career at St. Catherine University, which means she won’t be too far from home. “I’m just ready for some change I think. I think change is good and I’m really excited to kind of move to a different location…

Dave Esse
High School, Sports

Former CEC Boys Hockey Coach Dave Esse Talks Hall of Fame Induction

Two other Northland natives were also inducted: Steve Wasko of Two Harbors and Virginia's Doc Stanaway.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Back in 2020, former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach Dave Esse was named to the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The pandemic wiped out the actual ceremony, until last week when the Lumberjacks alum finally got to enjoy his enshrinement. Esse spent 18 years with CEC, eight years as an assistant coach and the next ten…

Prep Baseball
High School, Sports

Rock Ridge Baseball Team Blanks Two Harbors

The Wolverines will aim for their fourth win of the season when they host Moose Lake-Willow River on Friday.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Rock Ridge baseball team continued the stellar start to their first season as a program as they shutout Two Harbors 11-0 in five innings Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The Wolverines will aim for their fourth win of the season when they host Moose Lake-Willow River on Friday. Categories: High School, Sports

Aune
High School, Sports

Spencer Aune Named First-Ever Head Coach of Rock Ridge Boys Basketball Team

Aune spent the past decade leading the Virgina girls basketball team after spending three years as an assistant at his alma mater of Hibbing.
Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This wee, Rock Ridge has announced that Spencer Aune will be the first-ever head coach of its new boys basketball team next season. Aune spent the past decade leading the Virgina girls basketball team after spending three years as an assistant at his alma mater of Hibbing. “It’s a little nerve-racking too because you’re the start. There’s…

Htown
High School, Sports

Bitter Cold Conditions Not a Concern in Victories for Hermantown Softball, Baseball Teams

It was a good day on the diamond for both Hawks teams.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team would score early and often as they defeated Duluth Denfeld 10-0 in five innings Tuesday afternoon at Swanson Fields. In prep baseball action, the Hawks baseball team used a strong start to get the win over Proctor 7-1 at Egerdahl Field. Categories: High School, Sports

Dan Jinks
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids’ Dan Jinks Inducted into National Wrestling Hall of Fame

Jinks becomes the eighth Thunderhawk to be named to the Hall of Fame, the most from any school.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This past weekend, the National Wrestling Hall of Fame held its annual ceremony and an Iron Ranger was officially inducted. Longtime Grand Rapids coach Dan Jinks took his spot among the best instructors ever to do it. “When you walk in and see the people that you’re surrounded by, guys that were already in inducted, to…

Cole Css
College, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole Signs NLI for St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Team

Cole was a finalist for the Minnesota Senior Goalie of the Year Award this past season.
Sam Ali,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids/Greenway goalie Kenzie Cole signed her National Letter of Intent Monday to join the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team. Cole says she was in contact with a few schools, but she only toured one of them: CSS. And a lot of that had to do with wanting to check out her future head coach, Julianne…

Proctor V Esko Softball
High School, Sports

Strong Sixth Inning Pushes Proctor Softball Past Esko

The Rails scored eight runs in the sixth inning to stay ahead of the Eskomos.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor softball team used a strong sixth inning to get the win over Esko 10-1 Monday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. The Rails would also top Grand Rapids 14-2 to go 2-0 on the day. Categories: High School, Sports

Superior Soccer Camp
High School, Sports

Superior Soccer Players Hold Youth Skills Camp as Part of Senior Project

The idea for this camp came from the Spartans senior project, where they have to complete 15 hours of community service. Over 60 kids grades 5-8 came out during the two days.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Giving back to the community always feels good and this weekend, a few Superior student-athletes gave back to the next generation of Superior soccer players. Four outgoing Superior soccer players Jake Kidd, Gabriel Remington and Jeffrey and Andrew Olson hosted two Spartan Soccer Camp sessions. The camp was free and available for kids in grades fifth through…

Hp Glax
High School, Sports

Hermantown/Proctor Girls Lacrosse Drops Home Opener

The Stealth will look for their first win of the season on Wednesday hosting Grand Rapids/Greenway.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown/Proctor girls lacrosse team battled through major fog on Saturday afternoon but couldn’t find enough for a rally, as Southwest Christian spoiled the Stealth’s home opener with the 18-6 win. The Stealth drop to 0-2 on the season and are scheduled to be back in action at home on Wednesday hosting Grand Rapids/Greenway at 6:00 p.m….

Prep Baseball
High School, Sports

Proctor Baseball Team Improve to 2-0 with Win Over Rock Ridge

The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their second game of the season, the Proctor baseball team improved to 2-0 on the season as they defeated Rock Ridge 5-4 Friday afternoon. The Rails will be back in action Tuesday as they take on rivals Hermantown. Categories: High School, Sports

Dave Esse
High School, Sports

Former CEC Boys Hockey Coach Dave Esse Inducted into MHCA Hall of Fame

The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys hockey coach Dave Esse has been inducted into the Minnesota Hockey Coaches Association Hall of Fame. The Cloquet alum spent 18 seasons as the Lumberjacks bench boss, leading the program to two state tournament appearances in 2002 and 2008. In his final year with the team in 2017, he was named Class AA…

Dostal
College, High School, Sports

Cloquet’s Marina Dostal Commits to UW-Superior Tennis Team

Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It’s official as Cloquet’s Marina Dostal signed her National Letter of Intent Friday, deciding to continue her education and tennis career close to home at UW-Superior. Dostal was an all-conference selection in singles competition for the Lumberjacks. “I’m excited, for like, new opportunities and to be with a new team and coaches. I’m glad that the team…

Austin Defoe
College, High School, Sports

Ashland’s Austin Defoe Signs NLI for Concordia Moorhead Wrestling Team

In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21.
Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Austin Defoe has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Concordia College wrestling team. In his time as an Oredocker, Defoe finished with an overall record of 124-21. He has qualified for the state tournament twice, taking third and fifth place. He is also a three-time regional champion and received all-conference honors…

Easteskohtownprc
High School, Sports

Prep Baseball: Duluth East, Esko, Proctor Pick Up Wins; Hermantown Walks Off on Duluth Denfeld in Extras

It was a great night on the diamond for the Greyhounds, Eskomos, Rails and Hawks.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the bottom of the eighth inning, Wyatt Carlson would hit a bases-loaded single to score Alex King and give the Hermantown baseball team a 3-2 win over Duluth Denfeld Thursday night at Wade Stadium. In other prep baseball action, Duluth East picked up a road win over Superior 7-1, Esko dominated South Ridge 12-1 in six…

Superior Baseball
High School, Sports

Superior Baseball Team Battling Through Postponements Under First-Year Coach Ryan Hendry

The Spartans will return to action Thursday against Duluth East.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – At this point in the spring sports season, there are very few teams that have played more than two games. Some teams have only been able to get a single game in, like the Superior baseball squad. After ten postponements in the past three weeks, the Spartans finally got a chance to play Tuesday as they topped…

Haley Zembo
College, High School, Sports

Superior’s Haley Zembo Announces Commitment to Winona State Softball Team

As a sophomore, she struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, Superior’s Haley Zembo announced on Twitter that she has committed to joining the Winona State softball team. In her only appearance this season, the junior finished with 10 strikeouts in a win over Cloquet last week. As a sophomore, Zembo struck out 130 batters and finished with an earned run average under one. Categories: College,…

Michael Lau
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Signs NLI for Augsburg Football Team

Lau says he plans to remain at the quarterback position when he joins the Auggies this fall.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wednesday afternoon, Hermantown’s Michael Lau signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Augsburg football team. Lau is a multi-athlete for the Hawks, which includes helping the boys basketball team capture the Section 7AAA championship. But he says he always preferred the gridiron over the hardwood. “I always liked football as a kid. Growing up with…

Golf Petition
High School, Sports

Petition Launched to Propose Moving High School Golf Season to Fall

The petition has already garnered over 1,000 signatures. The MSHSL has yet to comment on the proposal.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – This week, a petition has been launched that calls on the Minnesota State High School League to move golf from the spring to the fall. A few Northland teams are in favor of the proposal like the Cloquet Lumberjacks, who have yet to take part in any competition so far this season. “It’s a little disheartening to…

Superior Baseball
High School, Sports

Superior Baseball Shakes Off Slow Start to Top Cloquet

The Spartans are scheduled to be back in action Wednesday at home against Duluth East, while the Lumberjacks will face the Greyhounds next week. 
Cam Derr,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– In their first game of the season, the Superior baseball team picked up a home win over Cloquet 9-6 Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. The Spartans are scheduled to be back in action Wednesday at home against Duluth East, while the Lumberjacks will face the Greyhounds next week. Categories: High School, Sports

Washburn
High School, Sports

Last-Minute Goal Pushes Washburn Girls Soccer Past Superior

Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Maddie Ludwig would score with 45 seconds left in the match to give Washburn girls soccer team the 2-1 win over Superior Monday afternoon at the NBC Spartans Sports Complex. Olivia Soltero also scored for the Castle Guards, while Brynn Kimmes scored the lone goal for the Spartans. Categories: High School, Sports

Kidd
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Jake Kidd

For this weeks Northern Star, we hear from one of the newest additions to the Duluth FC soccer team.
Cam Derr,

SUPERIOR, Wisc.– Superior’s Jake Kidd is a few weeks away from graduating from Superior high school. Kidd wrapped up his soccer career, last fall as one of the all-time leading scorers, not only for the Spartans, but also in the state. Kidd became one of only 13 players in Wisconsin boys soccer history to score over 100 career goals. Kidd…

Duluth Marshall Baseball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Marshall Bares the Cold for Intrasquad Game

Temperatures today were in the mid to upper twenties during the Hilltoppers practice.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– Today was an unreasonably bitter spring day, but despite the cold, the Duluth Marshall baseball team still held practice. The Hilltoppers were out at Wade Stadium for only their third practice of the season. In an effort to see some live action, the team took the field for an intersquad game that brought some much needed excitement for…

Stella Maris
High School, Sports

New Boys Hockey Program Coming to Stella Maris Academy

This hockey program will be the first team added to Duluth in the past 60 years.
Cam Derr,

DULUTH, Minn.– This upcoming fall, Stella Maris Academy is opening a high school campus in Duluth. In addition to their expansion, the academy plans to add a boys hockey program to their athletics department. “Hockey is huge and we know that the sport itself is important to this community, but also, from a school perspective, extracurricular activities bring in such…

Max Plante
High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Max Plante Named to U.S. National Under-17 Team

The program requires a two-year residency, which means Plante's high school career at Hermantown is over.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This past weekend, the U.S. national hockey team announced its roster for the Under-17 team and it features a Northland standout. Hermantown’s Max Plante is one of 23 players who will compete for USA Hockey’s National Team Development Program. The sophomore forward received an invite to the camp before the state tournament. And after helping the Hawks…

Rapis Asbebs
High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Baseball Opens Season with Road Win Over Duluth Denfeld

Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grand Rapids baseball team opened their regular season with a road win over Duluth Denfeld 8-0 in five innings Monday afternoon at Wade Stadium. Junior pitcher Myles Gunderson allowed just two hits in the five-inning shutout of the Hunters. Categories: High School, Sports

Northern Star
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Hanna Hovland

For this week's segment, we feature a Duluth Denfeld softball player who went through 15 weeks of physical therapy after breaking her femur just to play her senior season.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Hanna Hovland was looking forward to her senior softball season. That was until the day after this past Christmas, when Hovland broke her femur in a skiing accident. “It was devastating like Hanna was going to be our starting shortstop. Didn’t even know if she’d be able to come back so it’s just been a…

South Ridge Baseball
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

South Ridge Baseball Eager to Continue Winning Way

The Panthers have won three straight Section Championships.
Cam Derr,

CULVER, Minn.– The South Ridge Baseball team has seen success on the field in the past few years, winning three straight section championships. This season, the Panthers are hoping to make it four in a row. Like most other spring sports, the team has been stuck inside for the majority of their season thus far. Of course, practicing on actual…

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

Coaches Corner: Joe Wicklund

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Denfeld baseball team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Duluth Denfeld baseball coach Joe Wicklund as the Hunters continue to wait for the weather to clear up for their season opener. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Denfeld Baseball
High School, Sports

Duluth Denfeld Baseball Team Still Waiting to Get Outside

The Hunters next scheduled game is next Thursday at home against defending section champs Grand Rapids.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – There three certainties in life: death, taxes and Mother Nature not caring about your kids’ baseball game, including at Duluth Denfeld. Tuesday, The Hunters were supposed to open their season at home against Hermantown. That was postponed due to weather and Thursday’s game between the Hunters and Duluth East will not happen either, which means more time…

Lau
College, High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Michael Lau Commits to Augsburg Football Team

Lau was on the All-Conference and All-Section Team last season after throwing 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior.
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – This wee, Hermantown’s Michael Lau announced on Twitter Tuesday that he has committed to joining the Augsburg football team. Lau was on the All-Conference and All-Section Team last season after throwing 14 touchdowns and just three interceptions as a senior. One of those touchdowns was the epic hail mary pass to Beau Janzig that gave the Hawks…

East Baseball
High School, Sports

Duluth East Baseball Team Making the Most Out of Time Indoors

Duluth East is scheduled to open its season Thursday at Wade Stadium against Duluth Denfeld.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Weather essentially serves one purpose: to ruin our plans. Nearly all high school teams have been stuck inside due to cold temperatures and unplayable field conditions, including the Duluth East baseball team. The Greyhounds have been practicing indoors for two weeks now. The players and coaches are anxious to get out, even if it’s just for practices….

Csswomenshockey
College, High School, Sports

Duluth’s Hannah Martin, Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole Commit to CSS Women’s Hockey Team

Both Martin and Cole were captains for their respective teams this past season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Staying close to home is at the top of the priority list for many student-athletes when they decide to continue their athletic careers in college. And that dream will come true for two local girls hockey players. Duluth’s Hannah Martin and Grand Rapids/Greenway’s Kenzie Cole have both committed to joining the St. Scholastica women’s hockey team. Martin…