High School Archives - Page 57 of 88

Official Signage Revealed for Swanson Fields

Organizers say they have two more signs that will be put up on the outfield fences in the near future.

August 13, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some official signage was revealed at the Swanson Softball Fields outside of Wade Stadium. The fields were named after longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson, who was on hand for the event. Swanson, who is currently battling cancer, had been coaching the Hunters for nearly three decades while racking up over 300 career wins. “I guess you…

MSHSL Releases Guidelines For Fall Sports Practices

Both volleyball and football can begin practices on September 14th and will wrap up training on October 3rd.

August 12, 2020

Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Last week, the Minnesota State High School League announced that the football and volleyball seasons will be moved to the spring. It wasn’t all bad news for those sports as the MSHSL is allowing practice time for those teams during the fall and this week, training guidelines were released. Both sports can begin practices on September…

Esko Wins Senior Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament

The Eskomos defeated Evelth-Gilbert 16-11 in the championship game.

August 11, 2020

Sam Ali,

ELY, Minn. – For the first time in several months, a champion was crowned in a sports tournament. Imagine saying that at the start of the summer. But it’s true, and the winners are from Esko. The Eskomos won the Minnesota District 8 legion baseball championship. The tournament is classified as a Senior Babe Ruth league for high school-aged players…

UMD Football Hosting Another Round of Skills Camps

The next round of camps will take place on August 17 and August 18 and are open to any high school players.

August 8, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team added two more skills camps to their summer schedule for Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18 at Malosky Stadium. The football camps are the only UMD camps to take place in-person this summer. The Bulldogs started camps on July 6 and have already held six camps this summer. They are for any…

Spring Field Conditions, Shorter Offseason Concerns for Northland’s Smaller Football Schools

Several local schools have the benefit of playing on turf while other smaller schools like South Ridge do not.

August 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

CULVER, Minn. – Other issues have been brought up in regards to moving football to the spring. One of those is what the condition of football fields will be like in the Northland. Several local schools have the benefit of playing on turf while other smaller schools like South Ridge do not. “I’m thinking for game-wise, there’s a possibility that…

Denfeld Coaches Looking To Help Multi-Sport Athletes with Difficult Decisions

It's called "Hunters Squared" and it's designed to ease the worry for Denfeld student-athletes about choosing to play certain sports over others.

August 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the MSHSL’s decision to postpone multiple sports to the spring season, it’s going to create a logjam For student athletes, who compete in more than one sport. But Duluth Denfeld is doing things differently. It’s called “Hunters Squared” and it’s designed to ease the worry for Denfeld student-athletes about choosing to play certain sports over others….

Northland HS Soccer Coaches Relieved to Have Competition in the Fall

Soccer schedules will be limited to a maximum of two games per week with no scrimmages allowed.

August 5, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – It wasn’t all doom and gloom for high school fall sports following the MSHSL’s announcement on Tuesday to postpone football and volleyball to the spring. Several lower-risk sports will be allowed to take place, including boys and girls soccer, and that news was a sigh of relief for some local coaches. “We didn’t know what to expect…

Local Volleyball Coaches Staying Positive Following Postponement

The MSHSL also voted to allow volleyball teams to practice in the fall.

August 5, 2020

Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the Minnesota State High School League announced big changes to the upcoming fall sports season. One of those was postponing the high school volleyball season to the spring. We spoke with a pair of local coaches to get their reaction to the surprising announcement. “I knew things would be different. But…

Northland Football Coaches React to Postponement of High School Season

Schedules will be adjusted as the new "fourth season" will take place from mid-March to mid-May.

August 4, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Northland high school football head coaches shared a similar feeling to the MSHSL’s announcement that the season is postponed to the spring. We hear from Hermantown’s Mike Zagelmeyer, Cloquet’s Tom Lenarz and Grand Rapids’s Greg Spahn as they’ll have to wait a bit longer before their season kicks off. “There were a lot of tough decisions that…

MSHSL Moves Football, Volleyball to Spring; Other Fall Sports to Start On Time

The Minnesota State High School League's Board of Directors voted to postpone the football and volleyball seasons to the spring.

August 4, 2020

Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – In a meeting that lasted throughout the morning and afternoon, the Minnesota State High School League’s Board of Directors voted to postpone the football and volleyball seasons to the spring. Boys and girls soccer, cross country, girls tennis, as well as girls swimming and diving will be played in the fall with practices starting on August…

WIAA Looking Into Football 7-Game Regular Season This Fall

The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association proposed a seven-game regular season with two postseason weeks, and the WIAA Board of Control is set to vote at the August 14 meeting.

August 1, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association proposed to the WIAA this past week a seven-game regular season with two postseason weeks, according to Wisconsin Sports Network writer Travis Wilson. The regular season would be mainly focused on conference games and allow a full round robin schedule. The WIAA Board of Control is set to vote on this proposal…

Coaches Corner: Jovin Kroll

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

July 31, 2020

Sam Ali,

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

Denfeld Football Team Help Build Local Playground

The Hunters are helping out with a playground that will be built right outside the former St. Anthony church.

July 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld football team are teaming up with New Hope for Families to help build a playground outside of the former St. Anthony church. The work replaces their usual morning workouts. But it’s all about giving back to a community that supports them when they hit the field on Friday nights. “They’re football players. They love…

Proctor Football Team Staying Positive with Annual Mini-Camp

This week, the Rails are taking part in their non-contact mini-camp with no tackling or bringing players to the ground.

July 29, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Next week, the Minnesota State High School League will be giving their latest update on the status of the fall sports season. And even with that dark cloud overhead, the Proctor football team is continuing their offseason program with business as usual. This week, the Rails are taking part in their non-contact mini-camp with no tackling or…

Construction Almost Complete for Noble Hall Field

Noble Hall Field will be completed by the end of next week and will be used for Grand Rapids' varsity sports and physical education classes.

July 28, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – While we wait on the fat of fall sports this year, Grand Rapids High School is making sure their new field will be ready to go. “We’re so hopeful that we’ll be out here this fall and get on it and just enjoy it,” Grand Rapids Activites Director Anne Campbell said. Grand Rapids High School has…

Dueling Petitions Debate Name Change for Esko Eskomos

The two petitions have garnered nearly 4,000 signatures combined from the local community.

July 28, 2020

Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Two weeks ago, Esko student Karin Anderson began a petition to change the Eskomos nickname, saying that it is a racial slur used against indigenous people. And it’s getting some traction online. The petition has been signed by over 2,300 people in support of the name change. Anderson wrote a letter to the Esko School Board, which…

Twin Ports PDC Kicks Off at Superior Ice Arena

The camp concepts are still the same, with a few tweaks to stay in line with social distancing guidelines.

July 27, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Just a few months ago, we had no clue if any kind of sports would be going on this summer, much less camps. But this week, one of the most popular hockey camps in the Northland is back on the ice. The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp returned for its fifth year in Superior. Campers were able…

St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center Hosts Girls Hockey Scrimmages

Grand Rapids-Greenway, Duluth, Hibbing and Proctor-Hermantown were a few of the teams that participated in the weekend of scrimmages.

July 25, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn.- The St. Luke’s Sports and Events Center was home to multiple girls hockey teams this weekend, including Grand Rapids-Greenway, Duluth, Hibbing and Proctor-Hermantown. There are many safety procedures in place, like not being able to use the locker rooms and having to change outside, as well as temperature checks. Grand Rapids normally hosts a weekend tournament every summer,…

Coaches Corner: Jeff Laspi

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

July 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

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.

July 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

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

UMD Football Team Hosts High School Team Camp

12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines.

July 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the UMD football team hosted their annual High School Team Camp. 12 teams from across the Northland, and some from outside the local area, were split up on different fields to maintain social distancing guidelines. Coaches say this camp has been something their teams have been waiting for all summer. “I’m really glad we got to…

East’s Tanek Kittilson Returns from Ray Guy Kicking/Punting Camp

The camp invited players from all over the country and Kittilson says he was very proud to represent Duluth East and the Northland.

July 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In football, while all the attention goes to offense and defense, you can’t forget about special teams. Duluth East’s Tanek Kittilson knows the importance of it, so much so that he was invited to a camp dedicated to that third phase. Kittilson recently took part in the Ray Guy Kicking and Punting Top Prospect Camp down in…

WIAA Approves Delayed Start for High-Risk Sports, Low-Risk Sports to Start On Time

Low-risk sports will begin on August 17th and high-risk sports will start September 7th.

July 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – Wisconsin high school sports received some clarity regarding the fall Thursday morning as the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association has approved an August 17th start of practices for low-risk sports, while high-risk sports will begin the week of September 7th. The delay for high-risk sports like football, volleyball and soccer was requested by the superintendents to allow…

Former Duluth East Standout Phil Beaulieu Signs Two-Way Deal with Iowa Wild/Allen Americans

Beaulieu was a three-time All-Conference honoree and the 2019 WCHA Defenseman of the Year.

July 22, 2020

Sam Ali,

DES MOINES, Iowa – Former Duluth East hockey standout Phil Beaulieu has signed a two-way deal with the Iowa Wild of the AHL and the Allen Americans of the ECHL. The defenseman wrapped up his college career at Northern Michigan University recording 121 points in 158 games, finishing third all-time among Wildcat blueliners. Beaulieu was a three-time All-Conference honoree and…

Ecolibrium3 Makes Generous Donation to Denfeld Boys Hockey Team

Head coach Dale Jago says the money will go towards some very important expenses needed to run a high school hockey program.

July 21, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the Denfeld boys hockey team continued their mission of giving back to the community by helping put together face shields for frontline workers. And now, the Hunters are getting paid back for their work. Ecolibrium3 donated $1,000 to the Denfeld hockey booster club. Head coach Dale Jago says the amount did come as a surprise…

Wilderness Take East’s Erickson, GR’s Clafton Goes to Danbury in NAHL Entry Draft

Both team captains are heading to the NAHL.

July 21, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Tuesday, the 2020 NAHL Entry Draft took place virtually. The Minnesota Wilderness stayed local, taking former Duluth East captain Charlie Erickson in the eighth round. The forward tallied 25 points in his final season with the Greyhounds. And he wasn’t the only local pick as the Danbury Junior Hat Tricks selected Grand Rapids goalie Carter Clafton in…

Proctor Names Cole Lipinski New Head Coach of Boys Basketball Team

The former Rail spent seven years as an assistant coach under former head coach Todd Clark.

July 20, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Cole Lipinski has been named the new head coach of the proctor boys basketball team, pending an expected approval by the school board. The former Rail spent seven years as an assistant coach under former head coach Todd Clark, who Lipinski says taught him everything he knows about coaching. “He got me when I had been coaching…

It’s Tournament Time for Playmakers North AAU Boys Basketball Team

Last weekend, the team competed in their first tournament in Wisconsin Dells, winning all three games by a wide margin.

July 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Playmakers North AAU boys basketball team are back in action. Last weekend, the team competed in their first tournament in Wisconsin Dells, winning all three games by a wide margin. The players admit though the experience was different than what their used to. “It was weird when we weren’t playing. But when we were playing, it…

MSHSL Planning to Start Fall Practices On Time

The MSHSL is also putting together a task force to create contingency plans for the possibility of positive COVID-19 cases before or during the season.

July 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Athletic directors, coaches and players have been thinking the same thing for the past few months: will there be a high school sports season in the fall? The Minnesota State High School League shed some light on the issue this week and it sounds like good news. The MSHSL’s Board of Directors will move forward on…

Rails, Greyhounds Girls Basketball Teams Meet Up for Summer League Game

No fans or parents were allowed to attend the games, but there was a live stream available on Facebook for those who wanted to watch.

July 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – It’s been about four months since we’ve seen some high school basketball action. Until Thursday, when the Proctor girls basketball team hosted Duluth East in a summer league game. The league usually hosts ten local teams, which includes a championship tournament. But this year, it’s mostly pick up games with nothing on the line. Just coaches and…

Jeff Laspi Named New Head Coach of Proctor Boys Hockey Team

Laspi has been coaching various sports since 2002, most recently a six-year stint as an assistant with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team.

July 14, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Jeff Laspi has been named the new head coach of the Proctor boys hockey team. He takes over for Dan Stauber, who stepped down this past season. Laspi has been coaching various sports since 2002, most recently a six-year stint as an assistant with the Proctor/Hermantown girls hockey team alongside longtime Mirage coach Glen Gilderman. In that…

Marshall Basketball Teams Take Summer Practices Outdoors

Organized youth activities have been allowed for almost a month now, and the Hilltoppers are glad they can get some work in.

July 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – These days, finding gym time is hard to come by with so many teams and not a lot of courts available. But that doesn’t matter to the Duluth Marshall basketball teams as they’ve taken their training outside. The boys and girls teams have been alternating time during the week at their high school gym and…

Hermantown VFW, Legion Baseball Teams Shutdown for “Precautionary Measures”

No players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – According to Hermantown athletic director Beth Clark, the Hawks VFW and Legion baseball teams will be shutdown for the rest of the week for “precautionary measures”. Clark added that no players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Hermantown’s Legion baseball team will not participate in the Midsummer Classic tournament this weekend up in…

Vintage Sport Camps Aim to Get Kids Away from Technology

The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12.

July 6, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – No phones. No TV. No tablets. No gaming. Those are the rules for the annual Vintage Sport Camps, which began this week at the Duluth Heritage Center. The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12. Campers have a chance to learn new sports and improve social skills. This…

Minnesota Blast Softball Returns to the Field

The Minnesota Blast is a summer travel softball team that's hoping to play in tournaments every weekend.

July 5, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – When the MSHSL canceled spring sports this year, local softball players lost their season, which really impacted the seniors. “It was really sad because we wanted to go back and try to win state this year. Last year we got third so we wanted to try and come back and win,” Minnesota Blast 18U pitcher Lucy Sinkkonen…

Ella Olson Takes Over for Ray Kosey as Superior’s New Athletic Director

Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring.

July 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week marks the official start to the high school academic year. And that means it’s the first week on the job for Superior High School’s new athletic director. Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring. Olson is a teacher at Bryant Elementary in…

WIAA, University of Wisconsin Study Shows Depression, Anxiety Up Among Student-Athletes Due to Shutdowns

Of the more than 3,000 participants, 65% reported anxiety symptoms, with 25% of those being moderate or severe.

June 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The effects of the pandemic are still being felt throughout high school sports. Right now, the question of whether or not we’ll have sports in the fall is weighing heavily on school administrators, coaches and of course, the student-athletes. But how is the uncertainty impacting the mental health of those players? A recent study tried to…

“Way of the Warriors” Film Opens Casting Call for Northland Hockey Players

Ideally, they want players with some acting experience in a high school play or musical, but it is not a requirement.

June 29, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday Night Lights. Hoosiers. Remember The Titans. What do these three movies have in common? They chronicled the life of high school athletes and what sports mean to small communities. An upcoming movie wants to do the same thing, but this time, it’s about high school hockey in the Northland. According to their website, “Way of the…

MN Junior PGA Tour Returns to Enger Park Golf Course

The event was open to players from all over the state of Minnesota, as well as Wisconsin with a total of 59 golfers hitting the links.

June 25, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – A few months ago, no one thought we’d have any kind of sports activities going on this summer. But with restrictions being lifted in the past few weeks, things are opening up just in time for some junior golf action. The Minnesota Junior PGA Tour made its way back to the Enger Park Golf Course, which also…

WIAA Makes Changes to Boys Hockey, Basketball Seeding, Girls Wrestling

The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward.

June 25, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association approved some changes to boys high school hockey. The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward. Also, regular season overtimes will start with an eight-minute sudden victory period. If the game is still tied after that, five minutes of 3-on-3 will be played. If there is still no winner,…

Hermantown, Esko VFW Baseball Teams Meet Up for First Game of the Summer

High-risk umpires will also have the option of calling the game behind the pitcher instead of behind the catcher.

June 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Baseball made its triumphant return to the Northland less than a week after the Minnesota Department of Health allowed outdoor youth sports to take place. It was great news for local VFW baseball teams as Esko and Hermantown met up in the first game of the summer. Before the game, both head coaches talked about what the…

Anthony Wood Named New Proctor Athletic Director

Wood will also serve as the director of sports facilities.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Big changes are coming For Proctor High School, specifically for their athletic department. The school board has named Anthony Wood the new Rails athletic director. Wood will also serve as the director of sports facilities. Wood takes over for Dan Stauber who will remain with the district, but in a different position, according to superintendent John Engelking….

Cloquet Native Westin Michaud Creates Northland Hockey Development Academy

NHDA will also be hosting a special goalie camp this summer with a special guest: former UMD standout Hunter Shepard.

June 22, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – We’ve got another hockey school in town: the Northland Hockey Development Academy, brought to you by former CEC standout and North Dakota forward Westin Michaud. The Cloquet native knows they are several camps all across the Northland. But he feels his group of instructors bring a unique combination of on-ice instruction and off-ice advising. “There’s different programs…

MSHSL Holding Free Online Officiating Forum

The online forum will take place on June 23 and those interested can ask questions about what it takes to be a referee, umpire or judge.

June 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The MSHSL is hosting an online officiating recruitment forum on Tuesday June 23 from 6-8:00 p.m. The purpose is to help fix the referee shortage happening not only here in the Northland but also around the country. Those interested will hear from top officials and have the chance to ask questions about what it takes to be…

Ashland’s Zoe Pearce Commits to UWS Women’s Soccer Team

Last year as a junior, she helped the Oredockers advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2015.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Zoe Pearce signed her National Letter of Intent for the UWS women’s soccer team. Pearce spent four years on the varsity squad as a midfielder and defender, as well as some time as a goalie. Last year as a junior, she helped the Oredockers advance to the state tournament for the first time since…

Former Greyhound Garrett Worth Commits to LIU Men’s Hockey

As a Greyhound, Worth recorded 128 points in 94 games, helping Duluth East finish runner-up in the Class AA tournament in his senior year.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East hockey star Garrett Worth announced on his Twitter account that he has committed to joining the newly formed men’s hockey program at Long Island University in Brookville, New York. Worth had previously committed to Arizona State. Since graduating from East back in 2018, Worth bounced around the junior hockey scene, including some time with…

MDH to Allow Scrimmages and Games for Summer Youth Sports

The state has issued new guidelines, which include the return of scrimmages and games with outdoor allowed to begin on June 24th and indoor sports are set for July 1st.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – For the past few weeks, organized youth activities have been limited to just practices as teams await more details from the Minnesota Department of Health. And Friday, the MDH provided the best news for the teams since the pandemic began nearly three months ago. The state has issued new guidelines, which include the return of scrimmages and…

WIAA Sets Guidelines for High School Summer Activities

Sports will be classified into four groups based on risk to establish what degree of contact will be allowed.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association announced that the summer coaches contact period will begin on July 1st. The WIAA added that individual schools, as well as local health officials, will ultimately determine when and how that contact will be made. All summer activities will be voluntary for student-athletes and preventative measures, like face coverings and social…

Denfeld Boys Hockey Team Volunteer to Make Face Shields

The Hunters joined forces with EcoLibrium3 to give back to the community in a huge area of need for local hospitals.

June 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Denfeld boys hockey team stopped by the Heritage Center to help put together face shields for frontline workers. The Hunters joined forces with EcoLibrium3 to give back to the community in a huge area of need for local hospitals. “It was actually really fun. They made it fun. We had a little competition in fifteen minutes…

Denfeld Boys Soccer Team Take Advantage of Summer Waiver Period

The summer waiver period was moved back two weeks to give teams more time to prepare for the fall season.

June 15, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning this week, Minnesota high school coaches had their first chance to meet up in person with their players. The summer waiver period was moved back two weeks to give teams, like the Denfeld boys soccer team, more time to prepare for the fall season. “When I saw that I was like ‘Finally we’re back to playing…