High School

College, High School, Sports

Rails’ Marunich Commits to Southwest Minnesota State Women’s Basketball

Katelyn Marunich helped lead Proctor to the state tournament last season for the first time since 2002.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball center Katelyn Marunich announced on Twitter over the weekend that she has verbally committed to Southwest Minnesota State. On a team that did not feature a senior on the roster, Marunich started most games for the Rails last season, and was one of the top scorers during the regular season. The rising senior also…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

For this week's segment, we're chatting with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Erik Lofald who is the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team. Lofald takes over for longtime Hunters head coach Frank Huie, who retired after nearly four decades with the program. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lots of Talent to Replace for Lumberjacks Football Team

The Lumberjacks will open their season August 30th at home against Two Harbors.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are already through one week of fall practices which means we are that much closer to the regular season. And we continue with our high school football previews with a team who came inches away from a trip to the state tourney: Cloquet. The Lumberjacks finished their regular season with just one loss, but fell to…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds’ Anderson, Jeanette Leaving School for USHL

Charlie Erickson will be the only forward on the team with any varsity experience.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has always been a hockey factory, always churning out great high school players. But sometimes, the best of the best have to decide between staying in school or playing junior hockey. And Duluth East got a double wammy announcement on Thursday. Greyhounds standouts Logan Anderson and Jacob Jeanette have decided to leave school for the…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Football Team Eyeing Deep Playoff Run

The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just their second day in pads.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Early on in fall camps for high school football teams, coaches can get a good idea of who spent their summer in the gym and who spent it on the couch. The same can be said about the Duluth East football team. The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just…
High School, Sports

Lester Park Golf Course Hosts MN Junior Golf’s “Warrior Cup”

58 golfers ages 16 to 19 competed in the final major youth golf tourney in Duluth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lester Park Golf Course hosted the Minnesota Junior PGA Championship, better known as the “Warrior Cup” Wednesday afternoon. It’s high level competition that features the winners of various events from this season’s junior tour. “I’m probably most proud of just seeing all the kids go on to play at D1, D2 and D3 schools with the…
High School, Sports

Proctor Football Team’s New Mantra: “I Control Effort”

The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – We continue with our high school football previews and catch up with a team that’s looking to wash out the bad taste of 2018 and do much better this upcoming season. The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament. So for the seniors, they’ve got one thing on…
High School, Sports

Hermantown Football Aims to Repeat 2018 Success

The Hawks won the Section 7AAAA title last season for the first time since 2015.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The defending Section 7AAAA champs are back on the football field, kicking off the first official week of the 2019 season. “We’re very excited to get back at it this year. There’s nothing like high school football in the fall,” Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer said. The Hawks are coming off their first section title since 2015,…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Peter Soumis Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Peter Soumis announced on his Twitter account Monday that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season, helping Hermantown finish with a 16–10 record, including 7–3 within Section 7AAA. Two years ago as a sophomore, Soumis scored 15…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

State Tournament Awaits Northwestern Bass Fishing Team

In their first year as a club team, the Tigers are sending six people to the Minnesota State Junior Bass Nation Tournament of Champions.
Sam Ali,

SOLON SPRINGS, Wisc. – It’s been a year of firsts for the Northwestern bass fishing team. This past summer was their first year as a club program. “Since I had two boys of my own who were in high school, I knew I had the two people that I needed. So I started the process and paperwork and we ended…
High School, Sports

Big Shoes to Fill for Tigers Football Team

The Tigers will open their season August 23rd at Spooner.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wisc. – The Northwestern football team is wrapping up their first week of practices. And although the team will be loaded with seniors once again, they’ll have big shoes to fill from last year’s squad who finished 11–1, including an undefeated record in the Heart O’ North Conference. “We just learned how our offense and defense needs to be…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Men’s Soccer Team Get Youth Ready for High School Season

This camp is more intense than others as the Saints are preparing the campers for their upcoming high school seasons.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Football season is upon us, but don’t forget that soccer action is right around the corner as well. And some of the best local high school players spent this week with some of the best in the college game. The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team held a special high school prep camp this week up at Saints…
High School, Sports

Spartans Football Team Hold First Practice of 2019

Although it was just the first practice, the team is excited to be back together and ready to get to work.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – High school football is officially back in the state of Wisconsin. Practices kicked off this week across the state including for the boys across the bridge. The Superior football team held their first official practice Tuesday afternoon and will have the next few weeks to get ready before the season starts. Although it was just the first…
High School, Sports

UWS Hosts Third Mini-Track Meet of the Summer

The final meet of the series will be next Tuesday at the UWS track.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin-Superior Mini-Track Meet began its third week of action Tuesday afternoon. The meet is open to all ages and abilities and includes events like the 100-, 400- and 800-meter dashes, as well as a 5K cross country course. Organizers say it’s a great way to get people outside as the summer season starts to…
High School, Sports

Starks Academy Welcomes Timberwolves, Lynx to the Northland

Starks Academy was joined by the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, who were very impressed with the turnout for this camp.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, basketballers from across the Northland laced up their shoes and headed to the Ward Wells Fieldhouse at UMD for the annual Starks Academy Basketball Camp. Kids of all ages were put through several drills and scrimmages to continue to build on their fundamental skills of basketball. And of the many things that sets this camp…
High School, Sports

All Eyes on State Tournament for Lakeview Legion Baseball Team

The Tropics are going back to state for the first time since 2017.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The legion baseball season has come and gone and Lakeview survived their Sub-State 10 tournament. Now they have their eyes on the state tournament. The Tropics are heading back to state for the first time in two years. But these players aren’t strangers to big games as most of them played on the Duluth East team that…
High School, Sports

Wolfpack Hosts Second Annual Lax at the Lake

The tournament served as a way to give teams extra practice before the offseason and as a fundraiser for the Duluth lacrosse team.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend was the 2nd annual Lax at the Lake tournament, hosted by the Duluth Wolfpack. This year’s tournament featured five teams from across Minnesota.  Saturday was round robin play, giving each team the chance to play four games. The teams were then seeded and played bracket format on Sunday to determine the winner. The tournament served…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lumberjacks Boys Hockey Tops Hilltoppers in Summer Classic Opening Round

Dakota Oman scored both goals for Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The High School Summer Classic kicked off on Friday afternoon at Mars Lakeview Arena, but the hosts Hilltoppers were unable to start the tournament with a win, as Bemidji got the 4-2 win in the opening round. Dakota Oman scored both goals for the Hilltoppers. Duluth Marshall will play Saturday afternoon in the consolation round, and the…
College, High School, Sports

Hailey Kontny to be Inducted into Superior HS Hall of Fame

The former Spartans basketball star is currently on the girls basketball coaching staff.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – Superior High School announced their 2019 Hall of Fame class which includes former basketball standout Hailey Kontny. She is the second-leading scorer in school history and continued her strong play at the Universtiy of Wisconsin-Superior, winning UMAC Player of the Year honors three years in a row. Kontny now serves on the Spartans coaching staff with her…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Hockey Team Set to Host High School Summer Classic

Duluth Marshall head coach Mark Vichorek will be making his coaching debut for the Hilltoppers.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the High School Summer Classic returns to Mars Lakeview Arena. Eight teams, including the hosts Duluth Marshall, will take part in the fun and for most teams, it will be their first action since the season ended back in March. “It’s hard to find ice, but we get out here as much as we can…
High School, Sports

Legion Baseball: Lakeview Knocks Off West Duluth in Playoff Showdown

Caden Edwards was stellar on the mound for Lakeview with five strikeouts in five innings of work.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Danny Wapola drove in two runs while Joe Vos and Drew Grindahl each had two hits as Lakeview defeated West Duluth 5-2 in the second round of the Legion baseball playoffs Wednesday night at Wade Stadium. Caden Edwards was stellar on the mound for Lakeview with five strikeouts in five innings of work. The playoffs now shift…
High School, Sports

Stars Academy Talks Partnership with Timberwolves, Lynx

The partnership comes from a long-standing relationship between George Ellis and the late Will Starks.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – We are less than a week away from the annual Starks Academy Basketball Camp and this year, camp director Dyami Starks is bringing two very special guests: the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Lynx. The partnership comes from a long-standing relationship between T’Wolves and Lynx Youth Academy director George Ellis and the late Will Starks, the namesake…
High School, Sports

Minnesota PGA Junior Tour Stops in the Northland

This stop of the tour started on Monday at the Lester Park Golf Course and wrapped up Tuesday at the Enger Park Golf Course.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, young golfers from across Minnesota made stops right here in the Northland as part of this year’s Minnesota PGA Junior Tour. 64 golfers ages 10 to 16 hit the links for the two days of competition and all events are 18-hole stroke play. This stop of the tour started on Monday at the Lester Park…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Basketball Team Host Twin Ports Summer Jam

14 teams from across the Northland competed at the tournament, including the hosts the Greyhounds boys basketball team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East High School was the place to be this week for the Twin Ports Summer Jam. 14 teams from across the Northland competed at the tournament, including the hosts the Greyhounds boys basketball team. The event featured teams from all different class groups like Cloquet and Northwestern in Wisconsin. Along with summer camps, Duluth East takes…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Dyami Starks

For this week's segment, we hear from the owner of Starks Academy.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with former Duluth East basketball standout Dyami Starks who currently owns the popular basketball camp Starks Academy. The camp will be in full swing starting on July 29th and this year, they will partner with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Lynx. To sign up, click here. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Campers Shoot Some Hoops with Bulldogs Women’s Basketball Team

The camp focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially for this age group.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the sounds of balls dribbling and sneakers squeaking returned to Romano Gym as several campers attended the annual Bulldogs Youth Camp, hosted by the UMD women’s basketball team. The four–day camp is designed for athletes from 3rd to 8th grade. It focuses on the basics like dribbling and ball-handling, which are crucial to learn, especially…
High School, Sports

Legion Baseball: Cubs’ Bats Too Much for Lakeview

West Duluth abused to scoreboard to get a road win over Lakeview.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The West Duluth legion baseball team scored four runs in the first and seventh innings as they topped Lakeview 10-5 Wednesday night at Ordean Field. Tyler Johnson led the Cubs with three RBI, along with three hits. Lakeview’s Jaxson Edwards finished with five strikeouts on the mound. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Lakeview Tops Hermantown in Legion Baseball

Joe Vos struck out 12 over six innings of work in the team's win.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Lakeview Legion Post 342 used strong pitching and a big sixth inning to top Hermantown 6-5. Joe Vos struck out 12 over six innings and gave up five runs, none earned, on just two hits. Kyle Doup came in and pitched two shutout innings in relief to get the win. Tyler Wapola went 1-for-3 at the plate…
College, High School, Sports

Thunderhawks’ Jack Peart Named to U17 Men’s Select Team

Peart led all Thunderhawks defenseman with 21 points and eight goals.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Team USA announced over the weekend the rosters for the Under-17 men’s select team and one Northland hockey player will be representing the United States. Grand Rapids defenseman Jack Peart made the roster after a week of development camp and games in Amherst, New York. The team will play in the Five Nations tournament in Germany August…
High School, Professional Sports, Sports

C.J. Ham Hosts First Annual Youth Football Camp in Duluth

Over 270 kids came to the camp at Lincoln Park Middle School.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in the Northland had a special treat Saturday afternoon, getting the chance to learn some football skills and play some games with a pro football player. Duluth Denfeld alum and current Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham returned to Duluth this weekend to host the first annual C.J. Ham football camp. UMD soccer and football players as…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: CJ Ham

For this week's segment, we're talking with the Denfeld alum and current Vikings fullback.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth native and current Minnesota Vikings full back CJ Ham. The Denfeld alum is holding his first ever youth football camp in his hometown. He also spoke about the excitement going into this upcoming season for the Vikings. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Future Bulldogs Brave the Heat for UMD Youth Football Camp

The basis of this camp was to teach kids from grades 3rd through 8th the importance of fundamentals in football.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nearly 90 degree temps would not deter campers from showing up to Malosky Stadium for UMD’s annual youth football camp. The basis of this camp was to teach kids from grades 3rd through 8th the importance of fundamentals in football. Organizers say the hope is to cultivate the next group of UMD football fans, and maybe some…
College, High School, Sports

Saints Softball Team Host Pitching Clinic

It's been a few years since the team held a summer camp, but enough people reached out and convinced the Saints to bring it back.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Summer is here and that means the Northland will have many summer sports camps going on, like the pitching clinic hosted by the St. Scholastica softball team. It’s been a few years since the team held a summer camp. But enough people reached out and convinced the Saints to bring it back. The clinic is broken up…
College, High School, Sports

Over 350 Runners Take Part in Sawdust 5K

The Sawdust 5K kicked off the Fourth of July festivities in Cloquet.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – 358 runners took part in the 9th annual Sawdust 5K at Pinehurst Park. The event kicked off the Fourth of July festivities for the city of Cloquet. The first person to cross the finish line was Moose Lake native Ethan Olson at 17 minutes and 55 seconds. The 19-year-old just finished his first year running for the…
High School, Sports

Community Gathers for Second Annual Will Starks Day Basketball Tournament

The event raises money for the Starks Academy basketball camp later this month.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East basketball coach Will Starks passed away in 2015, and shortly after, former Duluth mayor Don Ness declared July Will Starks day. His passion for youth basketball continued on Tuesday with the second annual Will Starks day tournament. The 4 on 4 tournament is organized by his son Dyami, who hopes to honor and continue…
High School, Sports

Rich Windt Named New Greyhounds Girls Basketball Coach

Windt is a UWS graduate, playing two years of college baseball and serving as the assistant coach for the women's basketball team for one year.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth East athletic director Shawn Roed announced Tuesday that Rich Windt has been named the new head coach of the girls basketball team. Windt brings to the Greyhounds 17 years of experience, including the past four years leading the Northwestern girls team to 66 wins in that time span. Windt is a UWS graduate, playing two years…
High School, Sports

Lightning Girls Hockey Invited to Hockey Day Minnesota 2020

Grand Rapids/Greenway will play Blake School on January 16 to help kick off Hockey Day Minnesota festivities.
Claudia Chakamian,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Hockey Day Minnesota 2020 schedule and location were released on Wednesday morning, and one Northland team will be participating. The Grand Rapids/Greenway Lightning girls hockey team will help kick off the event in one of the two outdoor girls game on Jan. 16.  The Lightning will play Blake School at 8 p.m. The three day event…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Football Hosts Second Week of High School Camp

This week's camp includes some local high schools, including Duluth East, Hermantown, Two Harbors, Northwestern, Superior and Ashland.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team held its second second week of high school camps, giving the Bulldogs the chance to teach and interact with kids who are in their shoes now. This week’s camp is for any 11-man high school teams who want to learn from and train with the Bulldogs. The camp is full contact, works on…
College, High School, Professional Sports, Sports

Former Greyhound Ryder Donovan Drafted by Golden Knights

The former Duluth East standout was taken in the fourth round.
Sam Ali,

VANCOUVER, B.C. – With the 110th pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights selected former Duluth East forward Ryder Donovan. The future Wisconsin Badger was taken in the fourth round, becoming just the 25th Duluth native ever to be picked in an NHL draft and the first since Dominic Toninato and Judd Peterson back in 2012. Donovan…
High School, Sports

Community Welcomes State Champ Hilltoppers Home

Family members and friends gathered at Duluth Marshall to celebrate the state champs.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Marshall baseball team arrived back to Duluth around 8 p.m. Thursday night with family, friends and classmates welcoming them home. This is the first baseball state championship for the city of Duluth since 1950, so it’s been a long time coming, and the Hilltoppers noticed and appreciated the support they got from the community this…
High School, News, News - Latest News, Sports

Hilltoppers Baseball Rallies to Defeat Redhawks, Claim Class AA Championship

Duluth Marshall scored three in the top of the seventh to defeat Minnehaha Academy and win the state championship.
Claudia Chakamian,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – After falling in the class AA state championship game last year, the Duluth Marshall baseball team finally reached the top, as the No. 1 seed Hilltoppers defeated No. 2 seed Minnehaha Academy 4-2 to claim the 2019 class AA state title. The Redhawks, who handed the Hilltoppers their only loss of the season back in April, took…
High School, Sports

Hilltoppers Baseball Team Eyeing First-Ever State Title

Duluth Marshall will face Minnehaha in the Class AA state title game at Target Field.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth was, is and will always be a hockey town. But Thursday, Marshall High School has the chance to do something that hasn’t been done in a very long time: turn Duluth into a baseball town. Throughout their state tournament run, the Duluth Marshall baseball team has proved that they are not a top–heavy roster. “Everybody knows…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Matt Solberg

For this week's segment, we're talking about the umpire shortage in the Northland.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Matt Solberg who is a local high school official for basketball and baseball. Among the topics discussed are the shortage of officials, specifically for the spring sports, as well as the issues umpires have with fans and what needs to be done to prevent games getting cancelled when there…
High School, Sports

Maccoux’s Walk-Off Hit Sends Hilltoppers to Class AA Title Game

Duluth Marshall will face #2 seed Minnehaha Thursday at 1 p.m. at Target Field in the Class AA state title game.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the bases loaded and two outs in the bottom of the eighth, senior Cole Maccoux sent a base hit up the middle to score Peter Hansen as the Duluth Marshall baseball completed their comeback to defeat Paynesville 3-2 in eight innings Friday afternoon at Dick Putz Field in St. Cloud. The Hilltoppers were down 2-0 going…
High School, Sports

1950 State Champs Help Send-Off Hunters Baseball Team

Jerry Sabick and Jim Hill were part of the Denfeld team who won the state title back in 1950.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld baseball team had a special send-off Wednesday before they left for the Class AAA state tournament. Family and friends wished them luck and they were also joined by two members of the 1950 Hunters baseball team that won the state title. First pitch for Thursday’s game between Denfeld and Monticello is set for 10…
High School, Sports

A Return to the State Tourney for the Panthers Baseball Team

South Ridge will play #2 seed New York Mills on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in the Class A quarterfinals.
Sam Ali,

CULVER, Minn. – Last year, the South Ridge baseball team made history, finally winning the Section 7A title and making it to state for the first time in program history. Now, they’re looking forward to going back. The Panthers dominated Ely in the second game of the 7A championship to earn back to back trips to state. After finally making…
High School, Sports

Top-Seed Hilltoppers Prepare For Third Straight Trip to State

Duluth Marshall will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday at 10 a.m. at Dick Putz Field.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Going to the state tournament has become the norm for the Duluth Marshall baseball team recently as they are getting ready to make their third straight trip. The Hilltoppers are the number one seed in class AA after suffering just one loss, and dominating opponents during section playoffs. While the hits seem to always come and the…
High School, Sports

Hunters Baseball Team Prepare For Historic Trip to State

Duluth Denfeld will play Monticello in the first round on Thursday morning.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – After beating Grand Rapids for the 7AAA title, Duluth Denfeld is preparing for its first trip to state in 65 years and are just enjoying every part of the journey. “Just getting pulled over by just random people saying how much it means to them and the community and it’s something that as a head coach, you don’t…
High School, Sports

Superior Hosts Third Annual Great Lakes Border Battle Tournament

The tournament brought around 2500 softball players and fans to Superior throughout the weekend.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Softball players, fans and families packed Superior this weekend for the third annual Great Lakes Border Battle tournament. The tournament was put on by the Twin Ports Rampage youth softball organization and hosted 40 teams from Minnesota, Wisconsin and even a team from Canada for the weekend long tournament. The teams were from three different levels, 12U,…
High School, Sports

Former Wilderness Assistant Coach Vichorek Named Hilltoppers Head Boys Hockey Coach

Mark Vichorek spent last season as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wilderness.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall confirmed that Mark Vichorek has been named their new head boys hockey coach. The Moose Lake native spent last year as an assistant coach with the Minnesota Wilderness and previously spent time in the tier three level. Vichorek was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in 1982 and signed with the Hartford Whalers after college, where…