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.

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

Minnesota Plans To Pay Athletes For Academic Success

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – The University of Minnesota plans to start paying its athletes for doing well in the classroom. The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported that Minnesota Athletics Director Mark Coyle announced the move Friday. The NCAA currently allows schools to give academic bonuses of up to $5,980 annually to athletes as per a federal judge’s mandate two years ago. The…

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.

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…

UMD Baseball Falls in Home Opener, Softball Sweeps Concordia-St. Paul

The UMD baseball team couldn't fight back late, while the UMD softball team scored their runs in bunches to pick up the doubleheader sweep.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth baseball team returned to home Sunday for the first time all season but couldn’t overcome an early deficit, as Winona State got the 6-3 win. UMD falls to 11-13 and will wrap up the series with Winona State in a doubleheader on Monday. First pitch is set for 10:30 a.m. Meanwhile, the UMD softball…

UW-Superior Softball Dominates Finlandia in Sweep, Baseball Falls to Bethany Lutheran in Extras

A no-hitter by Allison Luoma in game one plus 12 runs in game two helped the UWS softball team sweep Finlandia. Meanwhile the UWS baseball team fell in 11 innings.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – A no-hitter by Allison Luoma in game one plus 12 runs in game two helped the UW-Superior softball team to 5-0 and 12-0 wins over Finlandia on Sunday to sweep the doubleheader. Northwestern alum Luoma struck out 11 for the Yellowjackets’ first no-hitter since 2019. In game two, the Yellowjackets scored eight runs in the second and…

Minnesota Twins Offering Tickets as Low as $4 if Bought Before Midnight Tuesday

MINNESOTA- As baseball season begins, the Minnesota Twins are offering fans extremely low prices on regular-season home games, for a limited time. Through midnight Tuesday, April 21, and while supplies last, Upper-Level tickets will be available for $4, and Lower-Level tickets for $25 for all Monday through Thursday regular-season home games, according to the Twins’ Website. The offer can’t be…

St. Scholastica Softball Swept by St. Catherine, Baseball Earns Split With Bethel in Home Openers

In game two, Olivia Howe drove in the only Saints run of the day while striking out six in eight innings of work. Meanwhile, three Saints recorded multi-hit games in game one to help the St. Scholastica baseball team pick up their first MIAC win.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica softball team couldn’t get much going offensively on Saturday’s home opener as St. Catherine got the 2-0 and 2-1 (in extras) wins to sweep the doubleheader. In game two, Olivia Howe got it done both offensively and in the circle, driving in the only Saints run of the day while striking out six in…

Strong Pitching Leads UMD Softball to Doubleheader Split With Minnesota State Mankato

Lauren Dixon finished with 13 strikeouts in game one while Sam Pederson struck out five and did not walk a batter in the shutout win in game two.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Duluth and No. 18 Minnesota State Mankato softball teams traded shutouts on Saturday, as the Mavericks won game one 3-0 in extras while the Bulldogs took game two 2-0 to split the doubleheader. Lauren Dixon finished with 13 strikeouts in game one while Sam Pederson struck out five and did not walk a batter in…

South Ridge Baseball Eager to Continue Winning Way

The Panthers have won three straight Section Championships.

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: Joe Wicklund

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

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

“The Hockey Guys” Nominated for NIL Award Thanks to Popularity on TikTok

The group's TikTok account has only been around for a few years, but they have already amassed over one million followers.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – One local group of hockey players has understood the power of TikTok perfectly and they are reaping the benefits. “The Hockey Guys”, which is made up of former and current players on the UW-Superior men’s hockey team, have been named finalists for a Name, Image and Likeness award from the Business of College Sports. The group’s TikTok…

Former UMD Goalie Ryan Fanti Earns Second Team All-American Honors

Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract

BOSTON, Mass. – Former UMD goalie Ryan Fanti has earned Second Team All-American honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association. Last week, the junior netminder signed a two-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers and is currently with the Bakersfield Condors of the AHL on an amateur tryout contract for the remainder of the season. Fanti wrapped up his UMD career…

Registration Open for 8U/Mite Girls Summer Skills Clinic

The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required.

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is now open for a special 8U girls summer skills clinic hosted by the Duluth Girls Hockey Association. The camp is free and open for girls eight years old and under with no hockey experience required. “I’m a firm believer that it’s never too late to start hockey. However I do know the importance of starting…

St. Scholastica Softball Team Adjusting Well to MIAC Competition

The MIAC has proven to be one of the top conferences in the Midwest for softball, with four of their teams represented in the NCAA regional rankings last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – For any athlete’s season, conference play marks the final stretch and usually the most important as traditional conference rivals go toe-to-toe. For the St. Scholastica softball team, conference play takes on a new significance as they are now part of a new conference. The MIAC has proven to be one of the top conferences in the Midwest…

Lack of MMA Experience Not an Issue for Duluth’s Alvin “Goozie” Hines

In a field of 100 competitors, Hines finished in the top 16, despite having less than a year of experience in mixed martial arts.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last weekend, Duluth’s own Alvin Hines took part in a major international grappling tournament out in Las Vegas. And in a field of 100 competitors, Hines finished in the top 16, despite having less than a year of experience in mixed martial arts. “A lot of people ask me, “how long have you been doing this?’ because…

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.

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…

Minnesota Wilderness Ready for Final Stretch of NAHL Season

The Wilderness are right in the thick of the playoff chase with just a few games to go, thanks to some big wins in recent weeks.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Don’t look now, but the Minnesota Wilderness is making some major noise in the final stretch of the NAHL season. The Wilderness are right in the thick of the playoff chase with just a few games to go. That’s thanks to some big wins in recent weeks, including a home sweep last weekend against Midwest division leaders…

UMD Baseball Gets Road Sweep Over Sioux Falls

The UMD baseball team swept Sioux Falls 7-3 in Game 1 and 11-6 in Game 2.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The UMD baseball team swept Sioux Falls 7-3 in Game 1 and 11-6 in Game 2. The Bulldogs will have their home opener on Sunday as they will host Winona State for a double header, followed by a single game on Monday. The series will take place at Wade Stadium. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota…

Dixon Twirls Gem as UMD Softball Sweeps Northern State

Sophomore pitcher Lauren Dixon allowed just one hit and one walk in six innings of work while striking out 15 batters.

ABERDEEN, S.D. – Sophomore pitcher Lauren Dixon allowed just one hit and one walk in six innings of work while striking out 15 batters as the UMD softball team defeated Northern State 8-0 in Game 1 of their doubleheader series. In Game 2, the Bulldogs would combine to score 12 runs in the second and third innings as they topped…

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.

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…

Vikings Legend, Superior Native Doug Sutherland Passes Away at 73

Sutherland played ten seasons in Minnesota as a member of the legendary "Purple People Eaters".

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday afternoon that Superior native Doug Sutherland has died at the age of 73. Sutherland played ten seasons in Minnesota as a member of the legendary “Purple People Eaters”, joining future Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller, along with Jim Marshall, on the star-studded line. He started in 90 regular season…

UMD’s Koby Bender, Matt Anderson Sign Pro Deals

Both were part of a senior class that helped the Bulldogs win two national championship in 2018 and 2019.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men hockey fifth-year seniors Koby Bender and Matt Anderson have signed professional deals. That’s according to Matt Wellens of the Duluth News Tribune. Bender is signing with the Bridgeport Islanders of the American Hockey League, while Anderson is joining the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays for their final five games of the season. Both were part of…

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.

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….

Northern Star: Tayler and Kaela Kraemer

For this week's segment, we feature a pair of UW-Superior sisters who are stepping up to the plate for their softball team.

SUPERIOR, Wis. — It’s great to have a sibling, and the best part is that when you need them, they always step up to the plate. The same can be said for a pair of UWS softball players, making strides on their team. “It’s amazing, I can’t think of anything better,” Tayler Kraemer, a Sophomore Pitcher said. UWS softball players…

Former Hermantown, St. Scholastica Standout Brandon Swartz Ready to Lead Alma Mater as Interim Head Coach

After a remarkable career that led him to being inducted into the CSS Baseball Hall of Fame in 2018, Swartz stayed with the program as an assistant coach, learning from longtime coaches John Baggs and Corey Kemp. Now, he's leading the Saints as interim head coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – As a former Hermantown standout nearly two decades ago, Brandon Swartz was excited to stay home and play for St. Scholastica. “I remember being recruited here by Coach Baggs, I remember the first time that I met him, in the press box of the Hermantown baseball field,” Swartz said. After a remarkable career that led him to…

CSS Tennis Teams Dominate on Saturday vs. Concordia

The men's team is back in action vs Saint Olaf on April 8th in Duluth, and the women head to St. Peter for a match with Gustavus on April 9th.

DULUTH, Minn. — The CSS tennis teams walked away from a successful Saturday, as the men’s team won 9-0, and the women’s team won 8-1 over Concordia at the Duluth Indoor Sports Complex. On the women’s side, Anna Ritchie and Martina Garcia won their doubles match at 8-6, while Julia Maier and Madelyn Jankila also won their doubles 8-4. For…

UMD Softball Splits Double Header with Minot State

The Bulldogs will be back in action for another doubleheader Wednesday April 6th vs Northern State University.

DULUTH, Minn. — The UMD softball team split a doubleheader with Minot State on Saturday, Beavers winning the first game 9-6, and the Bulldogs coming back in the second game 7-2 at Malosky Stadium. The Bulldogs will be back in action for another doubleheader Wednesday April 6th vs Northern State University. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

New Therapy at Yoga Studio Helps People Chill-Out in Lake Superior

The cold water immersion is modeled after the Wim Hof Method.

DULUTH, Minn.– A local yoga and fitness studio in Downtown Duluth is offering a new advanced form of yoga to really help you “Chill-out.” Evolve Yoga and Fitness Downtown is adding cold water immersion to their list of teachings. They tell us the practice has many health benefits and helps to gain mental strength. “We’re also offering these fun experiences…

Minnesota Wilderness Tops Springfield to Sweep Weekend Series

Minnesota is just now three points out of first place in the division.

CLOQUET, Minn. – After knocking off division leader Springfield on Thursday night, the Minnesota Wilderness did it again as they defeated the Junior Blues 4-2 Friday night at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena. Minnesota is just now three points out of first place in the division. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: UMD Football

For this week's segment, we chat with the UMD football team

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from the UMD football team as they wrap up their first week of spring practices, including comments from head coach Curt Wiese and seniors Cole Refsnider and Wade Sullivan. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Hayward Wolfpack FC Begins New Recreational Soccer League

Registration continues through May 3rd with league play beginning on May 22nd.

HAYWARD, Wis. – Big soccer news in Northern Wisconsin as Hayward Wolfpack FC is opening a new recreational soccer league. Registration is officially open for all ages 18 and over, regardless of your skill level. The idea was spawned from a big turnout for the club’s tryouts last season to allow for more people in the local area to enjoy…

Former UMD Hockey Goalie Ryan Fanti Talks Moving On to the Pros

Fanti finished his last season at UMD with an impressive seven shutouts.

DULUTH, Minn.– After a stellar end to his junior year Ryan Fanti decided to forego his senior season and begin his professional career. During his time with the Bulldogs Fanti appeared in 57 games, winning 30 of them. He wraps up his collegiate career with a goals against average just over two. Fanti says he will look back fondly on…

UMD Softball Sweeps U-Mary in Home Opener Doubleheader

The Bulldogs will be back in action Saturday for another home doubleheader against Minot State.

DULUTH, Minn. – In its first series at home, the UMD softball team swept U-Mary 10-1 in Game 1 and 10-3 in Game 2 Friday afternoon at Malosky Stadium. The Bulldogs will be back in action Saturday for another home doubleheader against Minot State. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota – Duluth

Active Adventures: Take a Dip into Lake Superior, Warm Up with Some Bock Beer at Fitger’s Bock Fest

DULUTH, Minn.- In this week’s Active Adventures, Tami Tanski Sherman of Fitger’s Brewhouse stops in to talk about all the fun activities for the return of Bock Fest to Fitger’s this weekend! No cover charge to get in, the event runs through Saturday. Must be 21+ to enter. Categories: Active Adventures, Entertainment, Minnesota, News, News – Latest News

UWS Softball Team Still Motivated as Defending UMAC Champions

The Yellowjackets will open conference play Saturday on the road against Martin Luther.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – If you’re at the top, the famous quote is: “if you come at the king, you best not miss”. The UW-Superior softball team is currently the queen of the UMAC, but the preseason polls did not see it that way. Despite being the defending tournament champs and bringing back nearly every single player from that squad, the…

St. Scholastica Removes Interim Label from Men’s Hockey Head Coach Dave Williams

This comes after the CSS alum led the Saints to a fourth-place finish and home playoff game in their first season in the MIAC.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica has removed the interim tag from head men’s hockey coach Dave Williams. This comes after the CSS alum led the Saints to a fourth-place finish and home playoff game in their first season in the MIAC. Williams played for CSS from 2011 to 2015. He was named interim head coach after Kevin Moore’s departure back…

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.

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…

Superior’s Emma Raye Ready to Lead Spartans Softball Team

Raye has committed to playing college softball at the University of Wisconsin.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For Superior’s Emma Raye, being an athlete is all she’s ever known. “That’s where I get my competitive edge from because I always wanted to be better than my brother and he didn’t want me to be better than him which helped both of us at the same time,” Raye, a catcher and shortstop for the Spartans,…

Arrowhead Home and Builders Show Returns to the DECC

Soaring Tiny Builds was just one of the many vendors at the show.

DULUTH, Minn.– After a two year hiatus, the Arrowhead Home and Builders Show returned to the DECC Wednesday.. The event is the largest home show in the region and features all the latest trends and technology for your home, and much more. The show began today and will run through Sunday of this week. Categories: Business, Entertainment, Great Outdoors, Minnesota,…

Former UMD Captain Noah Cates Talks Debut with Philadelphia Flyers

The 23-year-old finished with nearly 15 minutes of ice time with three shots, three hits and three takeaways.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Home is where the heart is. For former UMD men’s hockey captain Noah Cates, home is Minnesota and Tuesday night, he made his NHL debut against his hometown team, the Minnesota Wild. After the game, Cates spoke about the moment and the turnout in his honor at the Xcel Energy Center. “Yeah, obviously special. My teammates…

Duluth Denfeld’s Brendan Hughes Commits to St. Scholastica Football Team

Hughes was the backup quarterback for the Hunters, but moved to wide receiver during his senior year, finishing second on the team in yards, including over 13 yards per reception.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth Denfeld’s Brendan Hughes announced on Twitter that he has committed to joining the St. Scholastica football team. Hughes was the backup quarterback for the Hunters, but moved to wide receiver during his senior year, finishing second on the team in yards, including over 13 yards per reception. He joins teammate Carter Kilroy, who also…

Deer River’s Ty Morrison Invited to MBCA All-Star Series

The games will be played at East Ridge High School on April 9th.

DEER RIVER, Minn. – Deer River’s Ty Morrison has been invited to take part in the 2022 All-Star Basketball Series, hosted by the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Association. Morrison is one of 40 players to compete in the event’s 40th annual festivities. The games will be played at East Ridge High School on April 9th. Last night, Morrison took part in…

Duluth Native Cody Carlson Helps Team Win 2022 Bulgaria Cup

The Duluth East alum began his college career at Concordia-St. Paul before transferring to Weber State for the past two seasons.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, Duluth native Cody Carlson helped his team win the 2022 Bulgarian Cup. The Duluth East alum began his college career at Concordia-St. Paul before transferring to Weber State for the past two seasons. He left the program to sign with a Serbian team two months ago and made his way to Bulgaria afterwards. Categories: Professional…

Local Softball Teams Adjust Early Season Practices Due to Weather

With more bad weather on the way, a big challenge is making sure home fields are still ready for season openers right around the corner. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Playing a spring sport in the Twin Ports can be a challenge to say the least. “The first two weeks are always pretty hard because we’re always in the gym and it really does suck because as an outfielder, you can’t really do much because you can’t get those pop flies, you can’t really do much,” Esko…

Minnesota Sweeps Wisconsin at DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Basketball Games

Grand Rapids' Taryn Hamling and Cloquet's Conner Barney were named Most Valuable Players.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a two-year hiatus, the DAYBA Border Battle All-Star Basketball games returned Tuesday night at Romano Gym. In the girls game, Minnesota held on to defeat Wisconsin 70-65 behind 27 points from Taryn Hamling of Grand Rapids, who was named Most Valuable Player. In the boys game, Minnesota used a strong second half to take down Wisconsin…