Sports

Proctor Alum Matt Welch Riding Bike From Oregon to Maine

On June 21, Welch started in Seaside, Oregon, and will bike coast to coast, all the way to Portland, Maine. He's already traveled over 770 miles, which is only about 15 percent of his journey as he said the route he's taking is about 4,700 miles.

PROCTOR, Minn. – After not qualifying for the 2020 summer Olympic Trials, Proctor High School alum Matt Welch was looking for a new challenge. “I thought of this bike tour and three weeks later I’m on my bike and biking across the country. I’m really just getting started, I’m just getting warmed up right now,” Welch, who also ran track…

Huskies Bats Come to Life in Sweep of Rochester Honkers

Peyton Powell, Calyn Halvorson and Jesse Pierece drove in two runs each. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies came out on top of a back-and-forth with the Rochester Honkers, getting the 10-8 win to sweep the two-game series. The Huskies scored their runs in bunches, plating four in the third and five in the seventh to help secure the win. Peyton Powell, Calyn Halvorson and Jesse Pierece drove in two runs each….

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Talks Joining Team USA for Hlinka Gretzky Cup

Last week, Plante was named to the roster for the United States U-18 Select Team that will compete at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup next month.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Coaches always say that players should always focus more on the name in front of their jersey than the name on the back. Hermantown’s Zam Plante has done a great job representing the Hawks. But next month, the name in front of the jersey will be in red, white and blue. Last week, Plante was named to…

Chisholm Native Eli Sundquist Among Four All-Star Selections for Duluth Huskies

Sundquist has been stellar on the mound for the Huskies this season with 39 strikeouts, which ranks fifth in the entire Northwoods League.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday, the Northwoods League announced the rosters for this year’s All-Star game and the Duluth Huskies will have four representatives: infielder Ambren Voitik, third baseman Mike Boeve, along with pitchers will McEntire and Chisholm native Eli Sundquist. “I was pretty surprised. I was happy, excited, just all the above. It was nice to get that nomination to…

Merissa Edwards Named Interim Athletic Director at St. Scholastica

Edwards will oversee St. Scholastica's transition into the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference this fall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday afternoon, the College of St. Scholastica announced that Merissa Edwards has been named the interim athletic director for the 2021-2022 academic year. She’s been part of the athletic department since 2010, including the last four years as the assistant A.D. of compliance and business. Edwards will oversee St. Scholastica’s transition into the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference…

Former UMD Hockey Star Maddie Rooney Vying for Spot on Team USA Roster

Former UMD women's hockey goalie Maddie Rooney has been named to her second U.S. Olympic residency roster.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey goalie Maddie Rooney has been named to her second U.S. Olympic residency roster. She will be one of 27 players vying for a spot on Team USA for the 2022 Winter Olympics. The Andover native made international headlines when she backstopped her country to a gold medal over Canada in the 2018 Winter…

Hartley Nature Center Exemplifies the Beauty of Duluth

Active Adventures: You don't have to travel far to find beautiful hiking and biking trails in the Northland.

DULUTH, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, we head up to Hartley Nature Center in the Woodland neighborhood.  It is a beautiful park with miles of trails to explore nature and wildlife year-round. Whether it’s hiking, biking, or taking the dog for a walk, it is nigh impossible to grow tired of taking in the scenery and views offered…

Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club Still Going Strong After 30 Years of Success

The club has seen a recent explosion of talent with 40 teams and over 600 players, as well as their youth program that feeds into those competitive teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – Since 1991, the Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club has been the premier organization when it comes to youth players who want to step up their game. And they’ve got a track record that is second to none. The club has seen a recent explosion of talent with 40 teams and over 600 players, as well as their youth…

Duluth Huskies Get Shutout Win at Home Over Rochester

Jonny Guzman tossed seven one-hit innings while striking out three as the Huskies got the 6-0 shutout win.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jonny Guzman tossed seven one-hit innings while striking out three as the Huskies got the 6-0 shutout win over Rochester on Thursday night. At the plate, Calyn Halvorson went 2-for-3 with 2 RBI and two runs scored while Bryan Broecker went 2-for-4 while driving in three runs. Rochester and the Huskies will wrap up the series on…

Grand Rapids’ Kodi Miller Commits to Itasca CC Baseball Team

This past season, Miller finished with a batting average over .350 with two home runs and 26 RBI.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This week, Grand Rapids standout Kodi Miller has committed to joining the Itasca Community College baseball team. Miller was the varsity catcher for the Thunderhawks for the past four years, including his senior campaign where he helped Grand Rapids advance to the state championship game for the first time in over 30 years. This past season,…

90th Annual Cloquet Golf Invitational Begins This Weekend

The action begins Friday with the championship flights taking place on Sunday. Fans are welcome to attend.

CLOQUET, Minn. – This weekend, the 90th annual Cloquet Golf Invitational will be taking place at the Cloquet Country CLub. This year’s installment will have a few changes, including a 21-and-over age limit. Other than that, it’s expected to be another competitive bracket of 180 golfers, including some of the best names in the Northland. “I think there’s some good…

Duluth FC Rolls Past La Crosse with Home Shutout

Sidney Warden scored two goals in the first half.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sidney Warden scored two goals in the first half to help Duluth FC knock off La Crosse Aris FC 6-0 Wednesday night at Public Schools Stadium. James Westfield, Dylan Summer, Danny Torres and Rui Vale also scored for the Bluegreens, who move up to second place in the North Conference Division. Duluth FC will be back in…

Huskies Drop First Game of Second Half to Eau Claire Express

Ambren Voitik drove in the only run for the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies were down early and couldn’t fight back, as Eau Claire got the 8-1 win to hand the Huskies their first loss of the second half. Ambren Voitik drove in the only run for the Huskies, an RBI single in the fourth inning while Peyton Powell went 1-for-4 with a run scored. The Express scored…

Youth Camps Underway for Rookie Basketball Association

This week, 4th through 6th graders are participating as they work on developing their individual and team skills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Youth basketball summer clinics have returned for the Rookie Basketball Association at the Duluth Salvation Army. This week, 4th through 6th graders are participating as they work on developing their individual and team skills. RBA is modeling their summer camps on the upcoming Summer Olympics, with the motto: “Faster. Higher. Stronger.” “What is it going to take…

Duluth Parks and Recreation Hosting Open Skate at Heritage Center

It only costs three dollars for anyone interested in some extra ice time, or even those who want to try skating for the first time.

DULUTH, Minn. – What are usually some of the best places to be in the summer? Ice cream shops, beaches, pools and basically any place that has air conditioning. But in the Northland, ice rinks are still as busy as they are when there’s snow on the ground. Duluth Parks and Recreation has been hosting open skate sessions at the…

Minnesota Wilderness Forward, Hermantown Native Jacob Herter Commits to Bethel University

Herter played three years for the Hawks, helping the team win the Class A state championship in 2016 and 2017, and a 3rd place finish in 2018.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Wednesday, Minnesota Wilderness forward Jacob Herter announced he has committed to joining the Bethel University men’s hockey team. The Hermantown native just wrapped up his third season in the NAHL with his best season yet, recording 24 points in 54 games. Prior to playing in juniors, Herter played three years for the Hawks, helping the team win…

St. Scholastica Softball Team Hosts Pitching Clinic

Tuesday's clinic was the first of four that will take place this month.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica softball team hosted their second-ever camp, specifically for pitching. Tuesday’s clinic was the first of four that will take place this month. And thanks to some overwhelming support, the Saints even added a couple extra sessions to accommodate as many campers as possible. “I don’t know if it’s parents wanting to get kids out…

Proctor Softball’s Maddy Walsh Finishes Sophomore Year with Trifecta of Honors

Walsh thanked her teammates and coaches, saying that their help directly impacted her success on the mound.

PROCTOR, Minn. – This past spring, the Proctor softball team had a season to remember. The Rails went 19-1 in the regular season and made it all the way to the section title game. One of the biggest reasons for their success was the play of pitcher Maddy Walsh. The sophomore would go on to receive First Team honors from…

Winnipeg Jets Agree to Extension with Duluth Native, Former UMD Captain Dominic Toninato

Toninato scored his first goal with the team in Game One of their first round playoff series against Edmonton.

WINNIPEG, Canada – This week, the Winnipeg Jets have agreed to a two-year extension with Duluth native Dominic Toninato. The 27-year-old played two regular season games with the Jets and scored his first goal with the team in Game One of their first round playoff series against Edmonton. The former UMD captain has played in 87 games in the NHL…

UWS Volleyball Team Releases 2021 Schedule

The Yellowjackets will open their season September 3rd at the Central/Grinnell tournament.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UW-Superior volleyball team released their schedule for the 2021 season. The Yellowjackets will open their season September 3rd at the Central/Grinnell tournament. The following week, UWS will host the 2021 Subway Stinger Classic at the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. The ‘Jackets will open UMAC play at home September 21st against Northland College. The team will then close…

Wilderness Experience Teaching Kids About Pioneers Through Camp

DULUTH, Minn.– Wilderness Experience in Duluth is a locally focused outdoor ministry, offering summer camp programs that teach kids about nature, the woods, and faith. Pioneers Camp for kids in kindergarten to 2nd grade helps youngsters learn how to explore and work in the woods like the pioneers did. The lessons include working with farm animals and preparing garden beds…

Duluth Huskies Fall at Home to Rochester Honkers

The Huskies will kick-off the second half of their season Tuesday with a road trip to Eau Claire.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies got off to a great start with three runs in the first. But Rochester would heat up late and pick up the road win 8-5 at Wade Stadium. The Huskies will kick-off the second half of their season Tuesday with a road trip to Eau Claire. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Virginia’s Jack Toman Commits to St. Scholastica Football

This past season, Toman helped the Blue Devils finish 4-4, including winning three of their last four games of the regular season.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This past weekend, Virginia quarterback Jack Toman signed his National Letter of Intent to join the St. Scholastica football team. This past season, Toman helped the Blue Devils finish 4-4, including winning three of their last four games of the regular season, and picking up a playoff win over Proctor. Virginia would ultimately fall to Aitkin in…

Powell Leads Way as Huskies’ Top Rochester

DULUTH, Minn.– The Huskies were hosting the honkers Sunday afternoon at Wade Stadium. In the bottom of the second, the Huskies got on the board with a sacrifice fly from Beau Wimpee to score Peyton Powell. In the fifth inning, Powell drove in two with an RBI single putting Duluth up 3-2 and the Huskies would add one more in…

St. Cloud Dominates Huskies to Sweep Weekend Series

Mike Boeve and Cason Tollett drove in the only two runs of the day for the Huskies.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Cloud Rox started strong and put up nine in the third inning to get the 12-2 road win over the Huskies on Saturday to sweep the weekend series. The win gives the Rox the first half Great Plains West Division title while the Huskies fall to 1-11 against division foes this season. Mike Boeve went…

South Ridge’s Weber, Grand Rapids’ Kinnunen Earn Section Coach of the Year Honors

South Ridge's Aaron Weber took home section 7A coach of the year, while Grand Rapids' Bill Kinnunen was named section 7AAA coach of the year. 

CULVER, Minn. – Two local baseball coaches have taken home section coach of the year honors by the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association (MSHSBCA) after leading their respective teams to the state tournament. South Ridge’s Aaron Weber took home section 7A coach of the year, while Grand Rapids’ Bill Kinnunen was named section 7AAA coach of the year….

Duluth East’s Aiden Olson Continues Family Tradition by Playing for Duluth FC Academy

Aiden Olson's dad Tony was a founding member of Duluth FC back in 2015. Now six years later, Aiden is part of the first-ever Duluth FC Academy team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Growing up in Duluth, Minnesota, soccer was always the passion for defender Aiden Olson. “It’s the only thing I can remember doing since I was five years old, it’s the only thing I’ve ever really done. Like he said, I’ve played basketball, didn’t really enjoy it, I played baseball, wasn’t really my thing. If you asked me…

Cloquet’s Sam Baker Earns Spot at U.S. Junior Amateur Championships

The U.S. Junior Amateur Golf Championships is set for July 19-24 at the Country Club of North Carolina in Pinehurst, NC.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The stellar 2021 for Cloquet golfer Sam Baker continues. Two weeks after guiding the Lumberjacks to the team state championship and winning the individual title, Baker will now get to represent himself on the national stage. Baker has earned a spot in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship after finishing fifth at one of the qualifiers on Wednesday…

Coaches Corner: Phill Homere

For this week's segment, we talk with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team as he holds his first ever youth basketball skills camp

DULUTH, Minn.- For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld boys basketball team Phill Homere as he holds his first ever youth basketball skills camp. He’ll be holding another session starting July 19. If interested, contact Phill or the team directly. Categories: Coaches Corner, High School, Sports

Cloquet-Carlton’s Katie Turner Commits to Northern Michigan Women’s Soccer

Last season, Turner was second on the Lumberjacks with 10 goals, including one game-winner, while adding seven assists

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet-Carlton girls soccer standout Katie Turner announced on Twitter that she has committed to Northern Michigan University. Last season, Turner was second on the Lumberjacks with 10 goals, including one game-winner, while adding seven assists, as Cloquet-Carlton dropped just one game on their way to winning the section 7A title. In her sophomore season, Turner’s 16 goals…

Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf Offers More than Just Fun on the Course

This Week's Active Adventures Takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to 'Capt'n J's Miniature Golf in Superior

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In this week’s Active Adventures we head to Barker’s Island where Capt’n J’s Miniature Golf offers more than the opportunity to refine your putting skills. In addition to competing in a friendly game of miniature golf against family and friends, Capt’n J’s offers a beautiful view of Lake Superior, the SS Meteor as a backdrop, and frozen…

Bulldogs Host Youth Football Camp

Close to 100 kids were on the field Thursday afternoon for day one of UMD's youth football camp.

DULUTH, Minn.– While the bulldogs won’t be back on the gridiron until their season begins in September, there was plenty of action this afternoon at Malosky Stadium. Close to 100 kids were on the field Thursday afternoon for day one of UMD’s youth football camp. Young athletes from the 3rd up to the 8th grade spent the day learning different…

Duluth East Boys Hockey Team Cleans Up Vandalized Woodland Rink

The Duluth East Boy’s Hockey team offered to help restore the graffiti on the player boxes and glass for the upper and lower rinks.

DULUTH, Minn.– The Woodland area hockey rinks in Duluth were vandalized in May. Thursday afternoon, cleanup efforts were underway from local athletes. The Duluth East Boy’s Hockey team offered to help restore the graffiti on the player boxes and glass for the upper and lower rinks. Clean up efforts included scrubbing and washing off the graffiti along with repainting the…

St. Scholastica Athletics Officially Join the MIAC

It marks the end of the Saints’ time in the UMAC.

DULUTH, Minn.– Starting Thursday, the St. Scholastica Saints are now officially the 13th school in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference or the MIAC. It marks the end of the Saints’ time in the UMAC, which 18 of the school’s 22 programs took part in. All 18 programs in the UMAC won at least one conference championship. The first St. Scholastica…

Twin Ports Miracle League Returns for Summer Season

Twin Ports Miracle League will be hosting a home run derby fundraiser on July 10 to help bring more awareness and raise some money for the area's only adaptive baseball program.

DULUTH, Minn. – After having their season canceled last summer due to the pandemic, the Twin Ports Miracle League is back in action, allowing kids of all abilities to play the sport of baseball. The league is for kids ages four to 19 with any physical and/or mental disabilities. It removes barriers that prevents children with disabilities from playing, and…

Duluth FC has Winning Streak Snapped by Minneapolis City

Aidan Hill scored the only goal for the BlueGreens

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC couldn’t keep their winning ways going back at home, as Minneapolis City got the 6-1 win on Wednesday night. Aidan Hill scored the only goal for the BlueGreens as the match was tied at 1 at the half. Minneapolis City scored all six goals unanswered to take the road win. The win gives the conference-leading…

Hermantown’s Zam Plante Named to 2021 U.S. U-18 Men’s Select Team

Plante will compete with Team USA at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup August 2-7 in Czech Republic and Slovakia

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In his first season on varsity, forward Zam Plante had a breakout season for the Hermantown boys hockey team, leading the team in both goals and points. And now, he’s getting the chance to represent the Hawks on the national stage. Plante will represent Team USA as one of 23 players picked for the 2021 U.S. U-18…

Duluth Denfeld Basketball Hosts New Youth Skills Camp

New Denfeld boys basketball coach Phill Homere decided to hold the camp to get to know the players in the program while also helping kids work on their skills. He'll hold another session starting July 19.

DULUTH, Minn. – New Duluth Denfeld boys basketball coach Phill Homere has hit the ground running with his new program and this week, he is hosting a new youth basketball camp for local players. The camp is for boys and girls in grades 4th through 12th. Homere said the camp is a good way for him to get to know…

Proctor Senior Legion Tops Cook County

Kennan Reyelts went 1-for-3 with the game-winning RBI while AJ Reyelts had 2 RBI.

PROCTOR, Minn. – A three-run third inning proved to be the difference as the Proctor Senior Legion baseball team got the 4-3 win over Cook County. Kennan Reyelts finished with a complete game, allowing two earned runs on eight hits. At the plate, he went 1-for-3 with the game-winning RBI, while AJ Reyelts had 2 RBI. The Class A player…

Former Grand Rapids Standout John Stampohar Commits to UWS Men’s Hockey

The former Thunderhawk defenseman spent the past two seasons at DI's Canisius College, where in his freshman year, he tallied 16 blocked shots in 18 games. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids native John Stampohar has committed to joining the UW-Superior men’s hockey team this upcoming season. The defenseman has spent the past two seasons at DI’s Canisius College, where in his freshman year, he tallied 16 blocked shots in 18 games. Stampohar was part of the Thunderhawks 2017 Class AA state championship team, recording 32…

Grand Rapids Football’s Andy Thomsen Commits to North Dakota State

In his junior season, Thomsen, who will play defensive end for the Bison, had 59 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles, helping the Thunderhawks to a 6-1 record. 

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Grand Rapids football player Andy Thomsen has committed to North Dakota State. The Thunderhawks quarterback and linebacker spent the past few weekends at their camps and will play defensive end for the Bison. In his junior season, Thomsen had 59 tackles, five sacks and three forced fumbles, helping the Thunderhawks to a 6-1 record. North Dakota…

Former UWS Basketball Standout Vid Milenkovic Signs With New Swiss Team

Milenkovic will play for Lions de Genève after spending last season with the Starwings. Both teams play in the Swiss Basketball League.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Former UW-Superior basketball standout Vid Milenkovic has signed with Lions de Genève of the Swiss Basketball League. After wrapping up a stellar career with UWS, Milenkovic spent last season with the Starwings also of the Swiss Basketball League, and in 32 games, he averaged 8.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game. Milenkovic also helped the…

UMD Defensemen Kaiser, Kelley, Former Grand Rapids Defenseman Peart Invited to USA World Junior Summer Showcase

The showcase will take place July 24-31 in Plymouth, Michigan. 

PLYMOUTH, Mich. – UMD defensemen Wyatt Kaiser and Connor Kelley, as well as former Grand Rapids defenseman and 2021 Mr. Hockey award winner Jack Peart are among 44 players invited by USA Hockey to the 2021 World Junior Summer Showcase. The showcase will serve as an evaluation for athletes looking to make the World Junior Championship rosters later this year….

Cloquet Native, Former Wilderness Forward Gavin Rasmussen Commits to UW-Superior Men’s Hockey

Rasmussen will join former Lumberjack and Wilderness forward Dylan Johnson on the Yellowjackets next season, playing together for the first time since Rasmussen's sophomore year of high school. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – For a lot of high school athletes, getting to play college sports in your hometown is the dream they work towards. And on Monday, another local hockey player made that dream come true. Cloquet native and former Minnesota Wilderness forward Gavin Rasmussen announced his commitment to play college hockey at UW-Superior. Rasmussen just wrapped up a stellar…

Northern Ice 18U Softball Wins Rising Stars Tournament

The Northern Ice 18U team is made up of players from Proctor, Grand Rapids, Esko, South Ridge, Greenway and International Falls. 

MANKATO, Minn. – The Northern Ice 18U softball team won the Rising Stars tournament this weekend in Mankato. The team beat the Rochester Gamblers 3-2 in the tournament championship. The Northern Ice 18U team is made up of players from Proctor, Grand Rapids, Esko, South Ridge, Greenway and International Falls. Categories: High School, Sports

Huskies Rally Falls Short in Loss to Bismarck Larks

Xavier Carter went 3-for-5 with an RBI while Blayne Robinson drove in two runs.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Huskies lead in the third inning didn’t last long, then they couldn’t complete the rally late, as Bismarck left with the 10-6 win to split the weekend series. Xavier Carter went 3-for-5 with an RBI while Blayne Robinson drove in two runs. Will McEntire got the start on the mound and gave up three runs (one…

Hyde, Nuss win 10th Annual Lutsen 99er Bike Race

Over 1800 cyclists plus 200 junior riders participated in the 10th annual Lutsen 99er on Saturday. 

LUTSEN, Minn. – Over 1800 cyclists plus 200 junior riders participated in the 10th annual Lutsen 99er on Saturday. The event features a 99 mile course, as well as a 69, 49 and 25 mile option, as well as kids races along the local trails. Massachusetts native Stephen Hyde won the main event, completing the 99 miles in 5:34.46 while…

Huskies Earn First Walk-Off Win of Season

Kimo Fukofuka came in as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and delivered, squeezing a single seven feet down the first base line to score Ambren Voitik and give the Huskies the 5-4 win.

DULUTH, Minn. – Kimo Fukofuka came in as a pinch hitter in the bottom of the ninth with the bases loaded and delivered, squeezing a single seven feet down the first base line to score Ambren Voitik and give the Huskies their first walk-off win of the season, 5-4 over Bismarck. Former Duluth Marshall standout Ben Pedersen got the start…

Duluth Huskies Drop Home Series to Waterloo

Mike Boeve led the Huskies with two RBI as the Huskies will look for better results this weekend when they host Bismarck.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Waterloo Bucks would score nine runs in the final two innings as they get the road win over the Duluth Huskies 11-5 Friday night at Wade Stadium. Mike Boeve led the way with two RBI as the Huskies will look for better results this weekend when they host Bismarck.   Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Northwoods…