Sports

Ely’s Ben Johnson To Be Named First-Ever Head Coach of Rock Ridge Boys Hockey Team

Johnson has spent the past six seasons with the Timberwolves, including being named Section 7A Coach of the Year in 2017.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – FOX 21 has confirmed that Ely’s Ben Johnson will be named the first-ever head coach of the Rock Ridge boys hockey team. The final decision is still pending approval from the school board and was first reported by Youth Hockey Hub. Johnson has spent the past six seasons with the Timberwolves, including being named Section 7A Coach…

Grand Rapids Well-Represented at Minnesota High School Football All-Star Game

The game was initially cancelled due to COVID, but thanks to some "feisty moms", they were able to get the game back on.

SAINT JOSEPH, Minn. – The Minnesota Football All-Star Game is set to take place Saturday at St. John’s Clemens Stadium. Two Grand Rapids players will be in action: Noah Schmoll and Dane Kennedy, while head coach Greg Spahn will serve as the North Team’s offensive coordinator. But this game almost didn’t happen. It was initially cancelled due to COVID, but…

Ashland Girls Soccer Fall in WIAA State Semi-Finals

Abbi Moreland scored the lone goal for the Oredockers off a penalty kick late in the first half.

MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The Ashland girls soccer team kept the score close, but top seed Plymouth would hang on for the 2-1 win in the WIAA Division 3 state semi-finals. Abbi Moreland scored the lone goal for the Oredockers off a penalty kick late in the first half. Ashland ends their season with an overall record of 19-2. Categories: High…

Longtime Duluth Marshall Hockey Coach Brendan Flaherty Passes Away

The Duluth Cathedral alum stepped down in 2019 to focus his time on battling throat cancer.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to a family spokesperson, former Duluth Marshall boys hockey coach Brendan Flaherty passed away Friday morning after a three-year battle with throat cancer. A Duluth Cathedral alum, Flaherty led the Hilltoppers for 21 seasons, making it to the state tournament seven times, including three straight runner-up finishes in the Class A tournament from 2006 to 2008….

High Ropes Minnesota Challenges Your Aerial Agility

This Week's Active Adventures Takes Meteorologist Ken Slama to the New 'High Ropes Minnesota' Course in Cloquet

CLOQUET, Minn. – In this week’s Active Adventures, we head to Cloquet to check out High Ropes Minnesota, a brand new rope course in the Northland just off I-35. After getting suited up, along with a brief training session, the course is yours for 90 minutes. The course features two levels with several challenges and various levels of difficulty. It…

Esko Native Nick Emanuel Signs First Pro Deal with Great Falls Voyagers

Emanuel is the first Northland player to sign a minor league deal since Hermantown native Kevin Follman. And he's hoping to not be the last.

GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Earlier this week, Esko native Nick Emanuel signed his first professional deal with the Great Falls Voyagers of the Pioneer Baseball League. This season, the former North Dakota State catcher helped the Bison capture the Summit League championship. The PBL is an independent league that does have a partnership with Major League Baseball. “The big difference,…

Late Rally Falls Short for Duluth Huskies

Michael Brooks and Kimo Fukofuka each finished with two RBI as the Huskies return home Friday night to host the Bucks.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies would score five runs in the ninth inning. But their late rally would fall short as Waterloo held on for the win 8-5 Thursday night at Wade Stadium. Michael Brooks and Kimo Fukofuka each finished with two RBI as the Huskies return home Friday night to host the Bucks. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Solon Springs/Northwood’s Calin Lisson Wins WIAA State Title in 400 Meter Dash

In his first year on the track team, Solon Springs/Northwood senior Calin Lisson became a state champion.

LA CROSSE, Wis. – In his first year on the track team, Solon Springs/Northwood senior Calin Lisson became a state champion. Thursday, he came in first place in the 400 meter dash at the WIAA Division 3 meet. The winning time was 50.24 Seconds. The program is only three years old and lost their season last year due to COVID…

MN PGA Junior Tour Stops by Enger Park Golf Course

The tour will continue through mid-August, including a stop in Superior Friday at the Nemadji Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn. – Thursday, the Enger Park Golf Course was the place to be to see the best young players in the state. The PGA Minnesota Junior Golf Series made its annual stop in Duluth for the ‘Sota Series. Youth golfers from all over the state will be took part in the event, which is where most high schoolers play…

“H” Returns to Scoreboard at Wade Stadium

Wednesday morning, workers showed up to Wade Stadium to finally put the "H" back on the scoreboard.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month during a Duluth Denfeld baseball practice, high winds blew off the “h” on the scoreboard at Wade Stadium. Duluth Huskies general manager Greg Culver was relieved to find out that no one was hurt. “So I came back to the ballpark to find the H propped up in the breezeway, notified the city on what…

Minnesota Wild Defenseman Ian Cole Flies with Navy Blue Angels

The Ann Arbor, MI native comes from a military background with both of his grandfathers having served.

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the United States Navy Blue Angels will be performing at the Duluth Airshow. But Wednesday, they welcomed a special guest and a big fan. Minnesota Wild defenseman Ian Cole was in town to fly with the Blue Angels. The Ann Arbor, MI native comes from a military background with both of his grandfathers having served….

Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator Todd Downing Hosts Football Camp

Downing is entering his 21st season coaching in the NFL.

FINLAYSON, Minn. – Former Vikings assistant coach and current Titans offensive coordinator Todd Downing held his annual football camp down at East Central High School. Campers of all ages were in small groups to ensure that each kid gets the maximum instruction possible from some of the top high school, college and semi-pro coaches in the Northland. Downing is entering…

Playoff Race Tightens Up for Duluth FC

After starting their season 2-2, the Bluegreens have won three straight, conceding just two goals in that time frame.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth FC soccer team has reached the midway point of the season and they have been in quite the groove recently. After starting their season 2-2, the Bluegreens have won three straight, conceding just two goals in that time frame. And the playoff race in the North conference has tightened up with the team tied with…

Ashland Girls Soccer Embracing Underdog Role Heading Into Second Straight State Tournament

The state semifinal between Ashland and Plymouth is set for this Friday at Uihlein Soccer Park in Milwaukee. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m. 

ASHLAND, Wis. – After missing out on last season, the Ashland girls soccer team was extra motivated to make this year count. It paid off, as they’re headed back to their second straight state tournament and overall seventh appearance in program history. “We felt like we could compete for a state title so when we knew we were going to…

Mushroom Madness in the Great North Woods

The Hobby of Mushrooming is Picking Up Across Many Parts of the Northland

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s a mushroom madness in the great north woods right now. With the foraging season kicking off in May, local mushroom masters say now is a great time to start the hunt. “It kind of started as a freak accident,” said Ariel Bonkoski, a forager from Duluth. It’s not a hobby that fits everyone’s forte. “When I…

UMD Assistant Coach Ashleigh Brykaliuk Leaving Women’s Hockey Team to Pursue Teaching

This past season, she became just the fourth UMD player to both play and coach in an NCAA quarterfinal game.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ashleigh Brykaliuk will be stepping down as the assistant coach on the UMD women’s hockey team. The former Bulldog captain joined the coaching staff in the spring of 2018 after playing professionally in China. This past season, she became just the fourth UMD player to both play and coach in an NCAA quarterfinal game. Brykaliuk will pursue…

Franco Bari Steps Down as St. Scholastica Athletic Director

Bari plans to return to his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York.

DULUTH, Minn. – Franco Bari has announced that he is stepping down as the athletic director at St. Scholastica. He was hired back in August of 2019 and guided the athletic department through the pandemic that shutdown almost all of the sports for that school year. Bari also oversaw the program switching conference affiliations for the first time since the…

Former UMD Hockey Coach Mike Sertich Reacts to Passing of Tom Kurvers

The Saint Paul native was UMD's first-ever Hobey Baker Award winner back in 1984, when he led the Bulldogs to the national championship game.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the hockey world is in mourning for a player who exemplified what it meant to be a Bulldog, on and off the ice. Former UMD hockey legend Tom Kurvers passed away Monday morning after a two-and-a-half year battle with lung cancer. The Saint Paul native was UMD’s first-ever Hobey Baker Award winner back in 1984,…

UMD Women’s Basketball Host First Youth Camp of the Summer

This week's Day Camp is for third through eighth graders, helping kids work on basic skills and fundamentals.

DULUTH, Minn. – After not being able to hold camps at all last summer, the UMD women’s basketball team returned to the fieldhouse for their annual summer camps where local kids can learn from their favorite Bulldog players. This week’s Day Camp is for third through eighth graders, helping kids work on basic skills and fundamentals while also playing games…

Northwood/Solon Springs Softball Fall to Phillips in Section Semi-Finals, Northwestern Advances to Section Title Game

The Fusion wrap up their season with an overall record of 18-3.

MINONG, Wis. – After going into the sixth inning tied at four, the Northwood/Solon Springs softball team would give up two runs and fall to Phillips 6-4 in the Division 4 section semi-finals Monday night at Bradley K. Schrock Field. The Fusion wrap up their season with an overall record of 18-3. In Division 3, it was Northwestern over Bloomer…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Signs with Washington Mystics

The Iowa standout was drafted by Dallas 17th overall in the 2019 WNBA draft.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Port Wing native Megan Gustafson signed with the Washington Mystics. The South Shore alum was waived by the Dallas Wings back on May 12th. Gustafson played 34 career games with the Wings, appearing in just one preseason game this season, recording nine points and four rebounds. The Iowa standout was drafted by Dallas 17th overall…

Former Bulldog JT Brown Retires from Pro Hockey to Join Seattle Kraken TV Broadcast Team

Brown played seven years in the NHL with stops in Tampa Bay, Anaheim and right here in Minnesota.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Former UMD hockey standout JT Brown announced on Twitter Monday that he is retiring from professional hockey. He will be joining the NHL’s newest expansion team, the Seattle Kraken, as a TV analyst. Brown played seven years in the NHL with stops in Tampa Bay, Anaheim and right here in Minnesota. He played last season in…

Former UMD Hockey Legend Tom Kurvers Passes Away at the Age of 58

In 1984, Kurvers became the first Bulldog in program history to win the Hobey Baker award.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey alum Tom Kurvers passed away Monday morning at the age of 58 after a two-and-a-half year battle with lung cancer. “The UMD men’s hockey program and all of Bulldog Country send our thoughts and prayers to the Kurvers family,” said UMD men’s hockey head coach Scott Sandelin. “Tom will hold a special place in…

Duluth Denfeld’s Blake Eaton Wins Two More State Titles

Eaton won state titles on Saturday in the 100-meter and 200-meter wheelchair dash to bring his total to four Class AA state titles.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Denfeld’s Blake Eaton took home two more state titles on Saturday in the 100-meter and 200-meter wheelchair dash to bring his total to four Class AA state titles. Eaton competes in a small field than most other runners do but said he still tries to push himself to get better which he did in the section…

Rock Ridge’s Cameron Stocke Wins State Title in 1600 Meter Run

Stocke missed beating the state record by less than a second, and also finished in second place in the 800-meter run.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Rock Ridge sophomore Cameron Stocke can now call himself a state champion, as he won the 1600 meter run in 4:12.94, missing the state record by less than a second. He also took second place in the 800-meter run. He also brings Rock Ridge their first state championship since consolidating. Stocke beat out GNK standout and previous…

Hibbing’s Julia Gherardi Claims Class AA Pole Vault Title

Gherardi becomes the Bluejackets' first state champion since 1996.

HIBBING, Minn. – After dominating the section all season long, Hibbing’s Julia Gherardi took home the Class AA pole vault state championship this weekend. Gherardi has also competed in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash and long jump but this year decided to really focus on the pole vault. Well it paid off, as Gherardi went in as the No. 1…

Proctor’s Courtney Werner Sets New 400-Meter Dash School Record in Final Meet

Werner ran the 400-meter dash in 58.24 seconds this weekend, which gave her a third place finish at state and the new Proctor school record.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor’s Courtney Werner took third place in the 400-meter dash at the state meet this weekend. Werner has competed at state before and had previously placed 12th both times in the 400. Werner set a new PR in that event a few weeks ago, then ran it in 58.24 at state which broke Proctor’s school record set…

Gitchi Gummi U17 Falls in President’s Cup Midwest Regional Semifinals

This is the furthest any Duluth youth soccer team has advanced at a premier level stage in the history of Duluth soccer. 

CINCINNATI, Ohio – The Gitchi Gumi U17 boys soccer premier team had a strong showing at the President’s Cup Midwest Regional that came to an end on Sunday with a 2-1 loss in the semifinals to Kansas. The team won the MN Presidents Cup Tournament on May 9 to advance to the Midwest Regional Tournament, where they went 3-1, picking…

Milton Rotich, Dakotah Lindwurm Win 45th Annual Grandma’s Marathon

Milton Rotich took home his first Grandma's Marathon title, while Dakotah Lindwurm became the first Minnesota woman to win Grandma's Marathon since 1987.

DULUTH, Minn. – The return of Grandma’s Marathon saw two first-time winners on Saturday, as Kenya’s Milton Rotich won the men’s 45th annual Grandma’s Marathon champion, while Eagan, Minnesota native Dakotah Lindwurm took home the women’s title. Rotich, who finished sixth in the race in 2017, separated himself from the rest of the pack, including edging runner-up CJ Albertson by…

Mohamed Hrezi, Ann Centner Win Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon in Duluth Debuts

The half marathon used a rolling start and winners were based on a chip time, meaning the first runners to cross might not have been the winner. That wasn't the case for Hrezi and Centner were the first to cross in their respective divisions.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 31st annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon saw first-time winners as well as Philadelphia resident Mohammed Hrezi won the men’s half marathon while Tallahassee resident Ann Centner was crowned the women’s champion. This was both of their first times racing in Duluth. The half marathon used a rolling start and winners were based on a chip time,…

Johnboy Smith, Ivonne Reyes Win Their First Grandma’s Marathon Wheelchair Titles

Johnboy Smith won the men's title in his first appearance at Grandma's Marathon, while Ivonne Reyes was the only woman to compete on Saturday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grandma’s Marathon wheelchair races also saw first-time winners on Saturday, as Johnboy Smith and Ivonne Reyes captured their first-ever Grandma’s Marathon titles in a smaller than normal field. Smith set a new personal record of 1:25:45 in his Grandma’s Marathon debut, beating the runner-up by nearly five minutes. Reyes was the only woman competing in Saturday’s…

Shea, King Win Modified Version of William A. Irvin 5K

Just over 1,000 runners took part in this year's modified version of the race, which began and ended at Bayfront Festival Park.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grandma’s Marathon weekend is officially underway and Friday’s William A. Irvin 5K kicked off the races. Just over 1,000 runners took part in this year’s modified version of the race, which began and ended at Bayfront Festival Park. The top male finisher was 19-year-old Mason Shea. The River Falls, WI native finished with a time of 16…

Coaches Corner: Nate Hanson

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the Hermantown girls soccer team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Nate Hanson, who was just named the new head coach of the Hermantown girls soccer team. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Grand Rapids Baseball Falls to Mahtomedi in Class AAA State Championship Game

Ren Morque, Myles Gunderson and Kyle Henke each finished with two hits as the Thunderhawks finish their season with an overall record of 19-8.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – An early deficit was too big to dig out of as the Grand Rapids baseball team fell to Mahtomedia 20-3 Friday afternoon in the Class AAA state championship game. Ren Morque, Myles Gunderson and Kyle Henke each finished with two hits as the Thunderhawks finish their season with an overall record of 19-8. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy,…

Cloquet Boys Golf Celebrate First State Title in Program History

It was the first team championship for the Lumberjacks in any sport in nearly four decades.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Thursday, the Cloquet boys golf team returned home after winning their first state title in program history. And they did it in dominating fashion. “The boys came out firing. We made a couple birdies on the first hole, couple pars. It was just good because everybody contributed. We had six guys who all did really well this…

Grand Rapids Baseball Set to Battle Mahtomedi in Class AAA State Championship Game

First pitch at Target Field is set for 4 p.m.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – The Grand Rapids baseball team has been on an absolute tear for the past five weeks. And now they have a chance to win their third ever state title and their first since 1984. The Thunderhawks won 15 of their last 16 games, including a nail-biter Wednesday in the state semi-finals. The team says it won’t be…

Virginia’s Mason Carlson Commits to Mayville State Men’s Basketball

Carlson led the Blue Devils in nearly every statistical category, including points, rebounds and three pointers made.

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This week, Virginia’s Mason Carlson has signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Mayville State men’s basketball team. Carlson led the team in nearly every statistical category, including points, rebounds and three pointers made. He also scored his 1000th career point during a game against Duluth Denfeld. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Former Bulldog Danielle Beattie (Kohlwey) to Run in U.S. Olympic Team Qualifiers

Kohlwey will run in the 100 meter hurdles Saturday in Eugene, OR.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD track star Danielle Beattie, formerly Kohlwey, will be taking part in the U.S. Olympic Team trials this weekend. Kohlwey will run in the 100 meter hurdles Saturday in Eugene, OR. She currently holds the UMD record in the 100 and 200 meter dash, as well as the 100 meter hurdles, which she also holds the…

Duluth FC Wins Nail-Biter at Home Against Med City FC

Gabriel Campora would score the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gabriel Campora would score the go-ahead goal in the 80th minute as Duluth FC defeated Med City FC 2-1 Wednesday afternoon at Public Schools Stadium. James Westfield also scored for the Bluegreens, who will travel to Med City for a rematch this weekend. Categories: College, Sports

Superior Softball Falls to Stevens Point in Regional Finals

The Spartans finish their season with an overall record of 21-2.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Senior Chesie McLaughlin scored the lone run for the Superior softball team as they fell in the regional final to Stevens Point 3-1 in the Division 1 regional championship. The Spartans finish their season with an overall record of 21-2. Categories: High School, Sports

Cloquet Captures Class AA Boys Golf Championship, Sam Baker Wins Top Medalist

The Lumberjacks won the team title by 18 strokes as Sam Baker is the 2021 medalist.

JORDAN, Minn. – The Cloquet boys golf team captured the Class AA state title at the Ridges at Sand Creek. The Lumberjacks won the team title by 18 strokes. On the individual side, Sam Baker is the 2021 medalist who finished one stroke ahead of second place to win the state title. The team will be holding a special “Welcome…

Northwestern’s Trent Meyer Takes Runner-Up at Boys Golf State Championship

Meyer shot a 75 on both days, helping him finish +6 and just three shots behind first place.

WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. – Tuesday, Northwestern’s Trent Meyer finished runner-up in the WIAA Division 2 boys golf championship at the Trappers Turn Golf Course. Meyer shot a 75 on both days, helping him finish +6 and just three shots behind first place. According to head coach Nick Olson, that’s the highest finish for a Tigers golfer in program history. Categories:…

Grand Rapids Baseball Tops St. Thomas Academy to Advance to State Championship Game

Andrew Sundberg continued his hot streak with two RBI for the Thunderhawks, who will face Mahtomedi in the state championship game.

JORDAN, Minn. – In the Class AAA state semi-finals, the Grand Rapids baseball team held on for the 4-3 win over St. Thomas Academy at the Mini Met. Myles Gunderson pitched a complete game, allowing eight hits while striking out five batters. Andrew Sundberg continued his hot streak with two RBI for the Thunderhawks, who will face Mahtomedi in the…

St. Paul Native Eric Strand to Run 10th Straight Grandma’s Double

On race day, Strand gets to the finish line in Canal Park at 3:00 a.m. and runs the entire course backwards. Once he gets to the start in Two Harbors, he joins the rest of the marathon runners and runs back the final 26.2 miles. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth has always been a special place for St. Paul native Eric Strand. He proposed to his wife here and has been taking part in Grandma’s Marathon for the past two decades. And recently, he’s been running the entire event twice on race day. “I got to 39 years old and the fun runs weren’t enough to…

Sundberg Powers Grand Rapids Baseball to State Semi-Finals

The Thunderhawks move on to face St. Thomas Academy in the state semi-finals.

JORDAN, Minn. – Andrew Sundberg finished with four RBI as the Grand Rapids baseball team defeated Marshall 6-2 Tuesday afternoon in the Class AAA state quarterfinals. The Thunderhawks move on to face St. Thomas Academy in the state semi-finals. First pitch set for 12 p.m. Wednesday at the Mini Met. Categories: High School, Sports

South Ridge Baseball’s Season Ends in Extras of State Quarterfinals

Connor Bushbaum led the Panthers with hits while Aaron Bennett finished with two RBI.

ST. CLOUD, Minn. – In the Class A state quarterfinals, the Springfield baseball team scored five runs in the top of the tenth inning and held on for the 8-3 win over South Ridge Tuesday afternoon at Joe Faber Field. Connor Bushbaum led the Panthers with hits while Aaron Bennett finished with two RBI as South Ridge finishes their season…

Greenway Softball Suffers First Loss of the Season in Class AA Quarterfinals

Lexi Hammer and Claire Vekich each finished with an RBI as the Raiders wrap up their season with an overall record of 25-1.

MANKATO, Minn. – An early deficit was too deep to dig out of as the Greenway softball team fell to Annandale 10-2 Tuesday afternoon in the Class AA state quarterfinals. Lexi Hammer and Claire Vekich each finished with an RBI as the Raiders wrap up their season with an overall record of 25-1. Categories: High School, Sports

Nate Hanson Named New Head Coach of Hermantown Girls Soccer Team

Hanson spent the past eight years with the Duluth East soccer program.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Nate Hanson has been named the new head coach of the Hermantown girls soccer team. Hanson spent the past eight years with the Duluth East soccer program, five as the varsity assistant for the girls team and the last three in the same position for the boys. He has also been a physical education teacher at Hermantown…