Sports

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…

Huskies Top Mud Puppies at Wade Stadium

Seven players finished with at least one hit to help Duluth get the home win.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ambren Voitik’s bases-clearing triple in the third inning powered the Duluth Huskies past the Minnesota Mud Puppies 7-3 Monday night at Wade Stadium. These two teams will be back at it again tomorrow night. First pitch scheduled for 6:35 p.m. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Superior Softball Shuts Out Wausau West in Regional Opener

Haley Zembo pitched a five inning no-hitter as the Spartans advance to Wednesday's Regional Final against Stevens Point.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Haley Zembo pitched a five inning no-hitter as Superior softball opened the playoffs with a 10-0 win in five innings over Wausau West. Emma Raye hit a two-run home run in the third inning to help give the Spartans the win. Superior will host Stevens Point on Wednesday in the Regional Final. First pitch is set for…

State Tournament Awaits Proctor/Hermantown Boys Volleyball Team

The Norsemen will take on 2019 state champs Andover in the first round.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Proctor/Hermantown boys volleyball team are back in the state tournament for the second time tn their three year existence as a program. The only blemish was last season, which was cancelled due to the pandemic. And the Norseman have battled through a lot of adversity to get to this point in the season. “We came in….

Limiting Mistakes Will Be Key for South Ridge at Class A Baseball Tournament

South Ridge will face Springfield in the quarterfinals Tuesday in St. Cloud. First pitch is set for 11:45 a.m.

CULVER, Minn. – The South Ridge baseball team is on their way to their third straight state tournament. The Panthers will be the #4 seed in Class A. Head coach Aaron Weber says their biggest focus heading into the week is limiting the damage from the other team. “As you know in the state tournament and any game really, it…

Cherry Softball Welcomes Familiar Opponent at State Tournament

First pitch of the quarterfinal match-up is set for 3:00 p.m. Tuesday in Mankato.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn. – The Cherry softball team will have a feeling of déjà vu Tuesday in their state quarterfinal game. The Tigers will be matched up against Edgerton, a team they faced in the Class A tournament every year from 2014 to 2016 with the Flying Dutchmen winning each meeting. “When I seen the draw, well my first thought…

Lake Superior Sea Dogs Hoping to Increase Popularity of Amateur Baseball in Twin Ports

The Sea Dogs are an adult amateur baseball team that plays in Superior filled with Twin Ports natives with different levels of playing experience.

DULUTH, Minn. – While the college and high school baseball seasons have come to an end, it’s still summer which means it’s the perfect time for baseball. Thanks to the Lake Superior Sea Dogs, players are still having the chance to take the field. The Sea Dogs are an adult amateur baseball team that plays in Superior filled with Twin…

Duluth FC Academy Falls to Granite City in First Loss of Season

Matthew Magnuson, Blake Hanson and Jordan Finnerton all scored while Finn Huffington finished with two assists for the BlueGreens. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth FC Academy couldn’t battle back late, as Granite City FC handed them their first loss of the season, 4-3. Matthew Magnuson, Blake Hanson and Jordan Finnerton all scored while Finn Huffington finished with two assists for the BlueGreens. Duluth FC Academy falls to 3-1 on the season and will be back in action on Tuesday…

Duluth FC Shuts Out Dakota Fusion at Home

Sidney Warden scored twice while Jacob Daffern and Micheal Devlin each scored once as the BlueGreens improved to 2-0 at home. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth FC returned home for the first time in three weeks and got the 4-0 win over Dakota Fusion. Sidney Warden scored twice while Jacob Daffern and Micheal Devlin each scored once as the BlueGreens improved to 2-0 at home. Duluth FC improves to 3-2 on the season and they will host Med City on Wednesday at…

Section 7AA Boys Track and Field Meet Wraps Up in Cloquet

Grand Rapids' Jackson Weston and Duluth Denfeld's Blake Eaton won multiple section 7AA titles on Saturday. Multiple Northland athletes will represent their schools at the state track and field meet June 17-19 at St. Michael-Albertville High School. 

CLOQUET, Minn. – The section 7AA boys track and field championships wrapped up on Saturday afternoon at Bromberg Field in Cloquet and multiple Northland athletes will be representing their schools at state. Duluth East’s David Ierino won the triple jump and set a new school record with a mark of 43-5. Mattie Thompson will also represent the Greyhounds at state,…

Registration Still Open for Sixth Annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp

The camp will take place from July 26th to the 29th at the Superior Ice Arena.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The time for summer hockey camps is right around the corner. And registration is still open for one of the best in the Northland. The Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is back for its sixth year of providing elite level instruction and training for local boys and girls youth hockey players. A lot of the same faces…

Duluth East Boys Golf Battle the Elements to Get to State Tournament

The Class AAA boys golf tournament will take place June 15th and 16th at the Bunker Hills Golf Club in Minneapolis.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the Duluth East boys golf team went down to the Grand National Golf Club in Hinckley with one mission: win the section championship and make some history along the way. And after a stellar two days, their mission was accomplished. After leading the way on Day One, the Greyhounds shot a 309 on Day Two…

South Ridge, Grand Rapids Baseball Learn Opponents for State Tournaments

The Panthers earned the No. 4 seed in Class A while the Thunderhawks earned the No. 5 seed in Class AAA. The state quarterfinals will take place on Tuesday.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – The MSHSL released seedings and brackets for the state baseball tournaments on Saturday before the action gets started next week. In Class A, South Ridge earned the No. 4 seed after winning their third straight section 7A title. The Panthers will open things up against No. 5 Springfield in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, June 15, at…

Cherry, Greenway Softball Learn Seedings for State Tournament

The Tigers are the No. 5 seed in class A while the Raiders are the No. 4 seed in class AA. The quarterfinals take place on Tuesday at Caswell Park in Mankato.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – State softball brackets were released on Saturday morning as teams get set for the action to start on Tuesday. In Class A, Cherry is the No. 5 seed in their first state tournament appearance since 2016. The Tigers will face No. 4 seed Edgerton in the quarterfinals with first pitch set for 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday,…

City of Duluth Works to Maintain Wade Stadium During Busy Summer

With high school section playoffs and the Duluth Huskies being home, it's been a busy week at Wade Stadium. But thanks to the artificial turf put in in 2014, the stadium has been made easier to maintain.

DULUTH, Minn. – With the Huskies season underway and section baseball playoffs wrapping up, Wade Stadium was a busy spot throughout the week. “That’s what we look forward to all year. After having nothing here last year so to have it all come back and get it all get going is nice,” lead worker for the City of Duluth Jack…

Greenway Softball Wins First Section Title Since 1994

The Raiders capped off their first undefeated season in school history as they'll head to the state tournament with a perfect 25-0 record.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Greenway softball team used a strong start to stay ahead of Proctor and hold on for the 7-4 win in the Section 7AA championship game Thursday afternoon at Braun Park. The Raiders are heading to the state tournament for the first time since 1994 as they cap off their first undefeated season in program history. Categories:…

South Ridge Baseball, Cherry Softball Advance to Class A State Tournament

The Panthers and Tigers both won their section championship games in five innings.

AURORA, Minn. – In the Section 7A baseball championship game, South Ridge needed just five innings to knock off North Woods 14-0 to win their third straight section title. And in the Section 7A softball title game, it was Cherry all over Barnum 14-0 in five innings as the Tigers clinch a trip to the Class A state tournament. Categories:…

Eveleth-Gilbert Baseball Falls to Aitkin in Section 7AA Championship

The Golden Bears end their season with a 21-6 record.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Eveleth-Gilbert baseball team rolled past Aitkin 13-0 in five innings to force a winner-take-all championship game for the Section 7AA title. But it would be the Gobblers getting the win over the Golden Bears 14-2 to win their first section championship since 2014. The Golden Bears end their season with a 21-6 record. Categories: High School,…

Katie Stark to Join UMD Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff

After her playing career ended, Stark spent this past season on the coaching staff for the UWS women's basketball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – Hayward native Katie Stark was a major part of the resurgence of the UMD women’s basketball team. And she had so much fun with the Bulldogs that she has decided to come back to help out her former head coach. Mandy Pearson announced this week that Stark will be joining her coaching staff for next season. Stark…

Proctor Softball Look to Avenge Regular-Season Loss to Greenway in Section Championship

First pitch between the Rails and Raiders at Braun Park is set for 3 p.m.

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Proctor softball team took the scenic route to the section title game. After falling to Moose Lake-Willow River in the winner’s bracket, the Rails rattle off three wins Wednesday to come out of the loser’s bracket and punch their ticket to Wednesday’s section championship game. “Yesterday was really exhausting. It was a lot of work to…