Sports

Prep Boys Soccer: Hilltoppers, Lumberjacks Win Season Openers

Brendan Friday scored two goals in the opener for Duluth Marshall.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Sophomore Brendan Friday scores two goals as the Duluth Marshall boys soccer team held on for the 2-1 win over Proctor Thursday night at Egerdahl Field. Earlier in the day, Cloquet-Esko-Carlton scored early and often as they knocked off Two Harbors 13-1 in their home opener at Bromberg Field. Drake Schramm led the Lumberjacks with four goals….

NFL Teams Cancel Practice in Response to Blake Shooting

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — Several NFL teams canceled practice in response to the shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man, in Wisconsin. The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Indianapolis Colts, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and Washington Football Team all decided to not take the field Thursday. Blake was shot by police, apparently in the…

Friends of Mark Sertich Remember Their Time On The Ice With “Sertie”

Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing

DULUTH, Minn. – The city of Duluth lost another legend this week as the world’s oldest hockey player Mark Sertich, passed away Monday morning at the age of 99. Sertie would play hockey several times per week, all the way up until his passing, which always surprised people who had heard of him and even the people who got the…

World’s Oldest Hockey Player Mark “Sertie” Sertich Passes Away

Sertie became the Guinness World Record-holder for oldest hockey player at age 95 and still played at the Heritage Center multiple times a week.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sad news to report as Duluth native and the World’s Oldest Hockey Player Mark “Sertie” Sertich passed away on Monday morning. Just last month, friends and family surprised Sertich with a drive-by birthday parade to celebrate his 99th  birthday. “His popularity he has is just amazing. Everyone that meets him just instantly likes him and they admire…

CSS Golf Continuing Practice Despite Canceled Season

Just one day after the UMAC announced that golf would be postponed to the spring, the Saints were out on the course getting some practice rounds in.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the UMAC said golf would be one of two sports to compete this fall in a conference-only schedule. But on Monday, the conference announced the postponement of both golf and cross country to the spring. But the St. Scholastica golf team is putting in the work now to stay ready. Just one day after the…

North Shore Adventure Park Gives Visitors a Thrilling Challenge

North Shore Adventure Park has been open for a little over a year and has multiple courses for anyone to try.

SILVER BAY, Minn. – North Shore Adventure Park is challenging people of all ages. “It’s about climbing in the trees, it’s about challenging yourself. “We have a little rascals playground for kids 3-6. It’s enough for them to practice and it’s only about 6 inches to a foot off the ground. I’m 69 and I challenge any senior out there…

Duluth East Girls Soccer Team Warned Of Potential COVID-19 Case

The Greyhouds were scheduled to open their season on Thursday against Cloquet but that game has been postponed due to the 14-day quarantine.

DULUTH, Minn. – FOX 21 has learned that members of the Duluth East girls soccer team are under a 14-day quarantine after a member of the team came in contact with a positive COVID-19 case. In a letter sent out to families by the district lead nurse, the athlete had contact with the positive case on August 20th and 21st….

Former Duluth East Standout Cody Carlson Announces Transfer to Weber State

Carlson has spent the past three seasons at Concordia-St. Paul where he averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game this past season.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East basketball standout Cody Carlson announced on his Twitter that he is transferring to Division I Weber State. Carlson has spent the past three seasons at Concordia-St. Paul where he averaged 12 points and six rebounds per game this past season. His senior year at East, Carlson averaged 19 points per game. Carlson will have…

Former UMD Captain Parker Mackay Signs With Graz99ers in Austria

Mackay spent this past season with the Texas Stars where he scored two goals in 28 games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey captain and 2019 Frozen Four MVP Parker Mackay is headed to Austria and has signed with the Moser Medical Graz99ers. After leading the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, Mackay signed with the Texas Stars, the Dallas Stars’ AHL affiliate, where he scored two goals in 28 games. The Graz99ers play in the Austrian…

Cloquet Cross Country Team Preparing for Unique Season

The Lumberjacks will open the 2020 season on Sept. 3.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cross country will still be happening this fall in Minnesota as it was one of the four sports approved to play by the MSHSL. While things may look different, teams like Cloquet are just ready to get started. The MSHSL guidelines state that teams can compete in a maximum of seven meets and they’ll be much smaller…

UMAC Postpones Golf, Cross Country Seasons; No Fall Sports This Year for UWS, CSS

Last month, the UMAC announced the postponement of high-risk sports to the spring but would allow low-risk sports to compete in conference only schedules. Now, no fall sports will take place.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the UMAC announced the postponement of high-risk sports such as football, volleyball and soccer and moved those seasons to the spring, but allowed low-risk sports such as golf and cross country to compete in conference only schedules. But on Monday, the conference announced that no sports will be happening this fall. The cross country and…

Hilltoppers Girls Tennis Opens Season With Win Over Lumberjacks

Duluth Marshall got the 4-3 win over Cloquet in the first official MSHSL sporting event since March.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In the first sanctioned MSHSL sporting event since March, the Duluth Marshall girls tennis team got a narrow 4-3 win over Cloquet. The Hilltoppers got wins in 1, 2 and 3 singles and 2 doubles. In 1 singles, Meredith Boettcher defeated Addie Loeb in straight sets 6-0, 6-0. Duluth Marshall will take on Duluth East at Longview…

UWS Athletics Hires Recipient of NCAA Ethnic Minorities and Women in Sports Grant

UWS was one of the schools selected to receive the grant from the NCAA, which funds a two-year internship enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Over the years, more women have been emerging in the sports world in roles like broadcasting and media, marketing, training and even coaching. Now, through a grant with the NCAA, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is helping give more women the opportunity to work in sports. UWS was one of the schools selected to receive an Ethnic Minorities…

Inaugural Week of Giving Challenge Begins for CSS Athletics

Now through Saturday, people can donate to support any of their 22 different varsity programs or to the general athletic department.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sunday marks the first day of the inaugural College of St. Scholastica Athletics Week of Giving challenge. Now through Saturday Aug. 29, people can donate to support any of their 22 different varsity programs or to the general athletic department. The donations will provide student-athletes with different resources they need like trips, apparel and equipment. The CSS…

Salvation Army Rookie Basketball Player Raises Funds to Help Others Play as Well

12-year-old Nathan Easty sold sporting goods outside of his home on Saturday to raise money for scholarships to play basketball.

DULUTH, Minn. – A 12-year-old basketball player in the Salvation Army’s Rookie Basketball Association raised funds to help others afford the chance to play on Saturday. Nathan Easty is the youngest of five brothers who have all played in the Rookie Basketball Association where their father is also a coach. So when Nathan had an idea to help fellow basketball…

Huskies Second Annual Golf Scrambles Raises Money to Support the Team

Last year, the Huskies donated the money raised to the Poplar Volunteer Fire Department. This year, the Poplar Golf Course suggested the money raised go back to the Huskies after their season was canceled.

POPLAR, Wis. – Things were pretty quiet this summer in Duluth as the Huskies canceled their season due to COVID-19. Not only did we not get any baseball but the team was also not able to bring in much money. So on Saturday, the Huskies ditched the baseball bat for a golf club to raise some money. Saturday was the…

Denfeld Alum CJ Ham Earning Veteran Status on Vikings Roster

Back in March, Ham signed a four-year extension with the Vikings worth $12 million.

EAGAN, Minn. – Everyone loves a great underdog. And the Northland has one of their own in Minnesota Vikings fullback CJ Ham. The Denfeld alum is once again suiting up for another season with the purple and gold, and is an important piece of the team’s rushing attack. Ham says his mindset hasn’t changed since his rookie year, when he…

Condensed Schedule Not An Issue for Duluth Marshall Girls Soccer Team

The Hilltoppers will open their season September 1st at home against Duluth East.

DULUTH, Minn. – As we hear from high school teams across the Northland, one thing is certain about the fall sports season: it’s going to be different. But different doesn’t have to be a bad thing, according to the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team. The Hilltoppers, like all other teams, will be playing a condensed and localized schedule with just…

In-Person Option Available for Minnesota Mile, Fitger’s 5K

The Minnesota Mile will take place on Friday, September 11th, while the Fitger's 5K will take place on September 12th.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Minnesota Mile and Fitger’s 5K races will have an in-person option for this year’s races. This comes after the success of the Park Point 5-Miler. The races will have block segments with 10 waves in each block. The Minnesota Mile will take place on Friday, September 11th, while the Fitger’s 5K, which was originally scheduled back…

NCAA Approves Blanket Eligibility Waiver for Fall Sports Athletes

Even athletes who compete this fall will be eligible for an extra year under the new rule.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The NCAA has approved a blanket waiver that will grant an extra year of eligibility to all fall sports athletes. Even athletes who compete this fall will be eligible for an extra year under the new rule. The extension of eligibility for fall athletes follows a similar measure approved by the NCAA earlier this year with spring…

Remembering Swannie: Former Softball Players Talk Memories of Coach Swanson

Over 100 people were in attendance, including former softball players who each had their own memories with Coach Swannie.

DULUTH, Minn. – The funeral for Denfeld Hall of Famer Dick Swanson took place Thursday at Wade Stadium, which is right next door to the fields that bear his name. Over 100 people were in attendance, including former softball players who each had their own memories with Coach Swannie. Swanson had 347 career wins in softball, which included eight conference…

Superior High School to Move Football, Volleyball Seasons to the Spring

Superior volleyball will begin practices during the week of February 22nd, while the football team will start the week of March 8th.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior athletic director Ella Olson announced Thursday that the football and volleyball seasons will be moved to the WIAA’s alternative season in the spring. Girls golf, tennis, swim and dive and boys and girls cross country will begin on time in the fall. Boys soccer will take place in the fall with practices beginning on September 7th….

From Volleyball to Tennis: Duluth East’s Natalie Goetzman Finds Silver Lining in Fall Schedule Changes

Instead of playing volleyball this year, Goetzman will play high school tennis for the first time in her career.

DULUTH, Minn. – Earlier this month, the Minnesota State High School League announced that the volleyball season would be moved to the spring. And for Duluth East senior Natalie Goetzman that news was tough to hear. “To me, it’s like a special season. It’s important. It’s my senior year and all that. So when I heard it got pushed back,…

Northwestern HS, HON Conference Moving Forward with Fall Sports Season

The Tigers, along with the entire Heart O' North conference, are moving forward with the fall sports season, which includes conference only schedules for all sports.

MAPLE, Wis. – High schools in Wisconsin have until September 1st to decide if they will play this fall or move their seasons to the spring. One team that won’t be waiting until then is Northwestern. The Tigers, along with the entire Heart O’ North conference, are moving forward with the fall sports season, which includes conference only schedules for…

Hawks Excited for Debut of Centricity Stadium at Corey Veech Memorial Field

The first-ever game on the new turf field will be September 1st as the boys soccer team will host Duluth Marshall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Centricity Stadium at Corey Veech Memorial Field will be complete by the end of the week, just in time for the start of the fall sports. And although the season will look different with football being moved to the spring, the Hawks view the field as something to look forward to. “The sting is still there. It’s…

Remembering Swannie: Denfeld Coaches Talk Legacy of Dick Swanson

Swanson passed away this past weekend at the age of 71.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld community is in mourning this week after the passing of Hunters Hall of Famer Richard Swanson. We spoke with a half dozen coaches who worked with Coach Swan, including assistant coaches Dick Bellamy and Tim Utt, former JV girls basketball coach Debbie Schowalter, former head football and girls basketball coach Frank Huie, head cross…

Fall Practices Begin for Duluth Denfeld Boys Soccer Team

The Hunters are one of several teams who will get things started this week, which includes tryouts and getting protocols squared away.

DULUTH, Minn. – The day has finally arrived. After five months of uncertainty, fall practices for high school sports are underway across the Northland. And that includes an extra motivated Denfeld boys soccer team. The Hunters are one of several teams who will get things started this week, which includes tryouts and getting protocols squared away. Coaches split the field…

UMD Head Coaches Talk NSIC’s Cancellation of Fall Sports

The NSIC says they will continue to explore opportunities to play fall sports in the spring.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD is still buzzing after last week’s announcement from the NSIC that all fall sports would be cancelled. We spoke head football coach Curt Wiese and women’s soccer coach Greg Cane for the first time since that announcement as they expressed disappointment but understanding in the conference’s decision. “Well given that we had gone through a few…

Denfeld Hall of Famer Dick Swanson Dies After Battle With Cancer

Swanson was inducted into the Denfeld Hall of Fame in 2016, and also coached football and girls basketball.

DULUTH, Minn. – Sad news to report as longtime Denfeld softball coach Richard Swanson passed away Sunday night after a battle with cancer. Swanson had been coaching the Hunters since 1988, recording over 300 wins. He stepped down recently to focus on his fight against liver and pancreatic cancer. Swanson was inducted into the Denfeld Hall of Fame in 2016,…

Grunnah Power Skating Holds Elite Skills Camp

The week-long camp was for elite hockey players 16U and 12U and focused on skating, stick handling and other skills.

DULUTH, Minn. – Grunnah Power Skating, a hockey skills training company based out of Chicago, returned to Duluth last week to hold an elite power skating camp at the Heritage Center. The week-long camp was for elite hockey players 16U and 12U and focused on skating, stick handling and other skills. The instructors hoped to help get the kids moving…

Grand Rapids Native Mike Chrsitensen Wins 95th Annual Northland Men’s Invitational

Christensen has been competing in the Northland Invitational since he was 16 and claimed his first title on Sunday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 95th annual Men’s Northland Invitational wrapped up on Sunday afternoon and we saw a new winner. It came down to the wire but in the end Grand Rapids native Mike Christensen claimed his first Northland Invitational title by defeating 17-year old Carson Herron.  Christensen has been competing in the invitational for years, so finally getting this…

Amy Schintz Wins Second Straight Ladies Arrowhead

Duluth native Amy Schintz edged out Deb Showalter to win the 72nd annual Ladies Arrowhead.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 72nd annual Ladies Arrowhead Championship wrapped up on Saturday afternoon and a familiar face took home the title. After three days of competition, Duluth native and defending champion Amy Schintz edged out Deb Showalter to keep her title. While getting another win was nice, spending the day with the people who mean a lot to Schintz,…

Former Bulldog Alex Illikainen Signs Pro Deal in Spain

The Grand Rapids native signed with CD Carbajosa in Spain, which competes in the LEB Silver League.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been quite the journey for Grand Rapids native Alex Illikainen. After his Thunderhawk career came to an end, Illikainen signed to go Division I at the University of Wisconsin. After a few seasons with the Badgers, Illikainen decided to come back home to play for the Bulldogs. Now, he’s taking the next step. Illikainen has signed…

UMD Athletic Director Josh Berlo Talks NSIC Cancellation of 2020 Sports Competitions

For this week's segment, we chat with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talked with UMD athletic director Josh Berlo following the NSIC decision to cancel all fall and winter sports through the end of the calendar year. Berlo also spoke about the impact the announcement has on the UMD men’s and women’s hockey teams. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports, University…

Superior Blues Photos Donated to Douglas County Historical Society

Don Janicki of Milwaukee contacted the Historical Society this past spring after going through some items from his late mother's collection.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – With the MLB season in full swing, baseball fans can finally enjoy watching america’s favorite past time. For those interested in old school memories, the Douglas County Historical Society is the place for you. The organization has inherited a wide assortment of photos of the Superior Blues, a minor league team that played from the early 1930’s…

Hayward United SC One of Three Teams Forced to Quarantine Due to Positive COVID-19 Tests

The Wolfpack's game against Bateaux FC has been postponed to August 30th.

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Wisconsin Primary Amateur Soccer League has announced that three teams, including Hayward United, will be suspended until a 14-day quarantine is met following positive tests for COVID-19. As far as scheduling, the Wolfpack’s game against Bateaux FC has been postponed to August 30th. The team confirmed that three of their players had positive tests and they’ve been…

WIAA Outlines Official Guidelines for Return of Fall Sports

Superior says they will make their decision next week on whether or not to play this fall. Northwestern says they will move forward with a conference-only fall schedule.

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – It’s full speed ahead for Wisconsin high school sports as the WIAA provided some updates that were music to the ears of sports fans across the border. The league has approved a plan that maintains current fall sports options, while also providing an option for schools to move fall sports to the spring. Schools can start…

Former UMD Bulldog, Grand Rapids Alum Avery Peterson Re-Signs with Atlanta Gladiators

This past season, the Grand Rapids alum set career highs across the board, including games played, goals and assists.

DULUTH, GA. – Former UMD hockey standout Avery Peterson has re-signed with the Atlanta Gladiators of the ECHL. This past season, the Grand Rapids alum set career highs across the board, including games played, goals and assists. Peterson transferred to UMD from Nebraska-Omaha, helping the Bulldogs win the 2018 national championship during his senior campaign. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports, University…

Former Bulldog Jade Miller Signs With ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays

Miller is the sixth UMD men's hockey player this off-season to sign a pro deal.

NORTH CHARLESTON, S.C. – Former UMD men’s hockey player Jade Miller has signed his first pro deal with the South Carolina Stingrays of the ECHL. The forward appeared in all 34 games in his COVID-shortened senior campaign, finishing with two goals and seven assists, including a career-high +9 rating. He wrapped up his career at +28, never ending a season…

Official Signage Revealed for Swanson Fields

Organizers say they have two more signs that will be put up on the outfield fences in the near future.

DULUTH, Minn. – Some official signage was revealed at the Swanson Softball Fields outside of Wade Stadium. The fields were named after longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson, who was on hand for the event. Swanson, who is currently battling cancer, had been coaching the Hunters for nearly three decades while racking up over 300 career wins. “I guess you…

Grand Rapids Native Morgan Illikainen Named Interim Head Coach of Dartmouth Women’s Hockey Team

Illikainen has spent the past three seasons as an assistant for Big Green, following four seasons as a player.

HANOVER, N.H. – Former Grand Rapids-Greenway hockey star Morgan Illikainen has been named interim head coach for the Dartmouth women’s hockey team. She takes over for former UMD assistant Laura Schuler who stepped down this week. Illikainen has spent the past three seasons as an assistant for Big Green, following four seasons as a player. She is the older sister…

NSIC Cancels All Fall and Winter Competition Through End of Calendar Year

For UMD, this impacts football, volleyball, women's soccer and cross country, as well as the start of winter sports like men's and women's basketball and indoor track and field.

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Board of Directors announced Thursday that all fall and winter sports have been cancelled through the end of the calendar year. In a statement, the conference says that health and safety concerns prevailed in the league’s decision, adding that current recommendations for testing, exposure and quarantine made it difficult conduct a successful…

Local Boxing Coach Takes Part in “22 Push-Up Challenge”

Challengers are asked to perform 22 push-ups in 22 days to bring awareness to the suicide issue in the military veterans community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Jungle Boy Boxing Gym’s Zach Walters has spent the last week and a half taking part in the 22 Push-Up Challenge. Walters says he was nominated by two people to perform 22 push-ups in 22 days to bring awareness to the suicide issue in the military veterans community. Recent studies revealed that roughly 22 veterans per day…

Duluth Huskies to Host Second Annual Golf Scramble

The event will take place next Saturday at the Poplar Golf Course.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies will be hosting their second annual golf scramble next weekend at the Poplar Golf Course. Last year’s event raised money for the Poplar volunteer fire department. But this year, the golf course is lending a helping hand to the Huskies by donating all profits to the team after the cancellation of their 2020 season….

MSHSL Releases Guidelines For Fall Sports Practices

Both volleyball and football can begin practices on September 14th and will wrap up training on October 3rd.

BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. – Last week, the Minnesota State High School League announced that the football and volleyball seasons will be moved to the spring. It wasn’t all bad news for those sports as the MSHSL is allowing practice time for those teams during the fall and this week, training guidelines were released. Both sports can begin practices on September…

Fishing Stores Staying Busy Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

Ever since the fishing opener back in May, shops like Marine General and Northwest Outlet have been busy with customers. 

DULUTH, Minn. – With fewer things to do this summer, it’s already been a busy fishing season. “People wish they could go more but they have things like kids sports, right, jobs, all these things that got in the way of going but this year they’re not in the way so they’re going fishing,” owner of Marine General Russ Francisco…

UW-Superior’s Reinertsen, CSS’s Thomeczek Advance to Conference Nominations for NCAA Woman of the Year Award

The selection committee will now choose the top ten from each division, which will be announced next month.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Tuesday, the conference representatives have been announced for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award. The UMAC has nominated former UWS basketball standout Eva Reinertsen. The Duluth native says she was surprised again to make it this far in the nomination process and is proud to still be up for the award. “I just think that this…

Esko Wins Senior Babe Ruth Baseball Tournament

The Eskomos defeated Evelth-Gilbert 16-11 in the championship game.

ELY, Minn. – For the first time in several months, a champion was crowned in a sports tournament. Imagine saying that at the start of the summer. But it’s true, and the winners are from Esko. The Eskomos won the Minnesota District 8 legion baseball championship. The tournament is classified as a Senior Babe Ruth league for high school-aged players…

Big Ten Postpones Fall Sports Season due to COVID-19

(AP) – The Big Ten won’t play football this fall because of concerns about COVID-19, becoming the first of college sports’ power conferences to yield to the pandemic. The move announced Tuesday comes six days after the conference that includes historic programs such as Ohio State, Michigan, Nebraska, and Penn State had released a revised conference-only schedule that it hoped…