Sports Archives - Page 151 of 238

“Alternative Baseball Organization” Looking to Expand to the Northland

The organization, which is based in Georgia, is in nearly 40 cities across the country thanks to the efforts of 24-year-old Taylor Duncan, who also has autism.

July 1, 2020

Sam Ali,

DALLAS, Ga. – The Alternative Baseball Organization provides an authentic baseball experience for teens and adults with autism and other special needs. The program was cancelled this year due to the pandemic, but when they start back up in the spring of 2021, they want to bring their game right here to the Northland. The organization, which is based in…

Seamus Gregory Named Full-Time Athletic Director at Northland College

Gregory has been interim A.D. for a year and a half while also serving as the head coach of the Lumberjacks men's hockey team.

July 1, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College has removed the interim label off of Seamus Gregory’s title and named him the full time athletic director. Gregory has been interim A.D. for a year and a half while also serving as the head coach of the Lumberjacks men’s hockey team. “My family’s excited. I got the three little girls here in town so…

Longview Tennis Club Resumes Operations

"I think tennis is for everybody. You don't have to be a professional at it."

June 30, 2020

Reece Lindquist,

DULUTH, Minn. – “I think tennis is for everybody. You don’t have to be a professional at it,” Longview Tennis Manager, Kirk Summers says. Whether you’re an ammeter or an expert, there’s no questioning how good it feels to get back outside. “We know we don’t have many days like this which is nice to come down and play outdoors,”…

WIAA, University of Wisconsin Study Shows Depression, Anxiety Up Among Student-Athletes Due to Shutdowns

Of the more than 3,000 participants, 65% reported anxiety symptoms, with 25% of those being moderate or severe.

June 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The effects of the pandemic are still being felt throughout high school sports. Right now, the question of whether or not we’ll have sports in the fall is weighing heavily on school administrators, coaches and of course, the student-athletes. But how is the uncertainty impacting the mental health of those players? A recent study tried to…

Melissa Fracker Excited for New Era of UWS Softball

Fracker is a graduate of Western Connecticut State University.

June 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Last week, UW-Superior announced that Melissa Fracker would become the new head coach of the Yellowjackets softball team. She’s originally from Connecticut and didn’t know much about Superior. But when she got the job, she was pumped to join the UWS family. “I was beyond excited for a different opportunity. I’ve realized just being at home that…

“Way of the Warriors” Film Opens Casting Call for Northland Hockey Players

Ideally, they want players with some acting experience in a high school play or musical, but it is not a requirement.

June 29, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Friday Night Lights. Hoosiers. Remember The Titans. What do these three movies have in common? They chronicled the life of high school athletes and what sports mean to small communities. An upcoming movie wants to do the same thing, but this time, it’s about high school hockey in the Northland. According to their website, “Way of the…

Deadline Approaching to Submit Times for Chester Park Trail Race

Sunday is the last day to submit your times for either the 5K, 10K or six hour run.

June 27, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – This year, many races around the country, form small 5Ks to big marathons are going virtual. We saw Grandma’s Marathon go virtual this summer, and now a local 5K is doing the same thing. The Chester Park Trail Race is doing a virtual run this year. The 4th annual race was supposed to take place on Sunday…

Coaches Corner: Maura Crowell

For this week's segment, we chat with the head coach of the UMD women's hockey team.

June 26, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with UMD women’s hockey head coach Maura Crowell about how the pandemic has impacted communication with her team, as well as recruits. Also, Crowell spoke about the PWHPA and what it means to see three of her former players join the organization. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional…

UMD Softball Recruits Meet for First Time at National Tournament

This week, five future Bulldogs joined the Minnesota A's fast pitch softball team for a national tournament in Florida.

June 26, 2020

Sam Ali,

VIERA, Fla. – Recruiting has been a challenge for college coaches across the country. In person visits have been replaced with Zoom meetings. And even after recruits commit, it may be a while before they even get to meet each other. But that wasn’t the case for a group of future UMD softball players. This week, five future Bulldogs joined…

MN Junior PGA Tour Returns to Enger Park Golf Course

The event was open to players from all over the state of Minnesota, as well as Wisconsin with a total of 59 golfers hitting the links.

June 25, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – A few months ago, no one thought we’d have any kind of sports activities going on this summer. But with restrictions being lifted in the past few weeks, things are opening up just in time for some junior golf action. The Minnesota Junior PGA Tour made its way back to the Enger Park Golf Course, which also…

WIAA Makes Changes to Boys Hockey, Basketball Seeding, Girls Wrestling

The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward.

June 25, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association approved some changes to boys high school hockey. The WIAA is making the two-division format permanent going forward. Also, regular season overtimes will start with an eight-minute sudden victory period. If the game is still tied after that, five minutes of 3-on-3 will be played. If there is still no winner,…

Falvey: ‘A few’ Twins Players Test Positive for Covid-19

June 25, 2020

The Associated Press,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. (Fox 9) – At least “a few” Minnesota Twins players have tested positive for Coronavirus within the last few days, Chief Baseball Officer Derek Falvey said Thursday. Falvey held a nearly 60-minute Zoom session with reporters Thursday morning on several topics. He declined to specify how many players have had positive Covid-19 tests, declined to name any of the players,…

Hermantown, Esko VFW Baseball Teams Meet Up for First Game of the Summer

High-risk umpires will also have the option of calling the game behind the pitcher instead of behind the catcher.

June 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Baseball made its triumphant return to the Northland less than a week after the Minnesota Department of Health allowed outdoor youth sports to take place. It was great news for local VFW baseball teams as Esko and Hermantown met up in the first game of the summer. Before the game, both head coaches talked about what the…

Former UMD Goaltender Hunter Shepard Signs Pro Deal

Shepard has signed with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals.

June 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERSHEY, Penn. – Former UMD goaltender Hunter Shepard announced on his Twitter page that he has signed his first professional contract with the Hershey Bears, the AHL affiliate of the Washington Capitals. The Cohasset native helped lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships as a sophomore and junior, the latter earning the Grand Rapids alum the NCAA Tournament MVP award….

Duluth Huskies Officially Cancel 2020 Season

The team says that there are too many unanswerable questions in many areas critical to their 2020 season being successful

June 24, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, the Duluth Huskies confirmed what many fans had feared since the pandemic began: their 2020 season has officially been cancelled. In a statement, the team says that there are too many unanswerable questions in many areas critical to their 2020 season being successful, including health issues and safety for fans, coaches, host families and staff. The…

Play It Again Sports Sees Increase in Sales as Sports Practices Resume

The new and used sporting goods store reopened fully to the public a little over a month ago and has been busy helping athletes get the gear they need.

June 23, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Play It Again Sports is mostly back to business as usual. “We closed down on March 27th and then offered curbside delivery/outdoor service and then reopened fully to the public the week after,” general manager of Play It Again Sports Steven Holappa said. The store, located in Kenwood Village in Duluth, is a new and used sporting…

After Months of Waiting, Jungle Boy Boxing Gym Re-Opens

Among the big changes for the gym is the constant wiping down of contact surfaces, as well as splitting up boxers into the three age groups.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Jungle Boy Boxing Gym re-opened this week after months of waiting for restrictions to be lifted. Among the big changes for the gym is the constant wiping down of contact surfaces, as well as splitting up boxers into the three age groups. “So everybody gets a little bit of play in the gym. That’s a big…

Duluth Huskies Requesting Extension on Northwoods League Deadline

The Huskies are looking to buy some time in case restrictions on mass gatherings are lifted soon and Wade Stadium could be opened for games after July 1st.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – As of right now, there are four pods in the northwoods league who will be playing or are already playing their 2020 schedule. The Duluth Huskies are not one of the those teams, but they are still trying to salvage the summer season. According to a source within the organization, the team has requested an extension on…

Northwestern Alum, Poplar Native Tom Burke to be Inducted into University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame

The defensive end was dominant in his senior campaign, leading the nation in sacks with 22, which also broke the single-season Big Ten record.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

MADISON, Wis. – Poplar native Tom Burke will be inducted into the University of Wisconsin Hall of Fame. The defensive end was dominant in his senior campaign, leading the nation in sacks with 22, which also broke the single-season Big Ten record. Burke would go on to earn Consensus All-American honors and be named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the…

UMD’s Bell, Betinol Invited to Canadian Women’s Hockey Summer Camp

The camp will be done online weekly until players return to school in the fall.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD’s Ashton Bell And Kassy Betinol are two of 50 players who have been invited to the BFL Canada National Women’s Development Team summer camp. The camp will be done online weekly until players return to school in the fall. Bell, who is next season’s team captain, led all WCHA defenders with 11 goals and 21 assists….

UWS Tabs Melissa Fracker as New Softball Head Coach

Fracker comes to UWS after serving as an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State University since 2013.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Melissa Fracker has been named the new head coach of the UWS softball team. She will take over for Nick Bursik, who served as interim head coach for the past two seasons. Fracker comes to UWS after serving as an assistant coach at Western Connecticut State University since 2013. She played four years at WCSU And is…

Anthony Wood Named New Proctor Athletic Director

Wood will also serve as the director of sports facilities.

June 23, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Big changes are coming For Proctor High School, specifically for their athletic department. The school board has named Anthony Wood the new Rails athletic director. Wood will also serve as the director of sports facilities. Wood takes over for Dan Stauber who will remain with the district, but in a different position, according to superintendent John Engelking….

Cloquet Native Westin Michaud Creates Northland Hockey Development Academy

NHDA will also be hosting a special goalie camp this summer with a special guest: former UMD standout Hunter Shepard.

June 22, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – We’ve got another hockey school in town: the Northland Hockey Development Academy, brought to you by former CEC standout and North Dakota forward Westin Michaud. The Cloquet native knows they are several camps all across the Northland. But he feels his group of instructors bring a unique combination of on-ice instruction and off-ice advising. “There’s different programs…

Former Duluth East Standout Garrett Worth Talks Joining LIU Men’s Hockey Program

The program was established just two months ago so Worth will be part of the program's first-ever recruiting class.

June 22, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, former Duluth East standout Garrett Worth announced that he has committed to joining the Long Island University men’s hockey team. The program was established just two months ago so Worth will be part of the program’s first-ever recruiting class. “It’s really cool. I’m really excited. You’re kind of part of history with them just joining…

23rd Veteran Brings Runners Together Virtually on Grandma’s Marathon Weekend

The Facebook group #RunTheVirus had over 1400 runners from around the world come together and complete their races on Saturday morning.

June 21, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Normally, the Northland is packed with runners participating in Grandma’s Marathon races. But this year, it was much quieter due to them being canceled. But one group made the virtual races a little more fun. 23rd Veteran is a local nonprofit that helps take military members and veterans out of isolation. They decided to start a group…

NAHL Planning to Start 2020-21 Season On Time

The NAHL plans to start the season with the NAHL Showcase in September and play a full 60-game regular season.

June 21, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The NAHL announced on Friday a plan to return to play regarding the upcoming 2020-21 season. The league is planning to start the season with the “Greatest Show on Ice” at the NAHL Showcase in Blaine, Minnesota in September. The NAHL plans to play a full 60-game regular season schedule and start the season on time, with…

Port Wing Native Megan Gustafson Heads to Dallas to Prepare for Second WNBA Season

The South Shore High School alum flew out of Duluth on Saturday to do some individual workouts in Dallas, before all WNBA players head to Florida in early July for training camp.

June 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Port Wing native and former Iowa standout Megan Gustafson flew out of Duluth on Saturday afternoon to head to Dallas to start individual workouts. Gustafson was drafted by the Dallas Wings in the second round of the 2019 draft and was signed by them as a free agent this past February. Gustafson said she’s been doing at…

UWS Cross Country Runner Completes Virtual Grandma’s Marathon From Hometown

UWS senior Kate Schwerman was one of hundreds who completed their virtual marathon on Saturday.

June 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

JACKSON, Wis. – This weekend normally would have been packed with runners and tourists for the 44th annual Grandma’s Marathon. And while the race was canceled, runners have the chance to complete their virtual race, with hundreds deciding to do the race on Saturday, some in Duluth or other parts of the country. UWS runner Kate Schwerman missed her cross…

MSHSL Holding Free Online Officiating Forum

The online forum will take place on June 23 and those interested can ask questions about what it takes to be a referee, umpire or judge.

June 20, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The MSHSL is hosting an online officiating recruitment forum on Tuesday June 23 from 6-8:00 p.m. The purpose is to help fix the referee shortage happening not only here in the Northland but also around the country. Those interested will hear from top officials and have the chance to ask questions about what it takes to be…

Coaches Corner: Nick Bursik

For this week's segment, we hear from the athletic director at UW-Superior.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with UW-Superior athletic director and head softball coach Nick Bursik. Among the topics discussed were the UMAC’s intent to return to action this upcoming fall season, as well as what other options will be available if fans aren’t allowed to attend. Categories: College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Ashland’s Zoe Pearce Commits to UWS Women’s Soccer Team

Last year as a junior, she helped the Oredockers advance to the state tournament for the first time since 2015.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – This week, Ashland’s Zoe Pearce signed her National Letter of Intent for the UWS women’s soccer team. Pearce spent four years on the varsity squad as a midfielder and defender, as well as some time as a goalie. Last year as a junior, she helped the Oredockers advance to the state tournament for the first time since…

Former Greyhound Garrett Worth Commits to LIU Men’s Hockey

As a Greyhound, Worth recorded 128 points in 94 games, helping Duluth East finish runner-up in the Class AA tournament in his senior year.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East hockey star Garrett Worth announced on his Twitter account that he has committed to joining the newly formed men’s hockey program at Long Island University in Brookville, New York. Worth had previously committed to Arizona State. Since graduating from East back in 2018, Worth bounced around the junior hockey scene, including some time with…

MDH to Allow Scrimmages and Games for Summer Youth Sports

The state has issued new guidelines, which include the return of scrimmages and games with outdoor allowed to begin on June 24th and indoor sports are set for July 1st.

June 19, 2020

Sam Ali,

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – For the past few weeks, organized youth activities have been limited to just practices as teams await more details from the Minnesota Department of Health. And Friday, the MDH provided the best news for the teams since the pandemic began nearly three months ago. The state has issued new guidelines, which include the return of scrimmages and…

Grandma’s Marathon Weekend Still Going On Virtually for Runners, Fans

So far, almost 3,000 people have submitted their times and many more are expected to do the same this weekend.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend was supposed to be Grandma’s Marathon, but due to the pandemic, those plans were cancelled. But that doesn’t mean you still can’t be part of the event. Runners can still take part in a virtual version of the race. So far, almost 3,000 people have submitted their times and many more are expected to do…

Former Bulldog Ryleigh Houston to Join Brodt, Rooney in PWHPA

After transferring from North Dakota following her freshman year, Houston played the past three seasons with the Bulldogs, recording 49 points in 105 games.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD forward Ryleigh Houston has signed on with the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association. After transferring from North Dakota following her freshman year, Houston played the past three seasons with the Bulldogs, recording 49 points in 105 games. Houston will join former teammates Sydney Brodt and Maddie Rooney, who also signed with the PWHPA, a non-profit…

Kelly Rider Steps Down as Northland College Women’s Hockey Coach

Rider has been with the LumberJills since the program's inception back in 2015.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Kelly Rider has stepped down as head coach of the Northland College women’s hockey team. Rider has been with the LumberJills since the program’s inception back in 2015. Northland College just wrapped up their inaugural season in the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Confernece, finishing 6-18-2, but did not pick up a win within the WIAC. According to a…

WIAA Sets Guidelines for High School Summer Activities

Sports will be classified into four groups based on risk to establish what degree of contact will be allowed.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – The Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association announced that the summer coaches contact period will begin on July 1st. The WIAA added that individual schools, as well as local health officials, will ultimately determine when and how that contact will be made. All summer activities will be voluntary for student-athletes and preventative measures, like face coverings and social…

Legendary UMD Football Coach Jim Malosky Named to 2021 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

In his 40 years on the sidelines, the Bulldogs had 33 winning seasons and Malosky was named Conference Coach of the Year 13 times.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD football head coach Jim Malosky has been named to the 2021 College Football Hall of Fame ballot. Malosky led the program from 1958 to 1997, retiring as the winningest coach in Division II history. In his 40 years on the sidelines, the Bulldogs had 33 winning seasons and Malosky was named Conference Coach of the…

Rainy River Community College Suspends Women’s Hockey Program

The school cited several issues including the recent resignation of head coach Erin Negurski-Hall.

June 18, 2020

Sam Ali,

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Rainy River Community College has suspended their women’s hockey program for the foreseeable future. In a statement, the school cited several issues including the recent resignation of head coach Erin Negurski-Hall, as well as low numbers and budget concerns. The program was established back in 2005 and had enjoyed a lot of success in the past…

UW-Superior’s Nick Bursick Talks UMAC’s Return to Play

As of now, the NCAA will allow Division III teams to begin practices on August 10th or the first day of school, whichever is earlier.

June 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Earlier this week, the UMAC announced their intent to move forward and prepare to play games this upcoming fall season. And although this doesn’t guarantee that games will happen, UWS athletic director Nick Bursik says the Yellowjackets are glad to get some sense of clarity about what will happen in the fall. “We’re still hopeful. We’re still…

Registration Open for Duluth East Youth Football, Cheerleading Program

Both programs are open to kids from 3rd grade to 8th.

June 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is open for the Duluth East Youth Tackle Football program. Kids from 3rd to 8th grade can sign up to learn the fundamentals of football, as well as other life lessons on the gridiron. “Eleven players on each side of the ball and it’s a big team sport. It starts from the line to the quarterback…

Former UMD Women’s Hockey Captain Jalyn Elmes Signs Pro Deal in Sweden

Elmes will see some familiar names in the SDHL as Lara Stalder and Katerina Mrazova also play there.

June 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Jalyn Elmes will begin her pro career overseas in Sweden. The former captain signed a one-year deal with Brynas IF of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. Elmes will see some familiar names in the SDHL as Lara Stalder and Katerina Mrazova also play there. The Manitoba native finished her career ranked 10th in program…

Disc Golf Growing in Popularity in the Northland

There's a 9-hole course on UMD's campus on the corner of College St. and Kirby Drive. It's free for anyone to play on.

June 16, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Disc golf is growing across the country, including right here in the Northland. “It’s essentially just going on a walk with an added bonus of throwing a couple discs around,” Taylor Noyes said. Disc golf is essentially traditional golf, but with a Frisbee. “You start from a tee box, you throw the disc and you try to…

Former UMD Star, Superior Native Brandon Myer Signs Pro Deal in Finland

Myer says he'll head out to Finland later this summer to get ready for the season which begins in the fall.

June 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After wrapping a stellar career at UMD, Superior native Brandon Myer has signed a one-year deal with Lahti Basketball, a pro team from Finland. “Everybody that’s played in this league has loved their experience. I know it is their top league, the top tier in Finland. But it’s also a good stepping stone to if I want…

Denfeld Boys Hockey Team Volunteer to Make Face Shields

The Hunters joined forces with EcoLibrium3 to give back to the community in a huge area of need for local hospitals.

June 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Denfeld boys hockey team stopped by the Heritage Center to help put together face shields for frontline workers. The Hunters joined forces with EcoLibrium3 to give back to the community in a huge area of need for local hospitals. “It was actually really fun. They made it fun. We had a little competition in fifteen minutes…

UMD Men’s Hockey Postpones Season-Opener Exhibition vs. Guelph

This comes after all college sports in Canada were cancelled through the end of the year.

June 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s hockey team has been forced to postpone their season-opener against the University of Guelph. This comes after all college sports in Canada were cancelled through the end of the year. The Bulldogs were set to host the Ontario-based school on October 5th. But now, the team plans to play the game later in the…

Denfeld Boys Soccer Team Take Advantage of Summer Waiver Period

The summer waiver period was moved back two weeks to give teams more time to prepare for the fall season.

June 15, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Beginning this week, Minnesota high school coaches had their first chance to meet up in person with their players. The summer waiver period was moved back two weeks to give teams, like the Denfeld boys soccer team, more time to prepare for the fall season. “When I saw that I was like ‘Finally we’re back to playing…

UMAC Announces Intention to Play Sports in the Fall

The conference says planning efforts are underway with the intention to play sports this upcoming fall season adding that they are "cautiously optimistic".

June 15, 2020

Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – When the summer starts, the fall sports season is officially on the clock. And now more than ever, everyone wants to know will we have sports in the fall? The UMAC provided a few details on that questions for fans of UW-Superior, St. Scholastica and Northland College. In a press release, the conference says planning efforts…

Hayward United SC Drops Season Opener

Carson Gorecki scored the lone goal for the Wolfpack via a penalty kick in the second half.

June 14, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Hayward United SC Wolfpack opened the season a week early but was unable to get the job done, as Eau Claire Bateaux FC got the 2-1 win on Sunday afternoon. Turbo Sports FC got the 4-1 win over Hayward United SC in the second game of the doubleheader. Carson Gorecki scored the lone goal for the…

Breakthrough Fitness and Boxing Launches Youth Fitness Camps

The class will run Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon for the entire summer, and is open for kids ages seven to 17.

June 13, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Breakthrough Fitness and Boxing is now holding youth fitness classes to get kids active and moving again. The class will run Monday-Friday from 10:00 a.m. to noon for the entire summer, and is open for kids ages seven to 17. The camp will focus on different strength exercises, with some yoga added in, and they’ll also spend…