Sports Archives - Page 155 of 242

Marshall Basketball Teams Take Summer Practices Outdoors

Organized youth activities have been allowed for almost a month now, and the Hilltoppers are glad they can get some work in.

July 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

GARY NEW DULUTH, Minn. – These days, finding gym time is hard to come by with so many teams and not a lot of courts available. But that doesn’t matter to the Duluth Marshall basketball teams as they’ve taken their training outside. The boys and girls teams have been alternating time during the week at their high school gym and…

Jason Carter Named New Head Coach of Northland College Women’s Hockey Team

Carter will join the LumberJills after spending three seasons as an assistant at St. Mary's college.

July 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College has hired Jason Carter to lead their women’s hockey program. Carter will join the LumberJills after spending three seasons as an assistant at St. Mary’s college. He takes over for Kelly Rider, who stepped down last month. Carter is a 2013 graduate of St. Thomas and began his coaching career while still in college as…

St. Scholastica Tabs Kevin Moore As New Head Coach of Men’s Hockey Team

Moore spent the past two seasons in the NCHA as an assistant at Adrian College.

July 9, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Three months ago, Tim Madsen resigned as head coach of the St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. The Saints began a nationwide search for their next bench boss and found their man who has some ties to the east coast. CSS announced Thursday that Kevin Moore is the new head coach of the men’s hockey team. Moore spent…

MCAC Football Coaches React to Fall Sports Cancellation

Seven Northland colleges were impacted by the MCAC's decision to cancel the fall sports season.

July 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the Minnesota College Athletic Conference cancelled their fall sports season. The news was tough to hear for local head football coaches who had the unenviable task of breaking the news to their players that their season was over before it even began. “It was difficult. We had heard whispers as a…

StayMelo Charity Basketball Game to Raise Funds for “Play for Jay”

The fun starts at 4 p.m. and organizers are asking those who plan to attend to be prepared for social distancing guidelines.

July 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The StayMelo Charity All-Star game is set to take place this Saturday at the Hillside basketball courts in Duluth. The event, which is in its second year, looks to raise funds for a local cause. And this year, they’ll lend a helping hand to the family of Jay Nick, a local youth basketball player who was diagnosed…

Scott Perunovich to be Honored by Hobey Baker Committee Next Month

The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN.

July 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Hobey Baker Award committee announced Wednesday that former UMD Bulldog and 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner Scott Perunovich will be honored at a banquet/golf outing next month. The ceremony will take place August 6th at the Royal Golf Club in Lake Elmo, MN. The event was scheduled to take place back in April, but the coronavirus…

Indoor Shooting Range at Custom Archery and Outdoors Gives Customers Early Practice

Custom Archery and Outdoors is a full pro and retail archery shop, selling a variety of products to help hunters hit the trails.

July 7, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – It’s been a busy summer already for Custom Archery and Outdoors. “We were down quite a bit, money wise but then once everything started opening back up, boom we were right back at it, we were super busy, this is probably the busiest June we’ve ever had,” owner of Custom Archery and Outdoors Randy Graber said. Custom…

Lake Superior College’s Daniel Fanning Talks Fall Sports Cancellation

The IceHawks will lose both men's and women's soccer, as well as cycling.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the first domino fell for the status of fall sports as the Minnesota College Athletic Conference announced that they would be cancelling their fall season. This impacts seven Northland colleges, including Lake Superior College. Athletic director Daniel Fanning gave his thoughts on the announcement. “It’s a tough decision. We really do feel bad for the…

Superior Trailblazers Pool League Hosts All-Star Pool Match

The league has about 200 players, but this action features the top eight in a four-on-four showdown.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Trailblazers Pool League hosted their first-ever all-star match Tuesday night at the Top Hat Tavern in Superior. The league has about 200 players, but this action features the top eight in a four-on-four showdown. The event was originally scheduled for back in April, but was postponed a few times due to the coronavirus pandemic. “We…

UMD Hockey Great Caroline Ouellette Named Interim Head Coach at Concordia University

She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

MONTREAL, Canada – Former UMD women’s hockey legend Caroline Ouellette has been named interim head coach of the Concordia University women’s hockey team, which is located in her hometown of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She is stepping in for her wife Julie Chu, who will be on maternity leave after the birth of their second child back in May. Ouellette has…

Enger Park Golf Course Hosts 4th Annual Junior Golf School

The camp is set up where golfers learn different skills like putting, chipping and driving, as well as golf etiquette while out on the course.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Enger Park Golf Course is hosting its fourth annual junior golf school. The camp is set up where golfers learn different skills like putting, chipping and driving, as well as golf etiquette while out on the course. But mostly, it’s about just having fun. “I like the challenge because I think it’s hard to try to…

UMD Releases Updated Schedules for Fall Sports

The football team was scheduled to close the season against Northern State, but that game has been dropped.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD Athletics have released updated sports schedules for the fall. For the football team, the schedule has been reduced from 11 games to 10, per NCAA regulations, which means the season will start one week earlier. The Bulldogs will open their season at home against MSU-Mankato on September 12th. The season opener against Upper Iowa will now…

Hermantown VFW, Legion Baseball Teams Shutdown for “Precautionary Measures”

No players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19.

July 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – According to Hermantown athletic director Beth Clark, the Hawks VFW and Legion baseball teams will be shutdown for the rest of the week for “precautionary measures”. Clark added that no players or coaches have tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, Hermantown’s Legion baseball team will not participate in the Midsummer Classic tournament this weekend up in…

Vintage Sport Camps Aim to Get Kids Away from Technology

The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12.

July 6, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – No phones. No TV. No tablets. No gaming. Those are the rules for the annual Vintage Sport Camps, which began this week at the Duluth Heritage Center. The camp looks to promote healthy and active lifestlyes for boys and girls ages six through 12. Campers have a chance to learn new sports and improve social skills. This…

Nemadji Golf Course Staffer Tests Positive for COVID-19

The clubhouse and grill will be closed and check-in will take place through the window of the golf shop.

July 6, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Nemadji Golf Course announced this weekend that they are adjusting their operations due to a positive case of COVID-19 by one of their staffers. The clubhouse and grill will be closed and check-in will take place through the window of the golf shop. Food orders are to be called in and beverage carts will be out…

Minnesota College Athletic Conference Cancels 2020 Fall Sports Season

Team and group activities will not take place, even for winter and spring sports teams.

July 6, 2020

Sam Ali,

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Minnesota College Athletic Conference announced Monday that they are cancelling their 2020 fall sports season. This includes football, volleyball and soccer, but does not apply to low-risk sports such as clay target shooting and golf. Team and group activities will also not take place, even for winter and spring sports teams. The conference has 24 teams…

Minnesota Blast Softball Returns to the Field

The Minnesota Blast is a summer travel softball team that's hoping to play in tournaments every weekend.

July 5, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – When the MSHSL canceled spring sports this year, local softball players lost their season, which really impacted the seniors. “It was really sad because we wanted to go back and try to win state this year. Last year we got third so we wanted to try and come back and win,” Minnesota Blast 18U pitcher Lucy Sinkkonen…

Gondik Law Speedway Wraps Up 4th Annual Border Battle

Racing fans were able to celebrate the 4th of July with the final day of the Border Battle at the Gondik Law Speedway.

July 4, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Friday, the city of Superior announced that there would be no fireworks this year due to COVID-19. But there was still plenty of action and excitement on Saturday evening at the Gondik Law Speedway. Saturday was the third and final day of the 4th Annual Great Lakes Border Battle. Practice day was on Wednesday with races…

Coaches Corner: Seamus Gregory

For this week's segment, we chat with the full-time athletic director at Northland College.

July 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Seamus Gregory, who was recently named the full-time athletic director at Northland College. Gregory also serves as the head coach of the men’s hockey. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Registration Open for Duluth Little League’s Practice Season

It will be a six-week practice season as the league won't be able to host any games.

July 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Little League has announced that registration is open for kids ages four to 12. It will be a six-week practice season though as they won’t be able to host any games. League president Dan Fraser says it’s the best they can do given the current circumstances. “Practices are probably the most important thing. Kids definitely love…

In-Person Option Available for Park Point 5-Miler

They will be offering three different three-hour blocks throughout the day that will each include 10 waves of up to 25 people.

July 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Park Point 5-Miler race will still have an in-person option on Thursday, July 16th. They will be offering three different three-hour blocks throughout the day that will each include 10 waves of up to 25 people. You can also run it virtually between July 13th and the day of the race, but you have to…

Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club Reopens With New Clubhouse

July 2, 2020

Jane Kim,

DULUTH, Minn. – After being closed for three years, the Pike Lake Golf & Beach Club has finally reopened its property with a brand new addition for its guests to enjoy. The addition includes a renovated clubhouse from top to bottom. The brand new fully loaded kitchen opened Thursday night, and liquor is now being sold once again on the…

Ella Olson Takes Over for Ray Kosey as Superior’s New Athletic Director

Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring.

July 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week marks the official start to the high school academic year. And that means it’s the first week on the job for Superior High School’s new athletic director. Ella Olson will be taking over for longtime Spartans A.D. Ray Kosey, who announced his retirement back in the spring. Olson is a teacher at Bryant Elementary in…

Halvor Lines Speedway Cancels All Races Through July

The situation will be re-evaluated later this month and they are hoping for a better outlook at that time.

July 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Halvor Lines Speedway has announced that they are cancelling all scheduled events through the month of July. According to their Facebook page, they say after an analysis of all the initial opening costs and the additional costs associated with COVID-19, they can’t afford the financial risk at this time. The post goes on to say that the…

UMD Set to Partially Re-Open Athletic Facilities for Voluntary Workouts

The guidelines and protocols call for all student-athletes to quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to campus.

July 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For those who are hoping for the return of sports this upcoming fall, we got a small glimmer of hope, courtesy of UMD. The university announced Thursday its initial plans for a phased approach to bringing student-athletes back to campus. Beginning Monday July 6th, around 100 student-athletes will return to campus for voluntary workouts. Only select facilities…

“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…