Sports Archives - Page 155 of 238

Three-Time National Champion, Superior Native Ross Kennelly Speaks to Spartans Football Team

"You control what you can control and part of that is your attitude," Kennelly said.

April 20, 2020

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior football team are starting to prepare for their upcoming season with Zoom meetings. The Spartans recently had a special guest speaker: North Dakota State long snapper and three-time national champion Ross Kennelly, who is a former Superior football player. “It was also me letting those guys know that I’m in the same boat as they…

City of Duluth Closes Wade Stadium Until July 1st

The Northwoods League is expected to make an announcement about scheduling later this week.

April 20, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the Northwoods League announced that Opening Day, which was set for May 26th, was postponed with no official date set to begin games. And Monday, the Duluth Huskies were dealt another blow, this time to their home field. Duluth mayor Emily Larson announced that Wade Stadium would be closed to the public until July 1st….

UMD Cheer Teams Hold Virtual Tryouts

The football/competition cheer team will announce their rosters on Monday, while the hockey cheer team will start tryouts this upcoming week.

April 19, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – This time of year was supposed to be tryout season for the UMD hockey and football cheerleading teams. But this year, both teams have now had to go virtual. “Bree and myself and a couple others from the team that will be taking leadership positions, they performed and videoed from the front and the back and we…

Golfers Hit the Links for First Time This Season

Northland Country Club was ready to open on Saturday morning after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz lifted the restrictions on outdoor activities.

April 18, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz announced that outdoor activities, including golf courses, were allowed to open, and on Saturday, golfers were eager to hit the links. Northland Country Club was ready to open on Saturday morning and had their driving range and course full of members. The country club has put in place many social distancing…

Coaches Corner: Greg Culver

For this week's segment, we hear from the general manager of the Duluth Huskies.

April 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth Huskies general manager Greg Culver who talked about the latest news involving the cancellation of Opening Day games by the Northwoods League. Culver also discussed the difficulties of getting ready for the season amid the coronavirus pandemic. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

“Saints By The Second” A Recruiting Success for CSS Football Team

This gives former players a chance to stay involved with the program, even when everyone is in quarantine.

April 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica football team has found lots of success with their recent “Saints By The Second” recruiting tool. Current and former players post videos on Twitter talking about their experience with the team that gives recruits an inside look into the program. “It’s just a way to verify whatever I’m telling them, whatever coaches are telling…

Opening Day Cancelled for Duluth Huskies

The Huskies were scheduled to open their season on the road against Bismarck.

April 17, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Due to Wisconsin’s extended “Safer at Home” order, the Northwoods League announced that Opening Day, which was set for may 26th, has been cancelled and there’s no information yet on when the season will begin. The Huskies were scheduled to open their season on the road against Bismarck. In a press release, the league says they will…

Biondi, Gotz Become Latest Hawks to Join UMD Men’s Hockey Team

The pair will join Cole Koepke and Jesse Jacques as the Bulldogs will feature four former Hermantown players on their squad.

April 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Former Hermantown hockey stars Blake Biondi and Darian Gotz have been sitting on their verbal college commitments for a few years now. But this week, they each signed their National Letter of Intent to officially join the UMD men’s hockey team. “It’s obviously feels great. It’s been my dream since I was 3 years old. Once I…

Opening Day Still On for Duluth Huskies

One issue will be the federal, state and local orders that would make it tough for teams to travel.

April 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Opening Day is still a go for the Northwoods League, including the Duluth Huskies. General manager Greg Culver says that can change at any time, especially with what happens with the delayed start for the pros. “If MLB decides they’re going to go July 1st with four weeks of spring training and kicking the season off August…

WIAA to Decide Fate of Spring Sports Season Next Week Amid School Shutdown Announcement

With Governor Tony Evers cancelling the rest of the school year, that all but ends the spring sports season.

April 16, 2020

Sam Ali,

STEVENS POINT, Wis. – High school student athletes in Wisconsin have been waiting for the past month to find out if the spring sports season will be taking place. And Thursday, they received some clarity, but not the good news they had expected. With Governor Tony Evers cancelling the rest of the school year, that all but ends the spring…

Grandma’s Marathon Winner Boniface Kongin Stranded After Race Cancellation

As an elite runner, he relies on winning races to provide for himself and his family back home.

April 15, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the cancellation of Grandma’s Marathon, it has left last year’s winner Boniface Kongin stranded in Duluth and in a dire financial situation. The man known affectionately as “Bones” recently returned to Duluth after having to drop out of the Los Angeles Marathon due to an injury. And now because of the coronavirus, he can’t return to…

Duluth Native, Vikings Fullback CJ Ham Talks Contract Extension, Quarantine Life

The Denfeld alum is currently in self-isolation like everyone else as he awaits news on the upcoming season.

April 15, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The coronavirus quarantine has impacted people from all walks of life. It doesn’t matter if you’re a high school baseball player, a college hockey player or a professional football player like Duluth native CJ Ham. The Vikings fullback is currently in self-isolation like everyone else as he awaits news on the upcoming season. Ham spoke about the…

Northland Bikers Get Ready to Ride

April 14, 2020

CJ Baumgartner,

DULUTH, Minn.– Duluth’s Lakewalk has been a busy place lately with more and more bikers showing up to ride. As the weather warms up, a lot of people in the Northland are anxious to get out and ride their bikes. Biking can be a great way for people to get around, lower stress, and get some exercise. The Lakewalk has…

Tamara Moore Talks History-Making Hire with Norsemen Men’s Basketball Team

As the former Minnesota Lynx guard becomes the first female to lead a men's college basketball program, she wants to make sure she won't be the last.

April 14, 2020

Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – This past weekend, Mesabi Range College made history as they hired Tamara Moore to be the new head coach of their men’s basketball team. As a player, she’s a former winner of the Miss Minnesota Basketball Award, a former University of Wisconsin women’s basketball star and spent six seasons in the WNBA. She’s also experienced on the…

Cloquet Native Westin Michaud Signs with AHL’s Manitoba Moose

The Moose are the AHL affiliate of the Winnipeg Jets who are home to Hermantown natives Neal Pionk and Dylan Samberg.

April 14, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Universtiy of North Dakota forward Westin Michaud has signed with the Manitoba Moose of the AHL. The Cloquet native was tied for the team lead in goals with 16 and added 12 assists to help the Fighting Hawks capture the Penrose Cup as the top team in the NCHC. Michaud spent the first three years of his…

Perunovich Receives High Praise from UMD’s Former Hobey Baker Winners

Both Bill Watson and Jack Connolly say that the fact that Perunovich is a local player makes this honor that much more special to the program.

April 13, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This past weekend, UMD’s Scott Perunovich became the sixth Bulldog ever to win the Hobey Baker Award. We spoke with two of the other five winners, Bill Watson and Jack Connolly, who say that the Hibbing native has left a strong legacy at UMD. “There is nothing that he hasn’t accomplished as an individual player. But more…

Former Coaches Not Surprised by Perunovich’s Hobey Baker Win

Scott Sandelin and Todd Versich had high praise for a player that each of them got to coach.

April 13, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland is still buzzing after the announcement that UMD defenseman and Hibbing native Scott Perunovich was named the 2020 Hobey Baker Award winner. We spoke with Bulldogs head coach Scott Sandelin to get his reaction to the big news. “I think the people that have seen him play know what kind of player he is. He…

Former WNBA Player Tamara Moore Named New Head Coach of Mesabi Range Men’s Basketball Team

Moore returns to her homestate where she was named Miss Minnesota Basketball in 1998.

April 13, 2020

Sam Ali,

VIRGINIA, Minn. – Saturday, Mesabi Range College announced that former Minnesota Lynx guard Tamara Moore has been named the new head coach of the men’s basketball team, becoming the first female ever hired to run a men’s basketball program. Moore was named Miss Minnesota Basketball back in 1998, helping Minneapolis North High School go undefeated and win a state championship….

Scott Perunovich Wins Hobey Baker Award

The Hibbing native is the sixth UMD men's hockey player to win the award.

April 12, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

HIBBING, Minn. – UMD junior defenseman Scott Perunovich is the 2020 Hobey Baker Award Winner, edging out North Dakota forward Jordan Kawaguchi and Maine goaltender Jeremy Swayman. Perunovich, a Hibbing native, was named NCHC Player of the Year after leading the league in scoring, the first defenseman to do so. He also became the first player in league history to…

UMD Men’s Basketball to Hold Virtual Skills Camp

Over the next four weeks, five 30 minute pre-recorded videos will be released of the Bulldog coaching staff walking participants through different drills.

April 12, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Monday, the UMD men’s basketball team will be holding a virtual skills camp. Over the next four weeks, five 30 minute pre-recorded videos will be released of the coaching staff walking participants through different drills. With gyms shut down, these workouts were designed to be done with little space and equipment needed. While the Bulldogs currently…

Four Bulldogs Attain All-American Status

Scott Perunovich, Noah Cates, Cole Koepke and Hunter Shepard were all named American Hockey Coaches Association All-Americans for the 2019-20 season.

April 11, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Four UMD men’s hockey players, defenseman Scott Perunovich, goaltender Hunter Shepard, and forward Cole Koepke and Noah Cates were named American Hockey Coaches Association All-Americans for the 2019-20 season. Perunovich, was also named Hobey Baker Award winner on Saturday night, has received this honor three times, while this is Shepard’s second selection. Perunovich was a first-time (West)…

Grandma’s Marathon Offers Virtual Race for 2020

23rd Veteran is hosting a free, virtual training event to help keep people motivated and reaching their goals for Grandma's Marathon.

April 11, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Although Grandma’s Marathon 2020 is canceled due to the coronavirus, the organization still wants to honor those runners for their accomplishments and keep them motivated. Grandma’s Marathon will have a virtual race for the full marathon, the Garry Bjorklund half and the William A. Irvin 5K. Starting May 4 through July 31, runners can run their race…

St. Scholastica Women’s Hockey Coach Navigates Coronavirus Pandemic

The two-time national champion at UMD had a life-saving liver transplant five years ago and now has to take extra precautions as coronavirus continues to spread.

April 11, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – With the sports world still shut down, many athletes and coaches are adjusting to a new normal. But for one St. Scholastica assistant coach, the coronavirus makes things a little tougher. St. Scholastica women’s hockey assistant coach Julianne Vasichek had just wrapped up her first season in her new role when the coronavirus paused the sports world….

Coaches Corner: Proctor Rails

For this week's segment, we hear from the Rails and how they got involved with the Be the Light MN movement.

April 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we chat with Proctor athletic director Dan Stauber and senior Ben Harnell. The pair spoke about the state of high school sports in the Northland, as well as how they got involved with the “Be the Light MN” social media movement. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Hermantown Native, Winnipeg Defenseman Neal Pionk Talks Quarantine Life

Pionk added that he knows it's going to be a while until he goes back to Winnipeg so in the meantime, he's staying in game shape.

April 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Four weeks ago, the NHL announced it would be suspending play immediately due to the coronavirus pandemic. That left many players, including Winnipeg defenseman and Hermantown native Neal Pionk, scrambling for answers in a situation that no one was prepared for. “It was a time of the unknown. Usually in a world where you know things, you’re…

NAHL Draft Moved to July 21st

This also means that pre-draft camps will be moved as well, but will remain in their same locations.

April 10, 2020

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The NAHL announced Friday it has moved the day of their draft to July 21st. This also means that pre-draft camps will be moved as well, but will remain in their same locations. The Superior, Colorado camp will now take place starting June 26th. The Trenton, Michigan camp has been moved to July 10th. The Minnkota camp…

Remembering the UMD Men’s Hockey Team’s 2011 National Championship

The Bulldogs knocked off Michigan 3-2, thanks to Kyle Schmidt's overtime goal and iconic celebration.

April 9, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Nine years ago on April 9th, the UMD men’s hockey team won their first national championship in program history. Let’s step into a time machine and relive that magic night at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul as the Bulldogs knocked off Michigan 3-2, thanks to Kyle Schmidt’s overtime goal and iconic celebration. Categories: College, Sports,…

CSS Athletics Honoring Senior Student-Athletes

The Saints are giving their athletes one last chance to remember their college careers.

April 9, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, the UMAC is honoring senior student-athletes from the spring sports season. St. Scholastica is also doing the same on their social media accounts to give their athletes one last chance to remember their college careers. “The feedback I’ve gotten, and even going now into the winter sports and hearing back from some of them, that…

Virtual Food Drive A Success for NYBA and Starks Academy

The Northland Youth Basketball Association and Starks Academy raised $2500 through a virtual food drive last week.

April 9, 2020

Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – With all the doom and gloom in the news, it’s always nice to hear about the good things going on during this pandemic. And who better to step up on the court than our local youth basketball organizations. The Northland Youth Basketball Association and Starks Academy raised $2500 through a virtual food drive last week. And thanks…

Halvor Lines Speedway Cancels Opening Night Races

The speedway has also cancelled the Area Track Media Day on April 29th and the open practice on May 2nd.

April 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – The Halvor Lines Speedway have canceled their first few events of the racing season. That includes the Area Track Media Day on April 29th, the open practice on May 2nd and the 70th Anniversary Opening Night on May 3rd. Board president Mike Donnahue says the hope is that races will be able to continue later in May…

Stephanie Erickson Steps Down as Marshall Girls Hockey Head Coach

Erickson was named Section 7A Coach the Year last season in her first year with the Hilltoppers.

April 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall girls hockey coach Stephanie Erickson has stepped down as head coach of the team. Erickson spent the past two seasons with the Hilltoppers, guiding them to a 33-18-2 record. Last year, she helped Marshall make it all the way to the section title game and also earned Section 7A Coach of the Year honors. The…

Joel Barta Steps Down as Northland College Baseball Coach

Barta returned to the program last September after starting as the Lumberjacks' first head coach in 2000.

April 8, 2020

Sam Ali,

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College announced Wednesday that Joel Barta has resigned as head coach of the Lumberjacks baseball team. According to a press release, the move was due to personal reasons as Barta wants to spend more time with family. Barta, who was the Lumberjack’s first head coach in program history from 2000 to 2006, returned to the program…

Former Hermantown Star, UMD Standout Dylan Samberg Signs with Winnipeg Jets

Samberg will join another former Hawk on the team in Hermantown native Neal Pionk.

April 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – So far, two UMD men’s hockey players have left school early to go to the NHL: Scott Perunovich with the St. Louis Blues and Justin Richards with the New York Rangers. Add one more to the list as Hermantown native Dylan Samberg has signed a three-year-deal with the Winnipeg Jets. “I’m very excited. This is something that…

UMD Football’s Garth Heikkinen Named to All-Decade Team

The Duluth native currently serves as the offensive line coach of the Bulldogs.

April 7, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD offensive line coach Garth Heikkinen has been named to the All-Decade Team by D2Football.com. Back in 2012, the Duluth native became the first Bulldog to win the Gene Upshaw National Division II Lineman of the Year Award and was also chosen to six different All-American teams. His streak of 54 consecutive games started is still a…

#BeTheLightMN Movement Comes to the Northland

Egerdahl Field was one of several fields that will have their lights on in the Northland.

April 6, 2020

Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Over 200 stadium lights across the state of Minnesota are shining bright this evening in honor of high school students, staff and community members for the “Be The Light Minnesota” social media movement. Among those participating is Egerdahl Field in Proctor, who turned their lights on as a beacon of hope for those who are hoping to…

Saints Athletic Trainers Navigate COVID-19 Challenges

The St. Scholastica athletic training program was recognized during March for National Athletic Trainers Awareness month.

April 5, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – March was National Athletic Trainer Awareness month, shinning a light on how they help student athletes across the country. The St. Scholastica program worked all month-long to showcase what they do, how they’re available for student-athletes, and how they’re daily routines changed once the coronavirus hit. “We have taken for granted so long that sports are always…

Coaches Corner: Curt Wiese

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the UMD men's football team.

April 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we catch up with UMD head football coach Curt Wiese as he announced that spring practices have been cancelled. Among the topics discussed are the team’s plans moving forward as they get ready for the fall and how the coronavirus pandemic has impacted recruiting. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports,…

The Road to the Pros Begins for UMD’s Brandon Myer

The Superior native figures he'll have to start his career somewhere overseas.

April 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – After a stellar career at UMD, Brandon Myer now has his eyes on playing professionally. But with everyone in quarantine, it’s making things a little tougher for the Superior native. “The most negative way its impacted me specifically would be the gyms that aren’t open anymore. I guess I hoop out in the driveway. But that’s not…

UMD Athletics Letting Go of Longtime SID Bob Nygaard

Nygaard is the longest serving member of the UMD athletic staff at 37 years.

April 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime UMD sports information director Bob Nygaard has been let go from his position. Nygaard is the longest serving member of the UMD athletic staff at 37 years with the Bulldogs where he was in charge of media and public relations. In 2015, he was inducted into the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame…

Tim Madsen Steps Down as CSS Men’s Hockey Head Coach

Madsen spent the past two seasons as the Saints' bench boss, guiding them to a 20-30-2 record.

April 3, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The College of St. Scholastica announced today that Tim Madsen has stepped down as head coach of the nen’s hockey team. Madsen spent the past two seasons as the Saints’ bench boss, guiding them to a 20-30-2 record, including a top-ten national ranking in his first year and a Harris Cup Playoffs appearance this past season. In…

UMD’s Justin Richards Signs with New York Rangers

Since 2007, Richards is the 21st Bulldog to leave UMD early to go pro.

April 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – In his freshman year, Justin Richards scored a grand total of zero goals. Two years later, he’s become a two-time NCHC Defensive Forward of the Year and now, his career will continue in the pros. Richards has signed an entry-level contract with the New York Rangers. He says the team reached out to him last…

UMD’s Scott Perunovich Named Hobey Hat Trick Finalist

The Hibbing native is the ninth Bulldog ever to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award.

April 2, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD defenseman Scott Perunovich was named a Hobey Hat Trick Finalist, along with North Dakota’s Jordan Kawaguchi and Maine’s Jeremy Swayman. The Hibbing native is the ninth Bulldog ever to be named a finalist for the Hobey Baker Award and the first since Jack Connolly back in 2012. Perunovich, who signed a pro deal last week with…

Spring Practice Cancelled for UMD Football Team

The Bulldogs were scheduled to begin spring practices last week.

April 1, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s spring time and for any other year, that would mean the start of spring football practice for the UMD Bulldogs. But as we’ve learned for the past few weeks, this isn’t any other year. According to head coach Curt Wiese, spring football camp has been cancelled, which includes the annual Red and Maroon Game. Coach Wiese…

NYBA, Starks Academy Hosting Virtual Food Drive

The donation window will go from Wednesday through April 6th.

April 1, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland Youth Basketball Alliance and Starks Academy are hosting a virtual food drive. Thanks to an anonymous donor, every donation up $650 will be matched and 100% of all donations will go towards feeding community members in need. The donation window will go from Wednesday through April 6th. For information on how you can donate, click…

Longtime Runner, UMD Alum Reacts to Grandma’s Marathon Cancellation

Joanna Olson was already training for the Big Sur Marathon in California before that was cancelled as well.

March 31, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Another major event is taken down by the coronavirus pandemic as Grandma’s Marathon has been cancelled for the first time in 43 years. Longtime runner and Glencoe, Minnesota native Joanna Olson spoke about her initial reaction to the news. “Well I was bummed, of course, training for it. Bummed for not only the runners, the volunteers, the…

UMD’s Scott Sandelin Named Finalist for Penrose Award

Sandelin is a finalist for the fourth straight year and sixth overall in his career.

March 31, 2020

Sam Ali,

TROY, Mich. – UMD’s Scott Sandelin is once again a finalist for the Spencer Penrose Award, which is given to the top coach in Division I men’s hockey. Sandelin is a finalist for the fourth straight year and sixth overall in his career. He won the award back in 2004 and was a runner-up in 2011. The Hibbing native has…

Northland Basketball Players Finish Season Atop Respective Schools All-Time Scoring Lists

Here's the updated list of all-time leading scorers across the Northland.

March 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Despite the way it ended, the high school basketball season was a pretty good one in the Northland. Lots of wins, lots of points and lots of records broken. Let’s take a look at which players ended the season as the leading scorer at their respective schools: BOYS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL Pete Sutton, Cook County (1,346 points)…

Noah Cates, Nick Swaney to Return for 2020-2021 UMD Men’s Hockey Season

Cates is a Philadelphia Flyers draft pick while Swaney was drafted by the Minnesota Wild.

March 30, 2020

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – In the last 12 days, the UMD men’s hockey team lost their top defensive duo in Nick Wolff and Scott Perunovich as both signed deals in the pros. But not everyone is leaving as a pair of dynamic forwards will look to run it back next season. UMD Athletics have confirmed that Noah Cates and Nick Swaney…

Northland Basketball Players Prepare for Possible AAU Season, College Recruiting Changes

Many Northland basketball players were hoping to use a big AAU season to figure out their college commitments. With the season currently postponed, a few Greyhounds and Bluejackets are still doing what they can.

March 29, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

HIBBING, Minn. – While the spring sports season is still unknown, so is the upcoming AAU, or Amateur Athletic Union, season for high school basketball players. And with the high school basketball season is in the books, many local athletes were looking forward to the upcoming AAU season. “We were going to a lot of cool places. We were going…

Hibbing Basketball Team Uses “QuaranTEAM” to Motivate Each Other Through Social Media

Sophomore Ayden McDonald and his dad started "QuaranTEAM" where they post videos of different skills on social media to help keep the Hibbing basketball community active and improving.

March 28, 2020

Claudia Chakamian,

HIBBING, Minn. – The continuous spread of COVID-19 has left uncertainty for spring sports and summer programs across the country. While Minnesota is currently under a “Stay at Home” order and team practices aren’t allowed, the Hibbing boys basketball team is getting creative. Sophomore guard Ayden McDonald and his dad, head coach Joel McDonald, decided to start a social media…