Sports

UWS Athletics Raises over $40,000 During “Day of Giving” Telethon

In total, the 'Jackets were able to hit their goal of $40,000 that will go to several needs for the student athletes.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior held their first ever “Yellowjackets Athletics Telethon” for their annual “Superior Day of Giving”. In total, the ‘Jackets were able to hit their goal of $40,000 that will go to several needs for the student athletes. “We’re hoping that support continues to come in. It’s funded a lot of initiatives. The funds that we’ve been able…

Grant Clafton Talks Moving On From Greenway Boys Hockey Team

After five seasons with the Raiders, Clafton says he felt like now was the time to step back and let someone else take over.

COLERAINE, Minn. – This past weekend, we learned that Grant Clafton has stepped down As head coach of the Greenway boys hockey team. After five seasons with the Raiders, Clafton says he felt like now was the time to step back and let someone else take over. “There’s other things at stake, especially which is obviously the kids and the…

Former Hilltopper Willy Stauber Commits to UW-Eau Claire Men’s Hockey

The 6'2" defenseman spent the past two seasons and some change with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Marshall standout Willy Stauber has committed to playing college hockey at UW-Eau Claire. The 6’2″ defenseman spent the past two seasons and some change with the Bismarck Bobcats in the NAHL. In 105 games, Stauber finished with seven goals and 27 assists. Categories: College, High School, Sports

Hermantown Breaks Ground for New Turf at Corey Veech Memorial Field

The school hopes the field will be ready by mid-August for the start of the football season this fall.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Corey Veech Memorial Field hosted its first football game on August 31st, 2001. It’s seen better days recently, so the school has finally began the first steps in giving it a much-needed facelift. A ground-breaking ceremony was held Monday with school administrators and members of Centricity Credit Union, who provided the athletic department with over $1 million…

5K For The Frontlines Makes Way to Northland

5K For The Frontlines is a virtual fitness challenge raising money and awareness for those working on the frontlines fighting COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – As the coronavirus continues to impact people and communities across the country, people are still doing what they can to help. And now, a national movement has made its way to the Northland. 5K For The Frontlines is a virtual fitness challenge raising money and awareness for those working on the frontlines fighting COVID-19. Participants run, walk…

UWS Athletics to Hold Day of Giving Telethon on Tuesday

UWS athletics will hold a telethon from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday to raise money for the athletic program.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – On Tuesday, the University of Wisconsin-Superior is having its Superior Day of Giving and this year, they’re having their first ever Yellowjacket Athletics Telethon. The money raised will go to different things for each team. Some of the needs are team apparel, training equipment, team retreats, meals and more. The telethon will be streamed on IFan Sports…

UMD’s Haleigh Reindl Named Women’s Indoor Track All-American

The sophomore was set to compete in her second NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships before they were canceled due to COVID-19.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD runner Haleigh Reindl has been named a Women’s Indoor Track All-American by the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA). This is Reindl’s first All-American honor. Reindl had a strong sophomore season with the Bulldogs and was set to make her second appearance at the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships before they…

Cherry’s Kaelynn Kudis Commits to Mesabi Range Volleyball

The middle hitter led the Tigers to an 18-6 record last season.

CHERRY, Minn. – Cherry’s Kaelynn Kudis will be joining Mesabi Range volleyball next season, the team announced on Twitter. The middle hitter led the Tigers to an 18-6 record last season. Kudis was also a standout on the Cherry basketball team, leading the Tigers to a 22-7 record and to the section 7A semifinals. She also leaves as the program’s…

Wilderness Forward Nathan Adrian Commits to St. Scholastica Men’s Hockey

Adrian tallied six goals and seven assists in his first season with the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Minnesota Wilderness forward Nathan Adrian announced on Twitter that he has committed to the College of St. Scholastica men’s hockey team. In his first season with the Wilderness, Adrian tallied six goals with seven assists. The Roseau native also played two games with the Bismarck Bobcats after finishing a stellar career at Roseau High School, scoring 37…

Grant Clafton Resigns as Head Coach of Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin Boys Hockey Team

In his time with GNK, Clafton led the Raiders to a 90-41-2 record, including three straight appearances in the Section 7A championship game.

COLERAINE, Minn. – Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin boys hockey coach Grant Clafton has resigned as head coach of the Raiders boys hockey team after five seasons. The Greenway High School Board approved Clafton’s resignation during their monthly meeting on Wednesday. In his time with GNK, Clafton led the Raiders to a 90-41-2 record, including three straight appearances in the Section 7A championship game…

Former Marshall Baseball Standout Carter Sullivan Commits to Ave Maria University

This past year, Sullivan played on the Minnesota post-grad team, a new program that allows players to maintain full college eligibility.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth Marshall baseball standout Carter Sullivan announced on his Twitter page that he’s going to Ave Maria University in Florida to play his college ball. The campus is about one hour southwest of Fort Myers, which Sullivan says will give him a much-needed change of scenery. “It’s a beautiful campus. Just a really good environment there….

CSS Football’s Mike Heffernan Excited for MIAC Move

The Saints will be in the Northwoods Green division along with Carleton, Gustavus Adolphus, Saint John's and St. Olaf.

DULUTH, Minn. – Next year, the St. Scholastica football team are taking their talents to the MIAC, a conference that the Saints haven’t had any success against in the past. But head coach Mike Heffernan is still excited for the challenge ahead. “They have a lot of good coaches, a lot of good players, a lot of really good recruiting…

City of Duluth Will Not Maintain Local Softball Fields, Summer Games in Jeopardy

As part of Governor Tim Walz's Stay Safe plan, teams can begin practicing on Monday in groups of ten or less.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last month, the city of Duluth closed all baseball and softball fields until at least July 1st. The announcement has kept local youth teams in limbo about what their summer will be like. This week, organizers received some clarity as city officials say that due to budget concerns, Wheeler and Wade Fields will not be maintained for…

WPASL to Begin 2020 Season in Late June

Fans will be allowed to attend games, but each venue will have its own rules on social distancing.

HAYWARD, Wis. – The Wisconsin Primary Amateur Soccer League will begin their season on June 28th. Newcomers Ashland Armada FC and Duluth FC Academy will not be able to participate this year, which leaves six teams including Hayward United SC. “They have a good team coming. They finished fourth in the league last year. They do really well for a…

MIAC Commish Dan McKane Talks St. Scholastica Addition

The Saints have been on the MIAC's radar for more than 20 years as they became their first new member since 1985.

BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – This week, the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference welcomed St. Scholastica to their 13-team membership. According to commissioner Dan McKane, the Saints have been on the MIAC’s radar for more than 20 years as they became their first new member since 1985. “Adding St. Scholastica has been very welcomed by our entire membership. I think they saw there’s…

Season Begins June 15th for Superior Youth Organization

According to their Facebook page, they are currently in Phase 1, which is just practices with no more than 20 people on the fields.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Superior Youth Organization announced Thursday that they are planning to start their season the week of June 15th, and as long as they have enough teams, it will run through the week of August 21st. Initial registration fees will be refunded immediately and a new sign-up process will be created in the next few days. According…

Essentia Duluth Heritage Center Announces Soft Opening Next Month

Teams will be allowed to have two small pods of 10 or less to be on the ice for skill development.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Essentia Duluth Heritage Center has announced a soft opening on June 8th. Teams will be allowed to have two small pods of 10 or less to be on the ice for skill development. This is in accordance to the state’s Phase II of their Stay Safe Plan. Phase III would allow for scrimmages and games to…

UW-Superior’s Greg Polkowski Re-Creates Mertz Mortorelli Gym in Driveway

He added that the project allowed his family to spend more time together with the sport they love the most.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior men’s basketball coach Greg Polkowski and his family spent Memorial Day weekend turning their driveway into a replica of the Mertz Mortorelli Gym. He added that the project allowed his family to spend more time together with the sport they love the most. “Now that the weather is getting nicer outside, we proved the basketball hoop…

St. Scholastica Set to Join Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

CSS will be joining the MIAC starting in the 2021-2022 season, becoming the 13th full time member of the conference.

DULUTH, Minn. – Wednesday, St. Scholastica announced that they would be leaving the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference after 25 years. And in a corresponding move, the Saints are marching in to the MIAC. CSS will be joining the Minnesota Interscholastic Athletic Conference starting in the 2021-2022 season, becoming the 13th full time member of the conference. Athletic director Franco Bari…

Wilderness Defenseman Ryan Nelson Commits to Iowa State Men’s Hockey

The Esko native spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Wilderness appearing in over 100 games

ESKO, Minn. – Former CEC standout Ryan Nelson committed to playing college hockey For the Iowa State men’s hockey team. The Esko native spent the past three seasons with the Minnesota Wilderness appearing in over 100 games and served as team captain this past season, finishing with five goals and 17 assists in 50 games as a defenseman. Categories: College,…

Angler Management Charter Preparing to Take People Out on Lake Superior

Angler Management will start taking customers out for trips starting on June 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – Charter fishing in Minnesota is now allowed to operate under Governor Tim Walz “Stay Safe MN” order but under different guidelines. “We’re just ready to open up a little bit and get people outdoors again and enjoy our summer,” charter captain of Angler Management Charter Alex Cuzzo said. When Cuzzo found out he could reopen, he was…

Minnesota Hockey Outlines Return-to-Play Guidelines

On-ice activities involving players age six and under or "Learn to Play" skaters are not recommended during this phase.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Hockey outlined a detailed plan for teams who want to hold practices, clinics and tryouts only. Among the rules for arriving at the rink are that players should arrive to the arena fully dressed with the exception of skates and helmets. As for on-ice activities, pods of 10 people or less should be created with…

IST CrossFit Holds Virtual Murph Challenge to Honor Fallen Military Members

The Murph was created in honor of Lt. Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. Participants start with a mile run, go into 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats and finish with another mile run.

DULUTH, Minn. – As a way to honor military members who have fallen while serving our country, gyms across the country, including in Duluth, participate in the Murph Challenge. The Murph was created in honor of Lt. Michael Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005. He originally created the workout and called it Body Amour,…

UMD Men’s Basketball Continues Virtual Summer Skills Camps

There are five different camps available for any players grades K-12. Those videos will be available starting June 1.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a successful virtual skills camp last month, the UMD men’s basketball team decided to make all of their June camps virtual as well. Over 250 players participated in the first two camps, so the Bulldogs added three more series, ranging from ball handling to practicing with a hoop and more. The UMD coaching staff hopes these…

Northland Girls Lacrosse Teams Hold Virtual Challenge

The Northern Lakes Girls Lacrosse Challenge features players from Grand Rapids/Greenway, Hermantown/Proctor, Duluth and Brainerd.

DULUTH, Minn. – With no spring sports this season, many teams and athletes are still doing what they can to stay active. They’ll hold their own workouts, do Zoom classes, and now a few local girls lacrosse teams have started the Northern Lakes Girls Lacrosse Challenge. The challenge was started by Grand Rapids/Greenway head coach Mark Surface and features the…

Proctor Family Keeps Racing Tradition Alive

Racing goes way back for the Lillo family. Milo Lillo was well-known in the Northland racing community, and now five members of the family currently race.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Sports often brings people together and sometimes, sports help make family bonds stronger. For one family in Proctor, racing is in their blood. “It’s a good family sport. It brings all of our family together at least twice a weekend so it’s a good thing for all of us,” Aaron Lillo said. Racing goes way back for…

WFCA All-Star Game Suspended

Superior's Luke Persons and Jarrett Gronski, Northwestern's Brsyon Mazur and Drew Pearson and Northwoods/Solon Springs' Jeffrey Meling were all selected to play. 

WHITEWATER, Wis. – The Wisconsin Football Coaches Association announced that they have suspended the all-star games that were scheduled to take place this summer. Superior’s Luke Persons and Jarrett Gronski, Northwestern’s Brsyon Mazur and Drew Pearson and Northwoods/Solon Springs’ Jeffrey Meling were all selected to play. The games were scheduled to take place on July 18 at UW-Oshkosh and UW-Whitewater,…

Saints Athletics Director Franco Bari Hopeful Fall Sports Will Resume

The College of St. Scholastica announced that campus would reopen for the fall semester, and the Saints hope they'll be able to get back to practicing and playing.

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, the College of St. Scholastica announced that its Duluth campus would be reopening for the fall semester. And that’s giving athletes and sports fans a little bit of home for fall sports for the Saints. Spring sports were canceled in the middle of March when the UMAC canceled the remainder of the seasons and upcoming…

Proctor’s Solberg, Parendo Named Section 7AA Girls Basketball Coaches of the Year

The duo led the Rails to a 23-4 record and a perfect 9-0 section record during the regular season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball’s Matt Solberg was named section 7AA coach of the year while Derek Parendo was named section 7AA assistant coach of the year by the Minnesota Girls Basketball Coaches Association. The duo led the Rails to a 23-4 record and a perfect 9-0 section record during the regular season as they went on to win…

Coaches Corner: “The Last Dance” Reaction

For this week's segment, we get local reaction to "The Last Dance" documentary.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Northland basketball coaches on their thoughts on the “Last Dance” ESPN documentary. Our guests include Andy Fenske, Tamara Moore, Dyami Starks, CJ Osuchukwu, Derek Anderson and Joel McDonald. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Gondik Law Speedway Ensuring Public Safety at Races

Douglas County Health Officials said they strongly recommended the speedway postpone the event but the speedway made sure to have multiple safety measures in place.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The Gondik Law Speedway in Superior drew big crowds at the Minnesota Modified Nationals this weekend. But on Friday, Douglas County Health officials say they strongly recommended the speedway postpone the event. They also encourage people planning to attend the races to avoid large gatherings until they learn how the reopening may impact the community. The Gondik…

MN Department of Health Releases Guidelines for Organized Youth Sports

Teams can begin to hold practices as long as they are split up into pods of ten people or less, with only one team or sport allowed per field, rink or court.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – With spring sports in the rear view mirror, everyone in the state of Minnesota is looking ahead to summer sports or whatever is left of them. Organized youth activities has been a big topic of discussion and the Minnesota Department of Health provided some details on the plan moving forward. As part of the state’s Stay Safe…

Northwoods League Unveils Plan to Start Regular Season

When at least four teams within a close proximity receive clearance, they would play only against each other to minimize travel accommodations.

ROCHESTER, Minn. – The Northwoods League has created a plan to start their regular season. The league has set up three dates for teams to start playing if local restrictions are lifted and they are allowed to host games. When at least four teams within a close proximity receive clearance, they would play only against each other to minimize travel…

Racing Season Kicks Off at Gondik Law Speedway

Fans showed up in droves to take in their first sporting event in over two months.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – 70 days. That’s how long it has been since the last live sports event took place in the Northland. Until Thursday night as fans got to see some live sports that they’ve been hungry for since the start of the pandemic. After weeks of anticipation, the racing season is finally underway at the Gondik Law Speedway in…

“Last Runner Standing” Sets Up Virtual Version of Race

Runners will try to run just over four miles each hour for as many hours as they can, until there is one runner left standing.

DULUTH, Minn. – This year’s Last Runner Standing race has been postponed to November 14th, but you don’t have to wait until then to get in on the fun. Organizers will hold a virtual version of the race on June 6th. It will take place on Zoom as runners will try to run just over four miles each hour for…

Northern Stars Hockey Team Head to Zoom for Offseason Workouts

Head coach Jamie Plesha wants to deliver a simple message to her players: you are not alone.

DULUTH, Minn. – If all goes well, the high school hockey season is about six months away and many coaches agree what you do in that time is just as important as what you do when the season gets started. Case in point: the Duluth Northern Stars hockey team. The girls have been spending the last month getting on Zoom…

Gondik Law Speedway Prepping for Social Distancing Guidelines

It is still recommended that spectators wear face masks and for those who can't make it, a pay-per-view live stream will be available.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The racing season will finally be underway as the Gondik Law Speedway will kick things off Thursday night with the Minnesota Mod Nationals. But first, the speedway had to prep for a new way to enjoy the races. Organizers have spent the past 24 hours getting ready to follow social distancing guidelines. That includes marking spots in…

Youth Sports to Open June 1st with Gathering Restrictions

Gatherings must be limited to no more than 10.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Minnesota state officials provided an update on youth sports during Governor Tim Walz’s press conference on Wednesday. Activities may resume on June 1st, but must follow guidelines from the Department of Health, which includes limiting gatherings to no more than 10 kids. Officials also say games are still not allowed to take place. Categories: High School, Sports

Dan Dubois Named New Head Coach of Northland College Women’s Soccer Team

Dubois joins NC after a 13-year stint as the men's soccer head coach at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania.

ASHLAND, Wis. – Northland College has announced that Dan Dubois will be the new head coach of the Lumberjills women’s soccer team. Dubois joins NC after a 13-year stint as the men’s soccer head coach at Juniata College in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania. He leaves their program as the all-time leader in both wins and win percentage. Dubois played collegiately at Southern…

UMD to See Reduction in Games Across All Division II Sports Next Season

In a survey of over 400 DII administrators, roughly 85% of them were in support of reducing games.

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, UMD announced next season’s schedules for several sports, including football and volleyball. But now, plans have changed with a recent announcement from the NCAA. The Division II Presidents Council has adjusted the minimum and maximum games for all sports in the 2020-2021 season. In a statement, the council says the results were partly based on…

Minnesota Campgrounds Frustrated Not Being Open for Memorial Day Weekend

Campgrounds in Minnesota were hoping to open for Memorial Day weekend, but they will not be able to open until at least June 1 under the new "Stay Safe" mandate.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the new “Stay Safe” mandate from Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, private and public campgrounds in the state will remain closed to recreational campers until at least June 1. For now, only remote camping or long-term camping is allowed. With Memorial Day weekend just a few days away, many campground workers are frustrated that they are still…

Carlton High School Holds Final #BeTheLightMN Night

46 balloons were placed in the middle of the football field to signify each senior in the graduating class.

CARLTON, Minn. – For the past seven weeks, high schools across the state turned the lights on at their football fields in honor of the graduating class of 2020. And Monday night, the Carlton Bulldogs turn the lights on for one final night. Firetrucks and ambulances were also at the field with their lights and sirens on. 46 balloons were…

Don Rolando Named New Head Coach of International Falls Boys Basketball Team

This will be his first head coaching position since 2002 at Rainy River Community College for five years.

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. – Don Rolando has been named the new head coach of the International Falls boys basketball team. This will be his first head coaching position since 2002 at Rainy River Community College for five years. He also led the Grand Marais/Cook county boys basketball team for six years before that. He’ll take over a Broncos team that…

UW-Superior’s CJ Pillath Earns All-American Honors

Pillath qualified for the NCAA championships for both events, but they were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – UW-Superior’s CJ Pillath has earned indoor All-American honors from the U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association in both weight throw and shot put. Pillath qualified for the NCAA championships for both events, but they were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. The honors are the first of Pillath’s career and the sixth and seventh…

UMD Women’s Hockey Team Host First-Ever Virtual Camp

Those who sign up before Friday will be sent access to all videos to that point. But if you sign up later, you'll get a bundle of ten sessions at once.

DULUTH, Minn. – There’s two types of people during a pandemic: those who focus on the negatives and those who will make the best out of a tough situation. The UMD women’s hockey team fits in the latter category. The Bulldogs coaching staff is holding a Virtual Skills Camp, the first of its kind for the program. The camp includes…

Denfeld Softball Team Organize Drive-By Parade for Head Coach Dick Swanson

The Hunters softball team were joined by several other members of the Denfeld community.

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime Denfeld softball coach Dick Swanson was recently diagnosed with cancer, making the pandemic that much tougher for him to deal with. But Monday, his team, along with several local supporters, decided to pay him a special visit. The Hunters organized a drive-by parade right outside Swanson’s house. Cars passed by honking, waving and shouting out words…

Special Olympics Minnesota Holding Virtual Summer Games

There are 19 different events in this year's virtual summer games. Athletes can complete the event from home and submit their times online.

ITASCA, Minn. – “It was a little difficult to reach out to my athletes and tell them that we weren’t going to have our traditional summer games,” Team Itasca head coach Dani Druse said. Every year, the Special Olympics Minnesota Summer Games are normally held at the University of St. Thomas, bringing athletes together from across the state. But like…

Former UMD Captain Sidney Morin Signs Contract Extension with SDHL

Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD women’s hockey defenseman Sidney Morin signed a one-year contract extension with the HV-71 of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League (SDHL). Morin tallied 49 points in her first season with the HV-71 and her third season in the league. The HV-71 is the top team in the league. Morin served as team captain her final season…

Former Greyhound Ricky Lyle Jr. Ready for New Challenges at Army West Point

Lyle will represent his school as a student-athlete but will also have the chance to represent the country as a future member of the military.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a year of junior hockey with the Madison Capitols, former Duluth East standout Ricky Lyle Jr. committed to Army West Point. “When you’re there and trying to see yourself in the spot, it kind of had that Harry Potter feel so I was kind of in awe and I knew in my head that this is…

Gondik Law Speedway Holds First Practice of Season

Speedway workers got to work quickly on Wednesday night after the Safer at Home order was lifted to get the track ready for this weekend.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Gondik Law Speedway held its first practice of the year, allowing racers to return to the track, and fans could come and watch. Racers said they weren’t quite sure when they would finally be able to hit the track, so for one local racing family, they were pretty surprised to hear that they could get back out…