Sports

IST CrossFit Resumes In-Person Training With Youth Athletes

IST is following the safety guidelines from the state of having no more than nine youth athletes in the gym with one coach leading them through the workouts. 

DULUTH, Minn. – After two weeks of virtual workouts, Impact Sports Training (IST CrossFit) is back in the gym. “Now that we can get outside and offer outdoor workouts as well as the indoor sessions, it’s nice to have that face to face contact,” owner and director of Performance Chris Bell said. “It’s less of a mental struggle being back…

Walz Eases Restrictions With Sports Venues, Youth Sports

Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, may also open at 25 percent capacity, without exceeding 250 people in a single self-contained space. 

DULUTH, Minn. – On Friday, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz announced phase III of the “Stay Safe MN” Plan, which will begin on June 10. Gyms, personal fitness and yoga studios may open at 25 percent capacity. Outdoor entertainment venues, such as sporting events, may also open at 25 percent capacity, without exceeding 250 people in a single self-contained space. Walz…

UMD Men’s Basketball Team Sending Essential Supplies to St. Paul Families

The team will be taking their donations down there this weekend to help out families in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD men’s basketball team spent all of Friday gathering essential supplies from the Northland community for the “Athletes Helping Families” benefit, organized by Concordia-St. Paul. The team will be taking their donations down there this weekend to help out families in St. Paul. “We’re all in this together. I think that’s been made pretty clear over…

Northland High School Golfers Heading Down to Senior Showcase

The boys tournament will take place on Tuesday, while the girls will hit the links on Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – This week, local high school golfers would have been getting ready to take part in the state tournament. The pandemic wiped that out so the Minnesota Junior PGA stepped in to save the day. The organization will host a senior showcase next week at the Bunker Hills Golf Course in Coon Rapids. The boys tournament will take…

With Lost Season, Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club Looks Ahead to Summer Camps

Inter-squad matches and friendlies with clubs from the Amateur Youth Soccer Association could happen when the state allows games to take place.

DULUTH, Minn. – As organized youth sports slowly start getting back on the practice fields, some teams won’t have that benefit due to many facilities being closed in the city of Duluth. Case in point, the Gitchi Gummi Soccer Club. The club has nearly 600 players on 40 teams from U-9 to U-18. Their main season was lost due to…

Summer Practices Begin for Hermantown Baseball Players

The VFW team hopes to be playing games when the next phase of restrictions is lifted on June 15th.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – After months of waiting and wondering if we’ll ever see sports again, organized youth activities return this week for local baseball teams in the Northland. Members of the Hermantown VFW and American Legion baseball teams jump on the diamond for the first time this season. Players say after what happened with the spring season, they are overjoyed…

Michael Koppy Runs Fastest Know Time for Superior Hiking Trail

During his run, Koppy raised $7,500 in donations, which he will match.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The full length of the Superior Hiking Trail is 310 miles. To put that in perspective, that’s equivalent to 13 marathons put together. A tough challenge to run, which was accepted by Hermantown native Michael Koppy. The soon-to-be 70-year-old began his quest at 6:24 a.m. last Friday. And Wednesday morning, he came in with a time of…

“Scott Perunovich Day” Established in City of Hibbing

Perunovich was a standout defenseman in high school for the Hibbing/Chisholm boys hockey team.

HIBBING, Minn. – The Hibbing City Council recently declared August 18th to be named “Scott Perunovich Day”. The former UMD star is coming off a historic junior year, becoming the sixth Bulldog in program history to win the Hobey Baker Award. The defenseman signed a two-year deal with the St. Louis Blues after leading UMD to back-to-back national titles in…

Shooting Summer League Season Underway at Old Vermilion Trail

Summer league started on Tuesday, June 2 and goes for 12 weeks.

DULUTH, Minn. – Old Vermilion Trail normally opens the Tuesday after Memorial Day, and now that the hunting preserve is up and running, many people are heading outdoors to take their best shot with their summer league. “Just need to shoot one score a week for 12 weeks. Can be shot on any day of the week or you can…

Twin Ports PDC Announces Dates for Upcoming Camp

Registration will be opened, but on a conditional basis, meaning deposits will be refunded if for any reason the camp is cancelled.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – This week, the Twin Ports Pro Development Camp announced that this year’s camp will be taking place from July 27th to July 30th at the Superior Ice Arena. Organizers say this year’s installment will obviously have a different look. And there’s a chance some of the pros won’t be able to make it due to the ongoing…

CSS Men’s Basketball Bringing In Four Northland Natives

The Saints already have six local basketball players on the team.

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s basketball team announced their 2020 recruiting class. Among the local names was Duluth East’s Noah Winesett. The former Greyhounds sharpshooter says he got some advice from another former Hound on the Saints team: Isiah Hendrickson. “I was texting him. We were just talking about what the program had, what school was like, how…

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…