DULUTH, Minn. – If all goes well, we’re less than three months away from the college football season. And one player who comes into the year with extra motivation is UMD quarterback John Larson. Last season, Larson was stellar on the field, but it was another year where injuries plagued the dual threat QB. Larson injured his shoulder midway through…
BRISTOL, Conn. – For the past 13 years, ESPN has given out the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at their annual award show the ESPYs. It is earned by a person in the sports world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and dedication. This year’s recipient is Mesabi Range running back Taquarius Wair. The Minneapolis native was severely burned…
DULUTH, Minn. – The 2020 Northern Exposure hockey tournament has been cancelled. The event was scheduled for July 17th to the 19th. But due to the state of Minnesota classifying hockey as a high-risk sport, organizers say there was no way to safely put together this year’s event. “The state of Minnesota has not given adequate notice to policy changes…
DULUTH, Minn. – As the short Duluth summer approaches, people are getting outside in any way they can. “We’ve got a great outdoor scene, there’s so many trails and forests and lakes and rivers and streams to go explore,” Ski Hut manager Dave Neustel said. “There’s a lot of cabin fever. Now that we have warmer conditions and we’re loosening…
GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – This week, Grand Rapids High School has just begun the early stages of adding turf to Noble Hall Field. The school board proposed that if the community raised $700,000, they would put up the rest. And thanks to some generous donations, the project was underway. “We had a committee called the “Noble Hall Turf Field Committee”…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – Doug Trentor has been named the new head coach of the Superior girls hockey team. He’s spent the past three seasons as the assistant coach under Marc Franta, who has resigned for both personal and professional reasons. Trentor will look to improve on last season’s performance for the Spartans as they won just four games. Categories: High…
SUPERIOR, Wis. – There’s a long list of current and former UWS student-athletes who didn’t travel far from their high schools to become Yellowjackets. In fact, some are from just down the road at Superior High School, including this year’s talented recruiting class. On the hardwood, Joey Barker is taking his talents to the Yellowjackets men’s basketball team, a program…
DULUTH, Minn. – It’s the three words we’ve been waiting to hear for the past three months: rinks are open. This week, hockey rinks across the Northland held soft openings, including the Essentia Duluth Heritage Center. Organizers were meticulous in their planning, creating social distancing guidelines, all the way down to how athletes should enter and leave the building. Rules…
HAYWARD, Wis. – Two weeks ago, the Wisconsin Primary Amateur Soccer League (WPASL) announced that their season would be kicking off later this month. And that was great news for Hayward United SC, as they’re looking to build momentum for their club in just their second year of existence. “There’s nothing like competitive soccer and that’s why we still all…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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, 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…
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…
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…
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….
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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, 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…
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
