Sports

College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Team Ranked 14th in AFCA DII Preseason Poll

The Bulldogs come in at #14 on the list and were one of five teams from the NSIC that were represented.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the 12th consecutive year, the UMD football team have made an appearance on the American Football Coaches Association Division II preseason poll. The Bulldogs come in at #14 on the list and were one of five teams from the NSIC that were represented. Minnesota State-Mankato was #3. Defending national champs Valdosta State University remain on top…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Esko’s Dea DeLeon Commits to UMD Softball Team

The senior outfielder was a big part of the Eskomos extending their Section 7AA winning streak to four this past spring.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – Eskomos softball standout Dea DeLeon announced Monday morning on Twitter that she has committed to joining the UMD softball team. The senior outfielder was a big part of the Eskomos extending their Section 7AA winning streak to four this past spring. DeLeon batted well over .500 as a junior with eight doubles, four triples and 13 steals….
College, Sports

Saints, Yellowjackets in Top 3 of UMAC Women’s Soccer Preseason Coaches Poll

Both teams will open their respective seasons this Friday.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Monday, the UMAC released their preseason coaches poll for women’s soccer and St. Scholastica takes the top spot, one year after winning the regular season title, but failing to win the postseason championship. The Saints were able to secure seven of the nine first-place votes. The other two went to Northwestern, the 2018 UMAC playoff champs….
High School, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Markus Pokornowski

For this week's segment, we feature a running back on the Cloquet football team who's using his injury as motivation for his senior season.
Claudia Chakamian,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Last season, the Cloquet football team lost in the section 7AAAA final for the first time in three years. “It’s a team game and our team just didn’t do what we were supposed to do,” senior running back Markus Pokornowski said of that loss. But the Lumberjacks were missing a big piece in that game, as Pokornowski…
College, Sports

CSS Volleyball Plays Preseason Scrimmage Versus UMD

It is an opportunity that happens each preseason and gives CSS a chance to test their skills against one of the best D-II programs in the nation.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – The D-III College of St. Scholastica volleyball team took on D-II UMD in a preseason warm-up at Romano Gym. It is an opportunity that happens each preseason and gives CSS a chance to test their skills against one of the best D-II programs in the nation. Powerhouse UMD volleyball is ranked sixth in the D-II national preseason…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Men’s Soccer Dominate in Preseason Scimmage

UWS beats St. Olaf ahead of the regular season.
Katharine Huntley,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – University of Wisconsin-Superior took on  St. Olaf in a preseason scrimmage at NBC Spartan Sports Complex. UWS won 3-0. Junior Eric Watson from Thunder Bay, Ontario scored an emphatic penalty kick. The regular season starts for UWS on August 30 against Austin College in Texas. Categories: College, Sports
Sports

Tackling Alzheimer’s with RivALZ

After months of training, women took to the football field all to support the Alzeheimer's Association at Lincoln Park Middle School.
Katharine Huntley,

DULUTH, Minn. – After months of training, women took to the football field all to support the Alzeheimer’s Association at Lincoln Park Middle School. The event is called RivALZ and the ladies practice twice a week all summer long to raise money and tackle the disease on and off the field. The two teams, blondes versus brunettes finally got to…
College, Sports

Former CSS Star Aaron Olson Joins Saints Coaching Staff

Olson says he's still looking for opportunities to possibly play professionally overseas.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica has a new member on their coaching staff. Esko native and former Saints star wideout Aaron Olson has joined Mike Heffernan’s staff. Olson says he’s still looking for opportunities to possibly play professionally overseas. But for now, he’s glad to be back with the Saints. “I was excited for camp to start. I was just…
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Cloquet Boys Win Home Opener, Denfeld Girls Fall

The Lumberjacks boys soccer team needed one goal to top Columbia Heights.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Henry Slater’s rebound goal in the first half was the difference as Cloquet hangs on for the home win over Columbia Heights 1-0 Friday afternoon at Bromberg Field. And in girls action, Duluth Denfeld fell in their home opener to Visitation 6-0. Categories: High School, Sports
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Tom Nelson

For this week's segment, we chat with Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we were joined by Two Harbors head coach Tom Nelson to preview the upcoming season. The Agates are coming off a historic season which saw them advance to the state tournament for the first time in over 40 years. They’ll open their season next week at Cloquet. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Numbers An Issue for Cardinals Football Team

Cromwell-Wright is struggling with numbers once again this season.
Sam Ali,

CROMWELL, Minn. – Last season, the Cromwell-Wright football team made it all the way to the state title game last season. And that was with their smallest roster in school history. This season will be more of the same as the Cardinals have 13 players after two weeks of practice. The team hopes that they can stay healthy to finish…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Redemption on the Mind of Panthers Football Team

South Ridge is looking for revenge after their loss in the section finals.
Sam Ali,

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge is looking to avenge their loss in last year’s section final game to Cromwell-Wright, which was their only loss on the season. Big shoes to fill for the Panthers seniors, but they think they’ve got what it takes to finally send their school to the state tourney. Panthers will be on the road next week…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Prep Football: Tigers, Spartans Win Season Openers

Both Northwestern and Superior were on the road to the start the season.
Sam Ali,

SPOONER, Wisc. – Turnovers worked in favor of the Northwestern football team as they opened their season with a road win over Spooner 28-14 on Friday night. Brennan Werner scored in the first quarter for the Tigers, giving them a lead they would not relinquish. Northwestern will hold their home opener next week against Hayward. And at Somerset, Superior opened…
High School, Sports

Hawks Volleyball Sweep Hilltoppers in Season Opener

Haley Wambach led all players with 14 kills on the night as Hermantown swept Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Haley Wambach led the way with 14 kills as the Hermantown volleyball team swept Duluth Marshall, 25-9, 25-22, 25-11, to open the 2019 season. Zoe Johnson led the way with eight kills for the Hilltoppers. Hermantown will play its first road game of the season as the Hawks travel to Esko on Tuesday, while Duluth Marshall will…
High School, Sports

Kneepkens Scores Twice as Hilltoppers Girls Soccer Win Season Opener

The Duluth Marshall girls soccer team defeated Two Harbors at home.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Gianna Kneepkens scored two goals as the Duluth Marshall girls soccer team blanked Two Harbors 4-0 Thursday afternoon at Marshall High School. Baamlak Haugen and Maren Friday also scored for the Hilltoppers, who opened their season with a win. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Season-Opening Change for Tigers Football Team

Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they'll start off playing at Spooner.
Sam Ali,

MAPLE, Wisc. – Wisconsin high school football gets started this Friday night as Northwestern will look to continue their success from last season. The Tigers are switching things up though. Instead of opening the season against Ashland like they have for years, they’ll start off with a Heart O’ North conference opponent, playing at Spooner. Head coach Jovin Kroll says…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Cromwell-Wright’s Shaily Hakamaki Commits to UMD

Shaily's cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April.
Sam Ali,

CROMWELL, Minn. – Cromwell-Wright senior guard Shaily Hakamaki announced on Twitter Wednesday that she has verbally commited to the UMD women’s basketball team. Shaily’s cousin Taya, also a guard on Cromwell-Wright, committed to UMD back in April. Shaily averaged more than 20 points a game as she and Taya helped lead the Cardinals to a runner-up finish in Section 7A…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets, Saints Ranked Third, Fourth in UMAC Volleyball Poll

The two teams will play each other September 6th in Superior.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference announced Wednesday the preseason coaches poll for volleyball. UWS came in at #3 receiving one first-place vote while St. Scholastica is right behind them at #4. Minnesota Morris and Northwestern are tied for first. The Saints will open their season August 30th against Buena Vista while the Yellowjackets will open the…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Men’s Hockey Team Unveil Championship Rings

For the second time in as many years, the UMD men's hockey team unveiled their championship rings from this past season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second time in as many years, the UMD men’s hockey team unveiled their championship rings from this past season. The ceremony started with a few words from head coach Scott Sandelin. Then the players watched a video with highlights of the national championship game. Then it was time to unbox the hardware as the players…
College, Sports

Northland College Sweeps Lake Superior College in Soccer Doubleheader

Both the NC men's and women's teams picked up wins over LSC.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Northland College would pick up two wins Wednesday afternoon as the men’s and women’s soccer teams defeated Lake Superior College at Egerdahl Field. In the women’s match, the LumberJills defeated the IceHawks 5-1 and the LumberJacks won their match 4-1. Categories: College, Sports
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Volleyball Team Continues Nationally-Ranked Streak

UMD has been ranked in every AVCA poll since September 10th, 2002
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team is once again ranked nationally in the first preseason poll of the season. The Bulldogs come in at #6 in the latest American Volleyball Coaches Association poll. UMD has been ranked in every AVCA poll since September 10th, 2002, a stretch of 233 consecutive polls, the longest active streak in Division II. The…
High School, Sports

Eskomos Football Looking for Improvements in 2019 Season

Esko will open the regular season on August 30th at Proctor.
Claudia Chakamian,

ESKO, Minn. – The Esko football team is coming off of a down season, finishing with a 3–7 record and struggling against conference teams. While the season was disappointing for many players, they saw some positives and are ready to make this is a better season. “We didn’t have the season that we wanted so for sure that taste is…
College, Sports

Carlton Volleyball Team Takes Part in Polar League Jamboree

The Bulldogs are bringing back a huge senior class, who will go down as one of the most successful in school history.
Sam Ali,

ESKO, Minn. – The annual Polar League Volleyball Jamboree took place Tuesday at Esko High School. Among the teams taking part were the Carlton volleyball team, fresh off being ranked ninth in Class A. These scrimmages will be important as the Bulldogs will open their season next week. “They’re important to see. The kids get a little opportunity to have…
College, Sports

Saints Football Team Ranked 4th in UMAC Preseason Poll

St. Scholastica did receive one first-place vote.
Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The UMAC football preseason coaches poll was released Tuesday and the Saints come in at the number four spot. Most notable from the list is that CSS did receive one first-place vote. Defending conference champs Martin Luther occupy the top spot in the poll. The Saints will open their season with a non-conference game Saturday September…
College, Sports

Franco Bari Talks Joining St. Scholastica Athletics

Bari was named the new CSS director of athletics last week.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, St. Scholastica announced their new director of athletics would be Franco Bari, who spent over a decade at St. Lawrence University in New York. Tuesday, he spoke with the media for the first time and talked about how the Saints were able to lure him away from his alma mater. “I just think that overall…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Volleyball Looking to Continue Success Despite Losing Two Key Starters

UMD is returning five starters and 14 total players from last year, hoping to fill the big holes of the two seniors they lost.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD volleyball team is officially back on the court getting ready for the 2019 season. The Bulldogs had another successful season last year and while they only lost two players, those will be two big holes to fill. The Bulldogs are returning four of their starters and 14 total players from last year, where they won…
College, High School, Sports

Rails’ Pogatchnik Verbally Commits to Bemidji State University Women’s Basketball

Pogatchnik was one of Proctor's leading scorers last season as she led the team to state for the first time since 2002.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball guard Sam Pogatchnik announced on twitter Monday that she has committed to Bemidji State University. Pogatchnik was one of the standouts on Proctor last season, scoring 21 points in the section final that helped lead the Rails to the state tournament for the first time since 2002. Pogatchnik is the second Rail to commit…
College, Sports

Saints Announce Alum Kevin Ritsche as New Head Baseball Coach

Ritsche played for CSS from 2001-04 and served on the staff in the fall of 2004 while earning his Master's Degree.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Superior native and CSS alum Kevin Ritsche has been named the new head coach of the Saints baseball team. Ritsche takes over for his former teammate Corey Kemp, who led the Saints for the past 10 seasons and stepped down at the end of May. Ritsche played for the saints from 2001 to 2004, overlapping with Kemp…
College, High School, Northern Star, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Northern Star: Reagan Ruffi and Brody Payton

For this week's segment, we feature two Northwestern alums and rookies on the UMD football team who are excited to go through this experience together.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team is officially one week into the 2019 season. “I am pumped to be here. I’ve been wishing away my summer to be here and I’m pretty excited,” freshman running back Reagan Ruffi said. Fall practice allows the whole team to come together and is crucial for the freshmen and newcomers to learn the…
College, Sports

Saints Women’s Soccer Ready for Fresh Start with 2019 Season

The St. Scholastica women's soccer team lost a few key players last season, but are bringing in a recruiting class of over 20 players to hopefully fill those holes.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. -The St. Scholastica soccer team opened fall practice on Saturday and are having two practices a day to start the 2019 season. The Saints lost six seniors last year but are bringing in a recruiting class of over 20 players this season, so these early days of practice consists of a lot of the basics, bonding and getting…
College, High School, Sports

Rails’ Marunich Commits to Southwest Minnesota State Women’s Basketball

Katelyn Marunich helped lead Proctor to the state tournament last season for the first time since 2002.
Claudia Chakamian,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Proctor girls basketball center Katelyn Marunich announced on Twitter over the weekend that she has verbally committed to Southwest Minnesota State. On a team that did not feature a senior on the roster, Marunich started most games for the Rails last season, and was one of the top scorers during the regular season. The rising senior also…
College, Sports

Yellowjackets Women’s Soccer Looking to Carry Momentum Into 2019 Season

The UWS women's soccer team will open the regular season in Texas taking on Austin College on Aug. 30.
Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – The UWS women’s soccer team finished last season on an impressive run in the UMAC Tournament. Now, as the Yellowjackets held their first day of practice on Saturday, they are hoping to build on that success and are ready to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. “We’re no longer the underdogs. People know who we are now…
Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Erik Lofald

For this week's segment, we're chatting with the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Erik Lofald who is the new head coach of the Duluth Denfeld football team. Lofald takes over for longtime Hunters head coach Frank Huie, who retired after nearly four decades with the program. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports
College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Saints Football Practice Underway with New Head Coach Mike Heffernan

St. Scholastica will open the 2019 season on September 7 against Mayville State.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica football team ended 2018 with a 6–4 record under an interim head coach. In December, then-Athletic Director Brian Jamros promoted offensive coordinator Mike Heffernan to head coach. “I’m not sure if it’s hit me yet that I’m actually the head coach, it doesn’t feel that way, but I’m sure there’s plenty more to come,”…
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Lots of Talent to Replace for Lumberjacks Football Team

The Lumberjacks will open their season August 30th at home against Two Harbors.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – We are already through one week of fall practices which means we are that much closer to the regular season. And we continue with our high school football previews with a team who came inches away from a trip to the state tourney: Cloquet. The Lumberjacks finished their regular season with just one loss, but fell to…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds’ Anderson, Jeanette Leaving School for USHL

Charlie Erickson will be the only forward on the team with any varsity experience.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Northland has always been a hockey factory, always churning out great high school players. But sometimes, the best of the best have to decide between staying in school or playing junior hockey. And Duluth East got a double wammy announcement on Thursday. Greyhounds standouts Logan Anderson and Jacob Jeanette have decided to leave school for the…
Active Adventures, Community, Entertainment, Features, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Weather in the News

Scooting Around Town On A Leaf

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Leaf Scooters Take Over Canal Park
Brittney Merlot,

DULUTH, Minn. — In this weeks Active Adventures Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot shows us how the new Leaf scooters work. You’ll see how to download the app, get it set up, where you can and can’t go with them and then she takes to the streets of Canal Park. Randomly going up to people and asking them to take it…
High School, Sports

Greyhounds Football Team Eyeing Deep Playoff Run

The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just their second day in pads.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Early on in fall camps for high school football teams, coaches can get a good idea of who spent their summer in the gym and who spent it on the couch. The same can be said about the Duluth East football team. The Greyhounds are wrapping up their first week of fall camp and Thursday was just…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Announces Contract Extension for Head Football Coach Curt Wiese

The deal will keep him on the sidelines through the 2022–2023 season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The University of Minnesota Duluth has announced a two-year contract extension for head football coach Curt Wiese. The deal will keep him on the sidelines through the 2022–2023 season. Wiese is in his 12th year with the UMD football program and seventh as the head coach. In that time, he has led the Bulldogs to a 63–12…
High School, Sports

Lester Park Golf Course Hosts MN Junior Golf’s “Warrior Cup”

58 golfers ages 16 to 19 competed in the final major youth golf tourney in Duluth.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Lester Park Golf Course hosted the Minnesota Junior PGA Championship, better known as the “Warrior Cup” Wednesday afternoon. It’s high level competition that features the winners of various events from this season’s junior tour. “I’m probably most proud of just seeing all the kids go on to play at D1, D2 and D3 schools with the…
High School, Sports

Proctor Football Team’s New Mantra: “I Control Effort”

The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – We continue with our high school football previews and catch up with a team that’s looking to wash out the bad taste of 2018 and do much better this upcoming season. The Rails won just two games last season one year after making it to the state tournament. So for the seniors, they’ve got one thing on…
College, Professional Sports, Sports

Former UWS Standout Ashley Birdsall Signs with Buffalo Beauts

The Duluth native skated for the Yellowjackets from 2008 to 2013.
Sam Ali,

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Former Wisconsin-Superior women’s hockey standout Ashley Birdsall has signed a deal with the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League. The Duluth native, who is about to complete her ninth year of service with the Minnesota Army National Guard, also spent time with the Minnesota Whitecaps for three seasons before they joined the NWHL. Birdsall had…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Women’s Soccer Picked to Finish Eighth in NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll

The Bulldogs will open their season at home on September 6th against Northern Michigan.
Sam Ali,

BURNSVILLE, Minn. – The NSIC released their preseason coaches poll for women’s soccer Wednesday morning and UMD locks down the #8 spot on the list. Minnesota State-Mankato, who are ranked #25 in the country, were picked to win the conference. The Bulldogs are looking to bounce back after a disappointing 2018 that saw them win just seven matches. Among the…
Community, Entertainment, Features, Great Outdoors, Minnesota, News, News - Latest News, Weather in the News, Wisconsin

Timbersports Take Over & Race Top Notch Handmade Saws

GREAT OUTDOORS: Lumberjack World Championships Brings The Best
Brittney Merlot,

HAYWARD, Wisc. — Lumberjacks in the Northland are common and the competition between them is said to be strong. In this week’s Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us to Lumberjack Bowl where all of the best gathered there to show us what they are made of. “It’s kind of in my blood, I’m a four generation competitor.” said…
High School, Sports

Hermantown Football Aims to Repeat 2018 Success

The Hawks won the Section 7AAAA title last season for the first time since 2015.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The defending Section 7AAAA champs are back on the football field, kicking off the first official week of the 2019 season. “We’re very excited to get back at it this year. There’s nothing like high school football in the fall,” Hermantown head coach Mike Zagelmeyer said. The Hawks are coming off their first section title since 2015,…
College, Sports

St. Scholastica Names Franco Bari New Director of Athletics

Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Four months ago, then-CSS athletic director Brian Jamros stepped down from his position after two years with the Saints. And today, CSS announced who will be taking over. Franco Bari will take over effective August 19th. Bari comes from his alma mater St. Lawrence University in New York where he was director of athletics since 2012. He…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Hermantown’s Peter Soumis Commits to UMD Men’s Basketball Team

The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season
Sam Ali,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown’s Peter Soumis announced on his Twitter account Monday that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. The Hawks point guard averaged just over 19 points per game during his junior year last season, helping Hermantown finish with a 16–10 record, including 7–3 within Section 7AAA. Two years ago as a sophomore, Soumis scored 15…
Professional Sports, Sports

Superior Native Jessica Lindstrom Powers Wisconsin GLO to GWBA Championship

Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors.
Sam Ali,

OSHKOSH, Wisc. – This past weekend, the Wisconsin GLO defeated the three-time reigning GWBA champions the Flint Monarchs 80–78, thanks in large part to a former Northland basketball star. Superior native Jessica Lindstrom finished with 11 points, 15 rebounds and three steals to take home Finals MVP honors. “It was a team effort at the end of the day and…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Team Hold First Fall Practice of 2019

The Bulldogs will open their season at home on September 5th against Minot State.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team held their first official practice for the upcoming fall season Monday at Malosky Stadium. And coming off an undefeated regular season, the Bulldogs are extra hype for 2019. “It couldn’t have come sooner. We busted our butts all summer and I know the guys were itching to get our here. I was itching…