Sports

Hilltoppers Girls Soccer Gives Up Two Late Goals in Loss to Stars

Gianna Kneepkens scored the lone goal for Duluth Marshall.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gianna Kneepkens scored the lone goal for Duluth Marshall as the Academy of Holy Angels scored two late goals to top the Hilltoppers 2-1. Kneepkens’s goal came late in the first half and was the first goal of the game, giving the Hilltoppers the 1-0 lead at the half. The Stars scored one early in the second…

Saints Women’s Soccer Falls to Warhawks

Emily Olson scored the only goal for St. Scholastica in the loss.

DULUTH, Minn. – For the second game in a row, the St. Scholastica women’s soccer team struggled offensively and gave up a few too many goals, as UW-Whitewater got the 4-1 win on Saturday afternoon. The Warhawks jumped out to a 2-0 lead at the half. Emily Olson scored early in the second half, but the Warhawks immediately responded with…

Coaches Corner: Rachel Gray

For this week's segment, we hear from the new head coach of the CSS golf teams.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with Rachel Gray, the new head coach of the St. Scholastica men’s and women’s golf team. Gray talked about what interested her in the position, as well as what she likes about this team. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Prep Football: Eskomos, Lumberjacks, Spartans, Tigers, Raptors Victorious on Friday Night

It was a busy night of football in the first full week for Minnesota and Wisconsin.

ESKO, Minn. – In a section battle filled with turnovers, Esko held on to defeat Proctor 13-7 Friday night at Egerdahl Field. In other action, Cloquet used a late fourth quarter surge to knock off Two Harbors 30-15. Here are some other scores from across the Northland: Merrill 0 Superior 36 Hayward 0 Northwestern 49 South Ridge 6 Carlton-Wrenshall 7…

Active Adventures: Race Day at Echo Valley Motocross Park

Echo Valley Motocross Park is Located at 4650 Lavoy Road in Brookston, Minnesota

  BROOKSTON, Minn. – Dirt biking enthusiasts still have another chance to tear up the dirt track at Echo Valley Motocross Park located in Brookston, Minnesota. The elite Moto-Cross riders in the region will be racing on a one mile long track that includes a “90 foot table top” jump, as well as many other riveting jumps, high speeds and…

Nelson Picks Up First Head Coaching Win as Hilltoppers Defeat Lumberjacks

The Duluth Marshall volleyball team picked up their first win of the season against Cloquet.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a match that went the distance, the Duluth Marshall volleyball team defeated Cloquet 3-2 Thursday night at Marshall High School. The Hilltoppers led 2-0 early on, but the Lumberjacks battled to force the deciding fifth set where Marshall would win it as Libby Nelson picks up her first head coaching win. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Hawks Sweep Doubleheader Against Rails

The Hermantown boys and girls soccer teams came away with wins against Proctor.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In boys soccer action, Hermantown doubled up Proctor 4-2 Thursday afternoon at Corey Veech Memorial Field. Hunter Tanski, David Rutka, Evan Bjorlin and Matthew Joki all scored for the Hawks, while Nolan Mehle scored both goals for the Rails. And in girls action, Hermantown would blank Proctor 3-0. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Football: Hunters, Greyhounds Fall in Home Openers

Duluth Denfeld and Duluth East both lost their home openers to start the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – In Erik Lofald’s head coaching debut, Duluth Denfeld was dominated from start to finish as they fall to Aitkin 56-0 Thursday night at Egerdahl Field. And on the other side of town, Duluth East fell to Cambridge-Isanti 42-28 at Ordean Stadium. Quarterback Caden Edwards scored on all four touchdowns for the Greyhounds. Categories: High School, Sports

Joel Barta Returns to Coach Northland College Baseball

Barta is the only skipper to lead Northland College to a national playoff game.

ASHLAND, Wisc. – Northland College announced Wednesday that Joel Barta is returning to coach the Lumberjacks baseball team. Barta was the program’s first head coach from 2000 to 2006 and since then, he is the only skipper to lead Northland College to a national playoff game. Prior to his return to Ashland, Barta made stops at the University of Texas…

Hilltoppers Boys Soccer Team Win Wild Match Against Hunters

Duluth Marshall would score four goals in the first half to get the win over Duluth Denfeld.

DULUTH, Minn. – In a match that featured lots of excitement in the first half, the Duluth Marshall boys soccer team defeated Duluth Denfeld 5-2 Wednesday night at Marshall High School. The Hilltoppers would score four goals in the first half, including two from senior captain Peyton Marshak who also had two assists. Griff Pichetti and Brenden Pfahl also scored…

Cherry Football Returning to Varsity After Four-Year Hiatus

The Tigers have been without a varsity squad since 2015, but have been recruiting over the years to get enough players to again field a team.

CHERRY, Minn. – As the Cherry High School football team prepares for week one of the Minnesota High School football season, this week of practices means a little more for the team. “The kids are excited, there’s a little nervous but everyone’s fired up. This has been four years in the making and for our seniors who had their eighth…

Yellowjackets, IceHawks Settle for Draw in Men’s Soccer Scrimmage

Carsen Monnier scored for the IceHawks while Alex Sulzer found the back of the net for the Yellowjackets.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In their final scrimmage before the regular season, the Wisconsin-Superior men’s soccer team settled for a draw with Lake Superior College 1-1 Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. Carsen Monnier scored for the IceHawks while Alex Sulzer found the back of the net for the Yellowjackets, who will open their season with a pair of matches in Texas….

#GOTW Preview: Proctor, Esko Looking for Winning Start to 2019

Kick-off for Friday's game is set for 7 p.m. at Egerdahl Field in Proctor.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Week One will feature a match–up with a lot of intrigue as Proctor hosts Esko in a battle of contrasting styles. “It’s going to be the same thing you’ve seen from Proctor-Esko over the last seven or eight years. It’s going to be our idea of running hard and keeping the ball on the ground, and they’re…

Yellowjackets, Saints Top Ranked Teams in UMAC Men’s Soccer Poll

The Yellowjackets are coming off a historic season becoming the first UMAC team to win an NCAA playoff game.

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Wisconsin-Superior men’s soccer team is the unanimous pick to win the UMAC this upcoming season. That’s according to the conference coaches poll that was released Tuesday. St. Scholastica comes in at #2. The Yellowjackets are coming off a historic season becoming the first UMAC team to win an NCAA playoff game. UWS will open their…

Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs, Greyhounds, Eskomos, Raiders Open Season with Wins

The opening week of high school volleyball was filled with action.

CARLTON, Minn. – Taylor Nelson finished with 16 kills as the Carlton volleyball team opened their season with a win at home against Deer River 3-0 Tuesday night. In other volleyball action, Duluth East got the road sweep over Cloquet 3-0, Esko knocked off Hermantown at home 3-1 and Greenway rolled past Duluth Denfeld 3-0. Categories: High School, Sports

Spartans Boys Soccer Get Shutout Win in Season Opener

Superior scored three goals in the second half to get the win over Menominie.

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – In a game with thunder delays, small bouts of hail and strong wind gusts, the Superior boys soccer team opened their season with a win at home 4-0 over Menominie Tuesday afternoon at the NBC Spartan Sports Complex. Jacob Kidd scored twice for the Spartans while Alex Hanson and Noah Benson also found the back of the…

UMD Sophomore Libby Nelson Leading Hilltoppers Volleyball Team

Nelson recently graduated from Duluth East and is currently attending UMD.

DULUTH, Minn. – More than likely, you probably had a job when you were in college. Working at the bookstore or delivering sandwiches for Jimmy Johns. How about coaching the local high school volleyball team? That’s the case for UMD sophomore Libby Nelson who was just recently named the new head coach of the Duluth Marshall volleyball team. In the…

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.

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…

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.

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….

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

Both teams will open their respective seasons this Friday.

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….

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.

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…

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.

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…

Yellowjackets Men’s Soccer Dominate in Preseason Scimmage

UWS beats St. Olaf ahead of the regular season.

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

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.

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…

Former CSS Star Aaron Olson Joins Saints Coaching Staff

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

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…

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

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

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: Tom Nelson

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

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…

Numbers An Issue for Cardinals Football Team

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

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…

Redemption on the Mind of Panthers Football Team

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

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…

Prep Football: Tigers, Spartans Win Season Openers

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

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…

Hawks Volleyball Sweep Hilltoppers in Season Opener

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

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…

Kneepkens Scores Twice as Hilltoppers Girls Soccer Win Season Opener

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

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

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.

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…

Cromwell-Wright’s Shaily Hakamaki Commits to UMD

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

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…

Yellowjackets, Saints Ranked Third, Fourth in UMAC Volleyball Poll

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

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…

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.

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…

Northland College Sweeps Lake Superior College in Soccer Doubleheader

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

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

UMD Volleyball Team Continues Nationally-Ranked Streak

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

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…

Eskomos Football Looking for Improvements in 2019 Season

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

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…

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.

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…

Saints Football Team Ranked 4th in UMAC Preseason Poll

St. Scholastica did receive one first-place vote.

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…

Franco Bari Talks Joining St. Scholastica Athletics

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

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…

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.

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…