Sports

A Historic Trip to State for the Lumberjacks Softball Team

It's been seven years since the Cloquet softball team has played in the Class AAA state tourney.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet softball team are heading back to the Class AAA state tournament for the first time since 2012. It wasn’t an easy trip for the Lumberjacks as they were no–hit by Chisago Lakes to force an elimination game in the section finals. But then they showed off their signature resiliency, which has been a key to…

Panthers Softball Excited for First Ever Trip to State Tournament

The South Ridge softball team will take on top-seeded New York Mills.

CULVER, Minn. – The South Ridge softball team are heading to their first-ever state tournament later this week. The Panthers did not allow a single run in the section tournament and while all eyes were on the performance of pitcher Malania Madill, their defense was stellar as well. “We were in the gym a lot in the beginning of the…

Ropes Course & Ziplining Along North Shore

GREAT OUTDOORS: Adventure Park on the North Shore

SILVER BAY, Minn. — A brand new adventure has popped up in Minnesota! In this week’s great outdoors Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot takes us up into the tree tops, climbing and zipping with a new experience! Face a fear of heights and challenge yourself…Step by step… This is a place for all ages, family and friends; offering a unique challenge…

Eskomos Softball Prepares For Fourth Straight State Appearance

Esko will play top seed Norwood-Young America on Thursday.

ESKO, Minn. – The Esko softball team will be making its fourth straight trip to the class AA state tournament later this week. For the upperclassmen who have made it to state each year, they hope to use their experience to make a deep run this week. “We know what to expect, we’ve had experience going down there, we know how…

Huskies Shake Off Slow Start for Walk-Off Win in Extras

Duluth would score the game-winning run off a wild pitch in the 11th.

DULUTH, Minn. – Dexter Swims would score on a wild pitch in the 11th inning as the Duluth Huskies came back to defeat St. Cloud 7-6 Monday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Huskies shrugged off a slow start as they didn’t crack to scoreboard until the sixth inning. They would get two runs in the bottom of the ninth to…

MSHSL Votes Against Adding Shot Clock for High School Basketball

Minnesota will continue to be one of 42 states that do not use a shot clock for high school basketball.

BROOKLYN CENTER, Minn. – The Minnesota State High School League Board of Directors voted on several items Monday, including the addition of a shot lock for high school basketball. And the board voted against it 13–5. Reports suggest that some of the issues with adding a shot clock are financial and logistical challenges. But according to David La Vaque of…

Northern Star: Gabby Seyfer of the Duluth Figure Skating Club

She will be skating at a new national competition in Florida this June.

DULUTH, Minn. – Gabby Seyer, a rising sophomore at East High School, has made figure skating her life for the past ten years. Now, she’s one of only 18 girls in her level competing at the inaugural National Excel Festival in Coral Springs, Florida. “I’m excited about meeting new competitors from all over the country. So I’m kind of excited…

Scott Sandelin Reportedly Speaking to NHL Team

This past weekend a report came out about a potential team interested in Sandelin.

DULUTH, Minn. – Ever since winning the national championship a month and a half ago, UMD Men’s Hockey Coach Scott Sandelin has said repeatedly that he is staying in Duluth, but that he would listen to any offers from the NHL. This past weekend a report came out about a potential team interested in Sandelin. According to Pierre Lebrun of…

Minnesota High School Softball Tournament Schedule Announced

Three teams from the Northland will be traveling to Mankato for the tournament.

MANKATO, Minn. – The Minnesota high school softball tournament schedule was announced on Saturday. In Class AAA #4 Cloquet will be taking on #5 Benilde St. Margaret on Thursday, June 6th, at 11 A.M.. Class AA will feature Esko who will play #1 Norwood-Young America on Thursday at 9 A.M.. Finally, Class A will feature the South Ridge Panthers taking…

Coaches Corner: Duluth Huskies’ Marcus Pointer

For this week's segment, we hear from Duluth Huskies manager Marcus Pointer.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with first-year field manager of the Duluth Huskies, Marcus Pointer. He served as the pitching coach last season with Tyger Pederson as the Huskies made it all the way to the Northwoods League Collegiate World Series. Categories: Coaches Corner, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Opening Day Finally Arrives for Gondlik Law Speedway

Organizers say the weather wasn't ideal, but they are happy to finally get the racing season started.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – After weeks of postponements due to weather, “Opening Day” finally took place Friday at the Gondlik Law Speedway in Superior. Organizers say the weather wasn’t ideal, but they are happy to finally get the racing season started. “Every week we were really excited for the races. Then we’d get the message that it was cancelled. We would…

ALS Walleye Fishing Tournament Celebrates 24th Year

Over 200 anglers will battle for a first-place prize of $2,000.

DULUTH, Minn. – The 24th annual Kolar Toyota Walleye Fishing Tournament kicked off Friday night with a special welcome dinner at the UMD Fieldhouse. Over 200 anglers will hit the waters bright and early Saturday morning at Island Lake where they’ll be battling for a first-place prize of $2,000, which is donated by the ALS Association. The event has raised…

Former Thunderhawk Heaven Hamling Transfers to NDSU

Hamling is the all-time leading scorer at Grand Rapids High School.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. – Former Grand Rapids basketball star Heaven Hamling announced Friday morning on her Twitter account that she is transferring from Stephen F. Austin to North Dakota State. Hamling played in 32 games her freshman year averaging 5.5 points and just over 16 minutes per game. In her time with the Thunderhawks, she became the all-time leading scorer…

Experience The Le Grand Du Nord Bike Race

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: Fox 21's Brittney Merlot Finishes Her Race She's Been Training Months For!

GRAND MARAIS, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we get to see the Le Grand Du Nord gravel bike race from a personal perspective; as Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot hits the pavement, climbs the Sawtooth Mountains and rides through muddy logging trails. Experience the ups and downs on a long bike race and learn some valuable tips first hand….

Eskomos Softball Team Win Fourth Straight Section Title

Esko got their runs early and often against Proctor.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Sophomore pitcher Miranda Kelley held Proctor to just one run and chipped in with a two-RBI single as Esko knocked off the Rails 8-1 in the Section 7AA championship game at Braun Park in Cloquet. The Eskomos win their fourth straight section title as they advance to the state tournament. Categories: High School, Sports

Alana Young’s Walk-Off Single Sends Panthers Softball To State Tourney

The game was scoreless for six and a half innings before South Ridge was able to break through.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In bottom of the seventh inning, Alana Young singled to left field, bringing in Natalie Smith to score the lone run of the game as the South Ridge softball team gets the walk-off win over Cherry 1-0 Thursday afternoon at Braun Park in Cloquet. Panthers pitcher Malania Madill finished the 7A playoffs with 33 scoreless innings as…

Wolfpack Lacrosse Knock Off Stealth To Advance to Section Semis

The Duluth boys lacrosse team move on to the section semi-finals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Junior Jayden Erie scored five goals on the night as the Duluth boys lacrosse team defeated the Stealth 9-6 Thursday night at Ordean Stadium. Brennen Larson, James Holak, Reilly Johnson and Will Smyth also scored for the Wolfpack, who will face Blaine Monday night in the Section 7A semi-finals. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Native Emma Stauber to Bring Isobel Cup to the Northland

The event will take place June 27th at the St. Luke's Sports and Event Center in Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn. – Minnesota Whitecaps defenseman and Duluth native Emma Stauber will be bringing the Isobel Cup to the St. Luke’s Sports and Event Center on Thursday, June 27th. The former UMD women’s hockey captain was part of the Whitecaps team that won the NWHL championship in their first year of existence. Last month, Stauber accepted the head coaching position…

Duluth FC Draw at Home with Med City FC

Brooks Rice would score the equalizer late in the second half.

DULUTH, Minn. – After a scoreless first half at Ordean Stadium, both Duluth FC and Med City FC would find the back of the net as the game would end in a 1-1 draw. Alan Wismayer scored for the Mayhem, while Brooks Rice scored the equalizer in the 68th minute as the Bluegreens stay undefeated on the season with a…

Greyhounds Baseball Open Sectionals With Home Win

Duluth East held on for the 6-5 win over Coon Rapids.

DULUTH, Minn. – In the opening round of the section 7AAAA playoffs, the Duluth East baseball team held on for the 6-5 win over Coon Rapids Wednesday afternoon. Tyler Wapola led the Greyhounds with three hits and two RBI. Caden Edwards pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing four hits while striking out six. Categories: High School, Sports

Former Eskomos Star Kory Deadrick Named New Rails Boys Basketball Coach

Deadrick will take over for Todd Clark who retired after this past season.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Last month, Proctor boys basketball coach Todd Clark retired after being involved with Rails athletics for over 20 years. Those are some big shoes to fill and Tuesday night, the Rails found their guy. Former Esko star Kory Deadrick was named the new head coach of the Proctor boys basketball team. Deadrick is the Eskomos all-time leading…

Prep Lacrosse: Stealth Boys Move On, Wolfpack Girls Bow Out

In the first round of the high school lacrosse playoffs, Hermantown/Proctor picked up the win at home.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – In the first round of the high school lacrosse playoffs, the Hermantown/Proctor boys picked up the win at home over Spring Lake Park 13-7 Tuesday night at the Hawks Field. The Stealth move on to face Duluth Thursday night at Ordean Stadium. And in girls action, the Duluth lacrosse team battled back to send their game against…

Prep Baseball: Hunters, Hilltoppers, Panthers Advance to Section Quarterfinals

The high school baseball playoffs began on Tuesday in section 7A, 7AA and 7AAA.

DULUTH, Minn. – In section 7A baseball action, South Ridge would blank Cherry 9-0 Tuesday afternoon at Wade Stadium. The Panthers move on to the quarterfinals as they will face Cherry Thursday afternoon. In section 7AA, the top seed in the tourney Duluth Marshall went on a scoring spree as they topped Moose Lake-Willow River 19-1 at Egerdahl Field. At…

Former Bulldog Sidney Morin Heading Back to Sweden

Morin signed a one-year deal with HV71 after spending last season with Linkoping HC in the Swedish Hockey League.

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Sidney Morin is heading back to Sweden to continue her pro career. This week, she signed a one-year deal with HV71 after spending last season with Linkoping HC in the Swedish Hockey League. She recorded 38 points in 32 games last season. Morin was part of the U.S. National Women’s hockey team that won…

Corey Kemp Resigns as St. Scholastica Baseball Coach

Kemp has been with the Saints program for over 20 years as a player, assistant and head coach.

DULUTH, Minn. – Longtime St. Scholastica baseball coach Corey Kemp has resigned. Kemp has been part of the Saints baseball program for over 20 years as a player, assistant coach and head coach, leading CSS to 10 consecutive UMAC regular season titles and eight straight NCAA appearances from 2010 to 2017. In six of his ten years with CSS, he…

Prep Baseball: Hawks, Bulldogs Win Section Playoff Openers

The section playoffs began Tuesday afternoon for 7A and 7AAA baseball.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the first round of the section 7AAA baseball tournament, Hermantown would score six runs in the third inning as they defeated Cloquet 11-4 Tuesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. In section 7A, Carlton would hang on for a tight win over Cook County 4-3 at the NBC Sports Complex. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Huskies Hold First Practice at Wade Stadium

The Huskies will open the season on the road at Thunder Bay.

DULUTH, Minn. – The red, white and blue were spread all across the Northland on Monday, but it was an extra special day at Wade Stadium as the Duluth Huskies held their first practice for the 2019 season. The Huskies held an open practice to the public who got their first chance to see the defending Northwoods League North Division…

North Woods’ Cade Goggleye Commits to University of Jamestown

The sharpshooter held the Grizzlies finish runner-up in three straight Class A state tournaments.

COOK, Minn. – Former North woods sharpshooter Cade Goggleye announced this past weekend that he has committed to playing college basketball at the University of Jamestown in North Dakota. Goggleye scored over 2,100 points in four seasons with the Grizzlies, helping North Woods take runner-up in the last three Class A state tournaments. The University of Jamestown is part of…

Northern Star: Ben Pedersen

For this week's segment, we feature the ace on the Duluth Marshall baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – When you think of athletes in northern Minnesota, you think of all of the great hockey players and the kids who learned how to skate before they can walk. But baseball is growing in the Northland, and part of the reason for that is Hilltoppers senior pitcher Ben Pedersen. “I grew up wanting to play hockey. I…

Prep Softball: Lumberjacks Advance in Winners Bracket, Hawks and Thunderhawks Advance in Losers

Section 7AAA softball quarterfinal action wrapped up today at Braun Park in Cloquet.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet Lumberjacks managed a five run fifth inning to handily beat the defending state champs North Branch 11-2. Also at Braun Park, the Hermantown Hawks lost in walk off fashion to the Chisago Lakes Wildcats 3-2. Hermantown would end up beating Denfeld later in the day to advance to the semifinals in Chisago Lakes, as did…

Prep Soccer: Superior Girls Win and Make History

The soccer team won their first time hosting a playoff game.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Superior girls soccer hosted their first ever playoff game against Chippewa Falls on Saturday. The Spartans ended up earning their programs first ever playoff win by beating the Cardinals 4-1. They play number one seed Kimberly on Tuesday. Categories: High School, Sports

Coaches Corner: Duluth Wolfpack Lacrosse

For this week's segment, we hear from the Duluth boys lacrosse team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we talk with the Duluth boys lacrosse team, including head coach Scott Wishart, senior Will Smyth and junior Jayden Erie. The Wolfpack are wrapping up their regular season this week as they look to make it back to the section final. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Hilltoppers’ Grace Kirk Commits to Brown University

The Duluth Marshall standout will be taking her talents to the East Coast when she starts college.

DULUTH, Minn. – According to the NCAA, the percentage of girls basketball players who go from high school to college is 3.9%. The average acceptance rate to an Ivy League school sits in the single digits as well. If you can do one of those things, it’s pretty impressive. But to pull off both, it takes a special kind of…

Exclusive Look On The Ropes & Ziplines From The NEW Adventure Park on the North Shore

ACTIVE ADVENTURES: First One Try Test The Ropes & Lines at Silver Bay's Adventure Park

SILVER BAY, Minn. — In this week’s Active Adventures we are taking you on an exclusive look inside the new Adventure Park on the North Shore that is opening Friday May 24 at 3pm to the public! Scared of heights, so is Fox 21’s Brittney Merlot! Watch her climb and fly her way through the challenging course at 40 feet…

Lumberjacks, Hawks, Rails, and Eskomos Advance in Section Playoff Action

Cloquet's Braun Park was home to the Section 7AA and Section 7AAA.

CLOQUET, Minn. – In Section 7AAA, Cloquet got a walk-off win against Hibbing 3-2 and Hermantown defeated Grand Rapids 6-2. The Lumberjacks will face North Branch in the quarterfinals while the Hawks will face Chisago Lakes. Both games will be Saturday morning in Cloquet. In Section 7AA, Proctor came back late to beat Eveleth-Gilbert 3-1 and Esko defeated Mora 7-2….

Duluth’s Cassie McClure Commits to UWS Women’s Hockey

The Northern Stars standout scored 20 goals in her final year at Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth standout Cassie McClure has signed her national letter of intent to play for the UWS women’s hockey team next season. The forward wrapped up her senior campaign with the Northern Stars scoring 20 goals to go along with three assists. Seven of those goals came on the power play for Duluth. The Yellowjackets also got a…

Saints’ Ryan Steger Ready for First Trip to Nationals

The sophomore qualified for the 800-meter run.

DULUTH, Minn. – St. Scholastica’s Ryan Steger is heading to the NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships later this week. The sophomore qualified for the 800-meter run, which for him was quite the surprise. As a sophomore, this is Steger’s first trip to nationals and he says despite his lack of experience, he’s going into it with a…

Prep Lacrosse: Wolfpack Boys, Stealth Girls Earn Home Wins

The Duluth boys lacrosse team picked up their ninth win of the season.

DULUTH, Minn. – In their final home game of the regular season, the Duluth boys lacrosse team shutout Hermantown/Proctor in the second half as they won 10-7 Wednesday night at Ordean Stadium. The Wolfpack will close their season Friday at Champlin Park. And in girls lacrosse action, Hermantown/Proctor needed overtime to get the home win over Duluth 10-11 at Egerdahl…

Kohlwey, Reindl Set to Compete at NCAA Outdoor T&F Championships

The preliminaries will take place Friday night on the campus of Texas A&M-Kingsville.

DULUTH, Minn. – Senior hurdler Danielle Kohlwey and freshman runner Haleigh Reindl will be taking part in the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships later this week. Kohlwey will compete in the 100-meter hurdles, while Reindl qualified for the 800-meter run. Both also made the trip for the indoor championships back in March, and for Reindl it’s just another chance…

Husband-Wife Duo Named New IceHawks Soccer Coaches

Anthony and Caitlyn Wood will take over for Jeff Lightfoot, who retired after leading both programs to the playoffs last year.

DULUTH, Minn. – Lake Superior College announced Wednesday that Anthony and Caitlyn Wood have been named the new men’s and women’s head soccer coaches for the upcoming season. The husband and wife duo will take over for Jeff Lightfoot, who retired after leading both programs to the playoffs last year. Both have been coaching at Proctor High School and have…

Campgrounds Prepare for Memorial Day Weekend

Buffalo House Campgrounds are busy getting ready for the rush.

DULUTH, Minn.- Memorial Day weekend is right around the corner, and that’s famously a time when families get in their camper, or pack up their tents, to go camping. With 105 campsites for RVs and areas for tents, the staff at Buffalo House Campground is busy getting ready for the Memorial Day rush. The peaceful trees and sounds of birds…

Prep Softball: Rails, Hilltoppers, Bulldogs Open Playoffs With Wins

The high school softball playoffs began Tuesday afternoon across the Northland.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In the opening round of the Section 7AA playoffs, Proctor would score eight runs in the opening inning as they knocked off Mesabi East 13-0 in five innings Tuesday afternoon at Rails Field. Elsewhere in the section, Greenway would score four runs in the fifth to pull within one run. But Duluth Marshall would clamp down in…

Lumberjacks Baseball Close Season With Win Against Eskomos

Cloquet gets the win at home over rivals Esko.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Cloquet baseball team used a big sixth inning to take the lead, then held on late to get the 7-5 win over rival Esko. Esko led 2-0 into the fifth, before Cloquet scored two to tie things up. Esko retook the lead in the next half inning, but the Lumberjacks responded in the bottom half of…

Former Wilderness Goalie Ryan Fanti Commits to UMD Men’s Hockey

The Thunder Bay, Ontario native has spent the past two seasons with the Wilderness.

DULUTH, Minn. – There is a well-known pipeline between the Minnesota Wilderness and the UMD men’s hockey team. And Tuesday, another player is making the quick trip down I–35 to join the two-time defending champs. Former Wilderness goalie Ryan Fanti announced on his Twitter account that he has committed to playing his college career with the Bulldogs. The Thunder Bay,…

Quick Start is Enough for Stealth Boys Lacrosse

Hermantown/Proctor jumped out to an early lead to win its second straight.

ESKO, Minn. – The Hermantown/Proctor lacrosse team jumped out to an early 4-0 lead, and while Grand Rapids rallied back, the Stealth were able to hang on for the 10-9 win. The win gives the Stealth their second straight and will wrap up the regular season on Wednesday at Duluth. Grand Rapids will end the regular season on Thursday at…

Rails Baseball Win Nine-Inning Thriller Against Hawks

The Proctor baseball team got the win at home against Hermantown.

PROCTOR, Minn. – In a game that needed nine innings, the Proctor baseball team hung on for the win over Hermantown 9-8 Monday night at Egerdahl Field. The win earned the Rails a split with the Hawks as Hermantown won the first game 7-4. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Native CJ Ham Announces Summer Youth Camp

The camp will be the first for Ham and will take place at Lincoln Park Middle School.

DULUTH, Minn. – CJ Ham has had quite the road to the NFL. After starring at Denfeld High School, Ham took his talents to Augustana and signed with the Vikings in 2016 as an undrafted free agent. And now he’s coming home to help local kids achieve their dreams as well. Ham announced on his Twitter account that he will…

Northern Star: Gabby Blomdahl

For this week's segment, we feature a Hermantown softball player who uses her coaches and hometown as inspiration for her future.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Anyone from Hermantown can tell you how much the town means to them. “Hermantown, oh boy, it means a lot. It’s where you’ve grown up, it’s the tight community, it’s welcoming, it’s where you have all your friends. It’s definitely going to be hard to leave the small town feel of knowing everybody and having everyone know…

Local Boxers Remember Robert “Bing Bang” Prytz

Prytz coached at Jungle Boy Boxing Gym and was nicknamed "Grandpa Bing Bang".

DULUTH, Minn. – Robert “Bing Bang” Prytz passed away on May 12 at the age of 89 years old. Prytz was a former boxing champion of Duluth and coached at Jungle Boy Boxing Gym. Prytz was known for teaching the fundamentals of the jab, which is where he got his nickname “Bing Bang” from. “He was a bit of a something,…