Sports

College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

UMD Football Steamrolls Minot State in Season Opener

The Bulldogs put up over 350 yards of offense in the first half alone.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD quarterback John Larson finished with 279 yards passing and threw three touchdown passes as the Bulldogs ran past Minot State 52-7 Thursday night at Malosky Stadium. Running back Wade Sullivan and wide receiver Quincy Woods each scored twice for the Bulldogs, who will travel to Minnesota State-Moorhead next week. Categories: College, Sports, University of Minnesota –…
Professional Sports, Sports

“Beatdowns in Souptown” Returns to Wessman Arena

Doors open at 4 p.m and the fists will fly starting at 5:30.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – “Beatdowns in Souptown” is back for another installment of world class mixed martial arts action this Saturday at Wessman Arena. Nearly 20 MMA bouts will take place as the show will celebrate the 10-year anniversary of the Inner Strength Martial Arts studio in Superior. And organizers say the sport itself has come a long way in its…
High School, Sports

Rails, Hunters Girls Soccer Settle for Draw

It was a low-scoring affair for girls soccer at Egerdahl Field.
Sam Ali,

PROCTOR, Minn. – Two total goals were scored in a match between the Proctor and Duluth Denfeld girls soccer teams. However, each team scored one as the game ended in a 1-1 draw Wednesday afternoon at Egerdahl Field. Senior Alivia Radig scored for the Hunters, while sophomore Maisy Rohweder scored for the Rails. Categories: High School, Sports
College, Sports

A New Era for Saints Football Begins This Weekend

It will be the first game for new head coach Mike Heffernan.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – One team that will be kicking their football season off this weekend is St. Scholastica. It will be a slight change of plans for the opener though as CSS will take on Mayville State at Malosky Stadium, home of the UMD football team. But the Saints embrace the new venue and are excited to play at home…
High School, Sports

#GOTW Preview: Cloquet, Hermantown Renew Section 7AAAA Rivalry Friday Night

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Hermantown.
Claudia Chakamian,

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Last year’s section 7AAAA finals featured Cloquet and Hermantown going at it and has added another layer to this growing rivalry. “I know they have a bitter taste in their mouths from last year and they just want back at us so we’re just ready to play them again this year,” Hermantown linebacker/running back Cade Montgomery said….
High School, Sports

Prep Volleyball: Bulldogs Sweep ‘Jacks, Eskomos Post Fifth-Set Comeback Against Blue Devils

The Carlton volleyball team remained undefeated, while Esko needed five sets to top Virginia.
Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Carlton volleyball team continue their dominance of the Northland as they swept Cloquet 3-0 Tuesday night at Cloquet Middle School. And in other action, Esko was down 13-7 in the fifth and final set against Virginia. Then Brenna Starks scored eight straight serving points to complete the comeback and win the match 3-2. Categories: High School,…
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Hilltoppers Boys Blank Lumberjacks, Hawks Girls Win Close One Against Hunters

The weather conditions were less than ideal for high school soccer in the Northland.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Griff Pichetti scored twice as the Duluth Marshall boys soccer team blanked Cloquet-Esko-Carlton at home 3-0 Tuesday afternoon. Brendan Pfahl also scored for the Hilltoppers, who picked up their second win of the season. And in girls action, Hermantown held on for the win at home over Duluth Denfeld 3-2. Categories: High School, Sports
High School, Sports

Popularity Soaring for Cloquet-Esko-Carlton Mountain Biking Team

The team started in 2017 with just 12 members, and now there's 36 to start this season.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton mountain biking team gathered at the Buffalo House Tuesday afternoon for practice before their upcoming race next weekend. The team started in 2017 with just 12 members, and now there’s 36 to start this season. The riders and coaches have been working to tell more people about the team and love seeing the growth of…
College, Sports

Saints Football Team Move Season Opener to Malosky Stadium

Kick-off for the game is still scheduled for 12 p.m. as Mike Heffernan makes his head coaching debut for the Saints.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica football team have announced a change in venue for their opener this weekend. Instead of playing at Public Schools Stadium at Denfeld High School, the Saints will play up at Malosky Stadium against Mayville State University. The change is due to the ongoing construction at PSS. Kick-off for the game is still scheduled for…
College, High School, Sports

Former North Woods Star Cade Goggleye Commits to St. Scholastica Basketball

Goggleye had originially committed to the University of Jamestown back in late May.
Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former North Woods standout Cade Goggleye has decided he will join the St. Scholastica men’s basketball team, according to the CSS athletic department. Goggleye had originally committed to the University of Jamestown back in late May, but now he will be much closer to home. Goggleye scored over 2100 points in his four years with the Grizzlies,…
College, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Bulldogs Football Prepping for Week One

UMD will open the 2019 season at home on Thursday night against Minot State.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The UMD football team is more than ready to officially start the 2019 season later this week. Fall camp is over and now the Bulldogs are focusing their attention on Minot State. There’s a different feeling at Malosky Stadium this week as the team has worked through the basics,and now they can come up with a game…
College, Northern Star, Sports

Northern Star: Eric Watson

For this week's Northern Star, we highlight a UWS men's soccer player with high expectations for the upcoming season.
Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – For University of Wisconsin-Superior senior Eric Watson, this upcoming season will be a big one for the Yellowjackets men’s soccer team. “The publishings that come out or the stories that come out about us, it’s all extra on top of it. A little bit of the cherry on top. But I think really if we’re being truthful…
High School, Sports

Saints Men’s Soccer Drops Home Opener to Johnnies

Malcolm Lumsden scored St. Scholastica's only goal, scoring on a penalty kick in the second half.
Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The St. Scholastica men’s soccer team returned to Saints Field for the first time in the 2019 season on Sunday, but they were unable to leave on a high note, as Saint John’s got the 3-1 win. With the Saints down 1-0 at the half, Nolan Friday drew a penalty kick in the 60th minute, and Malcolm…
College, High School, Sports, University of Minnesota - Duluth

Thunderhawks’ John Sutherland Commits to Bulldogs Basketball

Sutherland averaged 27.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game in his junior season at Grand Rapids.
Claudia Chakamian,

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.  – Grand Rapids basketball senior John Sutherland announced on Twitter over the weekend that he has committed to playing college basketball at UMD. Sutherland averaged 27.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game as he led Grand Rapids to nine wins during his junior season. Sutherland follows in the footsteps of current Bulldog and Thunderhawks alum Alex Illikainen,…
High School, Sports

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

Gianna Kneepkens scored the lone goal for Duluth Marshall.
Claudia Chakamian,

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…
College, Sports

Saints Women’s Soccer Falls to Warhawks

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

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, College, Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Coaches Corner: Rachel Gray

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

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
Friday Night Frenzy, High School, 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.
Sam Ali,

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, Community, Entertainment, Links

Active Adventures: Race Day at Echo Valley Motocross Park

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

  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…
High School, Sports

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.
Sam Ali,

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
High School, Sports

Prep Soccer: Hawks Sweep Doubleheader Against Rails

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

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
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.
Sam Ali,

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
College, Sports

Joel Barta Returns to Coach Northland College Baseball

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

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…
High School, Sports

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.
Sam Ali,

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…
High School, Sports

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.
Claudia Chakamian,

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…
College, Sports

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.
Sam Ali,

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….
High School, Sports

#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.
Sam Ali,

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…
College, Sports

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.
Sam Ali,

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…
High School, Sports

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

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

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
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.
Sam Ali,

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…
High School, Sports

UMD Sophomore Libby Nelson Leading Hilltoppers Volleyball Team

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

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…
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…