Sports

R-T-R Handles Moose Lake/Willow River Softball in Class A Quarterfinals

Moose Lake/Willow River will next face Northome/Kelliher in the consolation bracket. First pitch is at 11:30 AM on Thursday.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team made their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday. Their opponent on the other hand was Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, who was making their first-ever trip to state. The Knights showed they were not your average first timers as they came away with the 10 to 0 victory in the A quarterfinals. Moose Lake/Willow River…

Jay Cooke State Park’s Swinging Bridge Celebrates 100 Year Anniversary

CARLTON, Minn. — The Swinging Bridge at Jay Cooke State Park in Carlton is celebrating its 100-year anniversary. The bridge has been a landmark for people to explore the outdoors and make memories throughout the years. Park staff spoke on Wednesday about the history of the well-known bridge. There have been five versions over time. Its last rebuild was after…

Grand Rapids Baseball Takes Two from Duluth Denfeld to Claim 4th Straight 7AAA Title

The Thunderhawks have made it to the state tournament now 22 times.

VIRGINIA, Minn.- The Grand Rapids baseball team entered Wednesday needing two wins against Duluth Denfeld to advance back to the state tournament. The Thunderhawks left no doubt as they took game one 10-0 and game two 2-0 to win the Class AAA section title. Rapids advances to the state tournament for the fourth straight year. It’s also the 22nd time…

Duluth Marshall Baseball Blanks Esko for Spot in Section 7AA Title Game

Duluth Marshall will face Esko again in the Section 7AA championship on Thursday.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the most anticipated rematch in Section 7AA, the Duluth Marshall baseball team once again reigned supreme over Esko on Thursday. In the Section 7AA semifinals, Marshall would put up five runs in the 5th inning and three in the 6th to eventually take down Esko 9-0. Owen Marsolek was stellar on the mound for the Hilltoppers, only…

St. Agnes Defeats Proctor Softball for 2nd Year in a Row in Class AA Quarterfinals

Proctor now goes to the consolation bracket where they will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday. First pitch is at 11:30 AM.

MANKATO, Minn.- The Proctor softball team began state tournament play on Wednesday in Mankato. Unfortunately like last season, their title hopes were dashed by St. Agnes, as they fell to the Aggies 5-0 in the AA quarterfinals. Proctor now goes to the consolation bracket where they will play Glencoe-Silver Lake on Thursday. First pitch is at 11:30 AM. Categories: High…

Public Hearing Draws Big Crowd For Enbridge Line 5 Relocation

ASHLAND, Wis. — The room was packed at the Line 5 public hearing Tuesday with the crowd overflowing into two adjacent rooms. Each person was able to speak for three minutes. Before the hearing started, supporters and opponents of the relocation effort weighed in. Sharon Vlari opposes the relocation and said it puts the cart before the horse. “They do…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball Advances to State for First Time in Program History

The Green Eagles defeated Washburn and Rib Lake to clinch a spot at state.

BRUCE, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team entered the day needing two wins to advance to their first-ever state tournament. After a combined no-hitter by Jared Schultz and Isaiah Ahlberg in game one against Washburn in the semifinals, it was onto the sectional finals where they met up with Rib Lake. The Green Eagles took a 4-2 lead heading into…

St. Scholastica Softball Hires Former Player Grace Hadlich as New Assistant Coach

Hadlich just finished up her four-year career with the Saints this past spring.

DULUTH, Minn.- St. Scholastica softball has added to their coaching staff and it’s a familiar face. Now former player Grace Hadlich has joined the coaching staff. She just finished up her four-year career with the Saints this past spring. During that time, Hadlich played in 136 games and became the all-time leader in hit-by-pitches. She could also hit the ball…

Proctor Softball Seeks Redemption in Quarterfinal Matchup Against St. Agnes

The Aggies defeated the Rails 2-1 in last year's quarterfinals.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor softball team has come close to securing the top prize in recent trips to state, that includes a state championship game appearance in 2022. Ultimately now, they’re hoping the 3rd time is the charm as they get set to face St. Agnes in the Class AA quarterfinals on Wednesday. A team Proctor is very familiar with…

Moose Lake/Willow River Boasts Experience in 1st Round Contest vs. R-T-R

The Rebels are set to make their 3rd straight state tournament appearance on Wednesday.

WILLOW RIVER, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is no stranger to the state tournament in Mankato. The Rebels are set to make their 3rd straight state tournament appearance Wednesday when they clash with Russell-Tyler- Ruthton in the Class A quarterfinals. Moose Lake had a taste of the title game in 2022, before falling to Nicollet 3 to 2….

First Responder Training For Worst-Case Scenarios In The Wilderness

DULUTH, Minn. — An important training took place at the College of St. Scholastica Monday, preparing those who spend a lot of time outdoors for worst-case scenarios. Longleaf Wilderness Medicine is hosting an 80-hour first responder course preparing people for back-country travel. Those who participated are emergency medical providers, guides, and recreators that wanted additional knowledge. On Monday they focused…

Northwood/Solon Springs Baseball Primed for Sectionals

Co-op program seeking first state tournament berth

MINONG, Wis.- The Northwood/Solon Springs baseball team has a chance to reach its first-ever state tournament in the co-op’s history. In each of the last four years, the Green Eagles have reached sectionals after capturing the Regional Championship. This season, Northwood/Solon Springs has gone 16-1 overall and is undefeated against Wisconsin opponents. On Tuesday, Northwood/Solon will begin sectionals against Washburn,…

Norsemen Boys Volleyball Falls to Bemidji in Northern Minnesota Section Title Game

The Norsemen finish the year with a 6-2 overall record.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Proctor/Hermantown boys volleyball team saw their season come to a close on Monday. Facing Bemidji in the Northern Minnesota section title game, the Norsemen’s rally fell short as Bemidji won the contest in five sets. The scores were: 1st: 28-26, Bemidji 2nd: 25-22, Bemidji 3rd: 25-22, Proctor/Hermantown 4th: 25-22, Proctor/Hermantown 5th: 15-12, Bemidji The Norsemen finish the…

Huskies Rally to Beat Big Sticks in Extra Innings

First home victory of season

DULUTH, Minn.- After losing their first three meetings against the Badlands Big Sticks, the Duluth Huskies responded with a 10-9 victory at Wade Stadium on Monday. Badlands led 8-4 after six innings, but Duluth responded with one run in the seventh inning and three runs in the ninth inning to the game. After giving up a run in the top…

Vikings Reach Agreement with Jefferson on 4-Year Extension to Give Him NFL’s Richest Non-QB Contract

Star wide-receiver will be highest paid NFL player--who is not a quarterback.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Justin Jefferson became the latest player to cash in on the league-wide push for elite pass catchers. Matching the historic start to his career, Jefferson will be paid — for now — like no one else at his position. The Minnesota Vikings and their superstar wide receiver agreed Monday to a four-year extension, the richest contract in…

Huskies Drop Home Opener Against Big Sticks

Duluth's only two runs scored in third inning

DULUTH, Minn.- Despite having a warm reception from fans at Wade Stadium, the Duluth Huskies were unable to win their 2024 home opener. On Sunday, the Huskies were defeated by the Badlands Big Sticks 6-2. Duluth’s only two runs were scored in the third inning on back-to-back hits by Joe Vos and Ethan Cole. Duluth will have a chance at…

State Softball Matchups Set for Proctor, Moose Lake/Willow River

Rails to rematch 2023 opponent

MANKATO, Minn.- Following Thursday’s section championships, both Proctor and Moose Lake/Willow River now know who they’ll face in the MSHSL Softball Quarterfinals. In the AA bracket, #4 Proctor will take on #5 St. Agnes on Wednesday at 3 p.m. This matchup is especially significant to the Rails, who lost to the Aggies in last year’s quarterfinals. In the A bracket,…

Mountain Bikers Hit the Trails for Opening Weekend at Spirit Mountain

The bike park has a variety of trails catering to both expert and beginner riders.

DULUTH, Minn. — Over the past few years, mountain biking has seen a significant growth in popularity in the northland. As new trail systems have been implemented, bikers fill the woods with the sound of zooming tires. “It’s cool to see not only the ridership grow but also the network grow,” said Jon Regenold, Director of Resort Services, Spirit Mountain. At…

Coaches Corner: Nick Bursik

UWS AD finishes 10th year leading Yellowjackets

SUPERIOR, Wis.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by UW-Superior Athletic Director Nick Bursik as the collegiate year comes to an end. Bursik discussed the Yellowjackets winning the Kruse All-Sports Trophy for the third consecutive year, the biggest differences between his job as athletic director and his former job as a coach, and the latest on the construction of…

Harbor Monsters Bring Electric Fan Experience in Opener

Next home game set for June 23

DULUTH, Minn.- While it wasn’t without its hiccups, Saturday’s inaugural Duluth Harbor Monsters game was unique for sports fans in the Northland. Fox 21 Sports Reporter Ben Burns had a first-hand experience of the action and shares his point-of-view on the Harbor Monsters’ preseason win at the DECC. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Sports

Top Plays: 5/31

Harbor Monsters light up scoreboard with touchdowns

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters wasted no time in making some eye-popping plays in Saturday’s preseason opener. At number two, Ja’Vonte Johnson threw a fade to receiver Moe Strong, who caught the ball for a touchdown despite being knocked out of bounds. At number one, Lovell Spruce nearly forced a sack, but instead, Willie McCalebb intercepted a pass and…

After 9 Seasons at UMD, Maura Crowell Accepts Head Coaching Position at Dartmouth

Crowell had an overall record of 174-115-28 with the Bulldogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- When the UMD women’s hockey team enters play next season, they’ll be doing so with a new head coach. After nine seasons, Maura Crowell is departing the program and will be the next head coach at Dartmouth College. Crowell led the Bulldogs to four straight NCAA tournament appearances, a NCAA title runner-up finish in 2022, two NCAA Frozen…

Rails Complete Section Three-Peat With Championship Shutout

Three runs given up through four section games

CLOQUET, Minn.- For the third straight year, the Proctor softball team is headed to the state tournament, defeating Rush City 2-0 in the Section 7AA Championship on Thursday. The Rails reached the section title in a similar fashion, defeating Rush City 2-0. Previous to their two matchups against the Tigers, Proctor took down Aitkin 4-2 before beating Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 7-1 in…

Moose Lake/Willow River’s Bats Deliver in Section Championship

Rebels' third-straight Section 7A title

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team are headed to their third consecutive state tournament after defeating Cherry 15-5 in the Class 7A Championship at Braun Park on Thursday. The Rebels also defeated the Tigers 15-5 in the semifinals, but Cherry forced a rematch after upsetting top-seeded Silver Bay in the elimination bracket. The Tigers came out of the…

Doncic’s 36 Points Spur Mavericks to NBA Finals with 124-103 Toppling of Timberwolves in Game 5

Anthony Edwards scored 28 points and Karl-Anthony Towns had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the third-seeded Wolves.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Luka Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 on Thursday night to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games. Kyrie Irving also scored 36 points for the Mavericks, who built a 29-point halftime lead on 61%…

Wolfpack Boys Lacrosse Rallies to Defeat Blaine in Section 7 Quarterfinals, Wolfpack Girls Eliminated

The Wolfpack boys will next host Champlin Park on June 4th at 7 PM.

DULUTH, Minn.- Both the Duluth Wolfpack boys and girls lacrosse teams opened postseason play on Thursday. Unfortunately, only one of the teams extended their season. Andover spoiled the festivities a little bit by taking down the Wolfpack girls, 13 to 7. Following that contest, the Wolfpack boys rallied in the 2nd half to defeat Blaine, 9 to 6. The Wolfpack…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall & Esko to Clash in 7AA Semifinals, Denfeld Clinches Spot in 7AAA Semis

Duluth Marshall and Esko will meet up on June 4th. Denfeld plays Grand Rapids on June 1st.

DULUTH, Minn.- The anticipated rematch between the Duluth Marshall and Esko baseball teams is now set. After defeating Mora 4 to 0 on Wednesday in the 7AA quarterfinals, the Hilltoppers advanced to the 7AA semifinals. Earlier in the day, Esko rallied after being down 7-1 to defeat Proctor 9-8 in other the quarterfinal game. The two teams will meet up…

Northern Star: Finn Furcht

Esko ace aiming for return to state tournament

ESKO, Minn.- As the Esko baseball team defends its 2023 section and state titles, Finn Furcht will no doubt do his part on the mound. “I’ve been pitching probably since about third grade. I got into it, then I just loved it ever since,” smiled Furcht. “The fastball is my go-to pitch, but I overlay it with the curveball a…

Wilderness Hire Brandon Ferns as GM, Steve Williams as Assistant GM

Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations for the Wilderness.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Minnesota Wilderness have a new general manager and a new assistant general manager. On Wednesday, the team announced the hiring of Brandon Ferns as GM and Steve Williams as assistant GM. Both spent last season with the Chippewa Steel serving as Co-Assistant general managers. Ferns takes over for David Boitz, who was promoted to president of operations…

Minnesota Beats Boston 3-0, Wins Inaugural Walter Cup as Professional Women’s Hockey League champs

Former Bulldog Michela Cava made it 2-0 midway through the third period.

LOWELL, Mass. (AP) — Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup. Three nights after prematurely celebrating a would-be game-winner in double overtime that was waved off for goaltender interference, Minnesota finished the job…

NA3HL Wilderness Team to Play Home Games at Hippodrome in Eveleth

The Wilderness are set to play 22 games in Eveleth beginning in September.

EVELETH, Minn.- The NA3HL Minnesota Wilderness team has found their home for the upcoming season. The Wilderness will take over the historic Hippodrome in Eveleth for 22 games. Eveleth City Council approved the agreement on Wednesday. The Hippodrome is set to undergo renovations to the locker rooms and other areas of the arena before the team begins playing games there…

Cloquet Native Kendra Kelley Enters Transfer Portal After Four Seasons at NDSU

Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19.

FARGO, N.D.- A Cloquet native and track and field standout is looking for her next home. Kendra Kelley announced on her own personal Twitter page that she is entering the transfer portal after four seasons at NDSU. Just this past season, Kelley ran the fastest 200 meter dash in NDSU history with a time of 23.19. She’s also second for…

Northwestern Softball Coach Scott Janigo Retires After 15 Seasons at the Helm

During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016.

MAPLE, Wis.- A longtime Northwestern softball coach is saying goodbye to the program. Scott Janigo is retiring after leading the Tigers the last 15 seasons. During his time, Northwestern won six conference titles, numerous region championships and one sectional title back in 2016. That 2016 season was a special one as it marked the Tigers first trip to state in…

Six Former UMD Women’s Hockey Players Enter PWHL Draft

The draft is June 10th at the Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul.

DULUTH, Minn.- In just 12 days, the PWHL will welcome in their next batch of talent as they hold their annual draft in St. Paul this year. Six former UMD Bulldogs are among those that will hope to hear their name called. Forwards Mannon McMahon, Reece Hunt, Anneke Linser, Michelle Lowenhielm, Naomi Rogge, and lastly goaltender Blanka Skodova have all…

Towns, Edwards Lift Wolves Over Mavs 105-100 to Avoid Sweep in West Finals

Karl-Anthony Towns finally found his rhythm, and the Timberwolves finally closed a game in the Western Conference finals.

DALLAS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns finally found his rhythm, and the Timberwolves finally closed a game in the Western Conference finals. Now they head back to Minnesota to see if they can make things even more interesting against Dallas. Towns scored 20 of his 25 points in the second half and the Wolves held off the Mavericks 105-100 on Tuesday…

Prep Baseball: Duluth Marshall, Esko, & Proctor All Advance to 7AA Quarterfinals

Duluth Marshall will host Mora next. As for Esko, they'll battle with Proctor.

DULUTH, Minn.- Tuesday marked the first day of the Section 7AA baseball tournament. Top seeded Duluth Marshall is in the quarterfinals after defeating Moose Lake/Willow River 12 to 3. They’ll next host Mora on Thursday at 7 PM. On the other side of the bracket, defending state champions, Esko shut out Greenway/Nashwauk-Keewatin 13-0. Esko is set to clash with Proctor,…

C-E-C Boys Lacrosse Edges Duluth Marshall for First-Ever Playoff Win

With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Cloquet-Esko-Carlton boys lacrosse team achieved a bit of history on Tuesday. C-E-C defeated Duluth Marshall 7-5 in their first-ever playoff contest. With the win, the Lumberjacks will next host Centennial in the quarterfinals on Thursday at 7 PM. Categories: High School, Sports

Moose Lake/Willow River Softball Rallies Past Cherry for Spot in Section 7A Title Game

Moose Lake will next play Cherry again on Thursday in the title game.

CLOQUET, Minn.- The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team is one step closer to returning to the state tournament. On Tuesday, the Rebels rallied against Cherry to eventually take a 15-5 victory over the Tigers. Moose Lake will next play either Cherry again on Thursday in the title game. First pitch is at 4 PM at Braun Park in Cloquet. Categories:…

UW-Superior Announces 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame Class

The ceremony will take place on July 20th at the Yellowjacket Union Great Room.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UW-Superior has announced their 2024 Athletic Hall of Fame class. Braden Desmet, Cody Kastern, Sarah Moravchik, Dan Stauber, Rod Daniels, and lastly Jim Rakow are all set to be inducted on July 20th. The ceremony will take place at the Yellowjacket Union Great Room. For more information, click here. Categories: College, Sports

UMD Men’s Basketball Names Jordan Riewer as New Assistant Coach

Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD men’s basketball team has added a new assistant coach. Former MSU-Moorhead assistant Jordan Riewer has joined the team for the upcoming season. Riewer has quite the resume, playing professionally in Croatia and Australia. Back in his college days, he was named the NSIC Player of the Year in 2014 and 2015 at Moorhead. He also would…

Former Thunderhawk Gavin Hain Re-Signs with Iowa Wild

Hain last suited up for Grand Rapids in 2017.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- A former Grand Rapids Thunderhawk has re-upped with the Iowa Wild. Gavin Hain is heading back to the Wild’s top affiliate on a one-year, two-way contract. Just this past season, he would tally 10 points in 47 games for Iowa. Hain also spent time with the Iowa Heartlanders, where he had two goals in six games. Hain…

CSS Throwers Beneke & Beseth Earn All-American Honors at D3 Outdoor Nationals

This is the 2nd straight year Beneke has earned All-American status.

DULUTH, Minn.- Over the weekend, two St. Scholastica throwers would end their seasons with All-American honors. Competing at the D3 Outdoor Championships, Lily Beneke unleashed a personal best hammer throw of 60.06 meters. That was good enough to place third and once again earn All-American status for the 2nd straight year. On the men’s side, Trent Beseth and his shot…

UMD’s Eli Bicek Places 14th in Hammer Throw at D2 Outdoor Championships

Bicek ends his college career as a program record holder and the third UMD men's hammer thrower to compete at nationals.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD thrower Eli Bicek was competing on the big stage last week at the D2 Outdoor Championships. Bicek’s best hammer throw of the day was 56.76 meters, which outperformed all of his regular season throws. He would finish 14th overall, tying UMD’s previous best performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championships in hammer throw. Bicek ends his college career…

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving Each Score 33 Points as Mavs Beat Wolves for 3-0 Lead in West Finals

No team in NBA playoff history has rallied from 3-0 down.

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic lunged for the ball after a steal by Anthony Edwards, knocking it far enough away to create a scramble and a jump ball the Dallas superstar won. The Mavericks made all the big plays again — on both ends of the court — and are a win away from their first trip to the NBA…

Muller Scores Late in 2nd OT, Lifting Boston Over Minnesota to Send PWHL Finals to Decisive Game 5

The final game is Wednesday in Boston.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Alina Muller scored 18:36 into the second overtime to give Boston a 1-0 win over Minnesota on Sunday night, sending the battle for the Walter Cup as the first Professional Women’s Hockey League champion to a fifth game. The final game is Wednesday in Boston. Theresa Schafzahl picked off a loose puck before she exited…

Duluth Harbor Monster Win in Exciting Inaugural Game

Defeated UP 1 Athletic Showcase Saturday night

DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Harbor Monsters are officially undefeated following Saturday night’s inaugural game at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center. The Harbor Monsters defeated UP 1 Athletic Showcase 86-34. Duluth was scheduled to play the Dallas Falcons, another team in The Arena League, but were replaced by UP 1 for unclear reasons. Duluth will hit the road on Saturday, June…