Sports

Northwestern Hosts 43rd Dennis Simpson Invitational

Hayward girls, Moose Lake boys take home titles

SUPERIOR, Wis.- As the snow from this week’s winter storm begins to melt, high school track and field teams competed indoors at the 43rd annual Dennis Simpson Invitational at the University of Wisconsin-Superior. For the girls, Hayward won the Simpson Invitational for the third straight year while Northwestern took 2nd place. For the boys, Moose Lake/Willow River captured their first…

Lopez Shuts Down Royals as Twins Begin Defense of AL Central Title with 4-1 Win

After taking Friday off, the Twins send RHP Joe Ryan to the mound against Royals RHP Seth Lugo on Saturday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pablo Lopez admitted to feeling some anxiety when the Twins ace stepped on the mound to face the Royals on opening day. It didn’t calm him down any when Maikel Garcia homered off him three pitches later. The All-Star right-hander eventually managed to get his nerves under control, holding Kansas City to just three more…

UMD’s Lauren Dixon Named to NFCA D2 Pitcher of the Year Watchlist

Dixon has a record of 10-2 with an ERA of 1.46. She also leads the NSIC in strikeouts.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD’s ace Lauren\ Dixon has found herself on a watchlist for a top award. Dixon is one of 16 players from the central region to be named to the NFCA D2 Pitcher of the Year Watchlist. She currently leads the NSIC in strikeouts with 120 in 91 innings pitched. Dixon has a record of 10-2 with an ERA…

Asuma & Soumis Set to Compete in 42nd Annual MBCA All-Star Series

The games take place on April 6th at Anoka Ramsey Community College.

DULUTH, Minn.- Two Northland standouts will take part in the 42nd annual Minnesota High School All-Star Basketball Series. Cherry’s Isaac Asuma and Hermantown’s Abe Soumis were both named to the blue team roster and will play in the games on April 6th at Anoka Ramsey Community College. Asuma is coming off a season in which he led the Tigers to…

Packers Sign Former Vikings Kicker Greg Joseph to Provide Competition for Anders Carlson

Joseph has been the Vikings’ main kicker since 2021.

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Veteran kicker Greg Joseph has signed with the Green Bay Packers after spending the past three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. The Packers announced the Joseph signing on Thursday. His arrival provides competition for Anders Carlson, who struggled with consistency as a rookie kicker last season. Joseph, 29, went 24 of 30 on field-goal attempts…

Duluth Parks & Recreation Groom Ski Trails for Final Hurrah of the Season

If you're thinking about getting some last-minute cross country skiing in, now's the time!

DULUTH, Minn. — Duluth Parks and Recreation had teams out earlier today at ski trails around the area, grooming the snow. According to the City of Duluth website, five trails had crews working on them. Magney Snively, Piedmont, Chester, Hartley, and Lester Trails were listed as “fair,” meaning minimal bare or icy spots. Some trails were only packed for skate…

Glen Taylor Says the T-Wolves are No Longer for Sale, Lore and A-Rod Say it’s Seller Remorse

Forbes valued the Timberwolves at $2.5 billion in its latest projections for NBA clubs published at the beginning of the season.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — The ownership transfer of the Minnesota Timberwolves slammed to a halt when Glen Taylor declared on Thursday he won’t take the final step of his drawn-out $1.5 billion deal to hand Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez the majority stake because they didn’t meet all of the deadlines in the sale conditions. Lore and Rodriguez, who agreed to…

Northern Star: Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson

Spartans' duo both named to Lake Superior All-Conference Team

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The Superior girls basketball team know they have two giant holes to fill next season with Kloe Zentkowski and Eva Peterson graduating in May. It’s now been over one month since Superior had their season come to an end in WIAA Regionals on their home court. Since then, Zentkowski and Peterson have gained some perspective on their last…

Basketball Seniors Shine in Iron Range All-Star Game

MIB's Zubich, Denfeld's Altona among participants

VIRGINIA, Minn.- Though their high school hoops careers are officially over, seniors were able to enjoy another game on the court at the Iron Range Engineering Senior All-Star Game at Minnesota North College- Mesabi Range. In the girls’ all-star game, the home team won 86-79. Members of the winning team included Mountain Iron-Buhl’s Hali Savela and Suzy Aubrey, Cloquet’s Leilani…

Crowell Proud of UMD Women’s Hockey Team in Tough & Rewarding Season

The Bulldogs finished the year with a 21-14-4 record.

DULUTH, Minn.- It’s been almost two weeks since the UMD women’s hockey team wrapped up their season with a regional final loss to top ranked Ohio State in the NCAA tournament. Of course, it’s not how they wanted their season to finish. But, there were still plenty of positives from the team this year. Including big wins over Colgate, Wisconsin,…

Phillies-Braves and Brewers-Mets Openers Postponed a Day to Friday Due to Rainy Forecast

With wet weather expected much of Thursday in Queens, the Mets announced Wednesday the game was pushed back to Friday at 1:40 p.m.

NEW YORK (AP) — Baseball openers in New York and Philadelphia were postponed a day until Friday because of rainy forecasts in both cities. Pete Alonso and the New York Mets were scheduled to host the Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday afternoon, a day featuring the first full slate of major league games this year. The Los Angeles Dodgers and San…

Students Enjoy Snow Day in Duluth

DULUTH, Minn. — Kids are enjoying the snows day in Duluth. Students from Duluth East High School gathered at a park near the Holy Rosary campus, that’s part of Stella Maris Academy. They said they watched a few movies inside at home but wanted to enjoy this surprising weather. So, they brought some younger siblings out and made snowmen and…

UWS Freshman Bella Garley Named UMAC Pitcher of the Week

Garley leads the team in ERA with 2.37 and strikeouts with 17.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- UWS freshman Bella Garley has been named the UMAC pitcher of the week. Garley threw a complete game shutout this past Saturday against Northland College. She would strike out five and only surrender three hits to earn her fourth win of the season. Garley leads the team in ERA with 2.37 and strikeouts with 17. Categories: College, Sports

Drew Blair Earns NABC D2 All-American Honors, Also Named to D2CCA All-American 2nd Team

Blair was the only player from the NSIC to be recognized by the NABC.

DULUTH, Minn.- Drew Blair continues to stack up the honors after a successful career at UMD. On Tuesday, Blair earned NABC D2 All-American honors and was also named to the D2CCA All-American 2nd team. Blair was the only player from the NSIC to be recognized by the NABC. He’s also the first Bulldog since Brandon Myer in the 2019-2020 season…

Former Bulldog Connor McMenamin Joins Reading Royals of ECHL

In 35 games at UMD, McMenamin would have six goals and 15 assists for a total of 21 points.

DULUTH, Minn.- 5th-year senior Connor McMenamin is already making the next step in his hockey career. McMenamin has joined the Reading Royals of the ECHL. The Royals are an affiliate of the Philadelphia Flyers. McMenamin would only skate in one season for the Bulldogs. In 35 games, he would have six goals and 15 assists for a total of 21…

Former Thunderhawk Jack Peart Inks Deal with Minnesota Wild

Peart just finished up his third year at St. Cloud State.

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn.- After being selected by the Wild back in the 2021 NHL Draft in the 2nd round, Grand Rapids native Jack Peart is ready to join the team. On Tuesday, the defenseman signed a three-year, entry-level deal with the squad. Peart just finished up his third year at St. Cloud State. Before his time with the Huskies, he…

Hermantown Native Blake Biondi to Play for Notre Dame in Final College Season

In his final year at UMD, Biondi would post 19 points in 34 games of action.

DULUTH, Minn.- Back on March 20th, Hermantown native Blake Biondi entered the transfer portal, ending his four-year stint at UMD. On Tuesday, Biondi announced his next step and that is a masters degree and one last college season at the University of Notre Dame. In his final year at UMD, Biondi would post 19 points in 34 games of action….

Winter Not Letting Go Just Yet

DULUTH, Minn. — It was just two weeks ago that we were enjoying 60-degree weather, and on Monday morning, Duluthians woke up to another round of 7-10 inches of snow across the city. It was a reminder of what winter is typically like having to get outside and clear sidewalks and driveways. After only having to get the shovels out…

Some Have to Work on Snow Days

DULUTH, Minn. — Isaac Kasper oversees maintenance operations on UMD’s campus. He was up at 6 a.m. Monday morning. Just last week, he and his team were preparing for Spring. Now they’re back to shoveling snow. “We were cleaning up planting beds, mulching, picking up brush and leaves and doing spring type work last week. Putting seed and soil down…

UMD’s Drew Blair Named to NABC D2 All Central District First Team

This is the team's first NABC first team honor since Austin Andrews after the 2021-2022 season.

DULUTH, Minn.- For the 2nd time in his career Drew Blair has been recognized for his efforts by the NABC. Blair was named to the NABC D2 All Central District First Team. It was a record breaking season for the Stevens Point native. He would become the men’s all-time leading scorer late in the season. Blair would also finish his…

Harbor Monsters Reveal Helmets for Inaugural Season, Also Announce Cheer Team Tryouts

The Harbor Monsters first sort of action will come on May 25th when they host the Dallas Falcons in a preseason contest.

DULUTH, Minn.- With training camp set to begin in the next week, the Duluth Harbor Monsters showed off their new lids for the upcoming season over the weekend. The helmet is mainly yellow with a lighter blue and darker blue stripe on the top. It also features the team logo on both sides of the helmet. The Harbor Monsters first…

CSS Junior Jonas Abeleda Named MIAC Tennis Player of the Week

This is the 2nd time in Abeleda's career he has been named MIAC Player of the Week.

DULUTH, Minn.- A St. Scholastica junior has been named MIAC Tennis Player of the Week. Jonas Abeleda has earned the honor after picking up two points at the number one spot for CSS against St. John’s this past weekend. He would also pick up wins in singles and doubles action facing the Johnnies. This is the 2nd time in Abeleda’s…

UMD Sophomore Forward Ben Steeves Making Jump to Pros with Florida Panthers

In 72 career games, Steeves would have 45 goals and 17 assists for 62 total points.

DULUTH, Minn.- After spending the last two seasons wearing a Bulldog sweater, UMD forward Ben Steeves will soon don a Florida Panthers jersey. On Monday, Steeves signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the NHL club. In 72 career games, he would have 45 goals and 17 assists for 62 total points. Steeves would also lead the Bulldogs in goals in…

Adrian Gledhill Promoting Fitness Through Young Athletes Foundation

"You promote by being what you want in your kids"

DULUTH, Minn.- Superior’s Adrian Gledhill knows better than most that keeping a healthy lifestyle is easier said than done. Now, she’s hoping to instill that knowledge onto her kids and other families with children. “I’ve been overweight my entire life,” says Gledhill, who competed on season three of the hit weight loss competition show “The Biggest Loser.” “One thing that…

Cherry Captures Boys Basketball Class A State Championship

Defeated Fertile-Beltrami 78-40

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team has ended their 2023-24 season with the ultimate prize, defeating Fertile-Beltrami 78-40 in the Class A State Championship Game. The Tigers started the game on an 11-0 run, which included a Noah Asuma three-pointer and a Noah Sundquist steal-turned-layup. Defensively, Cherry kept Fertile-Beltrami off the scoreboard for the first five minutes and 25…

Polar League Track Teams Stretch Legs in Indoor Exhibition

Esko, Moose-Lake Willow River among top performing teams

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Following two weeks of high school track and field practices, teams in Minnesota’s Polar League got their first taste of competition in an indoor exhibition meet at UW-Superior. Below is a list of some of the top finishers in Friday’s first track events: Girls 4×800 Meter Relay: Moose Lake/Willow River (Olivia Jutila, Amelia Olson, Nia Petry, Shannon Granquist)-…

Coaches Corner: Jamie Lindseth

9-year head coach leading Rock Ridge Baseball program

VIRGINIA, Minn.- In this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Jamie Lindseth, the head coach of Rock Ridge Baseball. In our conversation, Coach Lindseth discussed the challenges of practicing indoors, the Wolverines’ progress as they enter their third year as a program, and how he’s grown as a head coach over the years. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High…

College Hoops Tourney Brings About Bracket Madness

60 million to 100 million brackets filled out each year

DULUTH, Minn.- With the first round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament complete, there’s a good chance your bracket may already be busted. According to the NCAA, around 60-100 million brackets are filled out every year. With those kinds of numbers, somebody must have completed a perfect bracket out of sheer luck, right? Not exactly. If someone were…

Top Plays: 3/22

Esko Track team shines at indoor meet

SUPERIOR, Wis.- The high school track and field season hasn’t officially started just yet, but Esko has already proven to be a team to watch this spring. At Friday’s Polar League Indoor Meet at UW-Superior, Senior Gwendolyn Lilly won the girls 60-meter hurdle race with a time of 10.93 seconds. In the following girls’ event, Kaitlyn McConnell won the 60…

UMD Senior Forward Katie Davis Becomes 3rd Bulldog to Enter Transfer Portal

In 22 games this season, Davis would tally two goals and two assists.

DULUTH, Minn.- The UMD women’s hockey team has lost another player to the transfer portal. Senior forward Katie Davis is the latest to jump in. She just finished up her fourth year as a Bulldog. In 22 games this season, she would tally two goals and two assists. Her best year at UMD came in the 2022-2023 season, where she…

Duluth Native C.J. Ham to Host Thielen Foundation Charity Softball Game

The family friendly event will pit the Vikings offense against the Vikings defense in a home run derby.

ST. PAUL, Minn.- He may not be known for his softball skills but Duluth native C.J. Ham will get a chance to at least show fans what he can do. On May 30th, Ham is set to host the UNRL Charity Softball Game, put on by former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen and his foundation. The family friendly event will…

Snow Is Just a Bonus For Amsoil Snocross Finals

Popular event on track for first weekend in April

This winter many outdoors lovers had to delay, change or cancel their plans. But one event was determined to go on, and the coming snow will just be frosting on the cake. For years the competitive snowmobile Snocross season kicked off in Duluth over Thanksgiving weekend. This spring, after a several year hiatus, the Snocross will be back–but this time…

State Basketball: Cherry Advances to Class A State Championship Game

Cherry will next face Fertile-Beltrami in the title game on Saturday. Tip-off is at 11 AM at the Williams Arena.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The Cherry boys basketball team continued their march towards a Class A state championship on Friday. In the semifinals, the Tigers would handle the Nevis Tigers by a final of 76 to 58. Cherry was led by Noah Asuma and Isaac Asuma, who each had 20 points in the victory. Cherry will next face Fertile-Beltrami in the title…

Cross Country Ski National Championships Take Place at Spirit Mountain

DULUTH, Minn. — Much of the Northland has been waiting all winter for the upcoming big snow but its timing may not be a coincidence. Some of the best cross-country skiers in the nation are converging at Spirit Mountain. It’s the SuperTour Final and National Championships. Things kicked off Thursday with the first of four races over the next six…

Mixed Bag of Veterans & Youth to Lead Proctor Softball Team Into 2024 Season

Proctor returns six of nine starters from a year ago.

PROCTOR, Minn.- The Proctor Rails are coming off two straight successful seasons, winning the section 7AA title both years. Even better news for the team this year is they return six of their nine starters from a season ago. And it gets even better because those six starters play multiple positions, making the challenge of finding replacements not as difficult….

Scholastica’s Bostedt, Johnson, & Severson All Sign with Macon Mayhem

The Mayhem play in the Southern Professional Hockey League.

DULUTH, Minn.- A trio of St. Scholastica men’s hockey standouts are heading to the SPHL. Goaltender Jack Bostedt and Defenseman Bryce Johnson and Alec Severson have all signed with the Macon Mayhem. Bostedt finished his Saints career with 39 wins, the most by a goaltender in program history. He also won the 2022- 2023 MIAC Defensive Player of the Year…

UMD Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz Wins 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award

Gotz is the fourth Bulldog since 2014 to win the sportsmanship award.

DULUTH, Minn.- In the NCHC, it was the annual awards celebration on Thursday evening in St. Paul. And one Bulldog would take home an award. Senior Defenseman Darian Gotz has won the 2023-2024 NCHC Sportsmanship Award. He’s the first Bulldog since Kobe Roth in 2020 to achieve the honor. The Hermantown native would tally six assists in 37 games of…

Snowmobile Trails in the Area Will Not Open Despite Predicted Snow

Open water, wet areas, or swamps could be left underneath snow, making riding a safety concern.

Regardless of how much snow is predicted this weekend and early next week snowmobile trails in the area will not open. Bayfield County in Wisconsin announcing that the snowmobile season was officially over on March 11th. That’s when all trails closed, and gates were locked. They also mention that swamps and wet areas will not be frozen enough to ride…

State Basketball: Cherry Rolls Past Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Class A Quarterfinals

Cherry will next face Nevis on Friday at noon.

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn.- The top seeded Cherry Tigers showed why they were given the one seed in Class A on Thursday. In the quarterfinals, Cherry would dominate Russell-Tyler-Ruthton 78 to 46 to advance to Friday’s semifinals. The Tigers were led by Isaiah Asuma, who had 26 points in the victory. Just behind him was Isaac Asuma, who had 20. It was…

Northern Star: Will Esterbrooks

Senior reached State Tournament in all three years with Hawks

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- Will Esterbrooks of the Hermantown truly put it all on the line in his three years playing for the Hawks’ boys hockey team. It’s now been over a week since Hermantown suffered a 3-1 loss to St. Cloud Cathedral in the 3-1 Class A State Championship. Following the game, Head Coach Patrick Andrew acknowledged they wouldn’t have made…

Bulldogs Lose Sophomores MacLeod & Brunette to Transfer Portal

Both players would spend two seasons in Duluth.

DULUTH, Minn.-The UMD women’s hockey team would lose two to the transfer portal on Wednesday afternoon. That included goalie Hailey MacLeod, who saw plenty of time in net, splitting with Eve Gascon. In 19 games this season, MacLeod would post a record of 11-5-2. She would also have a saves percentage of .948. Joining MacLeod in the portal was forward…

After State Championship Win, Esko Baseball Embracing Challenges of a New Season

Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen.

ESKO, Minn.- The start of a new season means a fresh start and clean slate for all teams. Even coming off a Class AA state championship, the Esko baseball team has the same mentality. Nothing matters in the past, it’s all about moving forward. Esko said goodbye to eight seniors, including the Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year Cale Haugen….

Northland College’s Brendan Charlton Signs Pro Deal with Blue Ridge Bobcats

The 5th year senior just wrapped up his Lumberjack career, posting eight goals and seven assists in 77 games played.

ASHLAND, Wis.- Northland College senior forward Brendan Charlton is heading to the pros. Charlton has signed a deal with the Blue Ridge Bobcats of the Federal Prospects Hockey League. The 5th year senior just wrapped up his Lumberjack career, posting eight goals and seven assists in 77 games played. The Bobcats are in their first season in the FPHL and…

Hermantown Native Blake Biondi to Leave UMD After Four Seasons

Biondi, who has entered the transfer portal, tallied 58 points in his Bulldog career.

DULUTH, Minn.- Former Hermantown forward Blake Biondi is looking for a new college team. On Tuesday, he entered the transfer portal after spending the last four seasons at UMD. In that time, Biondi tallied 58 points, with his best season coming in 2021 and 2022, where he had a career-high 28 points. Number 27 had a bounce back year this…

Historic Paintings on Tour for Smokey Bear’s 80th Birthday

DULUTH, Minn. — Historic paintings are on tour in celebration of Smokey Bear’s 80th birthday. The Superior National Forest is hosting the 19 paintings at their Supervisor’s Office in Duluth. Smokey Bear’s story came about after a young bear cub was caught in a forest fire; he was saved but badly burned so, they ended up naming him Smokey. The…

Former Greyhound Ricky Lyle Jr. Signs with Toledo Walleye of ECHL

Lyle Jr. just wrapped up his four year collegiate career at Army.

DULUTH, Minn.- A former Greyhound has signed his first pro contract. Ricky Lyle Jr. is a now a member of the Toledo Walleye of the ECHL. The Walleye are the farm team of the Detroit Red Wings. Lyle Jr. just wrapped up his four year collegiate career at Army. Over that time, he would tally 62 total points with his…

Unselfish Cherry Tigers Hoping 3rd Times the Charm at State Tournament

The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament.

IRON JUNCTION, Minn.- There’s a saying in all sports where sometimes it just takes getting hot at the right time. But, for the Cherry boys basketball team they’ve been on fire since the new year. The Tigers have won their last 21 games and are on their way to their 3rd straight state tournament. A big reason for their success…

Denfeld’s Mace Brooks & Luke Pearson to Play College Football at Concordia

The pair played key parts in helping lead the 7-2 Hunters to the Section 7AAAA semifinals.

DULUTH, Minn.- A pair of Duluth Denfeld Hunters are both heading to Concordia-Moorhead next fall. Quarterback Mace Brooks and Running Back Luke Pearson have each committed to the Cobbers in recent days. Brooks would tally seven total touchdowns and was an All-District honorable mention. Pearson was All-Section and All-District as he would have four touchdowns in 2023. The pair played…

Knowing Your Neighbors: Damage Boardshop

DULUTH, Minn. — The hill that Duluth is built on provides a natural landscape for a variety of downhill sports. Once local shop that has been around for nearly 20 years has been watching and helping two sports in particular grow in popularity. “We carry snowboards, the snowboarding boots, bindings, jackets, snow pants, goggles, helmets, mittens, beanies, you name it,”…

Superior Softball Begins Season with New Head Coach Bobbijean Gidley

The Spartans are coming off a state championship runner-up finish in 2023.

SUPERIOR, Wis.- Coming off their state championship runner-up finish, the Superior softball team was back on the practice field on Monday to begin their 2024 campaign. Its been an off-season of changes for the squad. The big one being Bobbijean Gidley replacing Mike Sather, who retired, as the team’s head coach. They’re also tasked with making a lineup without the…