Sports

Proctor Softball Rally’s Back for Section Championship Title

Rails are headed to the State Tournament for the first time since 2006.

RAND RAPIDS, Min.-Proctor outlasted Eveleth-Gilbert in a 3-2 win in the Section 7AA Championship game at Grand Rapids Sports Complex, for their first trip to the state tournament since 2006. Payton Rodburg with the game tying solo home-run to get a rally going in the sixth. Lilly Hart comes up with the game winning RBI. Maddy Walsh gets the win…

First Section Championship in 40 Years for Moose Lake/Willow River Softball

This will be the Rebels' first trip to the state tournament since 1982, when they won it all behind Minnesota State Hall of Famer Annie Adamczak.

CLOQUET, Minn. – The Moose Lake/Willow River softball team battled back from the elimination bracket and picked up two wins over Cherry to win the Section 7A championship 7-1 and 11-1 in six innings Thursday afternoon at Braun Park. This will be the Rebels’ first trip to the state tournament since 1982, when they won it all behind Minnesota State…

Hermantown Softball Falls in Section Title Game to Chisago Lakes

The Hawks finish their season with a 12-4 overall record and runner-up honors in Section 7AAA.

FOREST LAKE, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team would rally late against Chisago Lakes, but the Hawks would fall one run short as the Wildcats win 4-3 to capture the Section 7AAA championship Thursday afternoon. The Hawks finish their season with a 12-4 overall record and runner-up honors in Section 7AAA. Categories: High School, Sports

Josh Berlo Leaving UMD to Become Athletic Director at Denver

Since his arrival in Duluth, 15 of the 16 Bulldog teams have reached the NCAA tournament, which includes back-to-back national championships for men's hockey team.

DULUTH, Minn. – In his nine years as UMD’s athletic director, Josh Berlo has led the Bulldogs to their most successful era in recent memory. And now, he will be taking on a new challenge at another school. Berlo has been named the new athletic director at the University of Denver. Since his arrival in Duluth, 15 of the 16…

Huskies Bats Come Alive for Win on Home Opener

The Huskies bats carried them to victory, winning 17-9. 

  DULUTH, Minn.- The Duluth Huskies returned home to Wade Stadium Wednesday to face the Minnesota Mudpuppies for their Home Opener. The Huskies bats carried them to victory, winning 17-9. Next game of the series is scheduled for Thursday, first pitch is set for 12:05 pm at Wade Stadium. Categories: College, Northwoods League, Sports

Northwestern’s Trent Meyer Headed Back to State Tournament

Meyer's run at a state championship begins next Monday and Tuesday at Black Wolf Run Golf Course in Kohlar, Wisconsin. 

SOLON SPRINGS, Wis.- This week Northwestern’s Trent Meyer qualified for the WIAA State Tournament as an individual. Last season, as a junior Meyer was one stroke away from winning a state championship, now he knows exactly what it will take to finish on top this time around. Meyer says, “I think putting is the big thing. Earlier in the season,…

7AAA Section Title Game Awaits Hermantown Softball Team

The section championship game will be a rematch between Hermantown and Chisago Lakes.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown softball team battled their way back from the 7AAA elimination bracket to clinch a spot in Thursday’s section title game. Standing in their way from a trip to the state tournament is Chisago Lakes, who knocked off the Hawks in the semi-finals on Tuesday. “It’s so exciting and I think it’s important for the girls to…

Duluth East’s Sam McEvoy Signs National Letter of Intent

McEvoy signed with Edward Waters University to play baseball.

DULUTH, Minn.-  Duluth  East baseball infielder Sam McEvoy made his commitment official Tuesday, carrying on his athletic career as part of the Edward Waters University baseball team. The Tigers are located down in Jacksonville, Florida and last season brought home the National Championship for HBCU’s. “I’ve kind of always wanted to go down South somewhere to play ball. I don’t…

Prep Baseball: Rock Ridge Advances in Section 7AA Tournament

The Wolverines stay in the winners bracket, winning 8-5, they will go on to play Esko Thursday in Superior at 2 p.m.. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In round two of the Section 7AA tournament, Proctor takes on Rock Ridge, Tuesday at Wade Stadium. The Wolverines stay in the winners bracket, winning 8-5, they will go on to play Esko Thursday in Superior at 2 p.m.. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Mayor Emily Larson Declares February 18th, 2022 “Alexander Sands Day”

The date coincides with the Duluth native's Cruiserweight Championship win which was the third title victory of his career.

DULUTH, Minn.- Few people in the Northland are as popular as pro boxer, “The Haitian Temptation” Al Sands and Tuesday he received a very special honor from Duluth Mayor Emily Larson. The best part was, he had no idea it was coming. The date coincides with the Duluth native’s Cruiserweight championship win which was the third title victory of his…

Prep Softball: Cherry Punches Ticket to Section Championship Game

The Tigers will face Moose Lake/Willow River Thursday at Braun Park in the section championship game.

CLOQUET, Minn.- Cherry walked it off against Carlton/Wrenshall Tuesday at Braun Park in the Section 7A Semi-Final Game. Lydia Greely with the clutch hit to break the tie. The Tigers will face Moose Lake/Willow River Thursday at Braun Park in the section championship game. Categories: High School, Sports

Hermantown’s Vieau, CEC’s Young Invited to Team USA Hockey Camp

The top performers at the camp will be chosen to compete for Team USA in national and international games. 

PLYMOUTH, Minn.- Hermantown’s Dallas Vieau and Cloquet-Esko-Carlton’s Carson Young have been invited to Team USA’s National Development Camp. The pair will represent the state of Minnesota among players who were born in 2006. “I was really just honored and really excited to, because any time your country’s going to be on your jersey it’s fun to represent,” says Young, “The…

Grandma’s Marathon Reaches First Sellout Since 2016

This years event will take place June 16-18 beginning in Two Harbors and ending in Canal Park. 

DULUTH, Minn.- In just three weeks Grandma’s Marathon weekend will be underway, and for the first time since 2016 the race is completely sold out. Organizers say there are 20 thousand participants set to run in all three races. This will be the first time since the start of the pandemic the festivities will return to full capacity. This years…

UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka Earns All-American Honors at NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships

The senior finished Saturday's 800m final in 7th place with a time of 2:09.71. Brezinka is the first Bulldog since Haleigh Reindl in 2019 to earn All-American status

ALLENDALE, Mich. – The NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships wrapped up on Saturday and UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka is taking home First-Team All-American honors for the first time in her career. The senior finished Saturday’s 800m final in 7th place with a time of 2:09.71. In Friday’s prelim, Brezinka set a new personal best of 2:08.23 which was the third…

Duluth Huskies Begin Summer Season

The Huskies kick off their season tomorrow on the road against the Mankato MoonDogs.

DULUTH, Minn.- Day one of the Duluth Huskies season started Sunday as top players from across the country join together to compete as one team. Many of the players arrived only days, some hours before their first practice, but are eager to get the season rolling. “I just like getting a fresh start. Coming out here, meeting some new guys,…

Prep Softball: Natalie Vitek Lifts Hermantown to Section 7AAA Semifinals; Cloquet’s Season Comes to an End

Natalie Vitek recorded 13 strikeouts in nine innings of work, while also driving in the game-winning run in the 9th to give the Hawks to walk-off win in their first section 7AAA tournament game.

CLOQUET, Minn. – Natalie Vitek got the job done at the plate and in the circle on Saturday, helping top-seeded Hermantown get the 2-1 win over North Branch in nine innings in the section 7AAA tournament. Vitek recorded 13 strikeouts in nine innings of work, while also driving in the game-winning run in the 9th to give the Hawks the…

Duluth Boys Lacrosse Drops Regular Season Finale to Northfield

Colby Larson and Logan Lian scored twice while Grady Downs and Tyler Smith each scored once. 

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth boys lacrosse team struggled in the second half as Northfield got the 12-6 road win to end the regular season. Colby Larson and Logan Lian scored twice while Grady Downs and Tyler Smith each scored once. The Wolfpack now prepare for the section playoffs which will begin on Tuesday. Duluth will open up the 7A…

Duluth FC’s Kostyantyn Domaratskyy Discovers Ukranian Ties with Host Family

The Ukranian mid-fielder was paired with a host family in Duluth who also has ties to his home country.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth FC soccer team is filled with footballers from all over the country and all over the world. And as fate would have it, one Ukrainian member of the club would already have a connection with his host family in Duluth. Last year, Laura Witrak went to a Duluth FC match and learned about becoming a…

Prep Baseball: Duluth East, Duluth Marshall, Superior, Proctor Wrap Up Regular Season with Home Wins

The Greyhounds, Hilltoppers, Spartans and Rails ended their respective regular seasons on a high note.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth East baseball team closed out the regular season with a home win over rivals Duluth Denfeld 12-6 Friday afternoon at Ordean Field. In other prep baseball action, Duluth Marshall knocked off Mora 3-1 at Wade Stadium, thanks to 15 strikeouts from freshman pitcher Owen Marsolek. Also, Superior got the walk-off win at home over Hudson…

Coaches Corner: Nick Garramone

For this week's segment, we hear from the head coach of the Duluth Marshall baseball team.

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we spoke with Duluth Marshall baseball coach Nick Garramone as the Hilltoppers wrap up their regular season and get ready for the section playoffs. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, High School, Sports

Duluth Native Gianna Kneepkens Signs NIL Deal with Options Travel

Kneepkens is coming off a stellar first year at Utah, earning PAC-12 Freshman of the Year honors this past season.

DULUTH, Minn. – It’s been almost a year since the NCAA has allowed student-athletes to profit from their name, image and likeness. And one former Duluth Marshall basketball star is taking advantage of that opportunity right in her own backyard. Utah guard Gianna Kneepkens has agreed to an NIL deal with Options Travel, a company that helps streamline the traveling…

Northland Girls Hockey All-Star Game Back On, Thanks to Northern Elite Development Program

The event was put together in just a few weeks by the Northern Elite Development Program after members of the community realized that the boys game took place and there wasn't one for the girls.

DULUTH, Minn. – This Monday, the Northland girls hockey all star game will take place for the first time in three years. The event was put together in just a few weeks by the Northern Elite Development Program after members of the community realized that the boys game took place and there wasn’t one for the girls. “We’re a big…

Prep Softball: Cloquet Wins Playoff Opener; Proctor, Eveleth-Gilbert to Meet in Section Semi-Finals

The Lumberjacks, Rails and Golden Bears stay in the winners bracket as section playoffs begin.

CLOQUET, Minn.-  In the first round of the Section 7AAA softball playoffs, Cloquet outlasted Grand Rapids in a high scoring affair 16-12 Thursday afternoon at Braun Park. The Lumberjacks move on to face Chisago Lakes in the section quarter-finals on Saturday morning. In Section 7AA action, Proctor defeated Rush City 6-1 and Eveleth-Gilbert shutout Esko 3-0. The Rails and the…

Sue Northey Returns as Esko Girls Basketball Head Coach

Northey spent 20 years with the program, tallying 354 wins in her previous tenure.

ESKO, Minn.- Esko High School announced Thursday that former girls basketball coach Sue Northey will return to the sidelines. Northey headed the Eskomos for nearly two decades before stepping away to spend more time with family. In her time as head coach Northey recorded 354 wins, to go along with six state tournament appearances. The announcement comes following Scott Antinutti’s…

UMD’s Karen Stromme and Gary Holquist Announce Retirement

The duo announced they will be retiring come June of this year.

DULUTH, Minn.- After a combined 75 years involved with the UMD athletic department, Karen Stromme and Gary Holquist have announced they will be retiring this June. A special ceremony was held Thursday at Romano Gym to honor the husband and wife duo who have held many positions over the years with UMD from coaching to administration. One thing they say…

24 Spartans Recognized for College Commitments

Many of the commits have decided to stay close to home, while others are headed out of state.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Around seven percent of high school athletes move on to play in college. Superior high school has produced many talented student-athletes over the years, including the class of 2022. Wednesday night 24 Spartans were recognized for their decision to continue their athletic careers at the college level. The athletes took time during the event to thank all…

Barnum’s Anessa Davis Signs NLI for Central Lakes Women’s Basketball

Davis recorded 459 points in her career as a Bomber.

BARNUM, Minn. – Barnum’s Anessa Davis has put pen to paper to continue her basketball career at a high level. Davis appeared in 86 games in her career with the Bombers, Recording a total of 459 points, while leading her team on the defensive end of the court. Davis says, “It’s really exciting, it’s very nerve wracking, going from just…

Scott Antonutti Resigns as Esko Girls Basketball Coach

Coach Antonutti expressed that this decision came because wanted to enjoy watching his own kids play. 

  ESKO, Minn. –  After 14 seasons on the hardwood, Esko girls basketball coach Scott Antonutti has decided it is time to let go. Antonutti announced this month that he is stepping down as head coach of the program. In his time with the Eskomos Antonutti has led the team to three state tournament appearances and recorded over 300 coaching…

SolFed Farm Receives Certified Naturally Grown Recognition

SolFed Farm is the only farm in Minnesota to receive this distinction. 

DULUTH, Minn. – Farming started as more of a passion project for SolFed Farm owner Liz Strohmayer. “We started with a few raised beds which quickly turned into a lot. It was ideally, it was supposed to be our way of being more self sustainable, and living a more self sustainable lifestyle,” Strohmayer said. But then Strohmayer decided to share…

South Ridge’s Bennett Brothers Sign NLIs for Minnesota Crookston Baseball

The Bennetts will be joining former teammate Connor Bushbaum, who currently plays outfield for the Golden Eagles.

CULVER, Minn. – South Ridge twin brothers Aaron and Jaxson Bennett have both signed their National Letters of Intent to join the Minnesota Crookston baseball team. The Bennetts have been a key part of the Panthers’ dominance on the diamond with three straight section titles. “Well my friend Connor went there and so we decided to check that out. He…

Superior Softball Wins Playoff Opener Over Wausau East

The Spartans move on to face New Richmond in the regional finals Thursday afternoon.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Emma Raye’s solo home run was part of a four-run third inning as the Superior softball team defeated Wausau East 6-0 Tuesday afternoon in the first round of the WIAA playoffs. The Spartans move on to face New Richmond in the regional finals Thursday afternoon. Categories: High School, Sports

UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka Set to Make First Appearance at Nationals

In her final year at UMD, Brezinka will make her first appearance at nationals.

DULUTH, Minn. – Bright and early Tuesday morning, UMD’s Isabelle Brezinka ran around the track at Malosky Stadium one last time before she hit the road to head to the NCAA outdoor track and field championships. The fifth-year senior, who is going to nationals for the first time in her career, qualified for the 800-meter run thanks to her performance…

Tanner Laderoute Named UMD Men’s Hockey Team Captain; Luke Loheit, Quinn Olson to Serve as Assistants

Laderoute served as an assistant captain last season and was named a finalist for the NCHC's Defensive Forward of the Year award.

DULUTH, Minn. – UMD men’s hockey forward Tanner Laderoute has been named team captain for the upcoming season. The fifth-year senior served as an assistant captain last season and was named a finalist for the NCHC’s Defensive Forward of the Year award. Senior forwards Quinn Olson and Luke Loheit will serve as assistant captains. Last season, Olson tallied career-highs in…

Jamie Kenyon-Plesha Steps Down as Head Coach of the Duluth Northern Stars Girls Hockey Team

Following the official announcement, Kenyon-Plesha would tweet that part of her decision was because of "lack of outside support" and "constant pushback from parents".

DULUTH, Minn. – One of the cold hard truths about today’s era of high school athletics is that more and more head coaches are leaving their positions due to factors outside of the sport they are in. And that was the case Monday in the Duluth school district. The district announced that Jamie Kenyon-Plesha is stepping down as head coach…

Duluth Denfeld Softball Tops Duluth East to Sweep Season Series

The Hunters and Greyhounds wrap up their respective seasons and now get ready for the section playoffs which begin Wednesday.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld softball team picked up a road win over rivals Duluth East 7-4 Monday afternoon at Ordean Field. The Hunters and Greyhounds wrap up their respective seasons and now get ready for the section playoffs which begin Wednesday. Categories: High School, Sports

Proctor Baseball Wins Nail-Biter at Home Against Hermantown

Tanner Olson would hit a two-run home run in the first inning.

PROCTOR, Minn. – Tanner Olson would hit a two-run home run in the first inning as the Proctor baseball team held on to defeated Hermantown 3-2 Monday night at Egerdahl Field. The Rails will be back in action Tuesday with a road trip against Crosby-Ironton. Categories: High School, Sports

Beth Clark Stepping Down as Hermantown Athletic Director

Clark confirmed with FOX 21 that she will remain the head coach for the girls basketball team on a year-to-year basis.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – Hermantown High School athletic director Beth Clark will be stepping down from her position at the end of the school year. Clark has been the A.D. for the Hawks for over 16 years. She confirmed with FOX 21 that she will remain the head coach for the girls basketball team on a year-to-year basis. The school board…

Hayward Wolfpack FC Uses Big Second Half to Defeat OPOPO United FC

Former Saint Malcolm Lumsden scored five goals for the Wolfpack, all in the second half. 

HAYWARD, Wis. – Eight second half goals gave Hayward Wolfpack FC the 9-2 win against Grand Rapids-based OPOPO United FC, who used to go by the name Hibbing United FC, in a friendly on Sunday afternoon. Former Saint Malcolm Lumsden scored five goals for the Wolfpack, all in the second half. Hayward will be back in action on Thursday at…

Northern Star: Haley Zembo

Zembo has two no-hitters, with four double-digit strikeout games and has sat down a total of 93 batters.

SUPERIOR, Wis. – NBC Sports Complex is home for Superior’s Haley Zembo, who has proven to be a dominant force in the circle this season. The junior pitcher found her love for the game at a young age and knew early on that her position would be with the ball in her hands. “The first year I actually started playing…

Duluth Denfeld Baseball Defeats Rivals Duluth East

This is the Hunters' first win over the Greyhounds since 2015.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Denfeld baseball team scored four runs in the fourth to start the rally and went on to get the 12-4 win over crosstown rivals Duluth East. This is the Hunters’ first win over the Greyhounds since 2015. Denfeld will be back in action Wednesday at Cloquet while East will host Anoka on Wednesday. Categories: High…

Hermantown Softball Wins Big in Regular Season Finale

The Hawks put up 24 total runs to sweep Bemidji in their regular season finale.

HERMANTOWN, Minn. – The Hermantown softball team dominated offensively on Saturday, getting the 12-5 and 12-3 wins over Bemidji to end the regular season. The Hawks improve to to 15-2 and now get ready for section playoffs which begin next week. Categories: High School, Sports

Duluth Boys Lacrosse Falls at Home to Woodbury

Tyler Smith finished with four goals for the Wolfpack. 

DULUTH, Minn. – A big second quarter by Woodbury helped the Royals get the 14-9 road win over the Duluth boys lacrosse team on Saturday. Tyler Smith finished with four goals for the Wolfpack. Duluth is scheduled to be back in action Tuesday at Irondale. Categories: High School, Sports

Prep Softball: Vitek Leads Hermantown in the Circle, Virginia Blows Past Duluth Denfeld

The Hawks were victorious at home, while the Blue Devils get road win.

HERMANTOWN, Minn.- The Hermantown softball team won a nail-biter, 5-4 against Chisago Lakes Friday afternoon at Rose Road Field.  Avery Farrell had the game winning knock, while Natalie Vitek took care of business in the circle, fanning 17 batters. In other prep softball action, Virginia traveled to Swanson Fields and the Blue Devils win it 12-2 over Duluth Denfeld. Categories:…

Prep Baseball: Esko Blasts Mora, Hermantown Walks Off on Chisago Lakes

The Eskomos powered past the Mustangs and the Hawks won a thriller over the Wildcats.

ESKO, Minn. – Cale Haugen would hit a home run in the sixth inning as the Esko baseball team knocked off Mora 15-7 Friday afternoon at the Esko Athletic Complex. In other prep baseball action, Chase Carlson would knock in Wylee Arro for the game-winning run as Hermantown earns the walk-off win over Chisago Lakes 8-7 at Mettner Field Categories:…

St. Scholastica Baseball’s Jake Schelonka Signs with Duluth Huskies

The Huskies will open their season Monday, May 30th in Mankato.

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies announced Friday that they have signed St. Scholastica pitcher and infielder Jake Schelonka. The Sartell native was with the team last year in the final few weeks of the season and he says that experience was a big reason why he wanted to come back to play at Wade Stadium. “I’ve never played with…

Minnesota Vikings to Host Summer Youth Camp in Two Harbors

Registration is open now, but it will be capped at a total of 250 campers from ages six to 14.

TWO HARBORS, Minn. – The Minnesota Vikings will be hosting a special camp this summer at Two Harbors High School. It will take place July 19th from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is open now, but it will be capped at a total of 250 campers from ages six to 14. For more information, click here. Categories: High School,…