Professional Sports Archives - Page 23 of 27

Duluth Native CJ Ham Ready for Year Four with Vikings

With Kevin Stefanski being promoted to offensive coordinator and a healthy batch of weapons, Ham believes this will be a good year for the Vikings.

August 2, 2019

Sam Ali,

EAGAN, Minn. – Vikings training camp is well underway and Duluth native CJ Ham is looking forward to his fourth season in the purple and gold. After being an undrafted free agent and spending most of his rookie season on the practice squad, the Denfeld alum has found himself in a comfortable spot for his fourth year. Ham saw playing…

Born to Box: Jesse Walters Gets Set for Pro Debut

Walters will make his pro debut next Friday against Mark Slyter from Kansas.

August 1, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For 18-year-old Jesse Walters, you could say he was born with boxing gloves on his hands. “Basically I was already introduced to it when I was two weeks old. I went to one of Zach’s first fights,” said Walters. “Shortly after he was born, they brought him and said, “Meet little Jesse!” I’m all sweaty coming out…

Vikings Training Camp in Full Swing

Minnesota's first preseason game is August 9 in New Orleans.

July 29, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

EAGAN, Minn. – After a disappointing 8–7–1 record, the Minnesota Vikings are more than ready to close the book on last year. But now, the pads are on, the intensity is up and the Vikings are full steam ahead for the 2019 season. After putting on the pads for the first time during training camp on Sunday, the Vikings were …

Coaches Corner: Dave Sabick

For this week's segment, we get a preview of this weekend's FortuneBaynia II.

July 26, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we hear from Heavy on Wrestling’s Dave Sabick as he previews this weekend’s FortuneBaynia II, taking place at Fortune Bay Casino in Tower, MN. Among those expected to attend are WCW icon Sting, WWE Hall of Famer Booker T and former WWE champion Aberto Del Rio. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy,…

Legendary Pitcher Ila Borders Returns to the Northland

Borders played for the Duluth-Superior Dukes from 1997 to 1999.

July 25, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Duluth Huskies had a special guest at Wade Stadium Thursday night as legendary pitcher Ila Borders returned to the Northland for the first time in two years. Borders was the first woman ever to earn a collegiate baseball scholarship and went on to sign with the St. Paul Saints in 1997, as well as spending a…

Jets Sign Hermantown Native Neal Pionk to Two-Year Deal

The deal is worth three million dollars annually.

July 22, 2019

Sam Ali,

WINNIPEG, Ontario – The Winnipeg Jets announced this weekend that they have signed Hermantown native Neal Pionk to a two-year deal with an average annual value of three million dollars. The 23-year-old was acquired from the Rangers back on June 17th after scoring 26 points in 73 games in the Big Apple. The former UMD star spent two seasons with…

Duluth Native Rob Bordson to Continue Pro Career in Sweden

The former UMD standout is signing with Vasterviks IK.

July 19, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD men’s hockey star Rob Bordson is heading overseas to continue his pro career. The Duluth native is signing with Vasterviks IK in Sweden. Bordson was supposed to play in Austria last season, but a knee injury prevented that. The 31-year-old has also played in Germany following his time at UMD. He’ll see some familiar faces…

Wild Defenseman Nick Seeler Visits Duluth Air Show

Seeler's grandparents were avid fans of planes.

July 19, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – This weekend, the Duluth Air Show will take to the skies entertaining fans across the Northland. And Friday, they had a special guest stop by from the Minnesota Wild. Defenseman Nick Seeler was in town to take in the sights and sounds of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Seeler says both of his grandfathers were in the…

Nygaard Wins Second Straight Five-Miler, Kazmierczak Wins Women’s Division

Duluth's Nick Nygaard and White Bear Lake's Claire Kazmierczak each took first place in their respective divisions.

July 18, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Hundreds of runners made their way to Park Point for the 48th annual Five-Miler Thursday night. Duluth native Nick Nygaard took first place in the men’s division with a time of 26:27. Claire Kazmierczak of White Bear Lake was the first women to cross the finish line at 36:37. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Danny Huffman Preparing for Third Career Pro Fight

Huffman will take on Jessie Addison III From Indianapolis, Indiana.

July 17, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jungle Boy Boxing Gym’s Danny Huffman is getting set for his third career pro fight coming up next month. Huffman says he’s about halfway through his training program and he’s anxious to get things going. “We’ve already been in camp for three weeks preparing for the fight, so this last three is just getting some good rounds…

Florida Panthers Sign Former Greyhound/Bulldog Dominic Toninato

Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his first NHL goal back in February.

July 16, 2019

Sam Ali,

SUNRISE, Calif. – The Florida Panthers announced Tuesday they have signed former Duluth East and UMD men’s hockey captain Dominic Toninato to a one-year, two-way contract. Toninato was originally drafted by the Toronto Maple Leafs back in 2012, but has spent most of his career in the Colorado Avalanche organization. Toninato has played in 39 NHL games and scored his…

Whitecaps, Bulldogs to Meet in Exhibition Game

The defending Isobel Cup champs will meet the Bulldogs Saturday, September 28th at 4 p.m at Amsoil Arena.

July 15, 2019

Sam Ali,

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Whitecaps announced Monday that they will head back to Duluth to play a preseason game against the UMD women’s hockey team. The defending Isobel Cup champs will meet the Bulldogs Saturday, September 28th at 4 p.m at Amsoil Arena. The Whitecaps played UMD in an exhibition before they started their inaugural season last year,…

C.J. Ham Hosts First Annual Youth Football Camp in Duluth

Over 270 kids came to the camp at Lincoln Park Middle School.

July 13, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Kids in the Northland had a special treat Saturday afternoon, getting the chance to learn some football skills and play some games with a pro football player. Duluth Denfeld alum and current Minnesota Vikings fullback C.J. Ham returned to Duluth this weekend to host the first annual C.J. Ham football camp. UMD soccer and football players as…

Registration Open for Park Point 5-Miler

Northern Minnesota's oldest race is in its 48th year of existence.

July 12, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Registration is open for the 48th annual Park Point Five-Miler, which takes place Thursday July 18th. The event is northern Minnesota’s oldest race and begins at 5:30 p.m. with a kids-only race for children 14 and under. After that, the five-mile run will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the two-mile walk starts at 6:35 p.m. Proceeds from…

Former Greyhound/Bulldog Andy Welinski Talks NHL Move from Anaheim to Philadelphia

Welinski spent the past four seasons in the Anaheim Ducks organization, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls.

July 11, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former Duluth East and UMD hockey star Andy Welinski doesn’t mind a change of scenery as he signed with the Philadelphia Flyers last week. Welinski spent the past four seasons in the Anaheim Ducks organization, spending most of his time with their AHL affiliate, the San Diego Gulls. Welinski says he is still very grateful to the…

Duluth FC Heads Into Finale with Playoffs in the Balance

The Bluegreens will need to beat La Crosse Aris and hope that Minneapolis City knocks off Med City to keep their season alive.

July 11, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Within the blink of an eye, the NPSL regular season is almost at its end. Duluth FC will be back in action Friday at home in their season finale, which is their final chance to punch their ticket to the playoffs. Because of their loss last week, the Bluegreens will need to beat La Crosse Aris and…

Superior Native Mike Sislo to Continue Pro Career in Germany

Sislo will join fellow Superior native Brett Olson who also plays in Germany.

July 10, 2019

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wisc. – It’s been quite the week for Superior native Mike Sislo. Not only has he taken part in the latest Twin Ports Pro Development Camp. But he’s also announced he’ll be going overseas to continue his pro career. Sislo has signed a one–year deal with Wolfsburg of the Deutsche Eishockey Liga. The Superior native has played in over…

Local Hockey Players Learn From the Pros at Twin Ports Pro Development Camp

The camp, owned by Superior natives Mike Sislo and Brett Olson, runs through Thursday at the Superior Ice Arena.

July 9, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Local hockey players are getting the chance to strengthen their skills and grow as players this summer. And with the Twin Ports Pro Development that it’s all led by coaches who started their playing careers right here in the Northland. The 5th annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp is this week, bringing five pro hockey players back…

Jungle Boy Boxing’s Huffman, Walters Announce Return to the Ring

The pair will take part in the "Generation Next" boxing card on August 8th at the Myth Live down in Maplewood.

July 9, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Jungle Boy Boxing Promotions have announced that Duluth natives Danny Huffman and Jesse Walters will be back in action next month. The pair will take part in the “Generation Next” boxing card on August 8th at the Myth Live down in Maplewood. Huffman is currently 2–0 in his young career so far, while Walters will be making…

USWNT Inspires Northland Youth Girls Soccer

Local soccer players are feeling inspired and motivated after watching the U.S. Women's National Team win back-to-back Women's World Cup titles.

July 8, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Soccer is on the rise here in the United States and a huge reason for that is the U.S. Women’s National Team and their back-to-back Women’s World Cup titles. “I was screaming at the TV a lot. I really wanted them to win and then I started crying because I wanted them to win, and then they…

Former Pro Athletes Return to Superior for Nemadji Celebrity Golf Scramble

The event brought in former Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals to the Nemadji Golf Course.

July 6, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Tons of celebrities swapped the football out for golf clubs for the day, all for a good cause at the Nemadji Golf Course in Superior. Former football players from the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears and Arizona Cardinals, as well as some other former athletes gathered for the Nemadji Celebrity Golf Scramble. Athletes included former…

Coaches Corner: Twin Ports Development Camp

For this week's Coaches Corner, we spoke with instructors from the Twin Ports Development Camp ahead of this year's camp.

June 28, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we sat down with some of the instructors from the Twin Ports Development Camp. Head instructor and co-owner Brett Olson, and instructors Andy Welinski and Brenden Kotyk discusses what the camp is and why they love doing it. Camp is July 8-11 in Superior. If you are interested in learning more or…

Duluth Native Emma Stauber Brings Isobel Cup to Proctor

The former UMD women's hockey captain won the Isobel Cup with the Minnesota Whitecaps back in March.

June 27, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – Last week, the NWHL Isobel Cup made its first trip to the Northland, as former CEC Lumberjack Sadie Lundquist brought the cup to Cloquet. Thursday night, the cup made its way back to the Northland, this time to Proctor. Duluth native and former UMD women’s hockey captain Emma Stauber brought the Isobel Cup to the St. Luke’s…

Former Northland Hockey Players Return for Heritage Summer Hockey Classic

Duluth native Rob Bordson and Hermantown native Adam Krause served as team captains.

June 24, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Heritage Center was the place to be on Monday night as the annual Heritage Summer Hockey Classic took place. The game featured former and current professional and semi-professional hockey players from the Northland including former UMD player Rob Bordson and current UMD assistant coach Adam Krause, who served as team captains, as well as St. Scholastica…

Kongin, Rojas Finish as First-Time Winners in Grandma’s Full Marathon

The 43rd annual Grandma's Marathon saw first-time winners in Boniface Kongin and Nell Rojas.

June 22, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 43rd annual Grandma’s Marathon saw new winners in the full marathon race. Kenya’s Boniface Kongin took home the men’s division title in his first Grandma’s Marathon. He was a bit of an underdog, but led for most of the race, and despite major cramping and having to stop a few times, Kongin finished with a time…

Scaroni, Pike Set Records in Grandma’s Wheelchair Division

Both Susannah Scaroni and Aaron Pike repeated as winners and set new event records during Saturday's race.

June 22, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Grandma’s Marathon wheelchair race saw record shattering performances and repeat winners, as Susannah Scaroni won the women’s title while Aaron Pike won the men’s title. Illinois native Scaroni won her second straight title, setting a new event record by over five minutes and setting the new Paralympic World Record with a time of 1:30:42. This is…

Mkungo Wins Back-to-Back; Jermann Wins Her First Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon

Kenyan Panuel Mkungo won his second straight men's title while Minnesota native Katy Jermann won the women's title.

June 22, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. – The 29th annual Garry Bjorklund Half Marathon featured a familiar winner for the men’s division, as Kenyan Panuel Mkungo won his second straight title with a time of 1:02:37, beating his time last year by 13 seconds. The women’s division saw a new winner, as Burnsville, Minnesota native Katy Jermann took home the women’s championship with a…

Former Greyhound Ryder Donovan Drafted by Golden Knights

The former Duluth East standout was taken in the fourth round.

June 22, 2019

Sam Ali,

VANCOUVER, B.C. – With the 110th pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, the Vegas Golden Knights selected former Duluth East forward Ryder Donovan. The future Wisconsin Badger was taken in the fourth round, becoming just the 25th Duluth native ever to be picked in an NHL draft and the first since Dominic Toninato and Judd Peterson back in 2012. Donovan…

Coaches Corner: Mandi Peterson

For this week's segment, we're talking about Grandma's Marathon.

June 21, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – For this week’s Coaches Corner, we’re joined by Mandi Peterson who is the marketing and PR director for Grandma’s Marathon. Among the topics discussed are the planning proccess behind the weekend, as well as the impact of the volunteers who help make the race possible. Categories: Coaches Corner, Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports, Sports

Legendary Runners Host Second Annual Grandma’s Talk Show

One of the special guests was Paralympic athlete Tatyana McFadden.

June 21, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. -Legendary runners Dick Beardsley and Carrie Tollefson hosted the second annual Grandma’s talk show and welcomed special guests on stage, hosting a question and answer and doing prize giveaways with the audience. One of the guests was Tatyana McFadden, who came in first at the 2019 World Championships in the wheelchair event. She talked about her experience with…

Scherber, Tollefson Finish First in William A. Irvin 5K

Friday's race gave Carrie Tollefson her third straight William A. Irvin 5K win.

June 21, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

DULUTH, Minn. -A record 2,410 runners participated in the 26th annual William A Irvin 5K on Friday afternoon. The male winner was Matthew Scherber from St. Paul, with a time of 15:24, who participated in the weekend with his track club. This was Scherber’s first time competing in the 5K but he did run the half marathon last year. “I…

Westfield Scores Twice as Duluth FC Stays Unbeaten

The Bluegreens pick up the shutout road win over the TwinStars.

June 19, 2019

Sam Ali,

MAPLE GROVE, Minn. – James Westfield would score in each half as Duluth FC got the road win over the Minnesota TwinStars 3-0 Wednesday night at Crimson Stadium. Carlyle Junior would score the other goal in the game, his sixth of the season as the Bluegreens improve to 6-0-2 on the season. Categories: Professional Sports, Sports

Cloquet Native Sadie Lundquist Brings Home Isobel Cup

The Cloquet native was a member of the Minnesota Whitecaps team that won the 2019 NWHL championship in their inaugural season.

June 18, 2019

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Tuesday, the city of Cloquet was turned into the city of champions as former Lumberjack Sadie Lundquist returned home with some extra hardware in her possession. Lundquist brought the Isobel Cup to Northwoods Credit Union Arena for fans to see and even hold above their heads. The Cloquet native was a member of the Minnesota Whitecaps team…

Rangers Trade Hermantown Native Neal Pionk to Jets

Neal Pionk is moving from New York to Winnipeg.

June 17, 2019

Sam Ali,

NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. – Former UMD Bulldog and Hermantown native Neal Pionk is moving north of the border. The New York Rangers announced Monday they have traded Pionk to the Winnipeg Jets. The 23-year-old was part of a package to help the Rangers acquire defenseman Jacob Trouba. In his first full season in the NHL, Pionk scored six goals…

Former Blue Devils/Bulldogs Standout Matt Niskanen Traded to Philadelphia

The Virginia native won the Stanley Cup with Washington last season.

June 15, 2019

Claudia Chakamian,

PHILADELPHIA, Penn. – Virginia native and former UMD star defenseman Matt Niskanen was traded on Friday afternoon. The Washington Capitals traded Niskanen to the Philadelphia Flyers for defenseman Radko Gudas. Niskanen just wrapped up his fifth year with the Caps where he won the Stanley Cup with them last year. He had two years remaining on his contract, carrying a $5.75…

Junior’s First-Half Hat Trick Helps Duluth FC Blank Dakota Fusion

The Brazilian striker scored three times in the first half for the Bluegreens.

June 14, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Carlyle Junior scored a hat trick in the first half as Duluth FC had no trouble with the Dakota Fusion 7-0 Friday night at Ordean Stadium. The Brazilian striker finished with four goals on the night while Brooks Rice, Dana Kowachek and James Westfield also got on the score sheet. Categories: Friday Night Frenzy, Professional Sports,…

Local Hockey Pros Hosting Fourth-Annual Development Camp

The camp is primarily for squirts, peewee and bantams which gives the players a taste of what the pros go through.

June 14, 2019

Sam Ali,

SUPERIOR, Wis. – Registration is still open for the fourth annual Twin Ports Pro Development Camp in Superior. The camp is primarily for squirts, peewee and bantams which gives the players a taste of what the pros go through during NHL Training and Development Camps. “We know that at some point on certain levels once they begin developing and it…

Cloquet Native Sadie Lundquist to Bring Isobel Cup to NCU Arena

The event will take place Tuesday, June 18th at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet from 11 a.m. to noon.

June 13, 2019

Sam Ali,

CLOQUET, Minn. – Cloquet native and Minnesota Whitecaps forward Sadie Lundquist is coming home next week with some extra hardware. Lundquist is bringing the Isobel Cup for fans to see. The event will take place Tuesday, June 18th at the Northwoods Credit Union Arena in Cloquet from 11 a.m. to noon. Fans will have a chance to take a picture…

Former Bulldog Löwenhielm to Continue Pro Career in Sweden

The 24-year-old center will join her former teammates Sidney Morin and Jessica Healey.

June 10, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Former UMD Bulldog Michelle Löwenhielm will be continuing her pro career in her home country. Löwenhielm has signed with HV71 of the Swedish Women’s Hockey League. The center, who played on the Swedish national team, spent this past season in the NWHL with the Connecticut Whale, notching six points in 16 games. It will also be a…

Duluth Marshall’s Ben Pedersen Drafted by Baltimore Orioles

The senior pitcher was taken in the 38th round.

June 5, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Marshall pitcher Ben Pedersen heard his name called Wednesday in the 2019 MLB Draft. The senior flamethrower was selected in the 38th round by the Baltimore Orioles. The Missouri commit is wrapping up his career with the Hilltoppers as one of the best baseball prospects in the history of the Northland. Pedersen and the Hilltoppers will…

Opening Day Finally Arrives for Gondlik Law Speedway

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

May 31, 2019

Sam Ali,

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

Duluth Native Emma Stauber to Bring Isobel Cup to the Northland

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

May 30, 2019

Sam Ali,

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

Duluth FC Draw at Home with Med City FC

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

May 29, 2019

Sam Ali,

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

Former Bulldog Sidney Morin Heading Back to Sweden

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

May 28, 2019

Sam Ali,

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

Duluth Native CJ Ham Announces Summer Youth Camp

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

May 20, 2019

Sam Ali,

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

Hibbing Native Deion Harris Signs with Washington Redskins

Harris took part in rookie mini-camp with the Green Bay Packers before ultimately signing with Washington.

May 15, 2019

Sam Ali,

HIBBING, Minn. – A recent study showed that 0.08 percent of high school football players go on to play in the NFL. For a former Northland football player, he has beat the odds in order to achieve his dreams. Earlier this week, the Washington Redskins announced that they have signed Hibbing native Deion Harris as an undrafted free agent. Harris…

Northern Star: Andrew Standfield

For this week's Northern Star, we learn about a local powerlifter who was born with a rare genetic disorder.

May 12, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Next month, Andrew Standfield will be representing Team USA at the International Powerlifting Federation World Championships in Helsingborg, Sweden. But how we got to this point has put as much strain on his body as the weights he trains with. “They noticed during an ultrasound that his belly was bigger than his head. They were like, “OK…

Twin Ports Norsemen Unveil New Uniforms

The team were also joined by former Vikings quarterback Tommy Kramer.

May 9, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Some football news now as the Twin Ports Norsemen will open their upcoming season this weekend in St. Cloud. And what better way to hype up the fans than by revealing the new uniforms. The team held a special fundraiser across multiple locations in the area with a uniform reveal at the Player’s Sports Bar in Duluth….

Duluth FC Host Kick-Off Party for 2019 Season

The event was held at Duluth Cider for fans to welcome the upcoming season for the Bluegreens.

April 30, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – Duluth Cider was the place to be tonight for the 2019 Duluth FC kick-off party. The Bluegreens got together with their fans to show off their trophies from last season and their new uniforms. Head coach Joel Person says these events create that special bond between the team and their fans. “We’re really proud of our local…

Duluth Native Jesse Walters Wins Upper Midwest Golden Gloves

The 18-year-old captured the title this past weekend.

April 29, 2019

Sam Ali,

DULUTH, Minn. – The Upper Midwest Golden Gloves Tournament was held in Walker, MN where a local boxer took the crown. Duluth native Jesse Walters defeated fellow Duluthian Isayah Smith in the finals this past Saturday at the Northern Lights Sasino. It was Walters’s first time at the tournament and it was his final amateur fight as he plans to…