1 month ago
Sep. 14—BEMIDJI — Oliver Peer is already winning 2026-27 CCHA honors.
The Bemidji State men's hockey team's top-line center was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year in the Coaches and Media Polls.
Bemidji State was picked to finish fifth in both polls. Michigan Tech was selected as the league's top team in both polls as well.
Peer, a native of Burlington, Ontario, had 20 goals and 16 ******* ists last year in his first season with the Beavers. He transferred from the University of New Brunswick (U Sports) ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Naturally, Peer was also selected to be on both of the All-CCHA Preseason Teams. Among coaches, Peer is joined by Michigan Tech forwards Max Koskipirrti and Isaac Gordon and Bowling Green's Ben Doran. Augustana's Hayden Hennen and Bowling Green's Breck McKinley round out the coaches' defender picks, while MTU goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz was selected as well.
#peer #polls
The Bemidji State men's hockey team's top-line center was named the league's Preseason Player of the Year in the Coaches and Media Polls.
Bemidji State was picked to finish fifth in both polls. Michigan Tech was selected as the league's top team in both polls as well.
Peer, a native of Burlington, Ontario, had 20 goals and 16 ******* ists last year in his first season with the Beavers. He transferred from the University of New Brunswick (U Sports) ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Naturally, Peer was also selected to be on both of the All-CCHA Preseason Teams. Among coaches, Peer is joined by Michigan Tech forwards Max Koskipirrti and Isaac Gordon and Bowling Green's Ben Doran. Augustana's Hayden Hennen and Bowling Green's Breck McKinley round out the coaches' defender picks, while MTU goaltender Owen Bartoszkiewicz was selected as well.
#peer #polls
2 months ago
Sep. 2—BEMIDJI — When looking at the singles side of the Bemidji High School tennis courts, the home fans would be forgiven if they thought Wednesday's match against Staples-Motley took place in 2025.
For much of this season, the Lumberjacks' singles lineup has carried over from last fall. Liz Peterson occupies the top spot, while Lilly Caron and Bailey Rupp typically play Nos. 2 and 3 singles, save for their occasional doubles appearances. Natalie ****** berg rounds out the group at No. 4 singles, just as she did on Wednesday in the Jacks' 6-1 win over the Cardinals.
The real differences so far in the young 2026 season have been on the doubles side of the court. With the departures of Megan Berg, Naomi Johnson and Abby Myhrer, almost every doubles pair had to be retooled for 2026.
Junior Kelli Carlson has been moved up to No. 2, paired with eighth-grader Piper Whiting. Freshmen Norah Friese and Emma Carlson are gaining experience at the No. 3 spot.
Then there are seniors Zoe McNallan and Millie Knott, who have known each other even before they became partners on the tennis court.
#season
For much of this season, the Lumberjacks' singles lineup has carried over from last fall. Liz Peterson occupies the top spot, while Lilly Caron and Bailey Rupp typically play Nos. 2 and 3 singles, save for their occasional doubles appearances. Natalie ****** berg rounds out the group at No. 4 singles, just as she did on Wednesday in the Jacks' 6-1 win over the Cardinals.
The real differences so far in the young 2026 season have been on the doubles side of the court. With the departures of Megan Berg, Naomi Johnson and Abby Myhrer, almost every doubles pair had to be retooled for 2026.
Junior Kelli Carlson has been moved up to No. 2, paired with eighth-grader Piper Whiting. Freshmen Norah Friese and Emma Carlson are gaining experience at the No. 3 spot.
Then there are seniors Zoe McNallan and Millie Knott, who have known each other even before they became partners on the tennis court.
#season
2 months ago
Sep. 2—EAST GRAND FORKS — Emma Pieper will enter her junior season at East Grand Forks Senior High with her college decision already made.
The 5-foot-5 Green Wave goaltender committed to Bemidji State over the weekend.
"It's like a relief off my shoulders," Pieper said. "It normally takes longer for goalies, so it was really nice to get all of that done before my junior year so there's no stress the rest of the year."
Four colleges reached out to Pieper, but the campus and coaching staff made the Beavers stand out.
"Their campus is super pretty," Pieper said. "It's on the lake, it's smaller. And their culture is really good, they're all close together. I really like how their coaching staff just meshes together, and they're always upfront with communication."
#really
The 5-foot-5 Green Wave goaltender committed to Bemidji State over the weekend.
"It's like a relief off my shoulders," Pieper said. "It normally takes longer for goalies, so it was really nice to get all of that done before my junior year so there's no stress the rest of the year."
Four colleges reached out to Pieper, but the campus and coaching staff made the Beavers stand out.
"Their campus is super pretty," Pieper said. "It's on the lake, it's smaller. And their culture is really good, they're all close together. I really like how their coaching staff just meshes together, and they're always upfront with communication."
#really
2 months ago
Aug. 30—BEMIDJI — On Saturday, history was made at the Sanford Center parking lot.
That sentence may not have ever been written before, but it's fitting after the Sanford Center Super Special, a street stage that capped the 2026 Ojibwe Forests Rally.
Rally superstars whipped around the pavement in front of hundreds of fans, all there to witness drifts, high speeds and burnt rubber.
By the end of the weekend, it was Lia Block, the 19-year-old daughter of racing legend Ken Block, standing at the podium in the national overall class with co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino. Not only was it her first American Rally ***** ociation national overall victory, but she became the first female driver to do so in the top class.
"Unfortunately, it's taken this long to happen," she said jokingly. "We've been working toward it for a long time."
#overall #long
That sentence may not have ever been written before, but it's fitting after the Sanford Center Super Special, a street stage that capped the 2026 Ojibwe Forests Rally.
Rally superstars whipped around the pavement in front of hundreds of fans, all there to witness drifts, high speeds and burnt rubber.
By the end of the weekend, it was Lia Block, the 19-year-old daughter of racing legend Ken Block, standing at the podium in the national overall class with co-driver Alessandro Gelsomino. Not only was it her first American Rally ***** ociation national overall victory, but she became the first female driver to do so in the top class.
"Unfortunately, it's taken this long to happen," she said jokingly. "We've been working toward it for a long time."
#overall #long
2 months ago
Aug. 27—BEMIDJI — Ashtin Wright needed a second chance.
In the 57th minute, the Bemidji High School boys soccer team's junior forward had a golden chance to score the game's first goal against Section 8-3A foe St. Michael-Albertville. Tied 0-0 against a team the Lumberjacks had never beaten, with scoring chances few and far between, Wright needed to convert.
But STMA keeper Eli Schmoyer had other plans. He made a sprawling save to keep the match goalless at Bemidji Middle School.
Five minutes later, Wright's second chance presented itself. Jackson Heuer kept a run into the attacking third alive by fighting off an STMA defender, but the ball scooted toward the right side of the 18-yard box. Wright corralled the ball and hooked it inside the left post for the game's first goal.
"Ashtin was calm," new BHS head coach Jeff Mitchell said. "He just bent it to that back post and it was a fabulous finish. It was awesome. They worked their keisters off during our tryout week and the last few days of practicing. It was great to watch them celebrate, and it was a good feeling on the sideline.
#ashtin #needed #goal
In the 57th minute, the Bemidji High School boys soccer team's junior forward had a golden chance to score the game's first goal against Section 8-3A foe St. Michael-Albertville. Tied 0-0 against a team the Lumberjacks had never beaten, with scoring chances few and far between, Wright needed to convert.
But STMA keeper Eli Schmoyer had other plans. He made a sprawling save to keep the match goalless at Bemidji Middle School.
Five minutes later, Wright's second chance presented itself. Jackson Heuer kept a run into the attacking third alive by fighting off an STMA defender, but the ball scooted toward the right side of the 18-yard box. Wright corralled the ball and hooked it inside the left post for the game's first goal.
"Ashtin was calm," new BHS head coach Jeff Mitchell said. "He just bent it to that back post and it was a fabulous finish. It was awesome. They worked their keisters off during our tryout week and the last few days of practicing. It was great to watch them celebrate, and it was a good feeling on the sideline.
#ashtin #needed #goal
2 months ago
Aug. 17—BEMIDJI — For Bemidji High School seniors Liam Larson and Ben Lindgren, telling their classmates about their fall sport of choice is all too predictable.
They're usually met with a look of puzzlement, with the eventual realization of, "Bemidji has a mountain bike team?"
It's true, Bemidji has had a mountain bike team for just about a decade. Composed of students from Bemidji Middle and High School, it's still relatively new, and it's definitely niche in the landscape of high school sports. They compete in the Minnesota Cycling ***** ociation instead of the Minnesota State High School League
But for those who love it, their passion is shown openly.
"It's always so much fun," Larson said. "Sometimes we'll just hang out after practice and go swimming or something, since it's such a small community and a small, tight-knit group of people. But yeah, it's always a blast."
#high #larson #always
They're usually met with a look of puzzlement, with the eventual realization of, "Bemidji has a mountain bike team?"
It's true, Bemidji has had a mountain bike team for just about a decade. Composed of students from Bemidji Middle and High School, it's still relatively new, and it's definitely niche in the landscape of high school sports. They compete in the Minnesota Cycling ***** ociation instead of the Minnesota State High School League
But for those who love it, their passion is shown openly.
"It's always so much fun," Larson said. "Sometimes we'll just hang out after practice and go swimming or something, since it's such a small community and a small, tight-knit group of people. But yeah, it's always a blast."
#high #larson #always
2 months ago
Aug. 15—BEMIDJI — It all started on March 20.
Kristen McRae, the Bemidji High School activities director since 2022, sent the local media an email with a list of newsworthy updates. She noted that girls hockey head coach
Mike Johnson was retiring from coaching
and that girls basketball head coach
Darin Shultz was stepping down.
#head #march
Kristen McRae, the Bemidji High School activities director since 2022, sent the local media an email with a list of newsworthy updates. She noted that girls hockey head coach
Mike Johnson was retiring from coaching
and that girls basketball head coach
Darin Shultz was stepping down.
#head #march
3 months ago
Aug. 11—BEMIDJI — There are few reasons to watch the upcoming Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets play in their first preseason game this Friday on Aug. 14. But for Bemidji State football fans, they'll be tuning in to get a glimpse of a familiar face on the sidelines.
After being a part of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy
for rookie mini camp in May, Bemidji State co-defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator Shevin Smith Jr. was asked to come back as a 2026 training camp fellow. He's been working with the Buccaneers' special teams units at training camp before traveling with the team for its first preseason game against the Jets on Friday.
The Bucs chose five out of the 25 coaches who took part in the coaching academy to become a training camp fellow. Smith was honored to be one of the five asked to come back.
#training #Coaching
After being a part of the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers National Coaching Academy
for rookie mini camp in May, Bemidji State co-defensive coordinator and special teams coordinator Shevin Smith Jr. was asked to come back as a 2026 training camp fellow. He's been working with the Buccaneers' special teams units at training camp before traveling with the team for its first preseason game against the Jets on Friday.
The Bucs chose five out of the 25 coaches who took part in the coaching academy to become a training camp fellow. Smith was honored to be one of the five asked to come back.
#training #Coaching
3 months ago
Aug. 10—BEMIDJI — For the fifth consecutive season, the Bemidji State women's soccer team was voted as one of the top three teams in the NSIC.
In the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll released on Monday, the Beavers were ranked third in the conference. They've been voted top three in the conference in eight of the last nine seasons. Defending NSIC champions Minnesota State was ranked first, while Concordia-St. Paul was ranked second.
"I think what excites me most about this years teams is the togetherness that they share," head coach Jim Stone said in a release. "We had a great spring together and the group really bonded and created both an identity and a hunger. They are ready to lead and welcome our very talented freshmen in. I think the combination of our leadership, youth & talent is a great recipe and I'm excited to see how it is lived out this fall both on and off the field."
Junior Madisen Fritel was named the Beavers' preseason offensive player to watch. She appeared in all 21 matches last season, totaling seven points off three goals and an **** ist.
"Maddie lives out the values of our program as well as anyone on our roster," Stone said. "When she plays you can see how much she loves the game and her teammates. She makes an investment in every training session which pushes her teammates and has allowed her to grow and develop. She's an incredible athlete who puts a lot of pressure on defensives and allows us to play off of her."
#nsic #bemidji #preseason
In the NSIC Preseason Coaches Poll released on Monday, the Beavers were ranked third in the conference. They've been voted top three in the conference in eight of the last nine seasons. Defending NSIC champions Minnesota State was ranked first, while Concordia-St. Paul was ranked second.
"I think what excites me most about this years teams is the togetherness that they share," head coach Jim Stone said in a release. "We had a great spring together and the group really bonded and created both an identity and a hunger. They are ready to lead and welcome our very talented freshmen in. I think the combination of our leadership, youth & talent is a great recipe and I'm excited to see how it is lived out this fall both on and off the field."
Junior Madisen Fritel was named the Beavers' preseason offensive player to watch. She appeared in all 21 matches last season, totaling seven points off three goals and an **** ist.
"Maddie lives out the values of our program as well as anyone on our roster," Stone said. "When she plays you can see how much she loves the game and her teammates. She makes an investment in every training session which pushes her teammates and has allowed her to grow and develop. She's an incredible athlete who puts a lot of pressure on defensives and allows us to play off of her."
#nsic #bemidji #preseason
3 months ago
Aug. 8—BEMIDJI — By Week 6 of the 2025 Bemidji State football season, the Beavers finally found a winning recipe at the quarterback position.
For the first four weeks, the Beavers shifted between QBs Connor Carver and Zach Romak as starters. Carver's biggest weapon is his legs, and while he would be responsible for electric plays, he became ineffective as games went on, as defenses figured out how to contain him.
The Beavers didn't fare much better with Romak, who's more of a pocket passer. Drives routinely stalled with him under center, and his completion percentage rarely rose above 50%.
That's when BSU decided to turn to redshirt freshman Bart McAninch. After rookie mistakes cost him leading a game-winning drive in his first career start against Minot State, things turned around in Week 6 against Northern State.
McAninch appeared more comfortable in the pocket, and the Beavers secured their long-awaited first win of the season at homecoming, 24-21.
#first #week
For the first four weeks, the Beavers shifted between QBs Connor Carver and Zach Romak as starters. Carver's biggest weapon is his legs, and while he would be responsible for electric plays, he became ineffective as games went on, as defenses figured out how to contain him.
The Beavers didn't fare much better with Romak, who's more of a pocket passer. Drives routinely stalled with him under center, and his completion percentage rarely rose above 50%.
That's when BSU decided to turn to redshirt freshman Bart McAninch. After rookie mistakes cost him leading a game-winning drive in his first career start against Minot State, things turned around in Week 6 against Northern State.
McAninch appeared more comfortable in the pocket, and the Beavers secured their long-awaited first win of the season at homecoming, 24-21.
#first #week
3 months ago
Aug. 2—ST. JOESEPH — The Bemidji American Legion softball team ended its run at the state tournament on a high note.
After losing its first game against Caledonia and coming from behind to beat Swanville on Saturday, the ***** ans faced Melrose in the fifth place game and won in blowout fashion, 10-0.
Bemidji had a four-run inning in the first and the fourth before adding on two more in the fifth to make it 10-0.
McKenzie Bullock, a staple for Bemidji in the pitching circle, pitched a one-hitter, allowing just one walk while striking out five. She also went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI at the plate.
Jill Pulkrabek had the best day in the batter's box for Bemidji. She went 2-for-3 with four RBIs on a bases-clearing triple in the first inning and a single in the fourth.
#inning #fourth
After losing its first game against Caledonia and coming from behind to beat Swanville on Saturday, the ***** ans faced Melrose in the fifth place game and won in blowout fashion, 10-0.
Bemidji had a four-run inning in the first and the fourth before adding on two more in the fifth to make it 10-0.
McKenzie Bullock, a staple for Bemidji in the pitching circle, pitched a one-hitter, allowing just one walk while striking out five. She also went 1-for-3 with a walk and an RBI at the plate.
Jill Pulkrabek had the best day in the batter's box for Bemidji. She went 2-for-3 with four RBIs on a bases-clearing triple in the first inning and a single in the fourth.
#inning #fourth
3 months ago
Aug. 2—BEMIDJI — The 20th Annual Lake Bemidji
Dragon Boat Festival
saw the Nordic Whitecaps take home the championship race after upsetting a local rowing dynasty.
The rhythmic drumming of the dragon boats filled the air along the shores of Lake Bemidji on Saturday, as a large crowd watched the 11-time champion-winning team, the HydraHeads, finish second to the team they help train in the off-season.
After a day of racing, complete with 11 morning qualifying heats, followed by another 11 in the afternoon, each team's racing times were combined to determine the top finishes of the day — deciding who would race in the division finals for the bronze, silver, gold and championship cups.
#bemidji #lake #championship #race
Dragon Boat Festival
saw the Nordic Whitecaps take home the championship race after upsetting a local rowing dynasty.
The rhythmic drumming of the dragon boats filled the air along the shores of Lake Bemidji on Saturday, as a large crowd watched the 11-time champion-winning team, the HydraHeads, finish second to the team they help train in the off-season.
After a day of racing, complete with 11 morning qualifying heats, followed by another 11 in the afternoon, each team's racing times were combined to determine the top finishes of the day — deciding who would race in the division finals for the bronze, silver, gold and championship cups.
#bemidji #lake #championship #race
3 months ago
Jul. 31—BEMIDJI — The crowd at Liberty Park was abuzz on Friday evening as competitors paraded the shore of Lake Bemidji in the Parade of Teams for the 20th Annual Lake Bemidji
Dragon Boat Festival.
Candy, water shooters and even flowers were tossed to the crowd as they cheered on their favorite teams.
After the parade, members of Keg N' Cork's Wooly Irishmen — the first team to win the Dragon Boat Festival race in 2006 — "woke the dragon" as part of the opening ceremony to kick off the weekend's festivities.
The Dondelinger GM Sprint Cup was also held Friday, giving the teams and the fans the first taste of Dragon Boat racing before Saturday's big race day. The Empty Cooler Band played live music after the Sprint Cup concluded.
#dragon
Dragon Boat Festival.
Candy, water shooters and even flowers were tossed to the crowd as they cheered on their favorite teams.
After the parade, members of Keg N' Cork's Wooly Irishmen — the first team to win the Dragon Boat Festival race in 2006 — "woke the dragon" as part of the opening ceremony to kick off the weekend's festivities.
The Dondelinger GM Sprint Cup was also held Friday, giving the teams and the fans the first taste of Dragon Boat racing before Saturday's big race day. The Empty Cooler Band played live music after the Sprint Cup concluded.
#dragon
3 months ago
Jul. 23—BEMIDJI — Michael Bitzer has been tethered to Bemidji for a long time, even when he didn't know it.
It started in Moorhead's youth hockey program. He took the crease in games at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse.
When the Sanford Center opened in 2010, the Spuds took a trip to Bemidji to watch a game against Colorado College. Two years later, Bitzer backstopped Moorhead to a Section 8AA championship in the same building.
While playing in the United States Hockey League, Bitzer committed to play for Bemidji State. His four-year career from 2014-18 included a Western Collegiate Hockey ***** ociation championship in 2017, along with a top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist nod.
Now, Bitzer has built a life in Germany. He's preparing to enter his eighth professional season overseas. Still, the invisible string occasionally reels him back to the First City on the Mississippi.
#bitzer #hockey #fieldhouse
It started in Moorhead's youth hockey program. He took the crease in games at the John S. Glas Fieldhouse.
When the Sanford Center opened in 2010, the Spuds took a trip to Bemidji to watch a game against Colorado College. Two years later, Bitzer backstopped Moorhead to a Section 8AA championship in the same building.
While playing in the United States Hockey League, Bitzer committed to play for Bemidji State. His four-year career from 2014-18 included a Western Collegiate Hockey ***** ociation championship in 2017, along with a top 10 Hobey Baker Award finalist nod.
Now, Bitzer has built a life in Germany. He's preparing to enter his eighth professional season overseas. Still, the invisible string occasionally reels him back to the First City on the Mississippi.
#bitzer #hockey #fieldhouse
4 months ago
Jul. 7—ALEXANDRIA — Even when it looks bleak, the Bemidji American Legion baseball team keeps finding ways to extend its winning streak.
After winning the first game of a road doubleheader in Alexandria 9-2, the Centaurs scored nine runs in the seventh inning to complete the sweep with an 11-7 win. Bemidji has now won seven straight games.
Down to its last three outs and trailing 7-2, Post 14 got to work. Eli Hoffman's two-run double made it 7-4. Hoffman scored on Jack Zellmann's RBI double before Gunner Ganske tied the game with a two-run, two-bagger.
Ganske scored on Lawson Berg's RBI single before Heaton Brodina made it 9-7 with a sacrifice fly. James Garrison's RBI triple and Leo McKeon's run-scoring single put the finishing touches on a nine-run inning.
Berg went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. McKeon and Ganske each had multi-hit games. Berg picked up the win on the mound as well, throwing two innings and allowing just two hits with three strikeouts.
After winning the first game of a road doubleheader in Alexandria 9-2, the Centaurs scored nine runs in the seventh inning to complete the sweep with an 11-7 win. Bemidji has now won seven straight games.
Down to its last three outs and trailing 7-2, Post 14 got to work. Eli Hoffman's two-run double made it 7-4. Hoffman scored on Jack Zellmann's RBI double before Gunner Ganske tied the game with a two-run, two-bagger.
Ganske scored on Lawson Berg's RBI single before Heaton Brodina made it 9-7 with a sacrifice fly. James Garrison's RBI triple and Leo McKeon's run-scoring single put the finishing touches on a nine-run inning.
Berg went 3-for-4 with two RBIs. McKeon and Ganske each had multi-hit games. Berg picked up the win on the mound as well, throwing two innings and allowing just two hits with three strikeouts.
4 months ago
Jun. 27—PRIOR LAKE — They beat them by one bird.
Bemidji High School's clay target shooters made their trip to Prior Lake for the state tournament. When it was over, they sat atop the team standings with a score of 487. It was one better than Lakeville South, which finished at 486.
Bemidji turned in two scores of 99, one at 97 and two at 96 to beat out 39 other Minnesota schools for the state championship.
Bemidji High School's clay target shooters made their trip to Prior Lake for the state tournament. When it was over, they sat atop the team standings with a score of 487. It was one better than Lakeville South, which finished at 486.
Bemidji turned in two scores of 99, one at 97 and two at 96 to beat out 39 other Minnesota schools for the state championship.
4 months ago
Jun. 17—BEMIDJI — Bemidji State Athletics and the BSU Alumni and Foundation announced a renovation project for the BSU Gymnasium, providing upgraded experiences and a new era for Beaver Basketball, Beaver Volleyball and the greater Bemidji community.
The project, which is privately funded through donor support and crowdfunding, is scheduled to break ground in March 2027 and be completed in October 2027. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.
Alumni Trent and Beth (Buckingham) Baalke are leading the philanthropic charge with a $1 million lead donation to the project, which positions it as a transformational gift within the Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence pillar of the For the North campaign. The Baalkes view the renovations as an opportunity to give back in recognition of all they were given as student-athletes.
"We're fortunate to be in a position to help and to better the experience for students. Because somebody once did it for us," Trent Baalke said in a release. "We wouldn't be where we are without Bemidji State University. BSU set us up for success and for the life we have with each other, so we're excited to give back."
Britt Lauritsen, Bemidji State's director of athletics, sees the Baalkes' donation as an investment in current and future students, allowing them to learn, grow and lead in ways that enhance their lives well beyond their time on campus.
The project, which is privately funded through donor support and crowdfunding, is scheduled to break ground in March 2027 and be completed in October 2027. The finished product will feature new bleachers, a viewing room, accessibility upgrades and the newly minted Buckingham-Baalke Court.
Alumni Trent and Beth (Buckingham) Baalke are leading the philanthropic charge with a $1 million lead donation to the project, which positions it as a transformational gift within the Facility Upgrades and Faculty Excellence pillar of the For the North campaign. The Baalkes view the renovations as an opportunity to give back in recognition of all they were given as student-athletes.
"We're fortunate to be in a position to help and to better the experience for students. Because somebody once did it for us," Trent Baalke said in a release. "We wouldn't be where we are without Bemidji State University. BSU set us up for success and for the life we have with each other, so we're excited to give back."
Britt Lauritsen, Bemidji State's director of athletics, sees the Baalkes' donation as an investment in current and future students, allowing them to learn, grow and lead in ways that enhance their lives well beyond their time on campus.
4 months ago
Jun. 17—BEMIDJI — The Lumberjack Open is returning to the Bemidji High School and Bemidji Middle School tennis courts June 27-28.
The local youth tennis tournament will host singles matches on June 27 and doubles matches on June 28. The
tournament registration
ends on Sunday, June 21.
Matches will be played in a best-of-three format, with no-ad scoring and a super tiebreaker in place of a traditional third set. Consolation bracket matches will be shortened, and all match formats could be changed at the discretion of the tournament managers.
The local youth tennis tournament will host singles matches on June 27 and doubles matches on June 28. The
tournament registration
ends on Sunday, June 21.
Matches will be played in a best-of-three format, with no-ad scoring and a super tiebreaker in place of a traditional third set. Consolation bracket matches will be shortened, and all match formats could be changed at the discretion of the tournament managers.
4 months ago
Jun. 17—BEMIDJI — Bemidji State volleyball head coach Erika Bute unveiled the 2026 schedule on Wednesday afternoon. The schedule includes 20 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference matches and two preseason road tournaments.
To start the season, the Beavers head to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the U-Mary's First Serve Invitational Aug. 28 and 29. During the two-day event, the Beavers will take on Western New Mexico, U-Mary, Montana State-Billings and Black Hills State. The following week, BSU heads to San Diego for the Fall Cougar Classic, hosted by California State San Marcos. Starting on Thursday, Sep. 3, the Beavers will take on CSU San Marcos, California Merced, Minnesota Crookston and Saint Michael's College.
Bemidji State kicks off the NSIC regular season on the road Sep. 11 and 12, heading to Minot State and back to U-Mary. The Beavers will then host three matches in the BSU Gymnasium, Sep. 18, 19 and 24, against Jamestown, Northern State and Minnesota Duluth, respectively. The Sept. 19 match will celebrate Beaver parents with the team's annual Parents' Night, while the following game is a homecoming matchup. September rounds out with road trips to Minnesota State Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston on Sep. 26 and 29, respectively.
The Beavers stay on the road to start October with matches at Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul on Oct. 2 and 3. They return home the following week to host St. Cloud State and Minnesota State. On Oct. 16 and 17, the Beavers will be in Wayne, Nebraska, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to take on Wayne State and Augustana, respectively. After the Beavers' longest road trip, they will stay home for three matches against Sioux Falls, Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston on Oct. 23, 24 and 27, respectively. The month finishes with a road trip to Northern State and Jamestown over Halloween weekend.
Closing out the NSIC regular season, the Beavers are set to host U-Mary for Senior Night on Nov. 6, honoring this year's lone senior, setter Katrina Thompson. BSU will then host Minot State on Nov. 7 in an 11 a.m. match to close the regular season.
To start the season, the Beavers head to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the U-Mary's First Serve Invitational Aug. 28 and 29. During the two-day event, the Beavers will take on Western New Mexico, U-Mary, Montana State-Billings and Black Hills State. The following week, BSU heads to San Diego for the Fall Cougar Classic, hosted by California State San Marcos. Starting on Thursday, Sep. 3, the Beavers will take on CSU San Marcos, California Merced, Minnesota Crookston and Saint Michael's College.
Bemidji State kicks off the NSIC regular season on the road Sep. 11 and 12, heading to Minot State and back to U-Mary. The Beavers will then host three matches in the BSU Gymnasium, Sep. 18, 19 and 24, against Jamestown, Northern State and Minnesota Duluth, respectively. The Sept. 19 match will celebrate Beaver parents with the team's annual Parents' Night, while the following game is a homecoming matchup. September rounds out with road trips to Minnesota State Moorhead and Minnesota Crookston on Sep. 26 and 29, respectively.
The Beavers stay on the road to start October with matches at Winona State and Concordia-St. Paul on Oct. 2 and 3. They return home the following week to host St. Cloud State and Minnesota State. On Oct. 16 and 17, the Beavers will be in Wayne, Nebraska, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to take on Wayne State and Augustana, respectively. After the Beavers' longest road trip, they will stay home for three matches against Sioux Falls, Southwest Minnesota State and Minnesota Crookston on Oct. 23, 24 and 27, respectively. The month finishes with a road trip to Northern State and Jamestown over Halloween weekend.
Closing out the NSIC regular season, the Beavers are set to host U-Mary for Senior Night on Nov. 6, honoring this year's lone senior, setter Katrina Thompson. BSU will then host Minot State on Nov. 7 in an 11 a.m. match to close the regular season.
5 months ago
Jun. 8—BLAINE — Of the 15 Bemidji Youth Soccer teams that competed in the All-American Cup in Blaine over the weekend, a third of them competed for a championship.
Three of them won championships.
The U19 girls, U14 girls and the U12 boys all won their respective brackets to take home first-place finishes. The U19 boys fell in their championship game, as did the U12 girls.
The U19 girls are coached by Paul Ekhoff, the U14 girls are coached by Dan Gannon and the U12 boys are led by Mike Ceballos.
Three of them won championships.
The U19 girls, U14 girls and the U12 boys all won their respective brackets to take home first-place finishes. The U19 boys fell in their championship game, as did the U12 girls.
The U19 girls are coached by Paul Ekhoff, the U14 girls are coached by Dan Gannon and the U12 boys are led by Mike Ceballos.
5 months ago
Jun. 8—BEMIDJI — During the offseason, the Bemidji State football team needed an anniversary logo for its upcoming 100th season and enlisted one of its players to make it.
Out of all the players, of course, it was the kicker who stepped up.
Connor Mantelli, who was the primary kicker for BSU in 2024 and 2025, designed an anniversary logo for the team's upcoming 100th season during the offseason.
As a business administration major, Mantelli had dabbled in design in the past, starting a small cleat and shoe customization business while growing up in Colorado. So when the Beavers needed a 100th season logo, they asked if he would take a shot at designing it.
"I've always just been interested in art," Mantelli said, "and I kind of thought that was a path I could take once I was done with school and football."
Out of all the players, of course, it was the kicker who stepped up.
Connor Mantelli, who was the primary kicker for BSU in 2024 and 2025, designed an anniversary logo for the team's upcoming 100th season during the offseason.
As a business administration major, Mantelli had dabbled in design in the past, starting a small cleat and shoe customization business while growing up in Colorado. So when the Beavers needed a 100th season logo, they asked if he would take a shot at designing it.
"I've always just been interested in art," Mantelli said, "and I kind of thought that was a path I could take once I was done with school and football."
5 months ago
Jun. 2—STEPHEN, Minn. — Emily Marquis was touring Bemidji State's campus when Allison LaVine, a two-time Minnesota Class A champion in the discus, left class to chat with her.
"She ran out and said hi," Marquis said. "We were talking, holding up the tour."
Marquis, a senior thrower for West Marshall, has grown close with the former Clearbrook-Gonvick thrower. On paper, LaVine could very well have been considered one of Marquis' primary rivals over the past few years.
Marquis took first place in the discus at last year's Minnesota Section 8A championships, while LaVine finished second.
At the ensuing Class A state meet, however, LaVine won her second consecutive discus championship while Marquis finished third.
"She ran out and said hi," Marquis said. "We were talking, holding up the tour."
Marquis, a senior thrower for West Marshall, has grown close with the former Clearbrook-Gonvick thrower. On paper, LaVine could very well have been considered one of Marquis' primary rivals over the past few years.
Marquis took first place in the discus at last year's Minnesota Section 8A championships, while LaVine finished second.
At the ensuing Class A state meet, however, LaVine won her second consecutive discus championship while Marquis finished third.
8 months ago
Henry Shannon III scores career-high 30 points in loss to Jamestown
Feb. 14—BEMIDJI — Henry Shannon III had quite a performance at the Sanford Center Saturday.
He scored 30 points, a career high, but it wasn't enough for the Bemidji State men's basketball team to defeat Jamestown, losing 74-67.
Shannon led the team in points and in rebounds with 11, while Austin Josephson collected four ***** ists, leading BSU.
The Beavers were only 3-for-18 from 3-point range.
Jamestown 74, Bemidji State 67
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
Feb. 14—BEMIDJI — Henry Shannon III had quite a performance at the Sanford Center Saturday.
He scored 30 points, a career high, but it wasn't enough for the Bemidji State men's basketball team to defeat Jamestown, losing 74-67.
Shannon led the team in points and in rebounds with 11, while Austin Josephson collected four ***** ists, leading BSU.
The Beavers were only 3-for-18 from 3-point range.
Jamestown 74, Bemidji State 67
https://sports.yahoo.com/a...
