News

Lakes International Language Academy freshman Brecken Lee got bit by the theater bug at a young age. She was four when she took the stage for the first time. Since then, Lee has performed in over 30 different theater productions throughout the Forest Lake area and the broader Twin Cities.

Alongside Old Highway 23, there stands this proud sign exclaiming Russell High School’s 1979 9-Man state football championship team. Eric Viccaro, Sports Editor at the Pipestone County Star, thought it was time to celebrate the 45th anniversary of this grand occasion.

Two Cannon Falls coaches - Melissa Huseth and Dan Meyers - recently shared some of their philosophies on developing "life skills," like leadership, teamwork and perseverance, through high school athletics.

Lisa Eng-Sarne, a graduate of North High School in North St. Paul, is one of six roller derby team members featured in the sports documentary “Minnesota Mean.” Released in July, the film takes viewers into the rough and tumble world of roller derby and reveals the grit and determination players need to navigate the sport while following their personal dreams.

Rachel Herzog, a graduate of Hill-Murray, was recently named a host and analyst for New Jersey Devils broadcasts by MSG Networks.

Lisa Johnson was recently named the Activities Director at Zimmerman Middle High School.

Steve Techam, the longtime wrestling coach at Verndale and Bertha-Hewitt, is facing his toughest battle after being diagnosed with aplastic anemia in February 2023.

Track and field star Emmanuel Matadi recently participated in the 2024 Olympics in Paris. For the 2009 St. Paul Johnson High School alum it was the last of three appearances for his home country of Liberia.

John Gaub, a graduate of South St. Paul High School, is a unique player when it comes to Town Ball: he pitched in the major leagues.

Rick Engelstad, who grew up in Thief River Falls, recently retired as the Pine City activities director. In addition to serving as a teacher, coach and AD, Engelstad was instrumental in the MSHSL. He served as state tennis tournament director for a number of years and helped develop and implement rules and procedures for state high school tennis.

Sanyu Mwassa and Mariam Elias-Danjuma, 2024 graduates of White Bear Lake Area High School, recently became the first Black women to win in the duo category of the National Speech & Debate Tournament.

Diver Alayna Kennedy, a senior at Austin High School, will compete with the AAU Junior National Team in Rome, Italy on July 24-26. She qualified in the one-meter, three-meter and five-meter platform events.