Lake Tomahawk native Cole Punches suffered a stroke Wednesday, Aug. 12, due to a blood clot in his brain. He is being treated at UW-Health in Madison. The good news is Punches is cognitive, communicative and can eat and drink, according to a person close to the Punches family.
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ tennis team got its season off to a positive start with a 5-2 win over non-conference Wausau East Monday at the LUHS tennis courts in Minocqua. With new Thunderbirds in different spots of the lineup, and several players making their varsity debuts, Lakeland couldn’t have asked for a better start.
Lakeland Union High School cross country opened its season on Monday with strong numbers. Last year, the Lakeland boys had plenty of runners that helped them win Great Northern Conference and sectional titles. However, there were just two girls — sophomores Addison Eggen and Emerson Rubo — that came out for the team.
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ soccer team had several varsity spots to fill when tryouts took place earlier this week. The Thunderbirds held tryouts during the first day of the season Monday at the LUHS grass field. Lakeland boys’ soccer coach Ihor Myshchyshyn said student-athletes were being evaluated not just on physical skills, but on the mental aspect of the game.
Lakeland Union High School volleyball made it to a regional final playoff game for the first time in years last fall. They’re looking to build on that momentum as they replace key players.
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ swim team has the pieces to have a strong season. The Thunderbirds ascended to second place in the Great Northern Conference a year ago. They’re poised to be strong yet again with returning state swimmers and new talent ready to make their debut.
Veteran teams often feature players that have competed at the highest level. The Lakeland Union High School girls’ tennis team is hoping that experience pays dividends in 2026. The Thunderbirds return virtually their entire team from last season. In addition, other student-athletes have stepped up, giving Lakeland options and depth.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has picked up a lot of momentum over the past few seasons. Last week, I decided to see a game in person for the first time ever. It did not disappoint.
The first extra-inning game of the snowshoe baseball season had no shortage of drama Monday night. Black Bear Bar came back and beat the Snowhawks 15-13 in 11 innings at Snowshoe Park in Lake Tomahawk.
Even though the Lakeland Union High School girls’ tennis team returns all its varsity players from last season, competition remains as high as ever. The Thunderbirds opened up their season Monday morning at the LUHS tennis courts. About 30 student-athletes signed up to play tennis this fall.