Season review: Lady T-Bird soccer season one to celebrate
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ soccer team had a season full of highlights, top players and wild finishes, all culminating in Great Northern Conference and regional titles. The Thunderbirds went 18-2-0 overall, 12-0-0-0 in the GNC. They scored 63 goals while giving up 12. Lakeland got off to one of its best starts in program history, starting the season a perfect 16-0-0.
On top of the podium: Vivian Yelton wins national championship
Sophia Yelton runner-up
The Lakeland Figure Skating Club had a strong showing at the Excel National Festival and Final, including a national champion. The Excel National Festival and Final took place July 15 through 19 at the Skating Club of Boston in Norwood, Mass. Five girls represented Lakeland in Paisley and Sophia Metzger, Sophia and Vivian Yelton and Abby Zimmerman.
Two tournament titles cap summer
Lakeland 12U, 14U youth baseball teams win in Antigo
The Lakeland 12U and 14U youth baseball teams ended the summer in the best way possible. Both the Lakeland 12U and 14U teams won its respective divisions in the Antigo Dugout Club Tournament Saturday, July 18 through Sunday, July 19.
Tough test: Matt Haggart gets first Wisconsin state amateur experience
Matt Haggart got a taste of just how difficult a golf course can be in his first Wisconsin state amateur. Haggart, Lakeland Union High School Class of 2024 alumnus, took part in the 125th Wisconsin Amateur Championship Monday, July 20 through Thursday, July 23 at West Bend Country Club. Haggart missed the cut following the first two rounds with a 168 (92-76).
LUHS girls’ basketball growing as a team
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ basketball team is using summer league play as a way to grow and get stronger as a team. The Thunderbirds played two games in the D.C. Everest varsity league on Tuesday, July 21. Lakeland beat Crandon 39-22 and fell to Marshfield Columbus 29-19.
Snowhawks win low-scoring game over Zimmy’s All-Stars
The Snowhawks got a little revenge Monday against a team that beat them last year, defeating Zimmy’s All-Stars 12-6 at Snowshoe Park in Lake Tomahawk.
Minocqua 89ers drop final game of the summer
Minocqua won’t play in the Legion tournament this weekend
It was an all too familiar story for the Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team in its final game of the season Monday. Rhinelander beat the 89ers 11-4 at Stafford Field in Rhinelander.
On repeat: Lakeland 14U softball team runner-up to Marshfield again
For a second straight year, the Lakeland 14U softball team took second place at the Rod Timm Memorial Girls’ Fast Pitch Tournament in Tomahawk. Lakeland went 3-1 in a tournament that took place Friday, July 17 through Sunday, July 19. Lakeland beat Mosinee 10-8 on Friday, July 17 before beating Wausau 12-6 on Saturday, July 18. Both of those games took place in pool play. In the semifinals, Lakeland beat Rhinelander 12-0 before falling to Marshfield, 12-0, in the championship game.
Lakeland 12U softball team gains ‘great experience’
Lakeland 12U softball put together a tournament team for the Rod Timm Memorial Girls’ Fast Pitch Tournament in Tomahawk last weekend.
Walk-off bunt caps comeback
Lakeland 14U softball team rallies from five runs down to beat Hurley
The Lakeland 14U youth softball team powered through adversity in a comeback win over Hurley Wednesday. Lakeland defeated Hurley 8-7 in six innings at Lenz Field in Minocqua. Zoe Sievert delivered a walk-off RBI following a sacrifice bunt in the bottom of the sixth inning.
Season review: LUHS track and field team flourished
The Lakeland Union High School track and field team had plenty of accolades in a season full of highlight performances.
United States Men’s National Team had me believing at the World Cup
Soccer is a sport that will always be near and dear to my heart. The performance of the United States Men’s National Team had me standing and cheering all the way to the end. The U.S. hosted the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) World Cup 2026 along with Canada and Mexico. With the championship game having taken place on Sunday, I wanted to give my thoughts on the tournament in general and the U.S.
Snowhawks win another nail-biter
The Snowhawks defeated the local police/fire departments, named Guns & Hoses, 11-10 in a seven-inning game at Snowshoe Park in Lake Tomahawk Monday, July 13.
Medford Legion baseball team brings the heat
Minocqua 89ers drop fifth game of the summer
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team’s contest against Medford was a tale of two games. Medford beat the 89ers 11-1 Monday at the Minocqua Park Complex. Medford held a slim 2-1 lead after five innings. Then, Medford scored a combined nine runs in the sixth and seventh innings to win with ease.
Season review: Young Lakeland boys’ tennis team challenged itself
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ tennis team didn’t have a lot of depth, but they got a lot of varsity experience and even sent one flight to the individual state tournament.
Twice in a week: Northwoods beats Minocqua again
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team showed improvement in its second loss of the week to Northwoods. The 89ers fell 11-2 to Northwoods Thursday at Don Burnside Park in Three Lakes.
Rhinelander rallies: Lakeland Babe Ruth Senior League team’s three-game win streak snapped
Lakeland’s Babe Ruth Senior League team dropped its second game of the summer on the road. Rhinelander beat Lakeland 16-9 Tuesday, June 30 at Stafford Field in Rhinelander. The last time the two teams met June 9 in Minocqua, Lakeland won 16-0. It was a different story in the latest meeting last week.
Crandon wins wire-to-wire over Lakeland Babe Ruth Prep League team No. 2
Crandon’s six-run first inning was too much for the Lakeland Babe Ruth Prep League No. 2 to overcome. Lakeland fell 14-4 in five innings to Crandon Wednesday at the Minocqua Park Complex. Easton Crass started on the mound for Lakeland. Crandon’s Keaston Samz and Keegan Carlsson both had RBI singles as part of Crandon’s six-run first inning.
Crazy comeback falls short: Snowhawks walk off The Lakeland Times
I’ve been a part of The Lakeland Times snowshoe baseball team since 2019. Monday was by far the best and closest game we’ve given the hometown team. The Snowhawks beat the Times 18-17 at Snowshoe Park in Lake Tomahawk.
Lakeland 14U softball team wins big over Laona
The Lakeland 14U youth softball team finally avoided the rain, playing Laona and winning 11-1 in five innings Friday, June 26 at Lenz Field in Minocqua.
Minocqua 89er Legion baseball drops home opener
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team dropped its home opener, 14-4, in six innings to Northwoods Monday in Minocqua. Northwoods, a team based out of Eagle River/Three Lakes, raced out to an 11-0 lead after three innings and never looked back.
Moving on: Matt Haggart ties for first, qualifies for Wisconsin Amateur Championship
For the first time in his career, Matt Haggart is going to the Wisconsin Amateur Championship. Haggart, a Lakeland Union High School Class of 2024 alumnus, tied for first with a 2-over 74 at a state amateur qualifier Wednesday at Trout Lake Golf Club in Arbor Vitae.
Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team loses road game
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team’s latest game featured a lot less runs in a road game Monday, June 22. The 89ers fell to Medford, 5-0, at Jaycee Field. Gabe Karch pitched a complete game for the 89ers, but Minocqua couldn’t get the bats going after scoring 19 runs one week earlier at Tomahawk.
Ironwood, Mich. tops Lakeland in Babe Ruth Prep League play
The Lakeland Babe Ruth Prep League team No. 2, coached by Justin Crass, fell 17-4 in five innings to Ironwood, Mich. at the Minocqua Park Complex Thursday. Ironwood got out to a hot start and led 12-0 after the first two innings.
Walk-off run opens 65th snowshoe baseball season
The 65th Lake Tomahawk snowshoe baseball season kicked off Monday with a walk-off win.
Lakeland 12U youth softball: Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic tops General Federation of Women’s Clubs
Both of Lakeland’s 12U youth softball teams played each other in a game Tuesday at Lenz Field in Minocqua. Sanford Health Marshfield Clinic beat General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC) 16-7 in four innings.
Minocqua 89ers fall to Medford in Legion play
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team lost its latest game in Medford. Medford defeated the 89ers 5-0 Monday at Jaycee Field. Minocqua (1-1) tallied just five hits and no runs one week after scoring 19 runs. Medford starter Will Wojcik pitched six scoreless innings and got the win.
Lakeland comeback
Lakeland Babe Ruth Prep League team defeats Eagle River
Lakeland has two teams in the Babe Ruth Prep League. The one coached by Eric Kroening, Team Wireless, achieved a comeback win. The Thunderbirds beat Eagle River 9-8 Monday at the Minocqua Park Complex.
Walk-off win
Lakeland Babe Ruth Senior League team beats Eagle River
A walk-off win gave the Lakeland Babe Ruth Senior League team a lot to celebrate on Tuesday, June 16. The Thunderbirds defeated Eagle River 6-5 at the Minocqua Park Complex.
Season review: Lakeland baseball improved till the end
The Lakeland Union High School baseball team made progress from the start of the season to the end. The Thunderbirds compiled a 4-14 record and finished 2-12 in the Great Northern Conference to place eighth out of eight teams. Overall, they averaged 6.6 runs per game and allowed an average of 10.6 runs.
Northwoods golf tradition
Let’s Tee Off Against Breast Cancer golf event raises money for totes for breast cancer patients
The 17th annual Let’s Tee Off Against Breast Cancer golf event took place Thursday at Trout Lake Golf Club in Arbor Vitae. Like they’ve done in years past, they raised a lot of money to help those who are dealing with breast cancer.
Never-ending game
89ers outlast Tomahawk in nearly four-hour long Legion opener
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team won its season opener in a game that featured 36 total runs and lasted approximately four hours Monday. The 89ers beat Tomahawk 19-17 at Tyler Kahle Memorial Field in Tomahawk.
Home tournament: Lakeland youth baseball teams experience highs and lows
Lakeland youth baseball hosted its second tournament of the summer with three Lakeland teams in action last weekend. The Lakeland 10U, 12U and 14U teams all played in a tournament Saturday, June 13 through Sunday, June 14 at the Minocqua Park Complex.
Rhinelander rains on Lakeland’s season
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ soccer team’s season came to a screeching halt following a playoff loss Thursday. The top-seeded Thunderbirds fell 2-0 to second-seeded Rhinelander in a rain-soaked WIAA Division 3 sectional semifinal game at IncredibleBank Field in Minocqua.
Taking the next step: Kade Meyer to play for Ontario Hockey League this fall
Minocqua native and former Lakeland Union High School hockey player Kade Meyer took the next step in his hockey journey when he signed with a Canadian-based hockey league last month. Meyer signed to play hockey for the Saginaw Spirit, an Ontario Hockey League (OHL) team, on May 16.
Season review: LUHS softball battled in competitive conference
A season removed from going to the state tournament, wins were harder to come by for the Lakeland Union High School softball team in 2026. The Thunderbirds finished 9-13 overall and went 3-10 in the Great Northern Conference, seventh out of eight teams. In 21 games played, Lakeland averaged 5.4 runs scored per game while allowing an average of 7.1 runs per game.
Chapter closed: Lakeland’s Davis Kock ties for 30th at state
Senior Davis Kock ended his Lakeland Union High School golf career with a strong showing at the state meet earlier this week. Kock took part in the 100th WIAA Boys Golf State Championships Monday and Tuesday at University Ridge in Madison. He tied for 30th out of 104 golfers with a 7-over 151.
LUHS girls’ soccer awarded nine all-conference selections
Ava Evenhouse defensive player of the year, Stephanie Hartzheim coach of the year
The Lakeland Union High School girls’ soccer team, undefeated Great Northern Conference champions, received plenty of postseason accolades. A total of nine Lakeland student-athletes, including head coach Stephanie Hartzheim, were recognized when the GNC released its three all-conference teams earlier this week.
Season preview: Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team ready to roll
The Minocqua Post 89 American Legion baseball team is back in action beginning next week. The 89ers open their season Monday, June 15 with a road game at Tomahawk. William Poupart is the new coach of the 89ers for 2026.
Lakeland Babe Ruth Senior League team wins big over Rhinelander
Lakeland has one baseball team in the Babe Ruth Senior League this season. They won in convincing fashion on Tuesday. The Thunderbirds beat Rhinelander 16-0 in five innings at the Minocqua Park Complex.
Regional champions
Lady T-Birds shut out Mosinee, Merrill
For the fourth time since 2021, the Lakeland Union High School girls’ soccer team won a regional championship. The top-seeded Thunderbirds beat eighth-seeded Mosinee 4-0 in a WIAA Division 3 regional semifinal game Thursday. Then, Lakeland defeated fifth-seeded Merrill 3-0 in a regional final Saturday. Both games took place at IncredibleBank Field in Minocqua.
Senior sendoff: Marshall Holmquist makes podium at state
Emerson Rubo takes ninth in 3,200-meter run
The Lakeland Union High School track and field team wrapped up its season at the state meet over the weekend. Senior Marshall Holmquist set a new personal record and made the podium in the triple jump at the WIAA Division 2 track and field state meet Friday through Saturday at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Freshman Emerson Rubo came in ninth place in the 3,200-meter run.
Andrew Colianni/Main Byram win opening match at state
Two members of the Lakeland Union High School boys’ tennis team showed how competitive they could be at the state tournament. Sophomore Andrew Colianni and freshman Main Byram took part in the WIAA Division 2 individual boys’ tennis state tournament Thursday and Friday at Nielsen Stadium in Madison.
Davis dominates: Lakeland’s Davis Kock going to state for fourth straight year
Lakeland Union High School senior Davis Kock is no stranger to the state golf meet. He’s going back to state for the fourth time in his career, first as an individual, after a stellar round at the sectional meet.
State track and field preview: Marshall Holmquist and Emerson Rubo set to compete
Two Thunderbirds are ready to make their high school track and field state debuts this weekend in La Crosse. Lakeland Union High School senior Marshall Holmquist and freshman Emerson Rubo are competing at the WIAA Division 2 state track and field meet today and tomorrow at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse.
Lakeland represented with five total baseball and softball all-conference student-athletes
Five total Lakeland Union High School baseball and softball student-athletes were awarded all-conference honors when the Great Northern Conference released the teams earlier this week. For baseball and softball, players are nominated by coaches and then voted on by the other GNC coaches. Coaches cannot vote for their own players.
Lakeland’s Marshall Holmquist, Emerson Rubo qualify for state track meet
Two Thunderbirds are state-bound to La Crosse following a track and field meet Friday in Rice Lake. The Lakeland track and field team took part in a WIAA Division 2 sectional meet at Dairy State Bank Stadium in Rice Lake. The Lakeland boys finished 14th out of 30 teams with 18.5 points while the Lakeland girls were 21st out of 30 with 11 points.
State ticket punched: Lakeland’s Andrew Colianni/Main Byram Madison-bound
Lakeland boys’ tennis sent a doubles flight to state following a sectional meet in Eau Claire Thursday. The Thunderbirds finished seventh out of 14 teams with 13 points at a WIAA Division 2 sectional meet at the John and Fay Menard YMCA Tennis Center. Lakeland’s No. 1 doubles team sophomore Andrew Colianni and freshman Main Byram qualified for the state tournament and took third place in their bracket.
Mercer’s Kaylee Powers sets new school record in 300 hurdles
The Mercer High School track team experienced a lot of positives as the season came to a conclusion last week. The Tigers competed in a WIAA Division 3 regional track meet in Ashland on Tuesday, May 26 before going to Marathon for a sectional meet on Friday.
De Pere hands LUHS girls’ soccer its first loss of the season
It took until the final game of the regular season, but the Lakeland Union High School girls’ soccer team is no longer perfect. De Pere beat the Thunderbirds 7-1 in a non-conference game Thursday at Cloud Family Field in De Pere.