Adversity strikes LUHS boys’ hoops team in loss to Medford
Foul trouble and injuries were too much to overcome for the Lakeland Union High School boys’ basketball team in its road opener on Friday. Medford (1-2, 1-1 GNC) defeated the Thunderbirds 66-52 in a Great Northern Conference contest at Raider Hall.
LUHS boys’ hockey wins wire-to-wire over Pacelli
The Lakeland boys’ hockey team got back in the win column with a 4-1 victory over non-conference Pacelli on Thursday in Stevens Point.
Raiders race by Lady T-Birds
Medford girls’ basketball picks up first win over Lakeland in almost five years
Down one of its starters, the Lakeland girls’ basketball team dropped its third straight Great Northern Conference game to open the season. The Thunderbirds fell 79-50 to Medford on Friday in Minocqua.
Mercer High School varsity girls’ basketball season in limbo
The Mercer High School varsity girls’ basketball season may be coming to an end for 2025-26. Coming into the season with only six girls out for the team, the Tigers’ roster trimmed down to four as of last week.
Mercer boys’ basketball team falls to South Shore, Butternut
The Mercer boys’ basketball team started strong but couldn’t finish in its first two games of the season. The Tigers fell 65-46 in their season, home and Northern Lights Conference opener against South Shore on Friday, Dec. 5. Then, Butternut defeated Mercer 55-48 in another conference game on Friday in Mercer.
Season review: Lady T-Bird swim rose up state ranks
Three years ago, the Lakeland Union High School girls’ swim program didn’t have much of a team. The Thunderbirds increased their numbers this year and had one of their best seasons of the decade.
Taming the Tigers
Thunderbirds rebound for win over Stratford after season-opening loss to Mosinee
The Lakeland boys’ basketball team split a pair of games with two Thunderbirds setting a new career high in points. The Thunderbirds fell 72-58 to Mosinee in the season, home and Great Northern Conference opener on Friday, Dec. 5. Then, Lakeland beat non-conference Stratford 49-47 on Monday. Both games took place in Minocqua.
Crandon comeback
A 21-5 end-of-first-half run helps Lady T-Bird hoops to first win of the season
Things haven’t been easy for the Lakeland girls’ basketball team to start the year. They finally picked up their first win of the season on Tuesday. Lakeland beat Crandon 55-43 in Crandon. On Friday, Dec. 5, Mosinee beat Lakeland 55-22 in a Great Northern Conference game in Mosinee.
Top-five finish
Lakeland girls’ wrestling places in upper half of invite in Antigo
The Lakeland girls’ wrestling team got its season off to a positive start with the fourth-most points at an invite last weekend. The Thunderbirds finished fourth out of 30 teams with 98 points at the Red Robin Girls Invite Friday, Dec. 5 in Antigo.
T-Bird boys’ wrestling finishes in 12th place
The Lakeland boys’ wrestling team got more mat experience with an invite in Antigo last weekend. The Thunderbirds finished 12th out of 18 teams with 57.5 points at the John Roberts Invite in Antigo on Saturday.
Third-period woes
Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op drops second game of the season
One period made all the difference in the Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op’s 5-1 loss to the Cap City Cougars on Friday, Dec. 5 in Rhinelander. The Cougars scored four times in the third period to outlast the co-op that includes Northland Pines, Lakeland Union, Rhinelander, Three Lakes, Antigo, Hurley and Norway (Mich.) high schools.
Thunderbirds drop first two matches of the season
A shorthanded Lakeland boys’ wrestling team dropped two matches during a season-opening double dual in Tomahawk. The Hatchets defeated Lakeland 59-21 in a Great Northern Conference dual on Thursday. Then, non-conference Athens beat the Thunderbirds 47-30.
Season review: T-Bird boys’ soccer dominated
A historic Lakeland boys’ soccer season came up one game short of state. On the way, the Thunderbirds found many successes. The Thunderbirds went 17-1-1 overall, their best winning percentage as a team since at least 2008. They averaged 4.3 goals per game and gave up 0.4 goals per game.
LUHS boys’ hockey team falls to Waupaca
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ hockey team dropped its second straight Great Northern Conference game when they traveled to Waupaca on Thursday. The Comets beat the Thunderbirds 4-1. Thursday marked Waupaca’s first win over Lakeland since Dec. 22, 2018.
Season preview: Lady T-Bird gymnastics young and on the rise
The Lakeland Union High School gymnastics team is returning this season after a canceled 2024-25 campaign. The future looks bright moving forward. Numbers are way up this season as Lakeland builds the program back up.
Win streak comes to an end
Merrill stuns Lady T-Birds, snaps Lakeland’s 41-game conference winning streak
The Lakeland girls’ basketball team seemed destined to pick up its first win of the season on Tuesday. Merrill finished on a high note and, in turn, ended the Thunderbirds’ Great Northern Conference win streak.
T-Bird boys’ hockey team drops home, conference opener to reigning state champs
Hosting the reigning WIAA Division 2 state champions, the Thunderbird boys’ hockey team didn’t have the firepower to keep up with Tomahawk. The Hatchets defeated the Thunderbirds 8-1 in the Great Northern Conference opener at the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena on Tuesday.
Down to the wire
Lakeland boys’ swim comes up a few points short in season opener against Medford
The Lakeland boys’ swim team came up a couple points short of upsetting Medford in the season opener on Tuesday in Minocqua. The Raiders beat the Thunderbirds 65-57. Lakeland won seven of the 11 events, but the Raiders used their depth to overtake the home team.
Season preview: Lakeland girls’ wrestling ready to soar
It’s a new era for the Lakeland girls’ wrestling team. They have their own coach as they look to continue to build the program. Jacob Merrill is the new head coach of the Thunderbirds. He’s taking over for Adam Bremer who had been coaching both the boys’ and girls’ teams the past few seasons.
Season preview: Lakeland boys’ hoops staying positive
There’s optimism inside the Lakeland boys’ basketball program, even with a couple of injuries hindering the team. The Thunderbirds are hoping this is the year to be in the top half of the Great Northern Conference and to snap their winless postseason streak dating back to 2019.
Mustang momentum
Menomonie hands Lady T-Bird basketball its third straight loss to begin season
It was much of the same for the Lakeland girls’ basketball team in a 58-35 road loss to non-conference Menomonie on Tuesday, Nov. 25. The Thunderbirds committed 30-plus turnovers for the third consecutive game to open the year. It’s Lakeland’s first 0-3 start to a season since the 2022-23 campaign, the same season they made it to the state tournament.
Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op drops opener to Chippewa Falls/Menomonie
The Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op dropped its first game of the season 5-2 to Chippewa Falls/Menomonie on Tuesday, Nov. 25.
Season preview: Lakeland boys’ wrestling team building for the postseason
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ wrestling team is focused on putting wrestlers in the best position to succeed when the postseason comes around.
Season preview: Mercer Tiger boys’ basketball striving to be more competitive
The Mercer boys’ basketball team is looking to be more competitive this year. In order to do that, they need to come together as a team. It’s year No. 2 for coach Anthony Pemble. The Tigers won two games last year, both against Butternut, in his first season.
Season preview: LUHS boys’ swim team building on last season
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ swim team is back in action once again with the same four swimmers from last season. Juniors Silas Fetrow and Braelen Hesch and sophomores Hunter Guckenberg and Garrison Jacques are representing Lakeland again this season. All four student-athletes swam on the team last year, it’s first season back following a canceled 2023-24 campaign.
T-Bird boys’ hockey cruises to season-opening win
The Lakeland boys’ hockey team may not have outshot its opponent, but they definitely put more pucks in the net. The Thunderbirds beat non-conference Shawano/Bonduel 6-1 in the season opener on Friday, Nov. 21 in Shawano.
‘Room to grow’
Lakeland girls’ basketball drops first two games in Beaver Dam
Not at full strength, the Lakeland girls’ basketball team dropped two non-conference games in Beaver Dam last weekend. Racine Case defeated the Thunderbirds 84-36 on Friday, Nov. 21. Then, Lakeland fell 77-36 to Cuba City on Saturday.
Season review: Lakeland cross country showed program-wide success
Lakeland cross country had many team and individual accolades throughout the season. The Thunderbird boys brought home a Great Northern Conference and sectional title, qualifying to state for the third time in four years. The Lakeland girls didn’t have enough runners to form a team but saw standout performances throughout the season from freshmen Emerson Rubo and Addison Eggen.
Season review: Lady T-Bird volleyball made team history
The Lakeland Union High School volleyball team had a historic season. From the regular season to conference to the postseason, the Thunderbirds took flight and succeeded.
Shorthanded Mercer girls’ basketball team drops opener to Northland Pines
Down a player, the Mercer girls’ basketball team couldn’t keep up with Northland Pines in a season-opening 54-5 loss to the Eagles Thursday in Eagle River.
Season preview: LUHS girls’ basketball enters a new era
Things look a little different for the Lakeland girls’ basketball team with a new coach and plenty of new faces. One thing has remained the same — a positive group of girls.
Season preview: All hands on deck for Lakeland boys’ hockey
The Lakeland boys’ hockey team has finished in the top three of the Great Northern Conference standings each of the last six seasons. It’ll take everyone on the team to extend that streak.
LUHS boys’ basketball battling through early adversity
There’s more opportunity for student-athletes to make an impact inside the Lakeland boys’ basketball program as tryouts started on Monday. Injuries have already taken its toll on the Thunderbirds.
Running it back
T-Bird boys’ swim team returns same coach, swimmers from last season
The Lakeland boys’ swim team has a familiar look to it this season. Amie Rein is back as head coach of the Thunderbirds. She is feeling more comfortable in her second year at the helm of the program. The first day of practice took place Monday at the Lakeland Union High School pool.
Adam Bremer remains head coach of Lakeland boys’ wrestling team
Entering his 23rd season within the Lakeland boys’ wrestling program, Adam Bremer continues to find enjoyment in the sport.
Jacob Merrill begins tenure as new LUHS girls’ wrestling coach
Over the last several years, the Lakeland girls’ wrestling team has grown and grown. They have their own coach this year. Jacob Merrill is the new head coach of the girls’ wrestling team. He’s taking over for Adam Bremer, who’s solely focusing on the boys’ wrestling team.
Lakeland girls’ swim team turns in 12th-place performance at state
Five Lakeland Union High School swimmers helped the Thunderbirds to their best finish as a team at state in five years. The Thunderbirds finished 12th out of 33 teams with 64 points at the WIAA Division 2 state meet Friday in Waukesha. It’s Lakeland’s best team finish since they took ninth in 2020. Additionally, Lakeland has had a better team finish at state every year since 2022. Last year, Lakeland finished in 17th place.
Lakeland Figure Skating Club shines at nationals
Mia Gignac, Nick Theis win national championships
It’s a new season for the Lakeland Figure Skating Club. But before this season began, several Lakeland-area figure skaters shined at the national tournament in July. The Excel National Final and Festival took place July 9-13 at the Broadmoor World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colo. Lakeland club skaters Mia Gignac, Kylie Stewart, Nick Theis, Alora Tolbert, Marley Ujcich and Sophia Yelton all participated in a field of nearly 900 skaters.
Season preview: Lady Tiger basketball focusing on the team
The Mercer girls’ basketball team, low on numbers, is focusing on itself and not so much the win-loss record. Gordy Kohegyi is in his second season as head coach of the Tigers. He’s hoping to get the girls to come together and play as a team.
Five Lady T-Bird swimmers going to state
WIAA Division 2 meet takes place today at Waukesha South Natatorium
The Thunderbirds had a big day in the pool. They sent five individuals to state across six different events following a sectional meet last weekend.
Levi Massey leads new-look Lakeland girls’ basketball squad
With a new coach and plenty of new faces, there was plenty of energy as the Lakeland Union High School girls’ basketball season got underway. The first practice of the season took place on Monday at the LUHS fieldhouse. It was the first official practice for new head coach Levi Massey.
T-Bird boys’ hockey team laying a foundation
It’s a brand new season for the Lakeland boys’ hockey team. Practice got underway on Monday at the Lakeland Hawks Ice Arena. Head coach Jake Suter, entering his eighth season at the helm of the Thunderbirds, is looking forward to the new season. He talked about what he’s learned over the years.
LUHS gymnastics is back
Eight gymnasts are out for the team this year
Just one year ago, low numbers caused the suspension of the Lakeland Union High School gymnastics program. The team is back with plenty of buzz and excitement. “It is very exciting to be back in action,” coach Kaitlin Miesbauer said. “The high school season is one of my favorites, and I can’t wait to see what this season brings.”
Season review: Injuries hindered potential special LUHS football season
What started out as a historic opening to Lakeland football’s season, ended with a whimper as injuries piled up. The Thunderbirds went 5-5 on the season and finished tied for fourth out of eight teams in the Great Northern Conference with a 3-4 record. They averaged 21.9 points per game scored and 22.5 points per game allowed. They qualified for the playoffs for the sixth time since 2019.
Kade Meyer commits to play hockey at the University of St. Thomas
Former Thunderbird hockey player Kade Meyer has seen his journey take him from Minocqua to Detroit to Waterloo. It’ll continue in St. Paul, Minn. in a couple years. Meyer committed to play hockey at the University of St. Thomas, Minnesota last week. The Tommies are a Division 1 hockey program.
Season review: LUHS girls’ tennis team showed growth
Competing with an almost entirely new team this season, the Lakeland girls’ tennis squad got the experience they needed. The Thunderbirds finished fifth out of nine teams in the Great Northern Conference with 73 total points. They earned 60 points by going 30-26 as a team in conference matches. At the GNC tournament on Sept. 25, they gained 13 more points for 73.
Rhinelander Curling Club men’s and women’s teams gain experience at nationals
The Arena Club National Championships Oct. 14-19 in Las Vegas gave the Rhinelander Curling Club men’s and women’s teams a chance to take on the best in the country. The Rhinelander men’s and women’s teams went a combined 0-10. However, it was the overall experience that they took away.
Minocqua making history
IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships a big hit in Minocqua
For the first time ever, the International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) Dryland Mushing World Championships came to the United States. And they were a big hit. The IFSS Dryland Mushing World Championships took place Oct. 21-26 at Minocqua Winter Park.
T-Bird boys’ soccer awarded league-high 10 all-conference selections
Marshall Holmquist awarded GNC Offensive Player of the Year
The Lakeland Union High School boys’ soccer team dominated the Great Northern Conference season with an undefeated 12-0 record. They got plenty of all-conference recognition. The Thunderbirds were awarded a league-high 10 all-conference honorees, including the conference’s offensive player of the year award.
Strength training a highlight for Lakeland Nordic ski practice
Lakeland Nordic skiers were back in action this week and on Tuesday, they worked on a lot of the technical aspects. Fourteen Lakeland skiers met up at Marshfield Clinic Woodruff Center.
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