This Week in Hermantown Sports
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MONDAY
Girls Tennis – host Duluth Marshall, 4 p.m. Hawks Update: “We're now entering the third week of the season, and it's been an exciting start for the Hermantown Hawks girls tennis team,” said Hermantown head coach Jessica Worden. “The first two weeks have been about putting in the hard work, and our practices have been fantastic. We had a tough match against (Duluth) East, where we came close in several matches, even though the final score was 1-6. We're proud of Evie Sullivan, who secured our first team win at number two singles in that match. We've also faced Buffalo and St. Francis, gaining valuable experience along the way.
“Our returning seniors, Campbell Amundson and Lucy Grzbowski, have been phenomenal leaders. Their dedication, leadership, and work ethic set a great example for the rest of the team, and their influence is evident in the energy and commitment we're seeing from all the players," added Worden. “With nearly 50 student-athletes on the team this year, we're thrilled about the level of participation, but we're also in desperate need of volunteers to help keep things running smoothly. For the first time, we're running split practices to accommodate everyone, which has been a challenge and a great opportunity for focused development. We're looking forward to a fantastic rest of the season, and we're confident that the hard work the team is putting in will pay off in the matches ahead.”
TUESDAY
Girls Soccer – at Duluth Marshall, 4 p.m. Match Notes: The Hawks (0-1-1) tied visiting North Branch 1-1 on Thursday and lost 3-2 at Zimmerman Friday. Junior Cambriia Thomas has been sensational in goal for Hermantown. The Hilltoppers are 1-1-0.
Boys Soccer – host Duluth Marshall, 4 p.m. Match Notes: The Hawks lost their 2024 season opener at Benilde-St. Margaret’s, 3-2, Thursday. The Hilltoppers are 1-1-0, with an 8-0, season-opening home victory against Spectrum on Friday and a 6-0 home loss to Two Rivers Saturday. "I like our squad," said Hermantown head coach David Thompson. "We are pretty balanced in all areas of the field. Owen Landrigan is getting lots of offensive chances up top as an attacker. Our back line is solid, anchored by Gabe Wiita at center back. Our inside midfield is talented and hard-working with Evan Ogston, Graff Mellin and Hunter Nelson. And we have a young but athletic and intelligent goalkeeper in sophomore Ethan Aysta. This week we play two conference games against Marshall and Proctor. I am excited to see how we perform in these important matches."
Volleyball – host Esko, 7 p.m. Match Notes: The Hawks defeated host Duluth Marshall 3-0 in both team’s season opener Thursday. Esko (1-0) defeated visiting Hibbing 3-0 Friday.
WEDNESDAY
Boys and Girls Cross Country – at Virginia, 10 a.m.
Girls Tennis – at Rock Ridge, 10 a.m.
THURSDAY
Boys Soccer – at Proctor, 11 a.m.
Girls Soccer – at Proctor, 1 p.m.
Girls Swimming & Diving – at Northeast Range, 5 p.m.
FRIDAY
Football – host Proctor, 7 p.m. Game Notes: The Hawks are heavily favored in the annual The Hammer Game. Hermantown won the 2023 matchup, 47-8 in Proctor, and 55-6 at home in 2022. Hawks senior quarterback Alex Schott, the HowieHanson.com Preseason Player of the Year, and his teammates figure to have another impressive outing against the rebuilding Rails. Hawks Update: Hermantown scrimmaged against host Esko last Saturday. “I thought the scrimmage went well,” said Hawks head coach Mike Zagelmeyer. “I liked seeing that we were physical in places I had questions about. Overall, I also liked what our front five did on the offensive side of the ball. There were some mental mistakes, which can be expected in the season-opening scrimmage. I liked our energy level, although we will have to reel in some of it so we don’t get too high or too low during games.
“As far as Proctor goes it’s a rivalry game right off the bat. The kids know this game has been the center of attention for both programs for many years. It can be a season-defining game. The Hammer Game exemplifies what is great about high school sports. We are excited. I only wish it fell a little later in the season.”
