Sport Stories

The second threat of violence in a month at Hibbing High School has raised eyebrows and perked up authority figures, but it won’t cancel Friday’s Homecoming football game against International Falls.
The Broncos (1-5, 0-5) are scheduled to take on the Bluejackets (1-5, 0-5) at 7 p.m. Friday in Hibbing.
A threat of violence was found in the boys’ bathroom at Hibbing High School late last week and mentioned violence on Oct. 10, the same day as the football game, according to Hibbing principal Mike Finco.

Today’s game
Volleyball
L-BF at Tower-Soudan, 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s games
Volleyball
Deer River at L-BF, 7 p.m.
Grand Rapids at I. Falls, 7 p.m.
Orr at Indus, 5:45 p.m.

Wednesday’s game
Volleyball
Northland at RRCC, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday’s games
Volleyball
Mountain Iron-Buhl at L-BF, 7 p.m.
Northome-Kelliher at Indus, 4:45 p.m.
Girls Swimming
Thief River Falls at I. Falls, 4:30 p.m.
Cross Country
TBD at I. Falls in Hial Pike Invitational, TBD

Friday’s games
Football
Mesabi Academy at L-BF, 7 p.m.
I. Falls at Hibbing, 7 p.m.

Saturday’s game
Volleyball

Legendary Bronco football coach Stuart Nordquist heads into the MSHSCA Hall of Fame on Saturday in Minneapolis

Stuart Nordquist can’t remember exactly what the first play was he ran after taking over the Bronco football team back in 1974, but he has an idea.
“My guess it would be off-tackle. That’s a pretty good guess, huh?” he said with a sharp chuckle, referencing his passion for what he calls the most important play in football.

After over 40 years of coaching high school sports, Bronco head football coach Stuart Nordquist will be honored Saturday by the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association.

Impulse buys can usually be associated with a candy bar, a classic DVD or if you really want to get in trouble — a 60-inch plasma television.
But how about a Minnesota Twins game 300 miles away?
Count me in ... twice.
Before the Twins surprised everyone with their “remember where you were during the three-game sweep” of the White Sox last week, I had weekend plans to mow for the last time before winter and get some hours in at a local part-time job.
Then Tuesday happened (9-3 Twins — 1 1/2 games back).
And Wednesday (3-2 Twins — 1/2 game back).

Kerry Park Arena is hosting a USA hockey referee clinic at 10 a.m. Saturday.
All kids and adults who wish to referee hockey this season must attend the clinic. Skates, a helmet and a whistle are required. For more information, contact the recreation department at (218) 283-2571, ext. 138.

Today’s game
Cross Country
I. Falls at Thief River Falls, 4 p.m.

Tuesday’s games
Volleyball
L-BF at Hill City, 7 p.m.
Mountain Iron-Buhl at I. Falls, 7 p.m.
Indus at Cass Lake-Bena, 5 p.m.

Wednesday’s game
Volleyball
Itasca at RRCC, 6:30 p.m.

Thursday’s games
Volleyball
Nashwauk-Keewatin at L-BF, 7 p.m.
I. Falls at Ely, 7 p.m.
Girls Swimming
Virginia at I. Falls, 4:30 p.m.

Friday’s games
Football
L-BF at Cook, 3:30 p.m.
Proctor at I. Falls, 7 p.m.
Volleyball
Vermilion at RRCC, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday’s games
Volleyball
Mesabi Range at RRCC, 6:30 p.m.

Jottings columns are all over the place and can be — and should be — a staple in local newspapers.
“Going deep with Jim Johnson” was arguably the most popular part of the sports pages when I departed two years ago and now it’s back.
From the professional levels — Bob Mason with the Minnesota Wild and Kevin Constantine with the Houston Aeros — to the college ranks — Drew Fisher with the University of Minnesota and Ryan Cramer at Bemidji State University — sports enthusiasts in the borderland will never lack interest in the athletic alumni from the area.

Darwin Johnson and Norm Cyr won the first Miller-Domino’s Fall Fling Horseshoe Tournament on Saturday at Kerry Park.
Participants hailed from the U.S. and Canada and teams were drawn randomly.
A round robin format was used and each team pitched seven games.
Johnson and Cyr finished a perfect 7-0 to win the crown. Jerry Reeve and Sandy Larson finished second at 5-2 and Rod Fougner and Jim Ysen were third at 4-3. Rob Meyer and Leroy Sonsteng edged Duane Carlson and Tim Grinsell for the consolation title in a tiebreaker on total points.

I’m BAAAAAAACK?
Return to sender?
Honey, I’m home?
Not even Google could help me come up with a non-cheesy catch phrase for my return to International Falls. But unlike the Fort Frances high school football team, I’m ready for another fall sports season in the Borderland area.
All jokes aside, I always knew starting my post-college career as a sports editor in International Falls was a wild idea.
I just had no idea I would be coming back so soon, and right before it gets cold, no less.