SPORTS
Soccer program approaches season under cloud of controversy
The busy season for area youth soccer teams is fast-approaching and leaders of the Lakes United Futbol program are feeling some extra pressure, in addition to the usual rush of getting schedules aligned, registering athletes and seeing that fields are in shape.
‘Cats open the year unbeaten
In the season opener, Sophomore Anna Zaruba homered and pitched a four-hit shutout to lead the Wildcat softball team to a 7-0 win over the Zimmerman Thunder Tuesday, April 9 at Zimmerman High School. The Wildcats slowly built a lead throughout the game, scoring in five of the seven innings. …
CL track shaking early cobwebs
The Wildcats participated in a Mississippi 8 Conference Triangular with Monticello and Cambridge-Isanti at Cambridge-Isanti High School on Tuesday, April 9. The girls finished a close second to Monticello in the team standings, while the boys finished a distant third.
Wildcats win one, drop two in M8C
The Wildcats opened their 2024 season with a clunker, losing 12-2 to the Monticello Magic in a game shortened to five innings because of the ten-run rule. Wildcat pitchers allowed just seven hits, but walked ten, allowing the Magic to score multiple runs in the second, third and fourth innings. …
Chisago Lakes alum conquers Canebrake 200
Kailee Carlson was never the star athlete in her career at Chisago Lakes High School that spanned from 2008-2012. Sure, she participated in track and field and tennis, but she didn’t make it to the state tournament, or win any major awards.
Vikes shut down by Irondale ace
Patience is a virtue, and it certainly seemed to be the deciding virtue in North Branch’s season-opening 4-1 loss to Irondale on Friday, April 5.
Quick whistles and poor shooting doom Wildcats in state quarterfinals
Playoff basketball at all levels typically means a bit more physical game with a few less whistles and a better flow.
MISSION: MINNEAPOLIS
Chisago Lakes is going to the state tournament for the first time since 2016, but it wasn’t without challenges as the Wildcats had to survive a 38 point effort from Hermantown senior Abe Suomis in the Wildcats 95-82 section championship win over the Hawks on Thursday, March 14.
‘Cats knock off Vikes then earn trip to state with win over Hermantown
North Branch and Chisago Lakes traded proverbial blows in the regular season with the Wildcats winning the first meeting and the Vikings securing the second.
Bender wins state title heavyweight in Class AA
Chisago Lakes wrestler Logan Bender was the last man standing at the Minnesota State High School Wrestling tournament in St. Paul. Bender claimed the state’s title as heavyweight in Class AA. Turn to page 10 to read about Bender and the other wrestlers who competed over the weekend.
EXCEPTIONAL ESGET
Dakota Esget made history last year, becoming the first North Branch gymnast to ever win a state championship.
Boys make waves at section, finish second
Chisago Lakes will be sending 10 swimmers and divers to the state meet this weekend after a wildly successful Section 4A meet at John Glen Middle School in Maplewood.
Chisago Lakes sends four wrestlers to state
Four Wildcats are headed to the 2024 State Wrestling Tournament from Section 4AA this weekend at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, with matches in the individual portion of the tournament taking place on Friday and Saturday. Junior Logan Bender, seeded number one in the section at 285 pounds, …
