By Sophia Miller
High School Scene: Ponies Gear Up
Stillwater Area High School’s multiple fall sports teams are hitting the ground running. The varsity boys soccer squad squared off against Hudson under the lights at Pony Stadium, while girls volleyball and tennis squads begin conference play against Maple Grove and White Bear Lake respectively. Trainers, coaches, and students are all pushing through preseason ramps—everything from tryouts to scrimmages is setting tone early for what the Ponies aim to build on from previous years. SAHS’s athletics calendar lists a steady stream of matches that offer both challenge and growth opportunities for returning players and newcomers alike.
Community Baseball: Loggers Battling Through Tough Stretch
The Stillwater Loggers, part of the local community baseball circuit, are working toward more wins this season. Their latest record shows they have won 3 games while losing 8, with several close ones suggesting the team’s competitive at the plate—even if the scoreboard doesn’t always reflect progress. Standouts among the roster include David Scheil and Wes Brand, players pulling from both college and high school ranks. As the league’s midseason turns, there’s room for momentum to swing back in the Loggers’ favor.
University of Minnesota: Gophers’ Schedule and Staff Updates
On the collegiate front, the Gophers continue to lay groundwork for their fall and winter campaigns. The men’s and women’s cross country squads just released their full 2026 competition slate, which includes the prestigious Roy Griak Invite. Additionally, leadership changes are in motion: Assistant coach Ben Gordon is helping steer a transitioning roster under the new head coach Brett Larson, with recruiting threads already visible especially in hockey and strength positions. Off the field, the football program’s high-impact player Smith earned national visibility as a nominee for a Good Works team, continuing Minnesota’s tradition of athletic and academic excellence.
Why These Developments Matter
From SAHS games to Gopher athletics, the shared thread is momentum. High school athletes carry community pride into every match, while university-level moves impact recruiting, staffing, and how programs compete on regional and national stages. For fans and families in Stillwater, it’s a reminder that each season builds on the last—even when the road is long.