Joel Rippel
News Assistant
Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Joel Rippel
Gophers men’s basketball loses at Penn State 77-75 on layup in closing seconds
The Gophers’ seventh consecutive loss was another close defeat, this one to a team that was 0-10 in Big Ten play.
February 1, 2026
Adaptive sports, wrestling, gymnastics, skiing and boys swimming results for Jan. 26-28
High schools sports scores from around the state.
January 31, 2026
No. 3 U women’s hockey beats No. 1 Wisconsin 3-2 in OT
Molly Jordan scored 4-on-4 after a Gophers power play expired for her team’s 11th consecutive victory.
January 31, 2026
Gophers, Badgers missing Olympians for weekend series at Ridder Arena
The Gophers and Badgers women’s hockey teams combined to send nine players to the upcoming Milan-Cortina Games.
January 29, 2026
Northern Minnesota team seeks to cap memorable season with first tournament appearance
Northome/Kelliher girls basketball team, the Strib Varsity/Taco Bell Team of the Week, has experienced a season of big milestones.
January 29, 2026
Gophers, minus Cade Tyson, can’t hold off Badgers comeback in 67-63 loss
The Gophers, who led by 18 points at halftime despite only having seven scholarship players available, lost their 11th straight meeting with Wisconsin.
January 29, 2026
Tori McKinney, Mara Braun lead Gophers to 87-66 win at Penn State
The two guards each set a season high in points in the Gophers’ third consecutive win.
January 29, 2026
Strib Varsity Athletes of the Week: Meet seven winter sports athletes on a tear
Four basketball players, two swimmers and a wrestler are recognized for their accomplishments in sports.
January 27, 2026
Boys and girls wrestling, gymnastics and boys swimming results for Jan. 22-24
High school sports scores from around Minnesota.
January 27, 2026
Gophers women blow out Wisconsin 88-53 for biggest victory in series history
The Gophers scored the game’s first eight points and led by double digits for most of the rest of the game against an improved Badgers team.
January 26, 2026
Gophers wrestling team finishes strong against Wisconsin
The Gophers won the final four matches, capped by a technical fall from Max McEnelly at 184 pounds.
January 26, 2026
U men’s hockey losing streak at seven with 3-2 loss at Michigan State
The Gophers have scored two or fewer goals 15 times in 26 games this season.
January 25, 2026
