Joel Rippel
News Assistant
Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Joel Rippel
Gophers women’s hockey keeps rolling with 4-1 win over St. Thomas
The Gophers improved to 2-1 since losing four key players to the 2026 Olympics in Italy.
February 6, 2026
U women’s basketball scores rare road upset, beats No. 10 Iowa 91-85
It’s the Gophers’ first victory at Iowa since 2007, their first victory over a top-10 team since 2018 and their first road victory over a top-10 team since 2003.
February 6, 2026
Adaptive floor hockey, wrestling, skiing, gymnastics and boys swimming results for Feb. 2-4
High school sports scores from around Minnesota.
February 5, 2026
Gophers softball hopes healthy pitching staff helps team rebound
The Gophers, coming off their first losing season since 2010, open their 2026 softball campaign in the SDSU Season Kickoff from Feb. 6-8.
February 5, 2026
Former Twins player, coach Rick Renick dead at 81
Rick Renick was a part of two AL West champions as a Twins player, then returned as the third base coach for the team’s 1987 World Series-winning season.
February 3, 2026
Wrestling, gymnastics, skiing and boys swimming results for Jan. 29-31
High school sports scores from across Minnesota.
February 3, 2026
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 2, 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
