Joel Rippel
News Assistant
Joel Rippel writes about sports for the Star Tribune.
Latest from Joel Rippel
Gophers
Steveson wins fourth Big Ten wrestling title as Gophers finish fourth
Minnesota's Gable Steveson defeated Penn State’s Greg Kerkvliet 10-3 at heavyweight; Max McEnelly and Vance VomBaur lost in their finals.
March 10, 2025
High Schools
In Minnesota high school girls basketball history, it’s a golden time
It’s the 50th anniversary of the first championship season. There’s a catch: 1974-75 had two state tournaments. A year later, the MSHSL became involved, setting up another anniversary.
March 9, 2025
Colleges
St. Thomas rolls past North Dakota and into Summit League men’s basketball tournament final
The Tommies will play Omaha on Sunday for the championship.
March 9, 2025
Gophers
Three Gophers wrestlers advance to championship matches at Big Ten tournament
Gable Steveson, Max McEnelly and Vance VomBaur will complete for titles Sunday.
March 9, 2025
Colleges
St. Thomas rolls against Denver in the Summit League men's basketball tournament
The Tommies advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive season. They’ll play Saturday against an opponent to be determined.
March 7, 2025
High Schools
First high school baseball coach in Minnesota to reach 700 victories has died
Jim Senske coached baseball at New Ulm for 40 years, made state 19 times and won a state title in 2002.
March 4, 2025
High Schools
Prep Athletes of the Week: Edina’s Mason West seals section hockey championship
Also, Reymie Keenan became the second girls wrestler from Minneapolis Edison to win a state wrestling title.
March 4, 2025
Gophers
Gophers women’s hockey routs Minnesota State Mankato to advance in WCHA playoffs
The Gophers rebounded from Saturday’s double-overtime loss with a five-goal second period in the series finale.
March 3, 2025
Colleges
St. Thomas rolls against Denver in the Summit League men's basketball tournament
The Tommies advanced to the semifinals for the third consecutive season. They’ll play Saturday against an opponent to be determined.
March 7, 2025
High Schools
First high school baseball coach in Minnesota to reach 700 victories has died
Jim Senske coached baseball at New Ulm for 40 years, made state 19 times and won a state title in 2002.
March 4, 2025
High Schools
Prep Athletes of the Week: Edina’s Mason West seals section hockey championship
Also, Reymie Keenan became the second girls wrestler from Minneapolis Edison to win a state wrestling title.
March 4, 2025
Gophers
Gophers women’s hockey routs Minnesota State Mankato to advance in WCHA playoffs
The Gophers rebounded from Saturday’s double-overtime loss with a five-goal second period in the series finale.
March 3, 2025