Sports Digest

McKinnon claims Eagle River Speedway B-Mod main

Antigo’s Zack McKinnon fought off a stiff challenge by defending track champion Kory Jolliff of Mass City, Mich. to capture his first-ever career B Mod feature win at Eagle River Speedway last Tuesday.

McKinnon outraced polesitter Michale “Beetle” Bailey at the drop of the green in the 20-lap contest. McKinnon kept the lead through a trio of caution periods, which wiped out his advantage each time.

McKinnon actually surrendered the lead twice entering corner one. In both instances, the drivers that passed McKinnon with slide jobs wound up getting up in the marbles, and ended up handing the lead back to McKinnon. The first occasion took place with Michigan’s Dave Dishaw, the other time was with another Michigan wheelman George Dalbeck. Dalbeck would wind up dropping out of the contest after contact with the backstretch wall. Dishaw recovered to place fifth.

Jolliff took second at the checkers. Hometown driver Ryan Brown placed third, with Eau Claire visitor Josh Smith claiming fourth.

Meanwhile, in the USRA Late Models, it was another night and another feature win for Hermantown, Minnesota’s Cade Nelson. The second-generation pilot started seventh on the grid in the 20-lap feature. Nelson methodically picked off his opponents roughly one car every two or three circuits.

Nelson had sliced through the field and worked his way up to third by lap 10, catching the lead cars of Dave Bennett and Lucas Peterson. Nelson disposed of Peterson on lap 12, and was able to duck underneath Bennett for the top spot with five laps remaining.

Peterson wound up nipping Bennett at the line for second. Menominee’s Cooper Sundby and Shawano’s Jarrid Curtin took fourth and fifth, respectively.

Two-time track champion Rod Snellenberger picked up IMCA Stock Car career win number 236, while the Sugar Camp’s Jason Eisel zipped past Three Lakes driver Nick Allard into the lead with five circuits remaining to capture the Street Stock feature.

Tomahawk’s Trevor Schumann took the lead at the drop of the green, and cruised to victory in the caution-free Pure Stock feature. Schumann fended off Devin Fries and Bobby Hommerding in the closing laps to seal the deal.

Stacy, Minnesota’s Tyler Pelofske kept Cornell, Michigan’s Ethan Manninen at bay long enough to win the 600 Micro Sprint feature.

The 300 Micro Sprint features were captured by Twin Lakes, Michigan’s Cooper Aho (Pro) and Manitowish Waters’ Archer Peter (Semi-Pro).

Racing resumes Tuesday, Aug. 19. It will be championship night in all divisions, as the final points race of the season will be held. An on track autograph session will take place prior to the racing. The hammer drops at 7 p.m.

WIAA names Schneider to graphic design position

Kelsey Schneider has been named the graphic designer for print publications at the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association, and she will begin her position on Aug. 22, 2025, in conjunction with the retirement of Lisa Gagas at the end of August.

Schneider joins the WIAA staff with professional experience and demonstrated design and publication production skills. She has held the position of Marketing Communication Specialist at Skyward Inc. in Stevens Point, since 2021. In her role, she produced a diverse range of print publications, promotions and marketing materials, as well as social media graphics. Schneider also contributed to a variety of projects by developing consistent visual and brand identities.

“Kelsey’s employment and life experiences enhance her ability to provide immediate contributions to our staff and the membership,” Executive Director Stephanie Hauser said. “We feel very fortunate to be adding her creativity and wealth of design experience, as well as her passion for education-based sports, to our staff.”

Schneider’s office responsibilities will be to design and produce publications, manage organized digital asset systems, collaborate with staff to collect, organize and ensure accurate information in all publications, develop print production schedules, proof and edit content, maintain relationships with external print vendors and perform general clerical duties.

The graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in graphic design in 2018. Schneider was a member of the Pointers’ women’s soccer team for two seasons, and participated in soccer and basketball at Fond du Lac High School before graduating in 2014.