Sports Digest

Pines girls’ hockey coach Stebbeds to retire

Jeff Stebbeds is retiring as head coach of the Northland Pines girls’ hockey co-op program, the school announced in a press release last week. 

Stebbeds went 12-34-3 in a two-year stint as head coach of the Eagles, which upset Wisconsin Valley Union and Central Wisconsin in the WIAA playoffs this past February on its way to a sectional final appearance. Additionally, the Northland Pines athletic department recognized Stebbeds’ efforts toward the construction of a dedicated girls’ locker room at the Eagle River Sports Arena.

“Thank you to Jeff for his time and efforts as a coach,” Northland Pines activities director AJ Zayia said in the release. “Coaching high school athletics requires a major time commitment and we are thankful that he was willing to put in the time to give back to our student athletes and community. I wish Jeff the best of luck in his retirement from coaching and look forward to him having more time of spend time with family and support the many activities they are involved in.”

Rhinelander High School is part of the Northland Pines co-op and had two skaters — junior Reese Retallick and freshman Lena Chiamulera — on the roster this past spring. Other co-op schools include Antigo, Lakeland Union, Three Lakes, Hurley and Bessemer, Mich.

Zayia noted the district will be a search for a new head coach starting this week. 

Retzlaff finishes ninth at Talladega

Rhinelander native Parker Retzlaff recorded his fifth top 10 of the season in NASCAR’s second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on Saturday, taking ninth in a 300-miler at Talladega, Ala.

Retzlaff started 18th on the big 2.66-mile, drafting-style track and earned bonus points in Stage 2, running fifth at the stage break. 

It was a bounce back performance for Retzlaff, who was taken out in an early-race accident the week prior at Kansas Speedway. He gained one spot in the point standings and sits 10th, 38 points ahead of 13th-place Ryan Sieg with 13 races remaining before the start of the series’ 12-driver chase for the championship.

The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Fort Worth, Texas Saturday, May 2 for a 300-mile race at Texas Motor Speedway.

Rhinelander Area Special Olympics seeks bocce ball coaches

Rhinelander Area Special Olympics is looking for bocce ball coaches to join its team. 

“We are looking for positive, encouraging people who enjoy supporting athletes of all abilities,” program manager Heidi Nehls stated in a press release. “You don’t have to be an expert, just someone willing to help. There is training available both online and in person. If you are interested in coaching or learning more, please reach out or send us a message on Facebook.”

The 2026 season starts May 27 and meets for one hour on Wednesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Hodag Park. There are eight practice dates, two scrimmages and the regional competition is set for Aug. 1 at Appleton Memorial Park.

The program already sponsors bowling and track and field as part of its offerings.

“If you would like to sign up as a new athlete, please also reach out. We would be so excited to welcome you,” Nehls noted.

For more information, contact Nehls at 715-550-9786.