What is your NMU connection?
I played football at Northern and graduated in 1972 and earned my Master Degree in 1979.
Your favorite NMU memory or story
I came to Northern in 1970 after transferring from Vermilion JC in Minnesota. I participated in spring football under legendary coach Rollie Dotsch. NMU was coming off a 5-5 season and a loss to Central Michigan in 1969. Everything we did was pointing to a great improvement in 1970 and beating Central Michigan. On October 10, 1970 we played Central Michigan at Memorial Stadium. I started at safety and we led Central 14-0 at Halftime. Central Michigan despite having an All American running back named Jesse “Great” Lakes only had 47 yards total offense at halftime. We went on to defeat CMU by a final score of 34-14 in front of 7,500 fans.
This was a great day and a great win. We finished that season with an 8-2 record with our only losses being to Akron and Eastern Michigan.
Who is the most influential person you met during your time at NMU and why were they so influential?
Frank Novak was the most important person I met at NMU, he was the person who recruited me and guided me into a coaching career. I worked with him at Northern Michigan after I graduated and then later on at the University of Virginia. I can honestly say that he changed my life. I was fortunate enough to coach for 12 years in College including stops at Michigan Tech, The University of Virginia, Clemson and Catawba College. I also coached over 30 years in HS and was fortunate enough to win 6 State Championships. Frank recruited me to NMU and I was blessed to play for great coaches and a wonderful University.
Tell us about the significance of any teams, clubs or organizations you were part of during your time at NMU
Obviously the football team was the greatest influence. It was our fraternity with great people. I think four players off of our team are in the NMU Hall of Fame. Guy Falkenhagen, Bob Kroll, Tim Kearney and Ken McLean.
What is / was your favorite thing to do in Marquette?
Smelting was a big thing at that time, when the Smelt started running the dorms would empty out. They don’t run like that anymore. Remillard’s and a place called the North End were two popular hangouts.
Talk about any significant/memorable sporting events, weather occurrences or other on-campus activities?
I remember my Junior year in May there was a time when the temperature got over 100 degrees in Marquette and then the next year in May we were at football practice on a Saturday afternoon and it started snowing, not just flurries but practically a blizzard.
Share any dorm/roommate stories you may have
Gant Hall was our dorm and all the houses were named after Ski Resorts, Aspen, Breckenridge, Chamonix, Loveland Basin etc. Dorms were nice, food was great people were great.
What is your current or former profession?
I was a Teacher and Coach for 44 years. I am now retired.
How did NMU help you get to where you are today?
Northern was instrumental in everything I have done. It was a wonderful experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Nothing but fond memories of my experiences and the people I met.
This is a photo of Ken Mclean tackling Jesse “Great” Lakes on October 10, 1970. I am # 32.