Great Lakes Wire

The Northern Michigan University Department of Athletics has announced the 2025 inductees to the NMU Sports Hall of Fame. The new class includes Jennie (Long) Barlage, Dean Ellis, Renee LeBlanc, Troy Mattson, Berndt Rognstad, and the women's swim & dive teams from 1990-91 and 1991-92.

A ceremony will take place on Friday, September 19, after the Homecoming parade. Tickets will be available in early July. Inductees will also be acknowledged during halftime at the Homecoming football game against Davenport on Saturday, September 20.

Jennie (Long) Barlage is recognized for her achievements in volleyball as a two-time national champion. She is one of only seven players to achieve over 1,000 career kills and digs. "Barlage played in all 149 matches throughout her career," according to the release. She was an AVCA Second Team All-American in 1994 and is set to become the 13th volleyball player inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Dean Ellis, a former men's basketball head coach, holds a record of 369-303 over his coaching career from 1986-2010. He led Northern to three NCAA Tournaments and won multiple titles including GLIAC regular season and tournament championships. Ellis will be the 22nd coach inducted into the Hall.

Renee LeBlanc is noted as "the most-decorated attacker" in NMU women's soccer history with program records for goals and points. She becomes the first women's soccer player inducted into NMU's Sports Hall of Fame.

Troy Mattson dedicated over four decades to NMU Athletics and coached women's basketball from 2005-22 with a record of 240-231. He also had roles in men's basketball and tennis coaching. Mattson will be inducted as the 23rd coach.

Berndt Rognstad excelled in both Nordic skiing and football during his time at NMU. He placed highly at national skiing championships and was part of a national championship football team before signing with the Atlanta Falcons.

The women's swim & dive teams from 1990-91 and 1991-92 are celebrated for their historic performances, including a second-place finish at the NCAA National Championships in 1992 under coach Anne Goodman James.