Our "congratulations and well done" go to out Northern alum, Larry Schwenke. He was honored by the people of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on April 26th, 2008 with the naming of Larry Schwenke Field in acknowledgement of his contributions to the community and the students of Coeur d'Alene High School. Larry retired in 2007 as the Activities Director and Assistant Principal and is considered a living legend in that school and community. Bret Bowers, KVNI commentator stated in a radio broadcast the day before the award that "they'll be gathered tomorrow ...along with Larry's mother and an entire community to watch a genuine friend of Coeur d'Alene...a retired coach ...administrator...and athletic director ...receive an honor you don't hang around your neck or place in the trophy case ...but really a tribute to honor the endearing legacy of a champion."

Schwenke's success was predictable given his performance at Northern. A '69 graduate of NMC, he was an all-around athlete and was inducted into the Northern All-Sports Hall of Fame in 1995. His 13 varsity letters have distinguished him as the most active athlete in Northern's history with a record that will likely remain unbroken since baseball, track and men's golf are no longer varsity sports at the University. He was All Conference in football from 1965 to 1968; was Outstanding Lineman in the Conference in 1968; and was named to "Outstanding College Athletes of America" in 1969.

In addition to athletics, he was active in student government, Tau Kappa, Student Education Association, Delta Alpha Theta and co edited an independent sporting paper. Following graduation, Larry taught and coached football, basketball and track at Great Falls Central for a year before pursuing his master's degree at the University of North Dakota where he was a graduate assistant and baseball coach.

His career in Coeur d'Alene started in 1972 when he accepted a teaching and coaching job, coaching baseball, basketball, football. He began the girl's softball program, and led that team to 12 consecutive state championships from 1982 to 1993 with a win loss record of 362 wins in just over 400 games. Schwenke has received numerous state and regional awards as a teacher and coach, including Coach of the Year in 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994. He was named NHSCA Region 7 Coach of the Year in 1971. The naming of the field during his lifetime demonstrated the high regard and esteem he has earned by his dedication and commitment to the community and the students of Coeur d'Alene.

Schwenke is married to Laurie (Barkus) of Havre, Montana and they have three daughters; Ann, Keri and Andrea. They retired and enjoy golf, boating, traveling and spending time with their grandchildren Julia, Justin, Cole, Bailey and Aaron.