Alumni Athletic Hall of Fame

1998 inductees: Kim L. Haines, Robert J. Hodge, Don Hull, Mike Mazurkiewicz

Kim L. Haines, Seeley Lake, currently holds the title for the most wins as an active boys' basketball coach for the State of Montana with over 500 wins. His love for and knowledge of basketball were seen back in 1953 when he played on the Northern Montana College (now MSU-Northern) basketball team, earning All-Conference honors his sophomore and senior years. During one of his years at Northern, the team made the NAIA playoffs. He put his education and basketball on hold in 1955 to join the service, and then he returned to complete his degree from Northern in 1960.

After earning a master's degree in 1964 from the University of Northern Iowa,

he became the principal, athletic director and coach at Seeley-Swan High School. Since then, he has won many awards including: the MCA Class C Coach of the Year for boys' basketball (1968), recognition for developing the girls' and boys' track programs in Montana (1982), USA Track and Field Presidents Award - Recognition of Outstanding Effort and Achievement (1985), Frank Sevigne Award (1988), elected as the National Youth Track and Field Chairman for USA Track and Field's National governing body (1989), Ray Rocene Award, Sportsman of the Year as awarded by the Missoulian (1991) and the Montana Coaches Hall of Fame (1992).

(L to R) Robert Hodge, Don Hull, Mike Mazurkiewicz, Kim Haines

Robert J. Hodge, Missoula, holds Northern's records for the most rushing yards at 1108 yards, total points scored in a single season and the career scoring records in football. Respected by his teammates for his abilities to capitalize on their efforts and exploit the opponent's defense, he was a leader on and off the football field. He was recruited as a kicking specialist and handled the kicking duties on fields goals, extra points and kickoffs. Bob was an All-Conference running back for four years and an honorable mention All-American. Since college, Bob has been teaching Industrial Arts for more than 27 years, currently at Florence-Carlton High School. During these years, he has worked with the youth in his community by coaching football, track and wrestling.

Don Hull, Chester, is one of the best examples of commitment, dedication and drive to ever set foot on a Northern basketball court. As team captain, Don led the team in field goal and free throw percentages, scoring, rebounding and defense. Known for his hustle and work ethic, Don was twice named to the All-Conference Honorable Mention team. Don has been farming and ranching since graduating from Northern. He maintains his involvement in sports and his community as a referee for college and junior high girls' and boys' basketball games. He also works with high school football games, coaches at the Big Sky State Games, umpires softball games in the summer and plays intramural basketball in the winter.

Mike Mazurkiewicz, Havre, still holds the record for the most wrestling wins (127) in Northern's history. He was an assistant wrestling coach at Northern from 1988-1990. A two-time All-American, he helped his team become District 12 Champions by bringing home third and fifth place finishes at the NAIA National Tournament. Mike has held the school records for wins, takedowns, escapes, team points and match points. In 1990, Mike began work as an assistant wrestling coach for Havre High School where he helped the team to place at the state and divisional levels in 1991, 1992, and 1994. Currently, Mike is the head wrestling coach for the Havre Wrestling Club.

Top of page