NMU AD Karr hosts President Haynes & Board for Dinner

Courtesy of NMU Athletics

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University athletic director Forrest Karr hosted NMU president David Haynes and the Board of Trustees at the athletic facilities on Wednesday (July 11) night. Karr, athletic staff, coaches and student-athletes gave a tour of the Berry Events Center, the Physical Education and Instructional Facility (PEIF) and the Superior Dome and finished the evening off with a dinner on the 50-yard line of the Superior Dome.

“I’m just so impressed by the entire sports complex,” said board member Rick Popp a former Wildcat football player. “The facilities are beautiful. I love the fact that the offices for the coaches and administration flow together. It just exudes a spirit of teamwork and cooperation.

All-American swimmer Gaby Alzaga got a chance to show off the PEIF Pool to the board members and talked about what the facilities mean to her and her teammates.

“We are really proud of our facilities and really enjoy them,” she said. “We take advantage and work very hard to be the best we can.”

Golfer Adam Huss talked to the board about the meet the golf team is hosting at the Greywalls Golf Course this fall.

“We are hosting a match play tournament at one of the top public courses in Michigan,” said Huss. “College golf meets are usually stroke play so it will be something unique and interesting.”

Popp played quarterback for Northern, leading the ‘Cats to the 1987 NCAA Division II playoffs. He earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree from NMU and met his wife Sue (Willson) who captained the women’s basketball team that went to the NCAA playoffs in 1988-89.

“Northern sports have been a key feature to the University forever,” Popp added. “I’m excited about the new athletic director and there is a great mix of experienced coaches and new coaches. The facilities are phenomenal and we have all the makings to take it to the next level.”