Sten Fjelheim inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame

Tue, Sep  17, 2024 - By Mike Muha

The legendary Sten Fjeldheim will be inducted into the Northern Michigan University Hall of Fame on September, 20, 2024.

One of the most decorated coaching careers in Northern Michigan history, Sten coached the Nordic Skiing team from 1986-2021. Under his leadership, the skiing programs quickly became nationally known. He coached two women's national titles, a combined men's and women's national titles, and 23 women's and 22 men's regional titles. While at the helm, the program produced an outstanding 102 All-Americans, 13 Olympians, seven NCAA Champions, and six U.S. National Champions. Sten earned eight Central Collegiate Ski Association Women's Coach of the Year awards, five CCSA Men's Coach of the Year awards, and one National Collegiate Ski Association Coach of the Year award during his tenure at Northern.

From 1994-97, Fjeldheim served as an assistant national team coach/junior development coordinator for the United States Ski Team. During Fjeldheim's time with the U.S. Team, he coached at the 1994 Olympics, 1995 World Championships, 1997 World Championships, and several junior world championships.

On top of his success in the winter, Fjeldheim was also on the trails during the fall as he coached the women's Cross Country team from 1986 to 2007. Fjeldheim led the Wildcats to six NCAA Division II National Championship appearances. Under his leadership, the program produced 10 NCAA All-Americans, won two GLIAC Championships, and captured a Great Lakes Regional Championship. He was named the 1992 and 2000 GLIAC Coach of the Year and 2005 Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year. As a student-athlete, Fjeldheim skied three seasons for the Wildcats and was a member of the U.S. Ski team from 1980-86.

Of the 73 Hall of Famers, Fjeldheim is the first to represent Nordic skiing.

Many Michigan Cup skiers have been to master clinics put on by Sten, sponsored by the Grand Rapids Nordic Ski Team and Team NordicSkiRacer. A number of NMU alumni have skied on Michigan Cup teams over the years after their graduation.

The 2024 NMU Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for September 20 at the Northern Center Ballroom beginning at 6 p.m. A dinner and ceremony will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are priced at $40 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. Buy your tickets here.