Oct 15, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Connor Tetzlaff, Assistant Director of University Marketing, [email protected]
SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – Lake Superior State University (LSSU) will honor four distinguished contributors to Laker Athletics by inducting them into the Athletics Hall of Fame during Great Lake State Weekend 2025. The 2025 class represents decades of excellence and achievement across multiple sports.
This year’s inductees are:
– Kord Cernich – Men’s Hockey (1986-90)
– Jerry Cheynet – Men’s Wrestling Coach (1969-74)
– Lee Ann (Huffman) Wise – Women’s Basketball (1979-83)
– 1972-73 LSSU Wrestling Team – Undefeated Season, GLIAC Champions
The Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held alongside the Alumni Awards at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, in the Walker Cisler Center. Inductees will also be recognized during the first intermission of the LSSU men’s hockey game against Bowling Green later that evening.
Tickets for the induction ceremony are expected to sell out and must be purchased in advance. They are available online at the LSSU Alumni website. Tickets will not be available at the door.
Great Lake State Weekend offer something for everyone, from student-focused events like Lake State After Hours to community favorites such as the Battle of the Bands. A complete schedule and more information can be found on the LSSU Alumni Relations website.
About the Inductees
Kord Cernich – A defensive cornerstone of LSSU’s first NCAA national championship hockey team in 1988, Cernich was an All-American and All-CCHA selection. He set an NCAA record with 175 consecutive games played. After a professional career in North America and Europe, he returned to Alaska, where he built a successful career in electrical contracting.
Jerry Cheynet – As head coach from 1969 to 1974, Cheynet led LSSU wrestling to national prominence, including a perfect 13-0 season in 1972–73. His teams won three consecutive NAIA District 23 Championships, produced NCAA All-Americans, and laid the foundation for decades of wrestling success.
Lee Ann (Huffman) Wise – One of the top playmakers in Laker women’s basketball history, Wise holds the program’s all-time and single-season assist records. She went on to a successful 30-year career in education, serving as principal and coach, earning recognition at both the conference and state levels.
1972–73 Wrestling Team – One of the greatest teams in Laker history, this squad went undefeated, captured the GLIAC Championship, and placed 11th at the NAIA National Championships. Led by national champion Jim Fallis, the team remains a benchmark of athletic excellence at LSSU.