Pines athletes, hockey team to be inducted into HOF Friday

Three former standout athletes and a state champion boys hockey team will be inducted into the Eagle River/Northland Pines High School Athletic Hall of Fame (HOF) this Friday, Aug. 22.

The inductees who make up the 23rd HOF class include 1988 graduate Kim Morton Bruss, and 1987 graduates Mark Richter and Mike Mule’. The 1988-’89 boys hockey team will be inducted in the HOF team category.

All the athletes will be honored at a ceremony at the Northland Pines High School auditorium beginning at 4:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

The Eagle River/Northland Pines Athletic Hall of Fame will also recognize the late John Wainwright for his vital role in helping to establish the hall of fame 23 years ago. Wainwright died May 10, 2025, at the age of 81. Wainwright coached football and track at Northland Pines for 26 years, as well as teaching technology education.

Wainwright’s career was recognized in both the Eagle River/Northland Pines Athletic Hall of Fame and the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

“Thanks to the work of John and many others, the Eagle River/Northland Pines Hall of Fame has been recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of athletes, coaches, and other important figures in Eagle River/Northland Pines athletics since 2003,” said A.J. Zayia, activities director at Northland Pines and a HOF committee member.

According to HOF Committee Chairman Larry Snedden, teammates, family, friends and fans of Northland Pines athletics are invited to attend the induction ceremony.

The inductees also will be introduced at halftime of the varsity football game later that evening between Northland Pines and Antigo at 7 p.m., which is billed as the Hall of Fame Game.

Following the game, the inductees, family members and friends are invited to a reception at the Braywood, located at 4109 Braywood Lane, Eagle River.