Upper Michigan might be known for its wild forests and icy winters, but don’t let that fool you—this place has produced some serious athletic talent. From the football fields to the snowboarding slopes, the U.P. has always been home to hardworking, down-to-earth athletes who’ve gone on to make a name for themselves in the pros. Let’s dive into the history of some of the U.P.’s biggest stars and a few names you may not know but should.
Football Legends
Football is practically a way of life in the U.P., and it all started with George Gipp, the original “Gipper.” Born in Laurium in 1895, Gipp became a Notre Dame football legend. He was a versatile player who could kick, throw, and run—everything you want in a star. His tragic early death only added to his legacy, especially with Knute Rockne’s famous “Win one for the Gipper” speech that made Gipp a football immortal.
Fast-forward to today, and guys like Jake Witt are carrying on the tradition. Jake grew up in Bruce Crossing and was a basketball star before switching gears to football. After playing at Northern Michigan University, Witt’s athleticism got him noticed by the NFL, where he got drafted by the Colts. He retired at the start of this past season.
Another big name is Steve Mariucci, who grew up in Iron Mountain and is better known for his coaching career in the NFL than his playing days. He coached teams like the 49ers and Lions, but his ties to the U.P. run deep. He’s one of the many locals who’ve left their mark on the game.
And you can’t talk U.P. football without mentioning Bob Jurasin from Iron Mountain. Jurasin might not have played in the NFL, but his dominance in the Canadian Football League made him a legend north of the border. He spent 12 seasons with the Saskatchewan Roughriders and even made it into the CFL Hall of Fame.
Hockey Heroes
When the lakes freeze over, the U.P. turns into a hockey paradise. One of the top names to emerge from the region is Justin Florek, a Marquette native who played in the NHL for the Boston Bruins. Growing up in a hockey-obsessed town, Florek worked his way up to the pros and made his hometown proud.
Although George Gipp is mostly remembered for his football career, he was also known to dominate on the ice in his time. Gipp’s natural athleticism meant he could take on pretty much any sport he tried, hockey included.
Basketball Stars
Tom Izzo is hands down the biggest basketball name to come out of the U.P., but you probably know him better as Michigan State’s legendary coach. Izzo grew up in Iron Mountain, and while he didn’t go pro as a player, his coaching career is one for the books. He’s led Michigan State to multiple Final Fours and won a national title in 2000. Izzo never forgot his U.P. roots and still makes it back home when he can.
Baseball Players
Though the U.P.’s winters might not scream “baseball,” a few standout athletes have still made it to the big leagues. One of them is Don Wakamatsu, who grew up in Iron Mountain before heading to the majors. While his playing career was brief, Wakamatsu made his biggest impact as the manager of the Seattle Mariners, becoming the first Asian-American manager in MLB history.
Olympic Greats
If there’s one thing the U.P. has in abundance, it’s snow, so it’s no surprise that one of the biggest stars from the region is an Olympic snowboarder. Nick Baumgartner, from Iron River, has competed in multiple Winter Olympics and finally snagged gold in the 2022 Beijing Games in the mixed team snowboard cross event. At 40 years old, his dedication to the sport is truly inspirational, and he’s become a local hero for anyone who loves snow sports.
Honorable Mentions
The U.P. might be a small region, but there’s no shortage of athletes who’ve gone on to do big things. Here are a few more names you should know:
- John Shogren (Escanaba): Played a season in the NBA with the New York Knicks in the 1960s, proving that even from a small town, you can make it to the big stage.
- Mark Maddox (Kingsford): Linebacker for the Buffalo Bills in the 1990s, he made it to the Super Bowl multiple times, holding his own in the big leagues.
- Dick Pole (Trout Creek): Not only did he pitch in the Major Leagues, but he went on to have a long career as a pitching coach, helping guide young talent.
- Zach Anderson (Iron Mountain): A decathlete who competed at the national level, Anderson showed that U.P. athletes are more than capable of excelling in multiple sports.
- Caroline B. Noyes (Marquette): A cross-country skier who represented the U.S. on the world stage, proving the U.P. breeds some top-tier winter sports athletes.
The Upper Peninsula’s rugged nature and close-knit communities seem to breed athletes with grit, determination, and resilience. Whether they’re making tackles on the football field or chasing gold on the snowboard cross, these athletes carry a bit of the U.P.’s spirit wherever they go.
Featured image; Elsa, Getty Images
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