Northern State University Athletics

Kretchman Coaching Award
Fran Hummel has been chosen as the 2006 recipient of the Jim Kretchman Coaching Award. The award is named after long time Northern athlete, educator, coach and administrator Jim Kretchman. The award is given to a coach that best exemplifies his characteristics and dedication to educating student athletes.

Fran received his master’s degree from Northern in 1972. He returned to Northern in 1978 as an educator and coached tennis, football and had a historic career as head wrestling coach. Fran received many honors while at Northern including the 1985 Kappa Delta Phi Teacher of the Year, 1985 SD Sportswriters Coach of the Year, 1985 NAIA National Wrestling Coach of the Year, 1986 NAIA District (12) Coach of the Year and in 1991 was the President of the NAIA Wrestling Coaches Association.

Frans strongest assets were not in his 113 career dual match wins, but in his relationships with students. His high moral standards, willingness to help in any way possible, and sincere faith in all his athletes is a very honorable legacy. Fran is currently the Athletic Director at Hastings College in Hastings Neb.