Montana State University-Northern Athletics is proud to announce the 2026 class of the MSU-Northern Athletic Hall of Fame. This year's class includes
Christian Oberquell, Sierra (Richards) Woodward, Laramie Schwenke, Donald Saisbury, Khalin Anderson, and John Briney. Six individuals whose accomplishments, leadership, and dedication have shaped Lights and Skylights athletics for more than three decades.
The Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held on
Friday, September 4, celebrating the achievements and legacies of this distinguished class. The inductees will also be recognized during halftime of the
Lights' home football game against the University of Montana Western Bulldogs on Saturday, September 5.
Christian Oberquell – Athletic Trainer & Director of Athletics (2001-Present)
Christian Oberquell has dedicated more than two decades to MSU-Northern Athletics, serving as Head Athletic Trainer, Associate Athletic Director, and ultimately Director of Athletics. He served as Head Athletic Trainer from 2001-2014, was promoted to Associate Athletic Director in 2011, became Athletic Director in 2012, and transitioned to a full-time Director of Athletics role in 2014. During his leadership, Northern teams earned conference championships, national tournament appearances, All-American honors, and national titles. Oberquell has also represented MSU-Northern through numerous leadership roles within the Frontier Conference and the NAIA, including service on the NAIA National Administrative Council and Executive Committee. A Frontier Conference Athletic Director of the Year and recipient of MSU-Northern's Golden "N" Award, his dedication to student-athletes and collegiate athletics has left a lasting legacy at Northern and beyond.
Sierra (Richards) Woodward – Women's Basketball (2015-Present)
Sierra Woodward made an immediate impact on the Skylights women's basketball program during her two seasons as a student-athlete, helping lead the program to consecutive NAIA National Tournament appearances and a Sweet 16 berth. A Second Team All-Frontier Conference selection and NAIA Honorable Mention All-American, Woodward established herself as one of the conference's premier post players while ranking among the program's most efficient shooters. Following her playing career, she remained at Northern, serving as Sports Information Director, Assistant Women's Basketball Coach, and now Associate Head Coach. Her continued dedication to the university and its student-athletes has made her one of the department's most influential leaders.
Laramie Schwenke – Women's Basketball (2008-2013, 2015-2017)
Despite overcoming significant knee injuries throughout her career, Laramie Schwenke developed into one of the premier players in Skylights basketball history. She earned First Team All-Frontier Conference honors, NAIA Honorable Mention All-American recognition, and was named MSU-Northern Female Athlete of the Year after an outstanding senior season. Schwenke finished her career with 825 points despite missing substantial time due to injury, a testament to both her talent and perseverance. Today, she continues to impact the game as a collegiate women's basketball coach, carrying forward the competitive spirit and leadership that defined her time as a Skylight.
Donald Saisbury – Football (2004-2007)
One of the most dynamic football players to ever wear the Lights uniform, Donald Saisbury excelled as a versatile offensive weapon and special teams standout. A multiple-time All-Conference performer at several positions, Saisbury helped lead one of the most successful teams in school history while establishing himself among Northern's all-time greats. He remains the program's career leader in touchdowns with 33 and holds every career punting record at MSU-Northern. His playmaking ability, versatility, and contributions to the Lights' first NAIA Football Championship Series appearance cemented his place among the program's legends.
Khalin Anderson – Football (2005-2010)
Khalin Anderson anchored the Lights defense from 2005-2008 as one of the Frontier Conference's elite defensive backs. A four-year starter, team captain, First Team All-Conference selection, and NAIA Second Team All-American, Anderson played a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras in Northern football history, including the program's first national playoff appearance. Following graduation, he remained committed to MSU-Northern by serving on the football coaching staff before continuing his coaching career at Montana Tech. His excellence on the field and continued leadership in the profession reflect the lasting impact he has had on Northern football.
John Briney – Men's Basketball (1992-1996)
John Briney helped establish one of the most successful stretches in Lights men's basketball history during the mid-1990s. A three-time All-Conference selection and the program's seventh all-time leading scorer with 1,405 career points, Briney led Northern to back-to-back Frontier Conference championships and an NAIA Elite Eight appearance. Known for his leadership, toughness, and team-first mentality, Briney continued his impact on the game through coaching, helping guide Three Forks High School to a state championship. His accomplishments as both a player and mentor continue to reflect the values of MSU-Northern Athletics.
The 2026 MSU-Northern Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, September 4, in the MSUN SUB Ballroom. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m., with the ceremony beginning at 7:00 p.m. Appetizers and a no-host bar will be available.
The inductees will also be recognized during halftime of the Lights football game against the University of Montana Western Bulldogs on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.
For more information, contact the MSU-Northern Athletic Department at (406) 265-3722 or cassandra.olszewski@msun.edu.
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