Northland College Athletics

"J.T." or "Mr. Northland"…those were the names he went by during the more than four decades he spent at Northland. His full name was John T. Kendrigan. He became a legend within his own time. Kendrigan came to Northland in 1919 to teach mathematics. He had been graduated from the University of Maine and also studied at Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Harvard University and the University of Wisconsin. Among his other early assignments was director of athletics. He actually coached only one season but maintained close and lasting ties with the athletic program and athletics. He continued as director of athletics for 35 years. Under his guidance, the athletic program grew and enjoyed relative prosperity problems of manpower, finances and scheduling.

Kendrigan had an innate trust in everyone and helped deserving students in every way possible. By his keen interest in athletics, and all students, the spirit that is Northland grew and with so did the athletic program.

When he later became dean and placement director he came in contact with schoolmasters throughout the state. To school superintendents, principals, teachers, and friends of the college, John T. Kendrigan was Northland College.

He received countless awards for his many achievements. He was accorded "Man of the Year" honors by the city of Ashland, received and honorary doctorate from Northland in 1949 and received countless other awards from civic and professional groups. His honors were legion, end as were his friends.

When he died after an automobile accident in 1961, Northland lost not a dean but an institution. His contributions are too numerous to list. The only eulogy necessary is "Mr. Northland!"