COEUR D’ALENE, ID – The North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame has announced its 2025 inductees, recognizing five individuals for their contributions to athletics in the region. The honorees include former Coeur d’Alene and Lake City High basketball coach Jim Winger, track throwing coach Bart Templeman, former University of Idaho volleyball coach Debbie Buchanan, former Coeur d’Alene High and University of Montana football player Rick Rasmussen, and former University of Idaho and NFL offensive lineman Mike Iupati.
The induction ceremony will take place during the Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet on Saturday, April 12, at the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The event will also feature the North Idaho High School Awards, with current and former student-athletes from high schools and colleges across northern Idaho being recognized. Finalists for these awards will be announced on March 20.
Winger, a longtime figure in Coeur d’Alene’s basketball scene, spent 26 years as a high school head coach, culminating in leading Lake City to a perfect 26-0 season and a state title in 2023. Templeman, a former college football and track athlete, is known for his work developing throwers through the Iron Woods Throwers Center in Rathdrum. Buchanan, who led the Idaho volleyball program for 22 years, guided the team to multiple conference tournament appearances and two NCAA Tournament berths.
Rasmussen, a former University of Montana football player, has contributed to athletics through officiating and leadership in the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame. Iupati, who played at the University of Idaho before an 11-year NFL career with the San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks, recently joined the coaching staff at Washington State University.
Tickets for the banquet are $40 and will be available online at www.nihof.org starting March 19. Reserved tables for eight can be purchased for $400. New University of Idaho football coach Thomas Ford will serve as the keynote speaker.
For more information, contact Ada Rouse at Ada.Rouse@nwsh.com or 208-699-7495.
