Dr. A.L. "Ade" Sponberg (1996) - Bison Athletic Hall of Fame

Dr. A.L. "Ade" Sponberg

Induction:
1996

Served as the athletic director at NDSU for 14 years. Under his leadership, NDSU won three national football championships, more than 30 North Central Conference titles, and made numerous NCAA playoff appearances in five sports. He was the guiding influence to the blossoming women’s athletic program at NDSU and was a major influence on the NCAA scene. A native of New Richland, Minn., he graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College (Minn.) in 1958 and earned a master’s degree in physical education from Minnesota State-Mankato in 1963. He holds a doctor of philosophy degree in physical education and administration from the University of Michigan in 1968. He is a member of athletic halls of fame at both Gustavus Adolphus and the North Central Conference.