North Central Michigan College Mourns the Loss of Coach Andy Place
PETOSKEY, MI — The North Central Michigan College (NCMC) community is mourning the sudden passing of beloved Cross Country and Track coach, Andy Place, who passed away on February 16, 2026.
Coach Place was a cornerstone of the Northern Michigan running community for over three decades. He first joined the NCMC family as an adjunct faculty member in 2019. In 2023, he transitioned his lifelong passion for athletics to the collegiate level, joining the Timberwolves coaching staff.
A Trailblazer for Timberwolves Athletics
Coach Place was not just a leader on the sidelines; he was a pioneer for North Central’s athletic expansion. Andy was instrumental in the founding of the NCMC Track program, helping to build the foundation for a new era of collegiate competition in Petoskey.
His vision for the program was rooted in his own experience as a collegiate dual-sport athlete. While attending Saginaw Valley State College (now SVSU), Andy demonstrated remarkable versatility, playing Football and running for the school’s very first Track & Field team. This firsthand experience of building a program from the ground up made him the perfect architect for the Timberwolves' budding track program.
A Legacy of Excellence
Before arriving at North Central, Coach Place built a legendary coaching resume in the Boyne City and Boyne Falls school districts. His 33-year high school coaching career was defined by both competitive success and a deep commitment to his athletes:
- Boyne Falls (12 years): Led the Loggers to six Northern Lakes Conference Championships and a regional title.
- Boyne City (23 years): Re-established the varsity cross country program, leading teams to multiple state finals appearances and coaching numerous All-State athletes.
- North Central Michigan College (3 years): In a short time, Andy elevated the program to a national stage, with 7 different student-athletes qualifying for and competing at the NJCAA DII National Championships.
- Personal Achievement: Andy was an elite runner himself, having completed the Boston Marathon three times.
"Family First": Building More Than Just a Team
Throughout his career, Andy preached a "family-first" philosophy, but for him, "family" extended far beyond his own household. He had a remarkably positive impact on everyone he met—from the hallways of the NCMC campus to the competitive circles of Michigan cross country and track.
Andy was a master of the "human" side of sports. He excelled in recruiting future Timberwolves not through high-pressure sales, but through his unique ability to immediately build positive, authentic relationships. He didn't just see a fast runner; he saw a person. His warmth and genuine interest in others allowed him to form bonds that lasted long after the final race was run. To meet Andy was to feel like you had known him for years, a gift that turned a brand-new collegiate program into a close-knit community in record time.
Services and Remembrances
The NCMC community is invited to join the Place family in celebrating Andy’s life. In honor of his love for the Beach Boys and Jimmy Buffett, attendees are encouraged to wear Hawaiian shirts or tropical attire.
- Visitation: Friday, Feb. 27, 5:00–7:00 PM (Vigil at 7:00 PM)
- Celebration of Life Mass: Saturday, Feb. 28, 11:00 AM
- Location: St. Matthew Catholic Church, Boyne City