Marquette, MI – January 29, 2026 – On our latest edition of Wildcat Wednesday, we learned more about the history of the relationship between Northern Michigan University and the UP 200 sled dog race. Derek Hall, NMU Chief of Marketing, and Rachel Raniszewski, a senior at NMU, spoke about the relationship with Mark & Walt in the Morning. Hall explained that the relationship goes back to start of the race over 30 years ago because of the involvement of NMU students, faculty and staff getting involved both in groups and individually. Hall said that included increased marketing efforts coordinated out of his office to give NMU students some real, practical hands-on learning opportunities in the fields of marketing and event planning. She also talked about how the opportunities to be deeply involved in the event have helped shape her life’s career path.