A Menominee tribal member who has dedicated more than 50 years of his life to the sport of boxing was among those inducted into the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame.
On June 7, former boxer, referee and coach Orin “Lou” Askenette was among 54 Indigenous athletes honored as the 2025 NAIA Hall of Fame inductees at a ceremony at the Oneida Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay.
Askenette was a retired Oneida Nation security officer and former boxer, trainer, referee and coach.
“Lou was a legendary boxing coach whose dedication and ability shaped the careers of countless champions. With over 50 years in the sport, he has made an indelible mark on boxing,” according to the NAIA. “Lou’s work in molding and shaping fighters has helped them prepare for life responsibilities while building careers promoting positive life skills. Lou has played a strong role in many lives, mentoring men and women warriors of Indian Country.” Askenette began his boxing career fighting on his father’s boxing team, the Menominee Indian Boxing Club. In 1959 in Fond du Lac, Askenette won the 135-pound championship. Two years later, in 1961, he won the open division tournament at Fond du Lac at 126 pounds.
At age 18, he joined the military and from 1963-67 he fought on the United States Air Force boxing team.
After his military career, he joined the Wisconsin Boxing Referee Association, where he was a well-known boxing official. In 1973, he started his coaching career at the Oneida Boxing Club on the Oneida Indian Reservation in Wisconsin and was recruited by Chairman Purcell Powless. In 1977, he co-founded and coached the Soaring Eagles Boxing Club in Green Bay, and he continued recruiting and training amateur and professional boxing careers.
Askenette has coached and trained several fighters including Carlos Molina, Harry “The Hammer” Funmaker, Ernie “Big Cat” Stevens Jr., Roger Ponfil, Chuck Ponfil, Joey Christjohn, Kelly Stevens, Paul “Bad Horse” Stevens, Matt Denny, DJ Denny, Tim Tomashek, Todd Moon Hill, Rory Hill, Mel Smith, Earl Smith, Paul Danforth, Buggs Danforth, John Maino and others.
The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame honors and recognizes the Indigenous sport cultures of 27 countries of North America by recognizing outstanding leadership and achievement in individual and team athletics. By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of the annually inducted individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics and life. Nominations are accepted for individuals or teams in the categories of athlete, coach, team, builder, media, official and trainer.
Menominee tribal member inducted into NAIA Hall of Fame
