Former NIU closer Matt German was named to Florida State League All-Star team. German has made 19 appearances for the Clearwater Threshers, a High Class A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Aurora native has a 2.73 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 26 1/3 innings.

“He’s been working well, he’s got a great approach,” NIU head coach Ed Mathey said. “He’s always prepared when he takes the mound.”

German is the NIU all-time saves leader with 26, which also ranks second in MAC history. German signed with the Phillies as an undrafted free agent in 2007. German had a 1.54 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched between rookie level Willamsport and Low Class A Lakewood that season.

A great opportunity
Former NIU soccer player Justin McGrane made his first appearance with the Chicago Fire reserves squad against the D.C. United reserves on Sunday, June 8. McGrane checked into the game as a defender in the second half of a 5-4 Chicago loss.

McGrane was a three-time All-MAC selection at NIU and played in 76 games from 2003-06. The Rockford native became the fi rst NIU alumnus to participate in the MLS combine in January 2007.

“The Fire called me up to see if there were any guys who were capable,” NIU men’s soccer coach Steve Simmons said.

Former NIU baseball coach honored
Former NIU head baseball coach Walt Owens was honored by the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball prior to the 2008 MLB draft on June 5.

The event was a special Negro Leagues player draft, which allowed each team to pick one former Negro League player to represent every player who didn’t have the opportunity to play in the major leagues.

Owens was NIU’s head coach from 1976-82 and won 133 games. He is currently third on the all-time Huskie wins list.

Owens played three seasons in the Negro Leagues with the Detroit Stars from 1953-55.

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