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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

 

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NIU football redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright (10) celebrates a touchdown during the Huskies’ game against the College of Holy Cross on Aug. 30. The Northern Star Sports staff shares their predictions for the outcomes of five college football games scheduled to take place this weekend.  (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Sports
Week 9 CFB picks: South Florida keeps rolling, NIU fails to reclaim Bronze Stalk
NIU redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright (10) looks on as redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Holst, bottom, is sacked by San Diego State University sophomore linebacker Owen Chambliss during a football game on Sept. 27 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU's 6-3 loss to San Diego State was the third among the Huskies' ongoing six-game losing streak. (Alexia Beck | Northern Star)
Sports
KISELLUS: ‘The Hard Way’ is hard to watch
NIU then-redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) throws a pass during a football game against Ball State University on Oct. 26, 2024, at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. The Huskies lost the game 25-23 after a walk-off field goal by the Cardinals, tying the all-time series between the rivals at 25-25-2. (Northern Star file photo)
Sports
Behind Enemy Bylines: Ball State pushing to keep Bronze Stalk amid winless road skid
NIU redshirt senior defensive end Jalonnie Williams (11) waits for Ohio University’s offense to snap the ball during a football game on Saturday at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. The Huskies will next host archival Ball State University, looking to reclaim the Bronze Stalk trophy for the first time since 2021. (Jimmy Doles | NIU Athletics)
Sports
Huskies hope to take back Bronze Stalk from archrival Ball State
 

Talking
Huskie sports ...

A graphic shows the logo for "All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast." All-Star is a weekly podcast presented by Northern Star Sports. (Northern Star file photo)
All-Star: Football still stinky, women on the rise
October 16, 2025
A graphic shows the logo for "All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast." All-Star is a weekly podcast presented by Northern Star Sports. (Northern Star file photo)
All-Star: The stinker against San Diego State
October 2, 2025
A graphic shows the logo for "All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast." All-Star is a weekly podcast presented by Northern Star Sports. (Northern Star file photo)
All-Star: Playing catch-up
September 25, 2025
 
 
 
NIU redshirt sophomore quarterback Josh Holst (15) throws a pass over Ohio University graduate student linebacker Cameron Hollobaugh (24) during a football game Saturday at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Holst received his highest offensive grade of the season from Pro Football Focus after passing for a season-high two touchdowns in the 48-21 loss. (Jimmy Doles | NIU Athletics)
NIU PFF grades: Young talents emerge in loss at Ohio
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | October 23, 2025
NIU volleyball sophomore outside hitter Emma McCartney (6) sends the ball over the net during the Huskies’ match against the University of Toledo on Friday. McCartney recorded 20 kills in the five set loss to Toledo on Saturday. (Ethan Rodriguez  | Northern Star)
NIU volleyball reverse-swept by Toledo, fall in fourth straight
By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | October 19, 2025
NIU junior wide receiver DeAree Rogers (6) is tackled by Ohio University graduate student cornerback Tank Pearson (7) after a 6-yard catch during the first quarter of a football game Saturday at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Rogers caught a 50-yard touchdown pass in NIU's 41-21 loss to the Bobcats. (Jimmy Doles | NIU Athletics)
NIU suffers 6th-straight loss despite season-high scoring
NIU football redshirt senior running back Chavon Wright (10) attempts to stiff arm University or Maryland freshman defensive back Messiah Delhomme (33) during the second quarter of the Huskies’ game against the University of Maryland on Sept. 5. Wright scored a touchdown in the third quarter as NIU lost a 48-21 game against the Ohio University Bobcats on Saturday, its sixth straight loss. (Northern Star file photo)
Rapid Recap: NIU drops sixth straight against Ohio
NIU volleyball sophomore outside hitter Emma McCartney (6) prepares to serve during the Huskies’ match against the University of Toledo on Friday. McCartney recorded 16 kills in NIU’s 3-1 loss to the Rockets, the third straight loss for the Huskies. (Ethan Rodriguez  | Northern Star)
Huskies grounded by Rockets, drop 3rd straight match
The NIU volleyball team gathers in a group huddle to discuss their performance after the Huskies’ match against Western Michigan University on Tuesday. The Huskies scored 25 and Western Michigan University 22 during the second half, scoring NIU the winning point. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Gallery: NIU snags first sweep against Broncos in decade
 

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NIU men’s soccer redshirt freshman defender Roman Khela (2) gains possession of the ball against the University of Notre Dame on Tuesday. The Huskies upset the Fighting Irish 2-1, extending their unbeaten streak to six.(Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Huskies upset Notre Dame, extend unbeaten streak to 6
By Abel Naranjo, Sports Reporter | October 22, 2025
NIU women’s soccer senior defender Aubrey Robertson (7) makes a play on the ball during the Huskies’ match against Miami University on Sept. 14. The Huskies dropped their third straight match in a 3-0 loss to Ohio University on Sunday in Athens, Ohio. (Northern Star file photo)
Huskies extend losing streak to 3 with loss to Bobcats
By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter | October 20, 2025
NIU men’s soccer senior forward Jose Gomez (10) goes for the ball during the Huskies’ match against Western Illinois University on Aug. 28. Gomez scored the first goal for NIU in a 2-2 tie against Belmont University on Friday. (Northern Star file photo)
Angulo’s late goal pushes Huskies into 2nd in MVC
NIU men’s soccer freshman midfielder Niko Ladas (25) drives the ball up the field during the Huskies’ match against Governors State University on Sept. 21. The Huskies were shutout by Western Michigan University on Saturday, with the game ending in a 0-0 draw. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies draw against Western Michigan
NIU women’s soccer junior forward Tyra King (18) goes for the ball during the Huskies’ match against the University of Akron on Sept. 25. King recorded 4 shots, two of which were on goal, in NIU’s 1-0 loss to Bowling Green State University on Thursday. (Alexia Beck | Northern Star)
Women’s soccer clawed in 1-0 loss to Falcons
NIU women’s soccer freshman defender Elle Wainscott (15) battles for the ball during the Huskies’ match against the University of Akron on Sept. 25. Wainscott recorded the only shot of the second half for NIU in a 1-0 loss to Kent State University on Sunday.  (Alexia Beck | Northern Star)
Huskies fall to Kent State on the road

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NIU men’s golf sophomore Conner McCall lines up a shot during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. McCall recorded a career-best 68 strokes in the third round at the Quail Valley Invitational on Monday.  (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
McCall records career-best round as Huskies take 11th in Florida
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor | October 21, 2025
NIU women’s golf sophomore Mia Raines follows through after attempting a shot during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Raines finished the Jim West Challenge tied for 43rd as the Huskies finished in 14th place.  (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies fall to last at Jim West Challenge
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | October 21, 2025
NIU men’s golf redshirt freshman Devin Swoyer follows through during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Swoyer was named the Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Week after a top-five finish at the Purdue Fall Invitational. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Swoyer earns MAC Golfer of the Week
NIU men’s golf freshman Devin Swoyer attempts a shot during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Swoyer tied for fifth at the Purdue Fall Invitational in West Lafayette, Indiana, while NIU finished sixth as a team. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Men’s golf finishes 6th at Purdue Fall Invitational
NIU women’s golf sophomore Mia Raines takes a shot during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Raines and freshman Emilie Chile were the top finishers for the Huskies at the Diane Thomason Invitational, while NIU came in 8th. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Chile, Raines power women’s golf to 8th place finish in Iowa
NIU women’s golf freshman Emily Chile lines up the club during a practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Three Huskies finished in the top-25 of the tournament, the first of the season for NIU.  (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf places 5th, earns 3 top-25 finishes at Redbird Invitational
NIU cross country sophomore Varri Higgins competes at the Huskie Classic on Sept. 5. Higgins was one of five Huskies who ran personal records at the Bradley Pink Classic on Friday. (Ethan Rodriguez  | Northern Star)
Cross country records 5 personal bests in Peoria
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | October 18, 2025
NIU track and field then-senior Malia Watkins makes a turn on the track during the Cyclone Open last January. The Huskies had seven athletes place within the top-three at the Normal Invite on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Track and field produces multiple top-3 performances at Normal Invite
By Micah Huff, Sports Reporter | April 14, 2025
Members of the NIU country team begin their race at the Huskie Classic on Sept. 5. The Huskies finished the Gans Creek Classic, hosted by the University of Missouri, in 25th place.  (Northern Star File Photo)
Huskies finish 25th in Columbia, Ojeda nearly misses top-100
NIU freshman Amelie Ojeda (left) and NIU graduate runner Sarah Maggio (right) dash toward the first hill of the course near the 2 kilometer mark. Maggio placed 7th with a time of 18:42.20 at the 5K Huskie Invitational on Friday. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Gallery: Huskie Invitational leads to NIU cross country’s first top 5 finish
NIU track and field then-junior Roshell Rowe competes at the Redbird Tune Up in February, 2024, in Normal, Illinois. Sports Reporter Micah Huff breaks down his three greatest takeaways from the Huskies' season so far. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
HUFF: 3 takeaways from the 2024-25 track and field indoor season
NIU track and field then-senior Malia Watkins makes a turn on the track during the Cyclone Open last January. Watkins took first place in the 100-meter dash at the Redbird Challenge on Saturday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Track and field picks up 4 first-place finishes at Redbird Challenge
 

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NIU then-freshman gymnast Drake White strikes a pose during her floor routine in a dual meet against Illinois State University on Jan. 24 inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. NIU's gymnastics program will join the Mountain West Conference as an affiliate member in 2026, following in the footsteps of the school's football program. (Northern Star file photo)
NIU gymnastics to follow football to Mountain West in 2026
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | October 2, 2025
NIU redshirt sophomore wrestler Jacob Brya locks shoulder to shoulder with Purdue University redshirt freshman Cole Solomey during the 141-pound matchup in a dual meet on Jan. 12 inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. NIU will pay a $28,000 affiliate membership fee to the Pac-12 over five years. (Northern Star file photo)
NIU to pay Pac-12 $28K for wrestling affiliate membership
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | October 7, 2025
NIU gymnastics head coach Dawnita “Nita” Teague cheers as a gymnast completes her routine against Kent State University on Feb. 7. Teague was named the head coach of gymnastics on Tuesday after serving as the interim head coach during the 2025 season. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Teague takes NIU gymnastics head coach title
NIU gymnastics junior Kiera O'Shea poses after completing the vault event against Eastern Michigan University on Feb. 2.  Rotating with the University of Alabama gymnastics team, O'Shea competed in the NCAA Regional tournament for the second consecutive year on Friday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Sofia Howell | Northern Star)
Kiera O’Shea ends season at NCAA regionals
NIU redshirt junior wrestler Blake West looks up as he grapples with Purdue University redshirt senior Matt Ramos during the 125-pound matchup in a dual meet on Jan. 12 inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. NIU will join the Pac-12 as an affiliate member for wrestling in 2026. (Northern Star file photo)
NIU wrestling to join Pac-12 as affiliate member in 2026
NIU wrestling redshirt junior Blake West takes down Southern Illinois University Edwardsville freshman Drew Davis as the Huskies defeated SIUE by a score of 19-12 on Feb. 22. West, along with redshirt sophomore Landen Johnson, were eliminated from the NCAA Wrestling Championship on Friday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Huskie duo comes up short in NCAA Tourney
NIU baseball head coach Ryan Copeland speaks at an NIU Athletics press conference in the spring. Heading into Year 3 at the helm, Copeland sports and overall record of 42-66 as the Huskies' head coach. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)
NIU Baseball sees resurgence under Copeland’s leadership
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | June 1, 2025
NIU women’s soccer senior forward Kelsi McLaughlin (4) attempts a shot against Eastern Illinois University on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Sports Reporter Abel Naranjo breaks down his three main takeaways from the beginning of the women’s soccer season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
NARANJO: 3 early takeaways from women’s soccer’s season
By Abel Naranjo, Sports Reporter | September 4, 2025
NIU baseball senior outfielder CJ Cepicky (39) beats the tag at third with a slide during the Huskies’ game against Akron University on April 18. Assistant Sports Editor Kalin Schaefer breaks down her three greatest takeaways from the Huskies’ 2025 season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
SCHAEFER: Three takeaways from baseball’s turbulent season
NIU baseball senior outfielder Gavin Baldwin (33) jogs home after hitting a home run against the University of Illinois Chicago on March 26. The Huskies set a record for most home runs in a single season in Tuesday’s loss to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Home run record set by Huskies in loss to Milwaukee
Senior first baseman Madison Mathews (21) dabs after her double to center field during the first inning of the second game on Tuesday against Western Michigan University. Mathews made most of a difference for the second game in fielding, tied for most number of putouts at a total of five for the second game. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: NIU Softball claims victory over Western Michigan
NIU softball senior first baseman Madison Mathews (21) doubles back after rounding third base during the first inning of Game 2 against Western Michigan University on Tuesday. The Huskies split the doubleheader, dropping a 4-3 first game before a 9-7 victory in Game 2.  (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Softball rides late-game surge to salvage split with Western Michigan
 

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NIU men’s golf sophomore Jack Mulligan follows through a swing during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Mulligan was the Huskies’ top finisher at the Jim DeLapa Collegiate, which ended on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics
Men’s golf finishes 13th at Jim DeLapa Collegiate
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor | September 29, 2025
Women’s golf claims 4th at MAC Championship
Women’s golf claims 4th at MAC Championship
By Matt Agnew, Sports Reporter | April 22, 2025
A graphic depicts NIU junior golfer Craig Long as this week’s Huskie of the Week. Long took first place at the Badger Invitational, hosted by the University of Wisconsin, which finished on Tuesday. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)
Huskie of the Week: Craig Long tops field at Badger Invitational
NIU men’s golf junior Craig Long follows through a swing during practice at Rich Harvest Farms. Long placed first at the Badger Invitational, finishing 11 under par. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Craig Long claims victory at Badger Invitational
NIU women's golf graduate student Emma Thorman prepares to put at a tournament in the fall. The Huskies competed at the Boilermaker Spring Classic, which wrapped up on Monday, and finished ninth out of 16 teams. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf finishes ninth at Boilermaker Spring Classic
NIU women’s golf freshman Alex Ouellet finishes her follow through, staring down her drive at an invitational in the fall. Ouellet earned Mid-American Conference Golfer of the Week honors after leading the Huskies at the Bowling Green State University Women's Intercollegiate with a third place finish on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Ouellet snatches MAC Golfer of the Week
NIU men’s tennis then-junior Iker Gaztambid Arrastia returns the ball in the Huskies’ match against the University of Toledo on April 5. NIU Athletics released the men's tennis 2025-2026 schedule on Thursday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Men’s tennis unveils 2026 spring schedule
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor | September 16, 2025
NIU women’s tennis senior Isabella Righi prepares to receive the ball during her singles match against the University at Buffalo on April 13. NIU Athletics released the women's tennis 2025-2026 schedule on Sept. 16. (Northern Star File Photo)
Women’s tennis announces 2025-2026 schedule
By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Editor | September 22, 2025
NIU baseball catcher Logan Gregorio (35) calls for a check from the first base umpire during the Huskies’ game against Western Michigan University on Friday. Gregorio hit his 15th home run of the season in the Huskies' 16-15 loss to the Broncos. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies’ ninth inning rally falls just short, drop series opener to Broncos
NIU men's tennis junior Federico Scotuzzi celebrates after winning a point in his singles match against the University of Toledo on April 5. The Huskies played their last match of the season on Saturday, dropping a 4-3 battle against Western Michigan University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
NIU wraps up season with loss to Broncos
NIU women’s tennis junior Nataly Ninova follows through after returning the ball during the Huskies’ match against the University at Buffalo on April 13. The Huskies received an invitation to compete at the Universal Tennis Rating Sports NIT Championship, scheduled to take place from May 7-9 in Rome, Georgia. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Women’s tennis earns berth to NIT Championship
NIU women’s tennis freshman Irmak Budak waits for the ball before hitting it with a two-handed backstroke during the Huskies’ match against the University at Buffalo on April 13. The Huskies fell in a 4-1 loss against Buffalo in the Mid-American Conference Tournament finals on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies’ historic season ends with loss to Buffalo

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