Call it coincidence, but the NIU gymnastic team has done nothing but improve since assistant coach Harry Orkowski arrived.

A coincidence would be hard to prove, however, given Orkowski’s reputation and experience. Orkowski has been a key factor in catapulting the Huskies to where they are today—undefeated, ranked in the top 15 in the nation and well on their way to an eventful postseason.

Orkowski has 15 years of coaching under his belt that took him from recreational programs to college-level athletic programs. Orkowski coached at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater before arriving at NIU just over a year ago.

Since then, the Huskies have seen a steady uphill rise in their performances. NIU jumped from 48th in the nation the year before Orkowski arrived to 27th his first year on the job.

“The first year I came to Northern the team was pretty impressive but were just real rough and nondirectional,” Orkowski said. “They had the talent but just didn’t know what to do with it. We straightened it out and went from there.”

Orkowski’s coaching role goes beyond normal expectancies. With an expertise in sports biomechanics, Orkowski analyzes the gymnasts’ more complex skills and extends their ability and confidence in each move.

And while the gymnasts perform, Orkowski does what he calls “heavy duty spotting”—making sure he is in a position to catch falls or steady mistakes on the floor.

But Orkowski’s job goes further than just physical training and spotting.

“Although it’s not in the job description, I make sure someone’s there to take care of them (the gymnasts) and make it more my point to psych them up and prepare them mentally,” Orkowski said. “When they do get done, I also make sure I’m the first one to congratulate them no matter what.”

Obviously Orkowski has had a lot more congratulations to hand out this year. With the Huskies standing at 11-0, they are expected to run away with the Illinois State Classic championship hosted by NIU on Saturday.

“With the way the team is performing, we plan on winning and that is our aspect right now,” Orkowski said. “The way you pull out of a meet is to pull the team together and that’s what we intend to do.”

Meanwhile, head coach Bobbie Cesarek is quick to point out Orkowski’s contributions, not only through his expertise, but the good relationship he maintains with the gymnasts.

“He (Orkowski) is a very low-key, rational person who talks the girls through their performances.” Cesarek said. “Where we are is very much thanks to him.”