For NIU, the struggle for a major move into Rockford has lasted two years. For former Gov. James Thompson, the monetary obstacle course he built stood almost that long. Monday, Thompson blinked and NIU won the stare-down.

With the state’s long-awaited $500,000 check in start-up money, NIU can begin looking for architects and engineers to build its new more northern home. It’s about time.

Ever since Thompson’s original veto of the money, which was overturned in the fall veto session of 1989, he’s cried wolf with the media, promising to release the money again and again.

Each time, his empty vow caused a stir in the state educational community and wasted newsprint. Each time, NIU withstood the storm.

The storm came from other colleges, such as the University of Illinois, that felt NIU was invading their turf. NIU took two of those schools – Rockford College and Rock Valley College – into a triumvirate of Northern Illinois higher education institutions, guaranteeing some approval.

The last hurdle was a political one. Thompson was displeased with NIU’s choice to place the new campus and said he wanted officials to rethink the location before he released the money.

NIU said no. Not maybe, but no. Thompson’s last minute acquiescence and final act as governor was to release the funds.

The ball now is in NIU’s court. If the match of the last two years is any indication, the school should serve up an ace.