John Ivanic has inched his way to the top using a foot.

The place-kicker began his Huskie career unlike the majority of the other players comprising the NIU football team.

Ivanic walked-on to the team in 1986 and since then has walked all over several Huskie records. The 5-9 senior currently holds 10 school records, including 210 career scoring points—which is already six points higher than the previous record holder, Reino Nori (1932-35).

“A great test of anyone’s achievement is a test of time,” Ivanic said. “Since no one has done it since 1935, it really puts the record into perspective. It shows how great of a player Nori really was.”

Ivanic broke the scoring record on his first field goal attempt in the Nebraska contest (Sept. 8). Although unaware of the historic relevance of the kick, Ivanic saw it just as a way to help the team come closer to the Cornhuskers.

“The kick meant something at that point in the game,” Ivanic said. “So that added to the experience of it all.”

The Rock Island Alleman poduct wished the kick would have come in front of a Huskies crowd.

“I was kind of disappointed all week long,” Ivanic said. “I wanted to break the record at home.”

As it turned out, Ivanic would have had his wished granted in the home opener versus Eastern Illinois, but Number 84 hooked his first field goal attempt of the year.

“That’s all in the past and we won the Eastern Illinois game,” Ivanic said. “If we hadn’t won the game and the points made a difference, it would have been different. I’m just a little disappointed that I missed the kick.”

Even though Ivanic is now on top of the list, he admits that the slow start of the season has somewhat over-shadowed the record. But the kicker is still confident in the Huskies.

“It’s no fun when you’re losing,” Ivanic said. “It’s hard to find anything positive, but we’re going to bounce back this week and it’ll be easier to notice individual performances.” Going into the Kansas State contest on Saturday, Ivanic is 6-of-6 on point after tries. The senior needs just 10 more PAT’s for the 11th record in his Huskie career.