There were more footballs floating around at the weekly coaches luncheon Thursday than there are on Huskie field during football practice.

Special guest NIU President John LaTourette was one of a handful of 107 luncheon guests who received a football which said “first ever big ten win, NIU-19 Wisconsin-17, Sept. 17 1988.”

Huskie football coach Jerry Pettibone and NIU Athletic Director Gerald O’Dell were giving away offical game balls as a token of appreciation to those who have played significant roles in the progress of NIU’s athletic program. Progress meaning the first Big Ten Conference win in the history of NIU.

LaTourette was the first to accept his football, after which he made a quick acceptance speech directed towards Pettibone.

“I hope this is the first of many—Jerry, are you listening to me?” LaTourette said.

Dr. Robert Brigham, special assistant to the president, along with most of the athletic staff were others who received an engraved ball.

After Associate Athletic Director Leo Hensley’s name was called to go up and take his gift, Hensley said “since you guys don’t pass very much, I suppose I have to come up and get it.” This instigated Pettibone to shorten Hensley’s trip to the podium, making a complete pass (of the Wilson shoe box stuffed with a football) to Hensley.

The NIU cheerleaders challenged the relatively large audience to try out their stadium voices early for the Homecoming match and sing the Huskie Fight Song, which ended up sounding more like the Huskie Fight Mumble.