After NIU’s 19-17 thriller over Wisconsin Saturday, Huskie defensive tackle Ted Hennings said a disc jockey on a Madison radio station helped the Huskies prepare for their first 1988 test against a prominent Division I-A opponent.

Hennings said the disc jockey’s lack of respect for the undefeated Huskies only added fuel to an NIU fire that didn’t need any more kindling.

Indeed, the fact the Huskies had played 13 games without beating a Big 10 opponent was more than enough to get NIU fired up for the Badgers.

But the added incentive NIU got on the bus ride up only served to sweeten the Huskies first-ever win over a Big 10 foe.

“We had a Madison station on the radio on the ride up,” Hennings said, “and all they talked about was how today was Beach Party day at the game and how they were going to kick sand in the face of the Huskies.

“And that was it. We got so fired up we about tipped the bus over.”

Charles Atlas would be proud.

No, NIU didn’t let a bigger opponent kick sand in its face. When UW kicker Rich Thompson’s last-second 55-yard field goal attempt missed wide-left, the Huskies might have done more than get off to their first 3-0 start since 1965.

Coaches and players hope Saturday’s win is a sign of greater things to come.

“Unlike the games (against Big 10 teams) before, we came into this game not just to compete or play well,” said senior guard Bob Montel. “We came into this game to win.

“Winning today is like a big stepping stone. I don’t think anyone believed us when we said we were going to go independent. I think a lot of people thought we were taking too big of a step.”

What makes NIU’s win over the Badgers loom larger is that some experts felt the Huskies needed to beat a Big 10 team to have a chance at receiving a bowl bid.

“I’ve waited four years and its about time we got our act together,” senior linebacker Mike Higgins said. “I think we’re bowl contenders now, and if we keep winning and go to a bowl—even if its some cheap old bowl—I’ll be happy.”

NIU coach Jerry Pettibone felt the win was a victory not only for NIU football, but a victory for NIU athletics past and present.

“I was hoping that (former men’s Athletic Director) Dr. (Robert) Brigham could be in the locker room today because one thing that I really wanted to be able to do was to give him the game ball before he retired,” Pettibone said.

“He’s the one that influenced the decision to get out of the MAC (Mid-American Conference), to be an independent team and reach out for the stars. And that’s what that decision encompassed.”