The NIU Huskies Athletic Association will be the new name to replace both the Huskie Club and NI Club, several members of the Huskie development program confirmed Thursday at the weekly coaches luncheon.

Although the name has changed, the product is still the same.

NIU soccer coach Willy Roy was back with his diverting antics to lighten up the luncheon atmosphere, as he was up to his old tricks again.

No, football coach Jerry Pettibone didn’t receive his traditional victory apple from Roy for a 7-6 Akron defeat Saturday.

Nor did Roy collect a deserved German chocolate chip cookie from Pettibone for his 4-1 win over Loyola Wednesday.

After commenting on the trials and tribulations of having three sons on the soccer team and knocking Pettibone for looking “35 years older on TV than in person” (in Saturday’s game), Roy presented Pettibone with a unique victory gift.

Pettibone unveiled his present in front of the large crowd, a painting titled “The Evolution of Man”.

Roy’s creation depicted a hunched over football player which evolved to a semi-standing ape, which evolved to a walking man which finally evolved to what Roy believed was the ultimate stage—a soccer player.

Pettibone said he would put the painting in his office as a “memento of the relationship he has with coach Roy.” Meanwhile, Pettibone’s mind will be churning with ideas to match Roy’s wit.

“This is the first luncheon where we’ve had a chance to get our first shots in at each other,” Pettibone said. “I’m going to have to think real hard on something to retaliate with next week.”

The luncheon continued in its traditional fashion, with NIU halfback Rodney Taylor and inside linebacker Mike Higgins available for questions. Special guest, George McCaskey, grandson of the late George Halas, sat in on the luncheon as well.

Pettibone had mostly praise for his team’s performance in the Akron victory.

“I am very pleased with the way our team played,” Pettibone said. “Akron was a very good team, but we concentrated and made the big plays.”

Pettibone said he was proud of the limited times that officials blew the whistle on the black and red squad. NIU only had two penalties called the entire game.

Pettibone also previewed this week’s upcoming contest against the Blue Raiders of Middle Tennessee State, a Division 1 AA school who is 1-0 coming off a victory over Tennessee State.

While Pettibone realizes the Huskies might have a tough game ahead, he said he feels “it’s going to be an exciting game and we’ll be ready.”