Hundreds of people gathered for the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction last Friday, and the event was a great opportunity to learn about the history of sports at NIU.

As a huge football fan, I was mostly looking forward to the chance to see the induction of Michael Turner, who was recently ranked as the third best player in the history of Huskie Stadium, but I was shocked when I got the chance to meet and talk with him at the cocktail reception prior to his induction.

After groping through finger foods and snacks for what seemed like a lifetime, I was appalled to see Turner standing in a corner alone on such a big night. I decided to take the opportunity to introduce myself and chat about the festivities.

Turner and I spoke for close to five minutes, much about what he thought of where the football program currently stands and how it felt to be inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame.

In response to my questions about the program, Turner said the team “is very good but just needs to take that last step to be a big program.”

When the inductions started, I was startled after realizing that the seat I chose to sit in was directly behind all inductees and spent quite a bit of time wondering if I was supposed to be there. I decided to enjoy the chance to sit with some good company.

The ceremony began with a tribute to former inductees and tributes to alumni athletes who NIU has lost in the last year or so.

The list of 2015 inductees included Turner, Scott Owen, Ben Heizer, Bob Gregolunas, Charmonique Stallworth, Sandy Menard and Dr. Lou Jean Moyer.

Owen was a member of the wrestling team, ending his prestigious career with a 116-22 record. He was a two-time All-American and a three-time MAC champion, finishing in the top five of the NCAA Championships in 2002 and 2003.

Heizer was also a member of the wrestling team, becoming a two-time All-American and picking up three MAC titles. He earned sixth place or higher twice at the NCAA Championships, and even posted a 30-2 record in 2003.

“Life is definitely not easy,” Heizer said. “We go through ups and downs. But what I did find out, is that life could be simple.” Heizer would go on to break down his acronym of the world “simple” and how he applies it to his life, saying that it stands for “systems, integrity, marketing, people first, live-laugh-love and excellence.”

Charmonique Stallworth, a standout women’s basketball player who is 13th leading scorer in the history of the program, was inducted after a career in which she scored 1,415 points, made it to three NCAA Tournaments and even holds the women’s basketball record for field goals in a game with 19.

“In the beginning, I don’t think I was motivated to be great,” Stallworth said. “It was more of an expectation. I was always surrounded by it, so I never had to put much thought into it.”

Bob Gregolunas was a special player for Huskies football in the 70s, making an impact on both sides of the ball. Gregolunas was the starting quarterback for the Huskies until his senior season when he made the move to linebacker. Following the transition, he led the team in tackles and became the first ever NIU player named to an All-MAC First Team. Gregolunas is the only player in the history of the program to lead the team in passing and tackling in separate seasons.

“The most fun and most joy I ever had playing football came as a linebacker, not at quarterback,” Gregolunas said. “The only reason I’m here tonight is because of my teammates and my coaches. This honor is a testament to them. I wouldn’t change anything about my time at Northern.”

Sandy Menard, a star with women’s gymnastics, competed twice at the NCAA regionals and was the 1998 MAC Uneven Bars Champion. “Gymnastics to me was such an amazing thing,” Menard said. “I wake up everyday, and I make sure that every single day, nobody stands in my way and I do what I want to do, and I make sure I do it to the best of my ability.”

Last but not least was Dr. Lou Jean Meyer, a former women’s volleyball coach who also helped to build women’s athletics at NIU.

Meyer served as the first ever coach for the women’s volleyball team and was also the president of the National Association for Girls and Women in Sports. She picked up a 75-43 record in five seasons as a coach.

“I would like to thank all of you for your presence and for your support,” Meyer said. “It’s really quite an honor. Go Huskies.”

As a first-time attendee of the event, I had a great time, and it’s really special to see and communicate with the influential figures in the history of NIU Athletics.

The event is open to anyone who wants to attend, and all you need is an RSVP to go. Lots of people would benefit from learning the history of sports at the university, and this is great chance to do so.

Prior to the event, I always thought I did a great job of keeping up with Huskies history, but admittedly, I was wrong. There is a deep line of success that runs with all programs and it does nothing but boost my pride in NIU sports.