Volleyball assistant honored with award

NIU volleyball assistant coach Coley Pawlikowski is being recognized for her work with the team.

Pawlikowski was one as one of the up-and-coming assistant coaches that was named by the American Volleyball Coaches Association’s Thirty Under 30, which recognizes volleyball coaches under the age of 30 at every level of volleyball.

This is the second time in three years that the 2004 NIU graduate has been named to the list.

In 2009, the first year the award was given out, Pawlikowski made the list as the then-head coach of North Park’s NCAA Division III women’s volleyball program.

The Batavia, Ill. native mainly works with the Huskies’ back row players.

Doeren adds kicker to first signing class

Last season the NIU football team experienced some hiccups in its kicking game.

First-year head coach Dave Doeren may have resolved those issues with the 23rd member of his 2011 recruiting class.

On Feb. 22, Doeren announced that junior college All-American kicker Josh Gallington signed a national letter of intent to play for the Huskie football program.

In two seasons at Bakersfield Community College, Gallington connected on 97-of-99 extra points, while successfully hitting 29-of-34 field goal attempts.

Gallington will likely battle sophomore Matthew Sims for the kicking duties in the 2011-12 season.

Ellis named MAC West Player of the Week

NIU women’s basketball center Ebony Ellis was named MAC West Player of the Week, after averaging 19.5 points and 15.0 rebounds.

In a 72-70 overtime loss at Western Michigan, the Joliet, Ill. native scored 20 points while hauling in 14 rebounds.

Ellis’ biggest contribution came in helping the Huskies upset MAC power Toledo at home, 57-53, when she scored 19 points with a season-high 16 rebounds.