DeKALB | Everything went as planned on Aug. 1, 2007 for NIU athletics, as the Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon Center opened.

The new 62,000-square-foot facility will house NIU football, athletic training and serve as an academic center.

“It’s no different from anything else; you have to reinvest in your infrastructure,” NIU Athletic Director Jim Phillips said. “For us, we needed to reinvest in our student athletes, and create a facility for them to succeed at the highest level academically as well as athletically.”

The Yordon Center has an X-ray machine, two rehabilitation whirlpools with underwater cameras, a 15,000-square-foot weight room, and an office with a window for NIU head coach Joe Novak.

“My whole attitude is different; I look out and see sunlight. I’m not near as sour as I used to be,” Novak joked.

The coach did note that the building will greatly help NIU in recruiting and “maximize the talents of the kids we have there now.”

Players reported for summer practice on Aug. 5, and have already been amazed by what they have seen.

“It’s awesome,” junior wide receiver Britt Davis said. “Just yesterday I was looking for a trainer and got lost in there.”

NFL hopefuls’ summer wrap-up

It’s been a difficult summer for former Huskies and NFL hopefuls Phil Horvath and Jake Nordin.

Former NIU quarterback Horvath was cut from the Lions squad on July 20. The Lions then announced the signing of five-year veteran quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan.

Nordin had a similar experience, as the former tight end was cut from the Patriots roster on July 19. However, 11 days later Nordin found a new home when the Washington Redskins signed him.

Former running back A.J. Harris, who was released from the Redskins in September 2006, is also back in the NFL as he signed with the Seattle Seahawks at the end of June.