Despite already having a solid roster, the NIU baseball coaching staff managed to make a few improvements by signing seven players for the 2007 campaign.

Though there weren’t many openings available, NIU coach Ed Mathey said they were able to fill some needs with guys who could push for time.

“I am happy with this recruiting class and once again assistant coach Tim McDonough did an outstanding job,” said Mathey. “This is a quality class that will make its mark at NIU.”

The seven new players are Cody Beck (Hanover Park/Bartlett); Joe Buonavolanto (Willowbrook, /Hinsdale South); Jordin Hood (Hawthorn Woods/Lake Zurich); Sam Kapacinskas (DeBery, Fla./ St. Johns River C.C.); Anthony Maziur (Oak Forest/Oak Forest); Danny Reed (Lindstrom, Minn./North Iowa Area C.C.) and Dave Reynolds (Orland Park/Carl Sandburg).

The Rufa is on fire

Men’s soccer midfielder and defender Chris Rufa has thus far been all over the offensive stat sheets.

The junior is tied for first in the MAC for game-winning goals at 0.33 and is second in assists per game with 0.67.

Forward and teammate Marcus McCarty is tied for first place in the MAC with 0.50 goals a game.

Comfort on the fairway

NIU men’s golf coach John Cleary said he wants his team to find a comfort zone this weekend.

The Huskies host a 12-team tournament at Rich Harvest Farms Sept. 9 and 10.

With his team already familiar with the course, Cleary is really looking for a strong showing from his players.

“We’re the young team,” Cleary said. “It’s just a good way to start our season at a place that we’re going to be fairly familiar with. I expect the guys to do pretty well, but we’re all still learning and figuring things out ourselves.”

Tailgate on the green

The NIU baseball team will host its fourth annual golf outing Saturday, Sept. 16 at the Oak Club Golf Course in Genoa. Shotgun tee times will begin at 8 a.m.

Pre-game football tailgating will begin after the outing at 3:30 p.m. For special event sponsorship, the cost is $150. Places must be reserved by Friday, Sept. 8. Entry forms also will be available on the baseball link at www.niuhuskies.com. For additional information, call 753-0147.

Lacy Searcy is a Sports Reporter for the Northern Star.