DeKALB | Football coach Joe Novak announced Wednesday that backup running back Montell Clanton will undergo surgery and miss the remainder of the season.

Clanton tore the meniscus in his right knee in a game against Buffalo. In the game, the sophomore ran for 93 yards and one touchdown.

Novak had announced earlier at Tuesday’s media conference that Clanton was planning on rehabbing his knee to avoid surgery. But the coach of 11 years was doubtful Clanton would return for the season, as he knew the injury would eventually require surgery. Unfortunately, his concern was confirmed.

The knee contains two menisci — one lateral meniscus and a medial meniscus. Both are cartilage tissue and provide structural integrity to the knee.

Teeing it up

The last two tournaments for the NIU women’s golf team have been successful.

The Huskies came in second place two weeks ago and first place last weekend.

The women will try to keep the streak going this weekend when they host the Huskie Classic at the Whisper Creek Golf Club in Huntley.

“We’ve done everything we can preparation-wise to set up Huskie success,” said coach Pam Tyska. “Motivation and confidence-wise, we’re ready to tee it up.”

The Huskies also have seen solid play from Abbie Many.

The junior leads the team with a seven-round scoring average of 79.9. Right next to Many is Lisa Bailey at 81.1.

And the winner is…

Volleyball senior Kate McCullagh and men’s soccer goalkeeper Joe Zimka were honored as MAC West players of the week in their respective sports.

Zimka is coming off a dominating shutout performance against No. 21 Notre Dame and Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne.

McCullagh dominated NIU’s last two games against MAC opponents. The senior had 49 kills in two games.

“Kate had a very good weekend for our team,” said coach Ray Gooden. “To go out there and play as well as she did on the road in two tough places to play, I was just proud of the way she played and how she helped lead our team.”

The break is over

The NIU men’s golf team’s one-week break is over.

The Huskies will visit Cincinnati, Ohio to participate in the Xavier Invitational this weekend.

Tournament play starts at 8 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 2.

Lacy Searcy is a Sports Reporter for the Northern Star. Ben Gross contributed to this article.