Only one member of the NIU men’s basketball team, Bryson McKenzie, remembers the locker rooms at Chick Evans Field House.

McKenzie, who began his basketball career with NIU in 2001, was denied a sixth year of eligibility Wednesday.

“We were hopeful that Bryson would be granted a sixth-year eligibility extension,” coach Rob Judson said. “It is unfortunate that the NCAA denied Bryson’s request.”

The 6-foot-10 center graduated after the fall 2005 semester, but was looking to play for one more year as he was redshirted twice — once as a freshman and a second time in the 2003-2004 season due to injury.

It was during his sophomore season that McKenzie suffered a knee injury before the start of the season. The Gary, Ind. native returned to play six games before he had to return to the operating room for another procedure.

McKenzie proved to be a vital asset for the MAC West champions, as he filled in for James Hughes when the junior was out due to injury concerns. The former Huskie averaged 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds during those six starts.

Covering all the bases

Pitcher Lindsey LaChiana has managed to produce victories both on and off the field this season.

On the field, the senior pitcher earned three victories last weekend after allowing six earned runs in 19.2 innings of work.

Back at school, LaChiana, an accountancy major, boasts a perfect 4.0 grade point average as she looks to enter the ‘real world.’

These two achievements propelled the Oak Lawn native to be awarded the MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

“This is great recognition for Lindsey and the week that she had,” head coach Donna Martin said. “She has worked very hard this season on the field and off, and it’s nice to be honored for that.”

Rewarding Prevalence

2006 wasn’t the kindest year to the NIU women’s tennis team.

The team dealt with injury issues, which provided a limited lineup throughout the season.

Despite the hardship, MAC coaches recognized the talents of freshman Jenny Edner, as she was named a Second-Team All-Mid-American Conference honoree.

“It’s certainly nice recognition for her, especially since it comes from the league’s other coaches,” NIU coach Pontus Hiort said. “They recognize her competitive nature and the fact that she put up a good year individually, even though we had some limitations as a team.”

Edner stared in the No. 2 singles position, but found herself in the No. 1 spot as the year continued. In that role, Edner was 10-14. She also competed in doubles with four different partners to compile a 5-18 record.