NIU sports information director and former Northern Star Sports editor Mike Korcek announced his retirement Monday, ending a 22-year term as SID and 33rd in the office full time.

The 58-year old Korcek will officially call it a career June 30, but will remain a consultant and will help with other various events.

The search for Korcek’s successor will span the nation and begin immediately.

“Professionally, it’s just time to gear down,” Korcek said. “For me, this has not been some mundane 9-to-5 job. It’s been a passion. But, over the years, the weekends, nights and 70 to 80-hour work weeks add up.”

Korcek also acted as the dean of MAC SID’s and is the longest tenured SID in Illinois — one of the top 20 in the nation.

“How do you thank someone for such incredible service and dedication? When it comes to that expression ‘Blood in the Bricks,’ there’s no question Mike’s sweat and tears can be found throughout the mortar of NIU athletics,” said second-year NIU Athletic Director Jim Phillips.

Under Korcek, NIU Sports Information has been honored for numerous conference, regional, and national citations. The Football Writers Association of America cited the office for “outstanding press box services” in 1992 while College Hoops Insider voted the office No. 1 nationally for basketball service in 1995-96 and No. 2 in 1996-97.

Korcek served on the Northern Star sports staff from 1966-69 both as a reporter and editor.