Garrett Wolfe has another honor to hang on his wall — or slip under his mattress.

The NIU running back has been selected to the 50th Anniversary Playboy preseason First-Team All-America squad.

“This is the biggest individual honor I have ever received,” Wolfe said.

The 5-foot-7 junior was contacted by express mail from Playboy sports editor Gary Cole and will attend a photo shoot in Phoenix, Ariz. May 12-14.

“The 50th Anniversary Playboy All-America team is a prestigious honor,” said NIU coach Joe Novak.

The only other Huskie to receive the honor was former basketball standout T.J. Lux. In 1999-2000, Lux was also the recipient of the Playboy Anson Mount National Scholar/Athlete Award.

In mid-May, Wolfe will bring his Northern Illinois football uniform and helmet to participate for the “Dream Team” photo shoot for the magazine and the taping of “College Football Preview” — a one-hour nationally-syndicated television show to air late this summer.

“I really can’t put this into words,” Wolfe said. “There’s a lot of great football players. For me, to be counted in this group, that’s really a big deal.”

Earlier this spring, Wolfe ranked No. 12 on a preseason Heisman Trophy candidates’ list and made Second-Team All-America, according to NationalChamps.com.

On sale now

Tickets for the NIU football team’s trips to Ohio State and Iowa are on sale today.

Single-game tickets for the Ohio State game are priced at $59 and tickets for the Iowa game go for $48 apiece.

Season ticket holders can purchase as many tickets as the number of season tickets they hold.

Huskie club members can purchase up to 12 tickets based on their donation levels.

NIU students can purchase up to two tickets apiece. Tickets will go on sale to the general public Aug. 1.

For more information, contact the NIU Ticket Office at 752-6800.

Down in the MAC

The NIU men’s tennis team suffered two 4-3 losses to MAC opponents this weekend.

The Huskies were topped by Buffalo 4-3 Friday, and suffered a similar fate against Toledo Saturday.

Saturday’s loss was the Huskies fourth straight, with their last win dating back to March 26.

“We’re so close,” said NIU coach Pontus Hiort . “I certainly can’t fault their effort, especially considering they were coming back 11 hours after a heartbreaking loss.

“We played better in doubles against a good team. Once again, we had a few guys pick up their efforts and hopefully they’ll become even more confident.”

The streak goes on

The NIU women’s tennis team extended its losing streak to a season-high 10 matches this weekend.

The Huskies fell to Akron 4-3 Friday and were topped 6-1 by Buffalo Saturday.

Despite the losses and streak, Hiort said he was content with the team’s play in doubles.

“Overall, I thought we played pretty well in doubles, especially in the No. 1 match. We competed well against a UB team that’s definitely a little stronger,” Hiort said.