One of NIU’s most famous alumni returned to his wrestling roots Thursday, as Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert helped kick off the NIU wrestling team’s dual meet schedule.

Prior to the NIU-Northwestern meet at the Convocation Center, NIU President John Peters opened the evening at 7 p.m. by reading about Hastert’s exploits as a former wrestling coach and his connection to NIU. Hastert was then featured in a video montage outlining his career as a wrestling coach at Yorkville High School.

After the video tribute, Hastert shook the hands of both team’s captains and did the honorary coin flip at center mat. NIU’s Mike Grimes was one of the three Huskie captains to shake Hastert’s hand. The 149-pound junior admitted afterwards the hype attached to the season’s first dual meet was heightened by such a prestigious guest.

“I just tried staying focused,” Grimes said. “I started kind of singing to myself. There was a lot of stuff going on in my mind and the pressure was on.”

Prior to the meet, Hastert also spoke at a fundraising dinner at Victor E. Court. NIU coach Dave Grant said having the Speaker present despite his busy schedule was immensely appreciated.

“At the banquet, it was unbelievable,” Grant said. “The president of the university and the Speaker of the House. I told them I wasn’t sure what I was more nervous about – our dual meet or having to come in and speak after such individuals. It was a great night for NIU wrestling.”

As a wrestling coach from 1965 to 1980, Hastert’s career highlights included 11-straight conference titles, eight Illinois state champions and one Illinois team championship. His focus shifted to politics in 1980, climaxing with his 1999 election to the position of Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Speaker of the House is the third most powerful position in the United States government behind the president and vice president.