Results of a recent American Football Coaches Association national survey placed NIU among 25 Division I-A programs to graduate 70 percent or more of their football players between 1999-2004.

Duke and Northwestern topped the list with 100-percent graduation rates. NIU graduated 71.4 percent, one of six MAC schools (Miami-Ohio, Ball State, Kent State, Ohio, and Western Michigan) to top the 70-percent mark.

The national average of the 103 responding football programs was 58 percent.

“Ten years ago, we put up a sign in our locker room with our team goals,” NIU coach Joe Novak said. “And our No. 1 goal then – and still is now – was to see that our kids get their degrees. That’s what we’re ultimately shooting for.”

New volleyball assistant

NIU volleyball coach Ray Gooden chose a former pupil as his new assistant coach.

Brian Cremascoli, who played under Gooden for two seasons at Loyola, was named the assistant volleyball coach Wednesday. Cremascoli comes to DeKalb from southern California, where he coached at Eastlake High School in Chula Vista, leading his team to conference championships from 2003-2005.

Cremascoli still holds the all-time record for career assists at Loyola.

“Brian’s knowledge of the game, especially as a setter, will be great training for our future setters,” Gooden said.

ESPN makes MAC picks

In its preseason preview, ESPN predicted that NIU would finish second behind Toledo in the MAC West. The preview picked Bowling Green to win the MAC East, followed by Miami-Ohio.

Six Huskies made ESPN’s preseason All-MAC team. Offensive linemen Brian Van Acker and Doug Free joined running back Garrett Wolfe on offense. Defensive lineman Ken West, linebacker Javan Lee and defensive back Ray Smith were the Huskie picks on defense.

Wrestling adds two coaches

NIU wrestling coach Dave Grant announced the hiring of two new coaches July 12. Ryan Ludwig and Dionisios Papadatos will help coach the Huskies, who have finished second in the MAC for two straight seasons.

Ludwig formerly coached two seasons at Minnesota State University-Mankato, where he helped guide the Mavericks to a third-place finish in the NCAA Division II championships. His squad finished with five All-American selections.

Papadatos comes to NIU after serving as strength and conditioning coach for his alma mater, Hofstra University in New York.

“Both Dennis and Ryan are dedicated and motivated individuals who are willing to work hard and help take this program to the next level,” Grant said.

Miami-Ohio to play Boise St.

Miami-Ohio athletic director Brad Bates announced that the Redbirds have agreed to a home-and-home football series against Boise State beginning in 2009.

Miami will travel to Boise State’s trademark blue turf Sept. 29, 2009, with the Broncos making the trip to Oxford, Ohio the following season.

Boise State went 11-1 in 2004, finishing No. 12 in the AP rankings.

Star looking for reporters

The Northern Star is looking for sports reports for the fall semester.

Those possessing good grammatical skills and a knowledge of NIU sports should apply online at www.northernstar.info or leave a message with contact information at 753-9640.