Top 5 sports stories of the 2004-2005 school year …. as voted on by the Northern Star sports staff. With many big events throughout the school year, many notable stories were left off the list.

Dec. 30 marked the first time NIU football played in a bowl game since 1983, but it was more than just another game for NIU coach Joe Novak.

“This is a big step for the program,” said Novak, who has had five straight winning seasons at NIU.

Giving the university more money, publicity and an increased following, NIU’s 34-21 Silicon Valley Football Classic win against Troy is a victory the NIU faithful hope will be a stepping stone for the future.

Broadcast on ESPN2 at San Jose’s Spartan Stadium in front of 21,456 fans, the contest had a rough beginning for the Huskies.

Troy, playing in its first bowl game, jumped out to an early 14-0 lead in the first quarter.

“When it was 14-0, like everyone else, I was awfully nervous,” Novak said. “Our kids have been in that position before. In the last three or four years, I think we’ve been behind more than we’ve been ahead in games. I was really proud of the way they kept their poise.”

After NIU running back Garrett Wolfe sprinted for a 50-yard touchdown run, the Huskies put up 34 unanswered points to take the game.

“This is a big step for the program,” Novak said. “We came up a little short in winning the conference championship this season but this is a great opportunity for us.”

NIU finished the season 9-3 and 7-1 in the MAC.

“It’s a perfect way to go out: getting a bowl opportunity and obviously, winning,” NIU quarterback Josh Haldi said. “I don’t think it’s hit me and a lot of these guys that we’re done playing here.”