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.

Lobdell spikes kills record: Senior outside hitter Tera Lobdell solidified her spot as one of the top players in NIU volleyball history by breaking the team and MAC records for single-season and career kills.

Despite streak, Horvat gone: After leading the NIU women’s soccer team to its best record in six years, head coach Frank Horvat suddenly resigned on April 4. Horvat was the only coach in the team’s 12-year history.

Zastrow top newcomer: Notching eight goals and 18 points in 2004, Curt Zastrow of the NIU men’s soccer team made the All-Freshmen All-American Second Team, All-MAC First Team and was the MAC Newcomer of the Year.

Downing Demons: Led by a 55.6 percent field goal shooting barrage, the Huskies handed No. 35 DePaul their first loss of the season on Nov. 27 with an 84-69 upset of the Blue Demons at Allstate Arena.

Rise of Galloway: Lindenwood transfer and former NAIA All-American Johnny Galloway led NIU wrestling with a 28-9 record and eight pins on the year. The sophomore also earned a birth in the NCAA Championships.

Grimes represents at nationals: Former walk-on Mike Grimes grabbed the 149-pound starting spot for NIU wrestling, posted a 20-11 record and qualified for the NCAA Championships. He was the only Huskie to win a match at the NCAAs with two victories.

Badgley hit in head: A line drive off the bat of a Bradley batter struck NIU pitcher Mark Badgley in the head on March 30. The junior was taken to the hospital where he was diagnosed with a skull fracture and a concussion.

Gali can’t lose: Men’s tennis senior Willy Gali compiled a 22-match win streak en route to a 31-4 season. In the end, he took home MAC Player of the Year – the first player to do so in NIU’s history.

Michigan game: The NIU Athletic Department announced the 2005 football campaign would kick off at Michigan Stadium against the University of Michigan. The Wolverines are the nation’s all-time winningest team with a 842-275 record.

Record number free agents: Without anyone selected in the 2005 NFL Draft, the NIU football team still managed to get eight players signed to NFL contracts.

The Huskies fighting for roster spots are Matt McGhghy (Chicago Bears), Jake VerStraete (Pittsburgh Steelers), Brian Atkinson (Tennessee Titans), Dan Sheldon (Arizona Cardinals), Josh Haldi (Cincinnati Bengals), Lionel Hickenbottom (Cleveland Browns) and Rob Lee and Brad Cieslak (Buffalo Bills).