Over the last four years I have written for this paper, I have had the opportunity to come into contact with some of the best people in the world.

And, unfortunately, some of the worst.

So, this culminating article is a tribute to all the players and coaches I’ve had the joy of covering but never had the chance to thank.

These three men made my job a joy to do.

One day after an injury that ultimately ended his season, I had the chance to talk with Nick Duffy.

I’m sure he was still a little drugged up after surgery, but never have I talked to a more depressed athlete.

There was something different in Duffy’s voice that wasn’t there the hundreds of times we had talked before.

There was never a player who played the game harder or with more enthusiasm than any other player, and now he knew his NIU career was over.

He didn’t tell me that, but you could hear it in his voice. Duffy was made to be a football player.

There is a look he gets in his eyes on the sidelines. He is a natural leader, and people listen to him.

The injury put a damper on what was to be a crowning season for Duffy.

Regardless, NIU never will see a player like him.

When defensive end Travis Moore came to NIU, he was supposed to be a linebacker.

He made the switch after some convincing from the coaches, and he excelled at that position.

He made first-team All-MAC as a sophomore and, like Duffy, was primed for another great year before injuries got in the way.

As far as pure athleticism, Moore has no equal.

He bench pressed 315 pounds 10 times at the Student Recreation Center without warming up.

He formed a trio with Vinson Reynolds and Jason Frank as the best group of defensive ends this school will see for a long time.

After missing the majority of last season, Moore will prove his worth in the upcoming year.

Keep an eye on No. 56

Now, let’s switch sports.

There currently is an opening for an assistant basketball coach.

Mike Shepherd left for University of Nevada at Las Vegas, leaving a vacancy.

While I’m sure the athletics department is doing a national search, the man it needs is answering phone calls in the basketball office as we speak.

Steve Christiansen is 26 years old and has been the director of basketball operations for three years.

This job would be a great chance for him to step in and get some big-time experience.

Why not let him get his start at NIU?

Soon enough, he will be running a big-time program.

One day NIU will wish it had more ties to this guy.

He is definitely on the rise.

So, NIU, why not give him a chance?