Having athletes still on scholarship after their playing days might sound crazy, but it happens here at NIU.

After the student athletes’ eligibility is finished on the field or on the court, most of them turn to the university to help them pay tuition.

“It’s an option the university gave me to keep the scholarship,” former NIU basketball player Matt Nelson said. “They put us to work right away and we do the jobs. It helps the Convo Center run a little smoother.”

The program that the student athletes turn to is called Huskie Interns, which is headed by Monique Bernoudy, who is also the associate athletics director.

“What we do is ask the athletes what their career objectives are,” said Bernoudy, who remembers the program existing for as long as she can remember, but was first given a name in 2002. “We also see what their majors are to help us place them in the correct places.”

Ex-NIU athletes help out at the Convocation Center by taking tickets, acting as security at concerts and basketball games and shagging balls at volleyball games.

The help also goes beyond the Convo Center as some ex-NIU athletes work the football games and supervise the weight room at Huskie Stadium.

“The athletes have the final say with what they will do,” Bernoudy said. “Athletes choose the sporting events that they want to work.”

The Huskie Interns program coordinators hope it does more than just help with tuition.

“I hope that it helps with their life skills,” Bernoudy said. “It should give them some job experience and some hands-on experience with what they are going to do with their lives.”

One thing they need to do to keep these scholarships is attend mandatory meetings. These meetings help with their life skills and make sure they are doing well academically.

“As long as you are in good [academic] standing, you get the scholarship; it’s a give and take relationship,” former NIU football player Trent Clemens said.

Even though these athletes’ playing days are over, it doesn’t mean they don’t put the same amount of hours into the program.

“There was a lot more work while I was still playing with all the practicing,” Nelson said. “The fifth year is a lot easier because I’m not as tired or fatigued. I do put in the same amount of time in my fifth year, though.”

For Clemens, it is different. He would much rather be earning his scholarship in a different way, but he still thinks he is a part of NIU athletics.

“If I could have my way, I would definitely still be playing,” the ex-defensive end said. “It is different because there is no film watching. I am still a part of things, but now I am on the outside looking in.”