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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

NIU junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia poses with a camera during NIU volleyball’s media day on Aug. 7. Cerniglia has established herself as a media savant at NIU after nearly three years in DeKalb. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Meet Jada Rae, NIU volleyball’s media mogul

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | November 28, 2023

Jada Cerniglia (pronounced chur-kneel-ia) remembers checking her phone on Oct. 13. When she opened Instagram to view @niuvolleyball’s then-recent post featuring her photo gallery of “pregame fit flicks,” her excitement couldn't be contained. “When...

Junior guard Zarique Nutter goes for a layup in men's basketball's game against Illinois Tech on Nov. 13. Nutter posted 15 points in the Huskies' 89-67 loss to Northwestern on Monday. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball trounced at Northwestern

By Ethan Gonzales and Zachary Bertram | November 28, 2023

EVANSTON – After leading its Big Ten opponent by 1 point to end the first half, NIU men’s basketball (5-2) fell apart Monday in the second half and was blown out by Northwestern University (5-1) 89-67. NIU led 42-41 at the half despite zero points...

A graphic shows junior running back Antario Brown as the Northern Star Sports Staff's Huskie of the Week. Brown recorded 159 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns in a 24-0 win over Western Michigan University on Tuesday. (Ria Pathak | Northern Star)

Antario Brown runs away with Huskie of the Week

By Northern Star Sports Staff | November 20, 2023

DeKALB – Junior running back Antario Brown’s overpowering ground attack Tuesday against Western Michigan University netted him his second Huskie of the Week honor of the 2023 season. Brown recorded 159 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns on 21 attempts...

Redshirt sophomore Blake West fights for ground against his opponent at the Red-Black Dual on Oct. 27. West finished 2-0 on Sunday at the Boilmaker Duals. (Amanda Springer | NIU Athletics)

3 wrestlers finish 2-0 at Boilermaker Duals

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | November 20, 2023

DeKALB – NIU wrestling split matchups, securing a commanding 32-12 victory against the University of Indianapolis but faced defeat against host Purdue University during the Boilermaker Duals on Saturday.  Following an undefeated performance against...

Senior forward Harvin Ibarguen shoots a free throw in a home game against the Illinois Institute of Technology. The Huskies defeated Georgia State University on Friday by a final score of 70-64. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball wins nail-biter over Georgia State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | November 17, 2023

DeKALB – A back and forth contest saw NIU men’s basketball (3-1) pull away late for a 70-64 win over the Georgia State University Panthers (1-2) Friday. Friday’s game featured 13 lead changes and 8 ties. Junior guard David Coit’s 17 second-half...

Redshirt freshman Dane Pardridge returns a punt from Western Michigan University on Tuesday. NIU football defeated the Broncos 24-0 to win its fifth game of the year. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies shut out Broncos in statement win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | November 15, 2023

DeKALB – After a crushing 20-17 loss to Ball State University last week, NIU football (5-6, 4-3 MAC) bounced back on senior night at Huskie Stadium, cruising past the Western Michigan University Broncos (4-7, 3-4 MAC) 24-0 Tuesday. NIU dominated...

A graphic shows the dates of this week in Huskie sports. NIU Athletics is set to kick off another week events, headlined by NIU football and volleyball's home defense against Western Michigan University. (Ria Pathak | Northern Star)

4 home events highlight this week in Huskie sports

By Northern Star Sports Staff | November 12, 2023

DeKALB – NIU Athletics is set to host four home events this week in Huskie sports, including volleyball’s regular season finale against Western Michigan University and football’s quest for bowl game eligibility. FOOTBALL Tuesday, Nov. 14:...

Senior guard Philmon Gebrewhit (5) shoots a free throw in NIU men's basketball's 2023-2024 home opener. The Huskies defeat Appalachian State University 91-78 on Saturday for their first win of the season. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Huskie backcourt trio leads NIU past Appalachian State

By Ethan Gonzales, Former Sports Editor | November 11, 2023

DeKALB – An offensive explosion from NIU men’s basketball’s starting backcourt powered the Huskies to a 13-point victory over Appalachian State University on Saturday. The Huskies’ starting guards combined for 64 points, 12 rebounds, and 8...

Junior cornerback Javaughn Byrd attempts to block a Ball State University field goal. The Huskies were defeated by the Cardinals by a final score of 20-17 on Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football fails to capture Bronze Stalk

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | November 8, 2023

DeKALB – A 36-yard field goal set up by a forced fumble was the deciding factor in NIU football’s (4-6, 3-3 MAC) 20-17 loss against Ball State University (3-7, 2-4 MAC) on Tuesday.  "As the head coach, it's my responsibility to get the team ready...

A cartoon illustrates former NIU football kicker Mathew Sims' vibrant smile and pre-kick setup. Sims finished as NIU's second all-time leading scorer in school history and was known as a great teammate and friend. (Eleanor Gentry | Northern Star)

Remembering NIU’s kicking hero

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | November 1, 2023

His name was Mathew Sims. He was the kicker NIU football placed its collective trust upon to pull the Huskies through on the gridiron. It’s Dec. 2, 2011, at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The 9-3 NIU Huskies and the 9-3 Ohio University Bobcats...

Then-sophomore guard David Coit dribbles the ball past a Kent State University defender in the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament on March 9. Senior Sports Reporter Zach Bertram highlights Coit's journey from Atlantic Cape Community College to NIU. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

From D3 to D1: David Coit’s path to NIU

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | October 31, 2023

DeKALB – Before leading the country in scoring at the NJCAA Division III level at Atlantic Cape Community College and transferring to NIU, junior guard David Coit was a kid who fell in love with the game of basketball at a young age. “My father...

NIU cross country head coach Juan Carrillo takes in the scene at an NIU event. Carrillo is in his first year as head coach of NIU cross country. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Culture shifter: The Carrillo effect on NIU cross country

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter | October 26, 2023

11 years ago, NIU cross country head coach Juan Carrillo was immersed in a pursuit of one of the ultimate achievements in all of sports: Olympic contention.  Fast forward to the present, Carrillo has amassed a wealth of coaching experience, achieved...