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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

Then-junior guard Jayden Marable attempts to dribble past a defender in an NIU women's basketball home game against Ball State University on Feb. 18, 2023. Marable, the shortest player listed on NIU's current roster, is second in rebounds per game for the Huskies. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

COLUMN: NIU women’s basketball has become the face of mediocrity

By Lucas Didier, Sports Editor | January 25, 2024

NIU women’s basketball (9-9, 3-4 MAC) has dropped to .500 for the fifth time this season as it lost by double-digits for the seventh time this season. The Huskies have capitalized on the cushy games in their schedule, going 8-2 against teams with...

After a defensive rebound early in the game, senior forward Harvin Ibarguen (23) navigates around University of Toledo redshirt freshman forward Javan Simmons (1). The Huskies have fallen to 6-12 after starting the season 5-1. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: How NIU men’s basketball’s hot start has flamed out

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter | January 24, 2024

DeKALB – A successful season seemed to be on the horizon when NIU men’s basketball (6-12, 0-6 MAC) jumped out to its best start through six games since 2015 with a 5-1 record.  After a road win over the DePaul University Blue Demons on Nov. 25...

An illustrated Bill Baker hangs up his headphones during his final radio call at Huskie Stadium. Baker has retired after 44 years of play-by-play radio broadcasting for NIU football and basketball. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Thank you, Bill Baker

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | January 15, 2024

For over 43 years, listeners who tuned in to the Huskie Radio Network heard the unmistakable voice of play-by-play announcer Bill Baker.  One of NIU’s most revered radio personalities, Baker served as the play-by-play voice of NIU football and basketball...

NIU women's basketball teams huddled together to celebrate after Tuesday's match against Lindenwood University. Though viewership has steadily increased, women's sports deserve more coverage. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Women’s sports coverage needs change

By Sana Polizzi, Sports Reporter | December 7, 2023

Even when history is made, women’s sports still fall into the shadow of their counterparts in men’s sports. The 2023 WNBA Finals were the most watched finals for women’s basketball in 20 years, averaging 728,000 views throughout the entire tournament....

Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus speaks during a press conference following the Bears' 12-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday. Sports Reporter Eddie Miller discusses possible replacements for Eberflus following the 2023-2024 season. (AP Photo)

COLUMN: 3 coaching options to save Bears from Eberflus era

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | December 3, 2023

The Chicago Bears sit at 4-8, last place in the NFC North. Head coach Matt Eberflus has been a disappointment and is lucky that he still has the job. The Bears’ issues run deeper than a head coach, but there are far better options.  Jim Harbaugh  Head...

Senior midfielder Camilo Estrada receives a pass in men's soccer's match against Loyola-Chicago on Sept. 26. Despite a loss in the MVC semifinals, heroic performances from the Huskies' defense is a building block for the future. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Reviewing men’s soccer’s surprising season

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | November 27, 2023

After being eliminated from the MVC Tournament by Western Michigan University, there is a lot to be said about the NIU men’s soccer season.  A season that came with many offensive struggles also saw exceptional defense and goalkeeping. In their...

A basketball player jumps to make a shot behind the NBA 2K24 title. NBA 2K is one of many sport-related video games. (Courtesy of YouTube)

COLUMN: Ranking major sports video games

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | November 17, 2023

Sport-related video games have been a major part of the gaming industry since it has been a debate of which game is best. Although I haven’t played every sports video game – MLB the Show, UFC – so those will be dismayed.  NHL  NHL is...

A graphic shows the logos of each Mid-American Conference school. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus jokingly discusses which MAC mascots he could defeat in hand-to-hand combat. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Fighting every MACscot

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | November 16, 2023

Throw everything you know about sports rankings out the window. The Associated Press Top 25, March Madness seeding, forget it. Instead, wouldn’t it be infinitely more interesting to see how you, dear reader, would fare in a melee battle against these...

A graphic shows senior defensive tackle James Ester, junior running back Antario Brown, and junior safety Nate Valcarcel in action for NIU football. Sports Reporter Eddie Miller predicts these three players could make it to NFL rosters. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: 3 NIU football players have NFL-level talent

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | November 3, 2023

DeKALB – With three regular season games left, NIU football has had a much improved year compared to 2022. NIU holds an incredible amount of talent on the roster, with a few players that could – one day – go pro.  It is worth mentioning, “going...

Senior goalkeeper Jakub Rojek protects the net during NIU's men's soccer's game against Aurora University on Sept. 4. The Huskies will need Rojek to keep up his strong play in order to make the MVP tournament. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Men’s soccer’s offense must prove itself

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 23, 2023

After a loss at Western Michigan University and a win at home against Belmont University, NIU men’s soccer has two games left in the regular season.  Looking to end the season with a .500 win percentage, the Huskies (5-7-1, 2-3-1 MVC) are in sixth...

Graduate student Zach Place takes a shot during NIU men's golf's practice. The Huskies are looking to break through early-season struggles and repeat as MAC champions. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Men’s golf is on the rise

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | October 12, 2023

DeKALB – So far this season, NIU men’s golf has competed in four tournaments. Although the Huskies have yet to crack the top-five this season, their best showing was at the VCU Shootout, placing tied for sixth place.  Despite the slow start to...

Freshman forward Jeff Shirkey battles for the puck against a Kent State defender on Sept.15. The Huskies have struggled to open the season, losing their first eight games. (Courtesy of NIU Hockey)

COLUMN: How NIU Hockey can turn its season around

By Alex Crowe, Assistant Sports Editor | October 11, 2023

To say the start of the 2023-2024 season has been a disappointment is a massive understatement for NIU Hockey, who have yet to win a game with a quarter of the season in the books. A season that began with so much optimism – due to the eight new...