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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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

Mucci kick-starts soccer rebirth

By Joe Lacdan | April 9, 2001

With the return of senior midfielder Jane Mucci this spring, the NIU women's soccer team has taken a giant step toward returning to the top of the Mid-American Conference. Coach Frank Horvat notes that it will take more than a healthy Mucci to produce...

Owen makes cut for top student athletes

By Jason Walton | March 30, 2001

Junior wrestler Scott Owen added another award to his list of accomplishments after being named to the Verizon/CoSIDA Academic All-District V Fall/Winter At-Large team. The team recognizes student athletes who compete in wrestling, cross country, fencing,...

New addition to bolster soccer scoring

By Joe Lacdan | March 23, 2001

With the signing of Katie Kieffer, the NIU women's soccer team gets a talented midfielder and NIU forward Katie Klaas reunites with a familiar face.

Kieffer, a Rockford Christian Life High School senior and a former teammate of Klaas, signed a National Letter of Intent to join the Huskies next fall. Klaas and Kieffer formed the nucleus of Christian Life's potent offensive attack last spring, when Kieffer dished a school-record 24 assists and Klaas netted 50 goals.

But Kieffer said she didn't choose NIU just to join her old teammate.

"I chose NIU because it was close to home, so I could still have my friends and family watch me play soccer," Kieffer told the Rockford Register Star. "I really liked the school, and the overall program and coach [Frank] Horvat."

Although Kieffer and Klaas formed a one-two offensive punch for Christian Life, Horvat said Kieffer's role probably will be different at NIU. She could play up front with Klaas, but may be needed at outside midfield.

"It's going to be an opportunity for both of them to grow in different ways," he said.

Either way, Klaas still thinks Kieffer will help her no matter where she plays on the field. Kieffer, she said, has good ball control that enables her to shield the ball from opposing defenders. Klaas struggled to put the ball in the net last fall, and believes Kieffer will make it easier.

"I am thrilled," Klaas said. "I think it'll help me because she will be a huge asset as far as giving passes on the ground. A lot of times I have trouble getting passes."

A club soccer veteran, Kieffer not only can distribute assists, but also has scoring ability. She netted 52 goals in three years heading into her senior season this spring, and became acquainted with NIU's campus when she participated in the Olympic Development Program hosted in DeKalb.

The Huskies managed just 22 goals in 19 games last fall. They return three goal-scoring threats in Klaas, Jill Heikkila and Jane Mucci, who sat out last fall with a medical redshirt.

The Huskies also announced the signing of Carry Walker, whom Horvat expects to contribute next fall.

"She's got great distribution skills and reads game well," Horvat said. "She knows how to take away passing lanes. We're counting on her to give us some depth and challenge people for playing time."

New women’s soccer league kicks down some doors

By Frank Rusnak | February 28, 2001

In April 1996, women's basketball proclaimed "We Got Next" with the tipoff of the WNBA. Now, the women's movement continues with the inaugural season of the WUSA, a new Women's Professional Soccer League, ready to start. Founded by a group of wealthy...

Professor pleased with increase in female athletes

By Joe Lacdan | February 7, 2001

When Jan Rintala competed in sports during her high school days in the 1960s, she did so without realizing the vast difference in athletic opportunities for men and women. Today marks the 15th anniversary of National Girls and Women in Sport Day, which...

Huskie GPAs draw company’s eye

By David Grossman | February 2, 2001

The fall semester produced 85 student athletes with grade-point averages above 3.5 — each winning recognition from a phone-service provider. Each year, student athletes from select schools are honored by Verizon Telecommunications for their academic...

Is NIU boarding a sinking ship?

By THE SPORTS STAFF | November 16, 1993

A familiar saying is being whispered around the circles of those involved in NIU's Intercollegiate Athletic programs. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. They are referring to the proposed move from the Mid-Continent Conference to— you guessed it—another...

NIU’s hopes for MVC may be denied

By MARC WESNER | November 4, 1993

Well, it would appear that NIU will remain in the Mid-Continent Conference after all. According to Star sources, the presidents of Missouri Valley Conference voted to extend an invitation to the University of Evansville while voting down NIU's bid. That...

Women unphased by working overtime

By LIZ GERNAND | November 1, 1993

What a way to finish off your first home season! Friday afternoon the women's soccer team thrilled their fans with a 5-2 overtime victory against Northeast Missouri State University. Things looked hopeless at the end of the first half for the Huskies...

Inaugural season ending fast

By LIZ GERNARD | October 29, 1993

Their first season is coming to a quick end for the women's soccer team as they take on Northeast Missouri State University and Wright State University this weekend. NIU (6-9) will play its last home game this afternoon at 3 p.m. at the Huskie Soccer...

Stingy defense can’t stop high flying Phoenix

By LIZ GERNAND | October 25, 1993

Another rough game for the women's soccer team ended in the Huskies' ninth loss of the season Sunday afternoon as they fell to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay (12-3-2) by a score of 2-0. Green Bay took the with 9:12 remaining in the first half when...

Green Bay squad matches up well for Horvat’s squad

By LIZ GERNAND | October 22, 1993

They are wounded, but are playing their best ball of the year. For Sunday afternoon's match at the Huskie Soccer Field the women's soccer team may have to do without three starters. Starter Beth Pomles was one of the casualties of NIU's rough game against...