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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

 

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NIU sophomore guard Quentin Jones (1) drives past Miami Universirty sophomore guard Evan Ipsaro (2) during the Huskies’ 84-69 loss to the RedHawks on Tuesday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. Jones led the game with 21 points, crossing the 20-point threshold for the sixth time this season. (Ethan Rodriguez | Northern Star)
Sports
Injury-riddled Huskies fall at home to MAC-leading RedHawks
 Redshirt sophomore Tommy Curran attempts to break loose from Purdue redshirt sophomore Isaac Ruble on the mat. Curran scored only three points in the 149-pound match, losing by major decision, 14-3. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Sports
Gallery: Wrestling clashes against ranked Purdue
NIU then-junior left fielder CJ Cepicky (39) listens to the third base coach talk game strategy before the top of the eighth inning starts against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 24. NIU baseball released its 2025 season schedule on Dec 18. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)
Sports
Baseball unveils 2025 schedule
A graphic shows NIU student-athletes from various sports with arrows indicating highs and lows. Sports Editor Edison Miller shared the best and worst moments for Huskie sports over winter break. (Edison Miller | Northern Star)
Sports
MILLER: Highs and lows for Huskie sports over winter break
 

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A chat with NIU baseball
A chat with NIU baseball
April 11, 2024
Ethan Gonzales (from left) and Zack Rodriguez sit down with Matthew Zuber and Jacobi Jackson from NIU wrestling in the podcast room. This week’s “All-Star” episode discusses life as a NIU wrestler. (Ethan Gonzales | Northern Star)
A chat with NIU wrestling
February 19, 2024
Skyler Kisellus (from left), Ethan Gonzales, Emmalise Nock and Dawsyn Sallee sit in a podcast room. All-Star episode 34 discusses NIU gymnastics. (Anna Scanlan | Northern Star)
A sit down with NIU gymnastics
February 14, 2024
 
 
 
NIU football players run onto the field before the Huskies’ 117th Homecoming game against the University of Toledo on Oct. 19 at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU will play its final season in the Mid-American Conference in 2025 before joining the Mountain West Conference as a football-only affiliate. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
BREAKING: NIU to join Mountain West as football affiliate in 2026
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | January 7, 2025
The NIU volleyball team huddles at its bench on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. Despite strong individual player performances, the Huskies finished 2024 with their lowest win total in program history. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
BENNETT: Huskie volleyball fangless in 2024 campaign
By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | November 19, 2024
NIU redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) takes a snap during the Huskies’ 28-20 victory over Mountain West Conference foe Fresno State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl on Dec. 23 at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. NIU is poised to join the Mountain West as a football-only member in 2026, pending approval from the NIU Board of Trustees at Tuesday’s special meeting. (Kenna Harbison | Boise State University Athletics)
NIU set to join Mountain West as football-only member
Members of the NIU football team celebrate, posing for a picture after defeating Fresno State University 28-20 on Monday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl at Albertsons Stadium in Boise, Idaho. The win improved NIU to a 2-1 bowl record under Hammock’s leadership. (Kenna Harbison | Boise State University Athletics)
Josh Holst leads NIU to double overtime victory in Famous Idaho Potato Bowl
Senior middle blocker Charli Atiemo leaps and winds up for a serve on Nov. 8 at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball lost its season finale in four sets to Miami University on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Huskies routed by RedHawks in season finale
Senior libero Crew Hoffmeier celebrates on Nov. 8 against Bowling Green State University at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball snapped an 11-game losing streak with a win over Miami University on Friday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Huskies clip RedHawks wings in 3 sets
 

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NIU men's soccer sophomore goalkeeper Atahan Arslan (1) catches a corner kick from Drake University on Nov. 1 in NIU's 3-2 loss against Drake. The Huskies finished the 2024 season at the bottom of the Missouri Valley Conference standings, ending with a 1-6-1 record within the MVC. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
SCHAEFER: Men’s soccer wraps up disappointing 2024 season
By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor | November 12, 2024
Sophomore forward Tyra King (5) pushes towards the goal on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer lost 1-0 to Western Michigan University on Thursday, ending the Huskies' 2024 season without an appearance in the Mid-American Conference Tournament. (Northern Star File Photo)
Women’s soccer narrowly misses out on MAC Tournament
By Eric Avila, Sports Reporter | October 31, 2024
Senior forward Zachariah Thomas (7) shoots the ball between defenders on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. Thomas scored a goal in the 63rd minute on Wednesday as NIU men's soccer tied Bradley University in the season finale. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s soccer ties Bradley in final match
Sophomore defender Ethan Wilson (5) passes the ball on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU men's soccer was eliminated from playoff contention with a 3-2 loss to Drake University on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Men’s soccer ends playoff hopes after loss to Drake
Graduate student midfielder Abby Zipse (15) jumps in celebration after scoring a goal from her corner kick with four minutes remaining on Sunday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer tied 1-1 against the University of Toledo Rockets for the Huskies' final home game of the season. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Women’s soccer ties Toledo in final home match
Junior forward Kelsi McLaughlin dribbles the ball while being chased by an Eastern Michigan University defender on Friday at the NIU Soccer and Track & Field Complex. NIU women's soccer defeated Ball State University 3-1 on Thursday, moving into fifth place in the conference standings with a 3-3-3 record. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)
Women’s soccer improves tournament chances with win over Ball State

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NIU men's golf head coach John Carlson eyes down an NIU golfer's shot. After wrapping up the fall season on Oct. 27, Carlson announced the signing of three recruits for the 2025 season on Tuesday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Men’s golf signs three for 2025 recruiting class
By Northern Star Sports Staff | November 19, 2024
Graduate student Emma Thorman watches her drive during her follow-through from the tee box. Thorman finished tied for 56th place as NIU women's golf finished in 12th place out of 12 teams at the Jim West Challenge on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf finishes last in final fall tournament
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | October 21, 2024
NIU men's golf senior Felix Krammer completes his follow-through while staring down his chip shot. Krammer finished in sixth place at the White Sands Collegiate which wrapped up on Sunday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies finish in 6th place at White Sands Collegiate
NIU senior golfer Felix Krammer eyes the fairway after completing his drive. Tying for second place, Krammer led the Huskies to Victory this weekend at the Badger Invitational at University Ridge Golf Course in Madison, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Felix Krammer named MAC Golfer of the Week
Senior Caroline Kent watches her drive from the tee box on her follow-through. Kent led NIU women's golf as the Huskies finished in last place on Tuesday at the Illini Women's Invitational at Medinah. (Northern Star File Photo)
Women’s golf finishes last at the Illini Women’s Invitational at Medinah
Sophomore Eva Nijenhuis watches the ball as she attempts a putt on the green. Women's golf finished in 11th place at the Diane Thomason Invitational on Tuesday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 11th at Diane Thomason Invitational
NIU cross country senior Olivia Southby runs right behind McKendree sophomore Lydia Trump. The Huskies finished in 12th place at the Mid-American Conference championship on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies finish 12th at MAC Championship
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | November 3, 2024
Then-freshman Faith Rouse trails then-junior Talayssia Sanders Feb. 16 at the Redbird Tune-Up. NIU track and field had three athletes finish in first place at the Blue-Gold Invite Friday. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Three Huskies finish first at Blue-Gold Invite
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | December 7, 2024
A group of runners begin the 5k race at the NIU Huskie Opener on Sept 6. NIU cross country will compete at the Mid-American Conference Championship on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
NIU Cross Country set to finish season at MAC Championship
NIU runners from left, senior Emma Vorpagel, freshman Rachel Dietrich, sophomore Morgan Gioia and senior Olivia Southby run on Sept. 6 at the 5k North 40 course. NIU cross country finished in eighth place on Friday at the Bradley Pink Classic. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Cross country takes 8th at Bradley Pink Classic
Senior Julia Finegan (2) runs at the Redbird Tune Up on Feb. 16. Finegan finished third in the 800-meter run at the Fighting Illini Tune Up on Saturday. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Huskies net 2 first place finishes in visit to Urbana-Champaign
Sophomore Ari Christian (left) and graduate student Aasiyah Barr (right) run at the Redbird Tune-Up on Feb. 16. NIU track and field took four first-place finishes across the Kip Janzrin Open, ONU Outdoor Invitational and Drake Relays over the weekend. (Courtesy of Illinois State Athletics)
Huskies win four events in three meet weekend
 

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NIU gymnastics interim head coach Dawnita Teague speaks with an NIU gymnast at the Convocation Center. Teague has coached at NIU since 2007 and now fills the empty position left by Sam Morreale's retirement on Sept. 26. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Dawnita Teague brings energy and experience to NIU gymnastics
By Claire Valenti, Sports Reporter | December 5, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Jacob Brya wraps around Rider University graduate student McKenzie Bell from behind on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center. Brya took third place in the 141 lbs. division at the Cougar Clash on Saturday as NIU wrestling took fifth place out of eight teams. (Northern Star File Photo)
Wrestling meets mixed results in Cougar Clash
By James Bennett, Sports Reporter | December 8, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arms out as she poses during her floor routine. NIU gymnastics revealed its 2025 schedule on Thursday. (Northern Star File Photo)
Gymnastics reveals 2025 schedule
Recently-retired NIU head gymnastics coach Sam Morreale walks on the floor during a gymnastics meet. The school announced Morreale’s retirement Thursday after a 13-year head coaching tenure with the program. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Gymnastics head coach Sam Morreale retires after 22 years at NIU
Redshirt junior Jacob Christensen stares down his Rider University opponent on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center after his opponent broke free. Christensen competes as a heavyweight in the 285-pound weight class for NIU wrestling in 2024-25. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
What does it take to maintain weight as a collegiate wrestler?
 Redshirt junior Blake West fights against Rider University senior Will Betancourt’s grip at the base of his neck. West stopped Betancourt from winning a single point across all three periods. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: Huskies capture first win over Rider
Freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) beats a throw to first base on May 3 at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park. NIU baseball lost the series finale against Ball State University by a score of 13-10 on Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies out-slugged by Ball State, drop series finale
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | May 5, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson dives back to first base on Tuesday at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball dropped all three games of its regular season finale against Miami University on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)
Softball swept in series versus No. 25 RedHawks
By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | May 5, 2024
Senior outfielder/catcher Colin Summerhill swings at a pitch in an NIU baseball home game against Ball State University on Friday. Summerhill notched four RBIs in the Huskies 12-3 rout of the Cardinals on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Brouwer’s no-hit bid powers Huskies to weekend win
Freshman catcher Cooper Cohn (4) hits a home run during the second inning at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Park. NIU baseball dropped the series opener against Ball State University by a score of 4-3 on Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Ball State outlasts Huskies, NIU drops series opener
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan hits an RBI single in the third inning of Game 2 on Tuesday. Carnahan drove in three runs on Tuesday as NIU softball split a doubleheader with Ball State University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies hammer Ball State with home-run frenzy
Sophomore catcher/utility Cara Cruthers (16) makes contact on March 29 at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball split Saturday's doubleheader with Bowling Green State University as each game was ended by mercy rule. (Northern Star File Photo)
NIU and Bowling Green swap wins in doubleheader
 

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Senior Felix Krammer watches his drive on his follow-through. Krammer finished tied for second place as NIU men's golf captured first place at the Badger Invitational on Tuesday in Madison, Wisconsin. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
NIU men’s golf victorious at Badger Invitational
By Edison Miller, Sports Editor | October 1, 2024
Senior Jóhanna Lúðvíksdóttir watches her shot on her follow-through. NIU women's golf finished in 12th place at the Mary Fossum Invitational on Monday in East Lansing, Michigan. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 12th at Mary Fossum Invitational
By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | September 23, 2024
Senior Felix Krammer taps in a putt on the green. Krammer finished in 13th place out of 75 golfers as NIU men's golf finished 13th out of 15 teams. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies’ finish 13th at Purdue Fall Invitational
Sophomore Craig Long hits a ball out of a bunker. Long was the top-scoring Huskie golfer as NIU men's golf placed 15th out of 15 teams at the Gopher Invitational. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Huskies finish last at Gopher Invitational
Senior Caroline Kent watches her drive from the tee box on her follow-through. Kent tied for 20th place at the Redbird Invitational Monday as the Huskies finished in a tie for fifth place. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)
Women’s golf takes 5th at Redbird Invitational
Youthful roster leads women’s golf for fall 2024
Freshman Saul Berdullas (left) and senior Armin Koschtojan (right) talk strategy during a doubles match on March 2. NIU men's tennis was eliminated from the MAC Championship on Saturday with a 4-0 loss to the University of Toledo. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis eliminated by Toledo
By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor | April 21, 2024
Junior Jenna Horne lunges and returns the ball during her doubles match against Lewis University. Horne snatched a singles victory over University of Notre Dame freshman Bianca Molnar in three sets Saturday at the Northwestern Invitational. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Huskies take down Notre Dame and Northwestern in singles
By Kalin Schaefer, Assistant Sports Editor | January 13, 2025
Sophomore Iker Gaztambide Arrastia winds up for a strike on March 2 at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. NIU men's tennis lost 4-3 to Western Michigan University on Sunday to drop to the No. 2 seed in the MAC Championship. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis drops to No. 2 seed in regular season finale
Senior Cheng En Tsai strikes the ball at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House on March 2. Tsai won both his matches Friday as NIU men's tennis defeated Ball State University 5-2. (Northern Star File Photo)
Men’s tennis downs Ball State, wins 10th home match
Junior Nataly Ninova returns the ball during her doubles match against Marquette University on the second day of the Huskie Invitational. Ninova was undefeated during her singles matches Friday and Saturday as well as with her doubles partner senior Erika Dimitriev. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Gallery: Women’s tennis dominates at Huskie Invitational
Freshman Irmak Budak (left) and junior Jenna Horne (right) high five after earning the point against Lewis University. NIU women's tennis won 29 of 32 matches at the NIU Huskie Invitational from Friday to Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)
Women’s tennis shines at NIU Huskie Invitational