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James Krause

James Krause, Sports Editor

James Krause is a senior at NIU majoring in Journalism and minoring in History. Krause has been on the sports staff since early 2018, covering football, wrestling and baseball among others. Krause also previously was a Star news writer and worked with the Northern Television Center. Krause is a huge pro wrestling fan and would love to talk to you about it in spite of how little you care.

All content by James Krause
MAC Media Day was hosted at Ford Field in Detroit, MI July 20.

NIU football looking ahead to full 2021 season

July 20, 2021
NIU sophomore guards Grace Hunter (left), Chelby Koker (center) and senior forward Riley Blackwell (right) would now be eligible to earn money from their name, image and likeness due to Illinois passage of the

Let’s make a deal: explaining name, image and likeness in the NCAA

July 20, 2021
NIU cross country Head Coach Adrian Myers talks to his team in 2019.

Cross country coach accepts director position at Tulane

July 6, 2021
Entrance 2 of the NIU Convocation Center Sept. 2, in DeKalb, Illinois.

NIU to operate at full capacity for fall sporting events

June 12, 2021
NIU freshman pitcher Conner Langreder throws a pitch at an April 3 game against the Central Michigan University Chippewas in DeKalb. Langreder threw 10 strikeouts in the season finale on Sunday.

Huskies wrap up season with Sunday win against Bowling Green

June 4, 2021
NIU head baseball coach Mike Kunigonis has a discussion with an umpire during an April 3 game against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Ralph McKinzie Field.

Huskies batting falters in final home series of the season

May 28, 2021
The words 'Play Like A Huskie

Senate bill introduced that could allow student-athletes to unionize

May 27, 2021
Senior first baseman Jordan Larson batting in an April 2 game against the Central Michigan University Chippewas at Ralph McKinzie Field.

Comeback win highlights weekend split for NIU Baseball against EMU

May 20, 2021
Redshirt senior catcher Jake Dunham (right) recieves a high-five after scoring a run in the second half of an April 3 doubleheader against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Ralph McKinzie Field.

Huskies split series with Broncos, Dunham earns conference nod

May 13, 2021
Senior infielder Dylan Lonteen rounds third base after hitting a home run at Ralph McKinzie Field in a April 3 game against the Central Michigan Chippewas.

Walk-off victory highlights Huskies series win against Zips

May 6, 2021
Student-athletes partake in a march outside the Convocation Center on Oct. 10. Following the vandalism of the Center for Black Studies on Sept. 16, student-athletes rallied to the defense of the center and black students across campus.

How student-athletes found their voice following on-campus racism

April 29, 2021
Redshirt senior catcher Jake Dunham (right) recieves a high-five after scoring a run in the second half of an April 3 doubleheader against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Ralph McKinzie Field.

Baseball swept in weekend series against Ball State

April 28, 2021
Phi Sigma Kappa tugging against Alpha Sigma Phi, April 17, in their match outside the Yordon Center in DeKalb. Phi Sigma Kappa would go on to win the 2021 TUGS tournament.

Phi Sigma Kappa wins sole match of COVID-stricken TUGS

April 24, 2021
Soccer ball flies through the net in the goal.

MAC honors NIU soccer players

April 23, 2021
Baseball in glove in the lawn at sunset in the evening day with sun ray and lens flare light.

Baseball ends eight-game skid with 2 wins against Ohio

April 21, 2021
Close-up view of a baseball.

Knights, Salukis sweep weekend games against Huskies

April 12, 2021
Photo illustration of a calendar with an exclamation point indicating a deadline.

Spring major declaration, change deadline

April 9, 2021
The Center for Black Studies, 621 W. Lincoln Highway.

Details revealed from suspended investigation of Center for Black Studies vandalism

April 7, 2021
Redshirt junior Kam Smith begins to takes off from home plate after making contact with the ball April 3, during NIU's 17-6 loss to Central Michigan University at Ralph McKinzie Field in DeKalb.

Baseball’s long-awaited return to DeKalb ends in series sweep

April 5, 2021
Close-up view of a baseball.

Baseball takes win in final game of weekend series

March 29, 2021
Close-up view of a baseball.

Baseball off to strong start in MAC play

March 22, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson being announced the 2020 MAC 184-pound Champion March 8, 2020 after his win in the 2020 MAC Championship finals at the NIU Convocation Center.

Brit Wilson becomes first NIU All-American in 18 years

March 21, 2021
Brit Wilson takes home individual MAC Championship

2021 NCAA Wrestling Championship preview

March 17, 2021
Close-up view of a baseball.

Huskies fail to pickup win over four-game weekend

March 15, 2021
Baseball in glove in the lawn at sunset in the evening day with sun ray and lens flare light.

Baseball swept in weekend series with Vaqueros

March 9, 2021
Rashon Burno holds an NIU men's basketball jersey March 8, with the NIU Convocation Center's court below him in DeKalb. NIU introduced Burno as the new men's basketball head coach Monday.

Men’s basketball announces head coach

March 6, 2021
Close-up view of a baseball.

Baseball salvages weekend series with win on Sunday

March 1, 2021
Brit Wilson takes home individual MAC Championship

4 Huskies qualify for NCAA wrestling tournament

February 28, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson being announced the winner March 7 after his 8-5 decision win in the 2020 MAC Championship semifinals at the Convocation Center.

Brit Wilson, Izzak Olejnik advance to MAC Championship bouts

February 26, 2021
View of the East side of Huskie Stadium Sept. 24, 2019 in DeKalb.

NIU football releases 12-game schedule for 2021

February 26, 2021
Brit Wilson takes home individual MAC Championship

NIU wrestlers look to fight way back to nationals in MAC tournament

February 25, 2021
Baseball in glove in the lawn at sunset in the evening day with sun ray and lens flare light.

Huskies ready to retake diamond

February 24, 2021
The Huskies celebrate a goal Oct. 8, 2019 during an eventual 5-1 win against Eastern Illinois University at Soccer and Track and Field Complex.

Men’s soccer ties with DePaul in double overtime

February 17, 2021
First day of MAC Wrestling Championships see two Huskies move on to the finals

Wrestling finishes regular season

February 15, 2021
Austin Dillon (3) crosses the finish line in front of Bubba Wallace (23) to win the second of two qualifying auto races for the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Feb. 12, 2021, at Daytona International Speedway, in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Weekly sports update: Lakers survive double OT, NASCAR season starts Sunday

February 12, 2021
NIU redshirt junior Mason Kauffman (right) struggles with his opponent, ranked UNI first-year Lance Runyon, Feb. 5, during NIU's 27-9 loss to the University of Northern Iowa at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Kauffman would go on to upset Runyon in the match.

Northern Iowa deals blowout loss to wrestling team

February 6, 2021
The week of March 1 is going to be mostly sunny and cold, with temperatures hitting the 40s most days.

State prepares for coldest winter weather since 2019

February 5, 2021
Miami, FL, USA - January 25, 2020: Aerial photo Miami Hard rock Stadium hosting 2020 Super Bowl LIV

Advertisers announce they will not air an ad during the Super Bowl

February 4, 2021
Juniors Mackenzie Callahan and Ashley Tutt start their engines Sept. 6, 2019 during the Huskie Challenge at the North 40 Course on NIU campus.

National poll ranks NIU cross country fifth in Midwest Region

February 3, 2021
Then redshirt first-year Izzak Olejnik grapples with University of Missouri redshirt first-year Peyton Mocco March 7, 2020 during his 4-3 win in the 2020 MAC Championship semifinals at the Convocation Center.

Wrestling team sweeps weekend in Edwardsville

February 1, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson being announced the winner March 7 after his 8-5 decision win in the 2020 MAC Championship semifinals at the Convocation Center.

Wrestling team splits a pair of matches in Columbia

January 25, 2021
NIU's football team practices at Huskie Stadium on November 2nd.

NIU Athletics to host virtual event for fans

January 22, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson grapples Feb. 14 with his Bull opponent during NIU's 19-16 win at Victor E. Court.

Wrestling drops first match of season in Mount Pleasant

January 19, 2021
The words 'Play Like A Huskie

Rocky Lombardi, Clint Ratkovich join NIU football as transfers

January 16, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson being announced the winner March 7 after his 8-5 decision win in the 2020 MAC Championship semifinals at the Convocation Center.

Wrestling team starts season off strong with two wins

January 11, 2021
Then-redshirt sophomore Brit Wilson grapples with his opponent March 7, 2021 during his Semifinal match at the 2020 MAC Wrestling Championships at the NIU Convocation Center.

NIU wrestling returns to action Sunday at SIUE

January 9, 2021
15 additional students test positive for COVID-19 and one student recovers.

Women’s basketball’s game at Kent State postponed

January 5, 2021
Former NIU Head Coach Mark Montgomery addresses the team during a timeout Jan. 2, during NIU's 68-42 loss to Bowling Green State University at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Montgomery was let go by NIU Athletics Jan.3

Mark Montgomery, NIU men’s basketball part ways

January 3, 2021
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast (12/18) 2020 Season Wrap-Up

December 19, 2020
Huskie Stadium Aug. 12, from the East entrance.

Hammock excited about NIU Football’s incoming recruiting class

December 19, 2020
Then redshirt first-year Izzak Olejnik grapples with University of Missouri redshirt first-year Peyton Mocco March 7, 2020 during his 4-3 win in the 2020 MAC Championship semifinals at the Convocation Center.

NIU Athletics releases wrestling schedule

December 14, 2020
The words 'Play Like A Huskie

NIU faces first winless football season since 1997

December 12, 2020
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast (Eastern Michigan)

December 11, 2020
NIU redshirt senior quarterback Ross Bowers looks for an open receiver Nov. 11 during NIU's 40-10 loss to Central Michigan University at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Football team looks ahead to final game of season Saturday

December 11, 2020
NIU's offense waits at the line of scrimmage for action to resume Nov. 4 during NIU's 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Huskies fumble the second half, Rockets recovers

December 5, 2020
View of the East side of Huskie Stadium Sept. 24, 2019 in DeKalb.

Huskies and Rockets tied at halftime

December 5, 2020
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast 12/3 (Toledo) with Jordan Gandy

December 5, 2020
Redshirt senior tight end Daniel Crawford attempts to evade a defender Nov. 11, during NIU's 40-10 loss to Central Michigan University at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Quest for first win continues ahead of final home game

December 3, 2020
NIU's offense waits at the line of scrimmage for action to resume Nov. 4 during NIU's 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Huskies unable to close against Broncos

November 28, 2020
NIU redshirt senior quarterback Ross Bowers looks for an open receiver Nov. 11 during NIU's 40-10 loss to Central Michigan University at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

NIU Football looks to dish WMU its first loss

November 27, 2020
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast 11/25 with Cole Tucker (Western Michigan)

November 27, 2020
Redshirt first-year tailback Rondarius Gregory escapes defenders Nov. 11, as he runs down the sideline during NIU's 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium.

Despite NIU’s best efforts, Bronze Stalk remains in Muncie

November 19, 2020
NIU football personnel communicate with the team on the sideline Nov. 4, during NIU's 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium.

Battle for the Bronze Stalk halftime report

November 18, 2020
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast 11/16 (Ball State)

November 17, 2020
The Huskies defense attempts to stop the Chippewas from scoring Nov. 11, during NIU's 40-10 loss to CMU at Huskie Stadium.

Huskies could claim first win, Bronze Stalk against Ball State

November 17, 2020
View of the south Huskie Stadium goal post Oct. 19, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

Huskies suffer another devastating weeknight blowout

November 12, 2020
View of the NIU jumbotron from inside Huskie Stadium Oct. 19, in DeKalb, Illinois.

NIU versus Central Michigan halftime report

November 11, 2020
Huskie Stadium Aug. 12, from the East entrance.

How a former Navy SEAL ended up playing football at NIU

November 10, 2020
Redshirt first-year tailback Rondarius Gregory escapes defenders Nov. 11, as he runs down the sideline during NIU's 49-30 loss to the University at Buffalo Bulls at Huskie Stadium.

Football team prepares to host defending West Division champions

November 10, 2020
NIU's offensive line lines up against the University at Buffalo's defensive line Nov. 4, during the Huskies' 49-30 loss to the Bulls at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb

NIU football suffers first loss to Buffalo since 1968

November 5, 2020
View of the south Huskie Stadium goal post Oct. 19, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

NIU football returns to turf Wednesday against Buffalo

November 4, 2020
Demmer appears to win DeKalb County

Demmer appears to win DeKalb County

November 4, 2020
The DeKalb Sports and Recreation Center is the voting location for five precincts.

Officials report high voter turnout on Election Day

November 3, 2020
Red Black Football Podcast logo

Red Black Football Podcast 11/2 with Kyle Pugh (Buffalo)

November 2, 2020
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019, file photo, New England Patriots wide receiver Antonio Brown stands on the sidelines during the first half at an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in Miami Gardens, Fla. Brown has agreed to return to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on a one-year deal, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 because the contract had not been completed.

NFL Week 7 recap: A $1.05 million pipe bomb

October 30, 2020
Redshirt junior cornerback Dillon Thomas (left) runs a drill in practice Oct. 15 at Huskie Stadium. Thomas is wearing the B.Y.O.J. jersey awarded to the player who brings the most energy in practice.

NIU football bringing own ‘juice’ to games during times of coronavirus

October 29, 2020
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1) looks to pass the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Hopes are high Tagovailoa will be the best of the 22 quarterbacks to start for Miami since Dan Marino retired following the 1999 season.

NFL Week 6 recap: Overcome, with emotion

October 23, 2020
Redshirt senior quarterback Ross Bowers practices on Oct. 16 at Huskie Stadium. Bowers returns as a starter after ending last season on the sideline due to injury.

NIU’s offense is going to look a little different in 2020

October 22, 2020
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) scrambles out of the pocket before throwing a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)

NFL Week 5 recap: The pressure of being America’s quarterback

October 15, 2020
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wears two masks as he watches from the sideline during the first half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs , Monday, Oct. 5, 2020, in Kansas City. The New England Patriots have canceled practice amid reports that a third player has tested positive for the coronavirus. Sports Illustrated reported that reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore tested positive for the virus on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, and was added to the team's reserve/COVID-19 list. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

NFL Week 4 recap: The league has made its bed

October 9, 2020
2020 Mid-American Conference, NIU football schedule released

2020 Mid-American Conference, NIU football schedule released

October 7, 2020
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) throws under pressure by Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Pernell McPhee (90) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 28, 2020, in Baltimore.

NFL Week 3: ‘This is not unexpected’

October 1, 2020
View of the East side of Huskie Stadium Sept. 24, 2019 in DeKalb.

NIU, Mid-American Conference tackle issues of playing in a pandemic

September 25, 2020
Former NIU baseball Head Coach Walt Owens.

Remembering Walt Owens: Coach, teacher, mentor

September 24, 2020
San Francisco 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa (97) is driven off the field after being injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. After losing four players to knee injuries last week against the New York Jets, the Niners complained about a “sticky” new turf at MetLife Stadium and expressed some concern about returning to the same field a week later.

NFL Column Week 2: The further down the block you went, the worse it got

September 24, 2020
Protesters march to Center for Black Studies

Protesters march to Center for Black Studies

September 23, 2020
A COVID-19 awareness sign Sept. 2, posted in view of Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

3 sports teams under quarantine

September 18, 2020
Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) throws under pressure from Detroit Lions outside linebacker Christian Jones (52) in the first half of an NFL football game against the in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.

NFL Recap Week 1: Mix the old with the new

September 16, 2020
Unknowns met with unknowns: why the MAC postponed fall sports and what it means for NIU

Unknowns met with unknowns: why the MAC postponed fall sports and what it means for NIU

August 15, 2020
Senior forward Noah McCarty waits for play to resume March 6, during NIU's loss to Ball State University at the Convocation Center.

Former Huskie Noah McCarty headed overseas to play basketball in Spain

July 15, 2020
NIU moves game against BYU at SeatGeek Stadium back to Huskie Stadium

Game against BYU moves to Huskie Stadium

July 8, 2020
Athletic department sees ups and downs of COVID-19 precautions with student athletes returning

Athletic department sees ups and downs of COVID-19 precautions with student athletes returning

June 25, 2020
NIU moves game against BYU at SeatGeek Stadium back to Huskie Stadium

NIU Football’s game against University at Buffalo has been rescheduled

June 22, 2020
Bubba Wallace, NASCAR, and knowing when enough is enough

Bubba Wallace, NASCAR and knowing when enough is enough

June 15, 2020
Head Coach Thomas Hammock speaking at his introductory news conference in 2019. In Hammocks second season the huskies went 0-6 and are voted to finish last in the MAC Western Division for a second straight year.

Youngstown State’s Nic McKissic-Luke joins Hammock’s coaching staff

June 12, 2020

Open ears, open eyes, closed mouths: The duties of white America after police brutality protests

June 1, 2020
NIU moves game against BYU at SeatGeek Stadium back to Huskie Stadium

Three Huskie football starters to enter transfer portal

May 12, 2020
Some NIU Athletics employees to see pay cuts due to pandemic

Some NIU Athletics employees to see pay cuts due to pandemic

May 1, 2020
Student-athletes to test CBD lotion

Student-athletes to test CBD lotion

April 16, 2020
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