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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
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi evades a rusher during a NIU football game against Eastern Michigan on Oct. 2. NIU hosts Bowling Green State University on Saturday.

NIU starts back half of year against Falcons

October 12, 2021
Freshman running back Antario Brown during a practice during the offseason. Brown rushed for 93 yards against Toledo on Oct. 9.

Huskies embrace winning ugly

October 11, 2021
Redshirt sophomore John Richardson kicks a field goal in the second quarter against the University of Maine on Sept. 25. Richardson tied the school record of five made field goals in a game with his game-winning kick against Toledo on Oct. 9.

Richardson makes history, wins game for NIU

October 9, 2021
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi rushes to the right against EMU at Huskie Stadium on Oct. 2. Lombardi rushed for his fourth touchdown of the season in NIUs 27-20 victory.

NIU’s energy high ahead of Toledo

October 5, 2021
Redshirt freshman defensive end James Ester celebrates a sack in the first quarter against EMU on Oct. 2. The Huskies beat EMU 27-20 to move to 3-2 overall.

COLUMN: How NIU weathered the storm to beat Eastern Michigan

October 4, 2021
Redshirt junior linebacker Dillon Thomas celebrates after sacking EMU senior quarterback Ben Bryant in NIUs 27-20 win Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Thomas had two sacks in the victory.

Huskies overcome delay, injuries in defeat of Eagles

October 2, 2021
NIU Athletic Director Sean Frazier kneels outside Huskie Stadium during the student-athlete organized Unity March on Oct. 10. Frazier himself was a student-athlete at the University of Alabama.

Frazier talks new role, NIU’s future

September 28, 2021
COVID-freshman running back Harrison Waylee (left), junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (middle) and redshirt junior wide reciever Cole Tucker celebrate a touchdown run by Lombardi in NIUs 41-14 win on Sept. 25 against the University of Maine at Huskie Stadium. The Huskies take a 2-2 record into conference play that begins this weekend against EMU.

Football preps for tough EMU team

September 28, 2021
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (right) runs with the ball with Maine sophomore defensive end Khairi Manns in pursuit. Lombardi scored on this play for his second of three rushing touchdowns.

Huskies win behind Lombardi’s legs

September 25, 2021
NIU Athletics addresses cancelation of fall sports

NIU, AD Frazier agree to extension

September 23, 2021
NIU Athletics adjust to address Huskie Stadium long lines

NIU Athletics adjust to address Huskie Stadium long lines

September 22, 2021
The NIU football team runs onto the field at Huskie Stadium ahead of their game Sept. 11 against Wyoming.

Huskies close non-conference slate

September 22, 2021
NIU linebackers, sophomore Nick Rattin (left) and redshirt senior Lance Deveaux (right) try and tackle Michigan sophomore running back Blake Corum (middle). Corum led the Wolverines with 125 yards rushing in a 63-10 win over the Huskies on Sept. 18.

COLUMN: Huskies can build off blowout loss to Michigan

September 20, 2021
Michigan running back Hassan Haskins (25) dives into the end zone for a five-yard touchdown run against Northern Illinois in the first half of a NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021.

Michigan run game stomps Huskies

September 18, 2021
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi drops back for a pass on Sept. 11 against the University of Wyoming. Lombardi led his previous school, the Michigan State Spartans, to an upset win over Michigan last season.

NIU seeking upset against Michigan

September 14, 2021
Fans throw up the Huskie symbol at Saturdays home opener between NIU and Wyoming. The reported attendance was 11,334.

Fans showed they remembered NIU

September 13, 2021
A photo of NIU running back Jordan Huff that ran in the Sept. 18, 2017 edition of the Northern Star after the Huskies beat the Nebraska Cornhuskers 21-17.

Football has history of Big 10 upsets

September 13, 2021
Redshirt junior wide reciever Cole Tucker fends off an attempted tackle by University of Wyoming junior safety Rome Weber on Sept. 11 in DeKalb. The Huskies fell to 1-1 after a 50-43 loss Saturday to Wyoming.

Huskies rally stalls against Cowboys

September 11, 2021
Redshirt freshman running back Harrison Waylee runs with the ball during an Aug. 20 practice. Waylee rushed for 144 yards against Georgia Tech on Sept. 4.

NIU football players share routines

September 10, 2021
Red Black Football Podcast (Week 2 vs. Wyoming w/ Lance Deveaux Jr.)

Red Black Football Podcast (Week 2 vs. Wyoming w/ Lance Deveaux Jr.)

September 8, 2021
Head gymnastics coach Sam Morreale talks to his team during a meet in the 2021 season. The Huskies were named the best academic team in the country by the WCGA.

NIU Gymnastics nationally ranked No. 1 in academics

September 7, 2021
Redshirt senior running back Clint Ratkovich practices on Aug. 20 at Huskies Stadium. Ratkovich scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter of NIUs 22-21 win over Georgia Tech.

Huskies saddle up for home opener

September 7, 2021
NIU players and coaches storm the field at Bobby Dodd Stadium on Sept. 4 after the Huskies defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 22-21. Its the Huskies first win since Nov. 26, 2019.

Transfer portal leaders paying off

September 6, 2021
NIU wide receiver Tyrice Richie (3) catches a pass over Georgia Tech defensive back Wesley Walker (13) during the first half of the Huskies 22-21 victory over Georgia Tech on Sept. 4, 2021, in Atlanta.

Huskies rally to upset Georgia Tech

September 5, 2021
Redshirt junior wide reciever Cole Tucker runs after a catch in a Aug. 20 practice. Tucker had 13 catches for 136 yards in 2020.

Huskies prepare for Yellow Jackets

August 31, 2021
Senior midfielder Adrian Corona launches a pass in NIUs Aug. 26 win over Purdue-Fort Wayne. NIU now sits at 1-1 after a 2-0 loss to the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

Men’s soccer blanked by Notre Dame

August 30, 2021
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields plays against the Tennessee Titans in the first half of a preseason NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 28, 2021, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)

Why Chicago should ride with QB1

August 30, 2021
Womens soccer head coach Julie Colhoff on the sidelines of NIUs match Aug. 26 against Chicago State. The Huskies fall to 2-2 on the season after a loss to Eastern Kentucky.

EKU pulls away from Huskies in second half

August 29, 2021
Junior outside hitter Katie Jablonski (right) attempts to spike the ball over a a wall of Air Force players in the Huskies 3-0 win at Victor E. Court on Aug. 28.

Volleyball serves Air Force loss in straight sets

August 28, 2021
Freshman middle blocker Charli Atiemo attempts a spike against Western Illinois on the morning of Aug. 27 at Victor E. Court.

Huskies take lessons from win over WIU, loss to Cal State Bakersfield

August 27, 2021
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws a pass in practice on Aug. 20. Lombardi transfers in from Michigan State University, where he threw eight touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.

Football hopes consistency carries them past winless 2020

August 27, 2021
Graduate student forward Haley Hoppe dribbles the ball in a game against Chicago State on Aug. 26.

Huskies rout Chicago State behind scoring chances a plenty

August 26, 2021
Redshirt junior forward Enrique Banuelos launches a free kick in the 72nd minute against Purdue Fort Wayne Aug. 26. The ensuing goal was the decider of a 1-0 victory.

Banuelos goal lifts NIU in men’s soccer opener

August 26, 2021
Redshirt senior libero Miranda Karlen digs in a practice on Aug. 24 at Victor E. Court. The Huskies will play three games over two days to open their regular season schedule.

Volleyball season set to begin with Huskie Invitational

August 25, 2021
Huskie fans pack Victor E. Court on Nov. 21, 2016 for a volleyball game between NIU and the Ohio Bobcats. NIU sporting events return to full capacity this fall.

NIU Athletes excited for return to full capacity stands

August 24, 2021
Currently NIU athletics expects fans to remain in the stands for the season at 100% capacity, the rise in Delta variant cases puts everything on the table for spectators. The Northern Star is committed to providing fans updates as they become available.

Athletics promises updates ahead due to Delta variant rise

August 23, 2021
The NIU womens soccer team mobs graduate student forward Haley Hoppe after scoring the winning goal against Indiana State on Aug. 22 in DeKalb. Hoppes goal in the 104th minute gave the Huskies their first victory of the season.

Hoppe header give Huskies extra time win over Indiana State

August 22, 2021
Sophomore defenseman Dylan Banker plays the ball in an Aug. 17 practice. NIU opens their season Thursday against Purdue Fort Wayne.

Men’s soccer hoping to add to ‘winning culture’ in 2021

August 21, 2021
Junior forward Julia Neary chases down a ball on Aug. 19 against Milwaukee.

Women’s soccer allows six goals in opener against Milwaukee

August 20, 2021
Senior goalkeeper Julia Lentz executes a goal kick during womens soccer practice on Aug. 17. NIU begins their season Thursday against the University of Milwaukee.

Women’s soccer hopes possession-based style produces success

August 18, 2021
Head Volleyball Coach Ray Gooden during a game in 2016.

NIU volleyball returns to fall with start of preseason practice

August 10, 2021
Huskie Stadium Aug. 12, from the East entrance.

Q&A with Clint Ratkovich, NIU Football’s new offensive weapon

August 4, 2021
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 Student-Athlete Endorsement Rights Act by governor J.B. Pritzker on July .

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 on the front side of Huskie Stadiums West bleachers Oct. 19, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

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 NIUs 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 mens basketball jersey March 8, with the NIU Convocation Centers court below him in DeKalb. NIU introduced Burno as the new mens 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 NIUs 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
NIUs 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 NIUs 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 on the front side of Huskie Stadiums West bleachers Oct. 19, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

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 NIUs 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 on the front side of Huskie Stadiums West bleachers Oct. 19, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb.

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 NIUs 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
NIUs offense waits at the line of scrimmage for action to resume Nov. 4 during NIUs 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
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