The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Wes Sanderson

Wes Sanderson, Editor-in-Chief

Wes Sanderson is the Editor-in-Chief at the Northern Star. He is a junior majoring in Media Studies with a minor in Journalism. Wes joined the Northern Star in the fall of 2020 as a sports reporter moving to Assistant Sports Editor during the Spring 2021 semester.

Since joining the Star, Wes has covered various Huskie athletic events and teams, highlighted by his time on the Men's and Women's golf beats. Prior to joining the Star, Wes worked as Sports Editor for The Observer at Elgin Community College.

As Editor-in-Chief, Wes is an advocate for fair coverage and is committed to closing the coverage gap between the sexes.

In his spare time, Wes is an avid golfer, traveler and local food connoisseur. Contact him for a discussion.

All content by Wes Sanderson
NIU Chief of Police Darren Mitchell works in his office during a Jan. 19 visit with the Northern Star. Mitchell has been a member of the NIU Police Department for 22 years and doesnt just call NIU his place of work, but his home. (Zulfiqar Ahmend | Northern Star)

More than a job for NIU’s new chief of police

January 21, 2022
Freshman Ben Sluzas hits off on Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. NIU competed in the Saint Marys Invitational from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, finishing in 17th place. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Men’s golfers compete in tournaments during holiday break

January 19, 2022
We can all agree that 2021 was the year of Huskie Football. We took home the MAC 2021 Championship trophy after snatching a 41-23 victory over Kent State.

[Photo] IN PICTURES: 2021

January 16, 2022
Anthony Markanich (left, Colorado Rapids scarf) and brother Nick Markanich (far right) celebrate being selected in Tuesdays 2022 MLS SuperDraft with mother, Wilma Markanich and father, Anthony Markanich Sr.( Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

Markanich twins reach MLS on Draft Day

January 11, 2022
Following his selection by the Colorado Rapids, senior Anthony Markanich soaks in 17 years of hard work that led to him being selected in the first-round of Tuesdays MLS Super-draft. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo]

Nick Markanich (left) and brother Anthony laugh during Tuesdays 2022 MLS Super-draft coverage at the NIU Convocation center. Anthony was selected 26th overall by the Colorado Rapids and Nick 30th overall by FC Cincinnati. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Markanich twins recount path to the MLS SuperDraft

January 17, 2022
A mask is taped to NIUs Olive Goyle statue next to Altgeld Hall June 3.

NIU students, faculty react to starting the semester online

January 10, 2022
NIU Athletic Director Sean Frazier (left) and head football coach Thomas Hammock (right) speak after NIU wins the MAC Championship on Dec. 4. ( Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] COLUMN: Reflection time in Detroit

December 8, 2021
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi winds up to throw a pass in NIUs 41-23 victory over Kent State in the MAC Championship Game on Dec. 4 in Detroit. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] NIU heading to Orlando to play in Cure Bowl

December 5, 2021
Teammates hoist junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi after he scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of NIUs victory over Kent State on Dec. 4. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies go from worst to first

December 4, 2021
John Vinson spoke about his goals for the NIU Police Department if selected as the next chief of police Thursday during an open forum. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

John Vinson’s pitch to be next police chief: ‘What do you need from us?’

December 2, 2021
NIU Chief of Police candidate John Vinson was the Chief of Police at the University of Washington during a time that saw the department the subject of an external investigation. The department is also facing a civil suit alleging a culture of racism during and after Vinsons departure in 2019. (Cliff DesPeaux & Jordan Pickett | The Daily)

Police Chief candidate’s former department subject of external investigation

December 1, 2021
John Vinson was named the final candidate in NIUs search for a permanent Chief of Police. Vinson currently serves as the director of strategic planning and accredidation at Indiana University and served as the Chief of Police at the University of Washington from 2009 to 2016.

Indiana University director named final NIU Police Chief candidate

November 30, 2021
Junior forward AJah Davis (left) watches junior guard Chelby Koker drive to the basket in NIUs victory over Bradley on Nov. 22. (Northern Star File Photo)

[Photo] Huskies beat Milwaukee at home

November 28, 2021
Chicago Police Commander Roderick Robinson was named the second of three NIU Chief of Police finalists.

Chicago Police Commander named second police chief finalist

November 27, 2021
Interim NIU Chief of Police Darren Mitchell will speak to the NIU community Monday about his goals for the NIU Police Department if named the next chief of the department. Mitchell has been a member the NIU Police Department since 2000.

NIU Interim Chief of Police named a finalist for permanent position

November 24, 2021
Senior forward Mikayla Brandon works her way through defenders in NIUs 80-59 victory against Bradley on Nov. 22 at the Convocation Center. Brandon finished the game with 15 points and 10 rebounds. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Davis, Brandon double-doubles lead Huskies

November 22, 2021
An NIU police car parked on campus.

Open forums scheduled for 3 NIU Police Chief finalists

November 22, 2021
Graduate student Michael Cascino tees off on a hole at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California on Nov. 9. NIU finished 17th out of 19 teams in the Saint Marys Invitational that concluded Nov. 11. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies struggles at Poppy Hills

November 11, 2021
Jesse McCartney will still perform at 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Egyptian Theatre.

CAB pivots to free McCartney tickets

November 2, 2021
Illinois State Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, questions Andrew Ellison about his proposed maps during a House Redistricting Committee hearing at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill., Wednesday, Oct. 20, 2021.

Illinois passes new district boundaries

October 29, 2021
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL.), listen as the House select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021. Kinzinger whos been outspoken against the former President announced he would not seek reelection in 2022, but insisted this was not the end of his political future.

Congressman Kinzinger won’t seek reelection in 2022

October 29, 2021
The 2020 proposed congressional district map (left) has redrawn Illinois 18 House districts into an updated 17. Members of the Assembly and State Senate are set to hold hearings on the proposal this week.

Illinois Dems release second proposed map

October 24, 2021
Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.), and Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL.), listen as the House select committee tasked with investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021. Kinzinger whos been outspoken against the former President announced he would not seek reelection in 2022, but insisted this was not the end of his political future.

Illinois Dems release new Congressional map proposal

October 22, 2021
Every ten years, the U.S. House of Representatives along with State held office lines are redrawn to reflect the changing demographics of the the country.

Redistricting 2020: The redrawing of political boundaries

October 22, 2021
Spencer Finchs Trying to remember the color of the sky on that September morning, is displayed prominently when you enter the 9/11 Memorial & Museum at Ground Zero. The art represents the 2983 lives lost at the World Trade Center on both 9/11 and and Feb. 26, 1963 attacks.

Northern Star alumni recount and reflect on 9/11

September 8, 2021
An American flag is placed on the World Trade Center memorial to honor one of the fallen from the Sept. 11 attacks.

9/11 aftermath has gone from unity to division

September 8, 2021
True freshman Caroline Kent hits driver Aug. 28, on the 6th hole at Rich Harvest Farms during a qualifying round for the 2021 fall season. Kent is one of three freshman on the womens team who looks to make an early impact for Coach Kesters squad.

Women’s golf ready for strong 2021-2022 season

August 30, 2021
Senior Reece Nilsen hits an approach shot from the rough, Aug. 28 at Rich Harvest Farms during a fall qualifier. Nilsen returns with high hopes of contributing to the mens program.

Men’s golf looks to elevate competition in 2021-2022

August 30, 2021
Former Huskies Jordan Less, has advanced to the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School after finishing his college golf career in May.

Former Huskie one step closer to the PGA Korn Ferry Tour

August 28, 2021
United States Nelly Korda plays a driver off the 5th tee during the final round of the Womens British Open golf championship, in Carnoustie, Scotland, Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)

LPGA stars to compete in 2021 Solheim Cup

August 25, 2021
Paginator Jordan Radloff (left) and Editor-in-Chief Wes Sanderson work in the office on the 2021 Back-to-School print edition.

Northern Star redefined in the digital era

August 23, 2021
With the uncertainties surrounding athletic attendance due to the COVID-19 Delta variant, the Northern Star will be at events, like volleyball, updating you whether you can attend or not. The Huskies will host various home events throughout the fall.

Star sports coverage goes on regardless of COVID-19

August 23, 2021
NIU Mens Head Coach John Carlson (left) seen here talking to junior Tommy Dunsire (right) discuss an approach shot during the first round of the 2021 Lamkin Grip San Diego Classic at San Diego Country Club.

Carlson receives four-year contract extension

July 1, 2021
Team USAs Trent Phillips goes for a green during the afternoon mix-foursomes session June 12, at the 2021 Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Team USA takes four point lead into Sunday Singles of Palmer Cup

June 13, 2021
Team USA competitor Brad Reeves approaches a green Friday, during the mixed fourball session of the Arnold Palmer Cup at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove.

Team USA ties Team International during day one of Palmer Cup

June 12, 2021
NIU senior Lauren Ingle tees off Oct. 9. during an intra-squad round at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Women’s golf finishes second at MAC Championship

April 25, 2021
The par-3 seventh hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links.

Pebble Beach Golf Links, the pinnacle of public golf

April 13, 2021
NIU graduate student Jordan Less hits driver on the second hole Mar. 8 at San Diego Country Club during the first round of the Lamkin San Diego Classic. Since graduation in May, Less has competed in US Open qualifiying and is not entering the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School

Jordan Less finishes fourth at Aggie Invitational

April 11, 2021
NIU sophmore Ahra Ko pipes driver Oct. 9. during an intra-squad round at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Women’s golf takes second at EKU Colonel Classic

March 31, 2021
Minneapolis, MN, USA. 4/6/2019: Entertainment in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament on Nicollet Mall. Signage on the the street.

Women’s national tournament provides Cinderella story

March 25, 2021
NIU graduate student Jordan Less hits driver on the second hole Mar. 8 at San Diego Country Club during the first round of the Lamkin San Diego Classic. Since graduation in May, Less has competed in US Open qualifiying and is not entering the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School

Slow start at Twin Oaks proves to much to overcome

March 24, 2021
Minneapolis, MN, USA. 4/6/2019: Entertainment in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the NCAA Final Four Basketball Tournament on Nicollet Mall. Signage on the the street.

Weight of words: the NCAA failed attempt to right its wrong

March 21, 2021
Junior Mia Lord performs a beam rountine March 1 during NIUs meet against Southeast Missouri State University at the Convocation Center.

Huskies take second at MAC Gymnastic Championships

March 20, 2021
NIU senior Lauren Ingle tees off Oct. 9. during an intra-squad round at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Women’s golf takes eighth in BYU Spring Classic

March 17, 2021

Gymnastics falls to Iowa State

March 13, 2021
NIU graduate student Jordan Less hits driver on the second hole Mar. 8 at San Diego Country Club during the first round of the Lamkin San Diego Classic. Since graduation in May, Less has competed in US Open qualifiying and is not entering the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School

Men’s golf finishes San Diego Classic strong

March 11, 2021
NIU junior Reece Nilsen rips driver Mar. 8 during the first round of the Lamkin Grip Classic in San Diego, California

[Photo] Men’s golf struggles in opening round of San Diego Classic

March 8, 2021
Gymnastics takes second in triangular meet

Gymnastics takes second in triangular meet

March 7, 2021
NIU senior Lauren Ingle tees off Oct. 9. during an intra-squad round at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Huskies finishes fourth at Kiawah Classic

March 3, 2021
NIU junior Tommy Dunsire rips driver Oct. 9, during an intra-squad competition at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, Illinois.

Men’s golf opens season with 20 stroke victory

March 1, 2021
Huskies win seven straight

Huskies win seven straight

February 21, 2021
Mens basketball takes first MAC after buzzer-beater from Darius Beane

Attendance of 25% capacity allowed for Basketball Championships

February 20, 2021
Mens tennis off to best start in over 30 years

Men’s tennis off to best start in over 30 years

February 19, 2021
Iowa guard Joe Wieskamp shoots against Michigan State Saturday in the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in East Lansing, Michigan.

What to look forward to in the world of sports

February 18, 2021
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Winter weather cancels first men’s golf meet

February 17, 2021
Mammadu Diallo, then first-year mechinal engineering major, gives blood at the blood drive hosted by the National Society for Black Engineers at the Rec Center.

Red Cross hosts blood drive, encourages those who had COVID-19 to donate

February 10, 2021
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Women’s golf takes home first win of season in Florida

February 10, 2021
Mens golfs Russell Matos wins in playoff

Men’s golf has eyes set on MAC Championship

February 10, 2021
Following walking 18 holes with his group. Olympian Michael Phelps (right) takes a selfie with Northern Star Media journalist Wes Sanderson (left) Jan. 31, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Phelps and Sanderson were in the same group during the Annexus Pro-Am.

That time I caddied for Michael Phelps and Justin Thomas

February 9, 2021
Courtney Woods, women’s basketball sophomore guard and forward, leads the team to victory in a Jan. 4 game against Bowling Green State University. NIU defeated Bowling Green 89-76 and is 5-0 in Mid-American Conference play. 

Women’s basketball Feb. 10 game postponed

February 4, 2021
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Women’s golf spring schedule released

January 24, 2021
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Men’s golf’s spring schedule is set, season tees-off March 8

January 8, 2021
Dixie State guard Emad Elniel (34) shoots and is fouled by Gonzaga forward Ben Gregg (33) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game in Spokane, Wash., Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2020. Gonzaga won 112-67.

NCAA men’s basketball: Gonzaga continues to dominate, Duke set to return to play

January 2, 2021
Iowa center Luka Garza drives to the basket ahead of Northern Illinois forward Chinedu Okanu, left, during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Iowa City, Iowa.

Third-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes rout Huskies

December 13, 2020
Volleyball coach Ray Gooden works with the team during a match last season.

NIU Athletics release 2021 volleyball schedule

December 11, 2020
Redshirt senior guard Paulina Castro (right) drives past sophomore guard Sophia Ward Dec. 10, during NIUs 82-79 loss to the University of Toledo Rockets at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb.

Huskies unable to complete late comeback against Toledo

December 11, 2020
FILE - In this April 28, 2017, file photo, Theo Epstein, president of baseball operations for the Chicago Cubs, poses with a young fan prior to a baseball game between the Boston Red Sox and the Cubs at Fenway Park in Boston. Theo Epstein, who transformed the long-suffering Chicago Cubs and helped bring home a drought-busting championship in 2016, is stepping down after nine seasons as the clubs president of baseball operations. The team announced Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, Epstein is leaving the organization, and general manager Jed Hoyer is being promoted to take his place.

Dear Theo: Thank you

November 21, 2020
View of the north side of the NIU Convocation Center Sept. 2, in DeKalb.

NIU releases men’s basketball’s non-conference road schedule

November 18, 2020
High school senior Ben Sluzas putting Sept. 14, during senior night at Big Run Golf Club.

Ben Sluzas commits to NIU’s golf team

November 12, 2020
Joe Mulholland puts on a rain jacket during a practice round at the Masters golf tournament Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2020, in Augusta, Ga.

Down the Lines: The Masters

November 11, 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.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 9 predictions

November 7, 2020
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass against the Cleveland Browns in the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in Pittsburgh.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 8, NCAA football predictions

October 31, 2020
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Jordan Less earns second win at Titleist Footjoy Invitational

October 20, 2020
NIU came close to not having a football season

NIU came close to not having a football season

October 19, 2020
Green Bay Packers Robert Tonyan (right) celebrates a touchdown reception with Malik Taylor (left) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 6, Georgia vs Alabama predictions

October 17, 2020
Former Huskies Jordan Less, has advanced to the first stage of Korn Ferry Tour Q-School after finishing his college golf career in May.

Jordan Less wins ‘ACP CreativIT Shootout’

October 10, 2020
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Down the Lines: NFL Week 5, NCAA football predictions

October 8, 2020
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

Tommy Dunsire takes home Sherman Plastics championship in Michigan

October 5, 2020
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton celebrates after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders in an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Foxborough, Mass.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 4, college football predictions

October 1, 2020
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in Indianapolis.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 3 predictions

September 24, 2020
In this Aug. 10, 2020 file photo, Gov. J.B. Pritzker responds to questions during news conference in Chicago. Illinois tweaked how business owners seeking recreational marijuana licenses can apply following complaints that the process favored politically connected and rich applicants over minorities and veterans who were supposed to benefit. Pritzker, a first-term Democrat, was expected to discuss the changes at a Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, news conference.

Pritzker extends online sportsbook gambling registration

September 22, 2020
Chicago Bears Trevis Gipson (99) and Sherrick McManis (27) celebrate their 27-23 win against the Detroit Lions after an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020.

Down the Lines: NFL Week 2, college football predictions

September 17, 2020
Dustin Johnson walks the 12th fairway during practice before the U.S. Open Championship golf tournament at Winged Foot Golf Club, Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, in Mamaroneck, N.Y.

Down the Lines: U.S. Open Edition

September 15, 2020
Mens golfs Russell Matos wins in playoff

Men’s golf’s Russell Matos wins in playoff

September 14, 2020
Down the Lines: NFL Week 1, college football predictions

Down the Lines: NFL Week 1, college football predictions

September 10, 2020
Hole on golf course at Rich Harvest Farms, 2330 Granart Road in Sugar Grove with yellow flag.

NIU men’s golf to hold fall intrasquad season

September 7, 2020
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