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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Zachary Bertram

Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter

Zachary Bertram is the senior sports reporter at the Northern Star. He joined the Northern Star in September 2022. He is a junior journalism major with a minor in English. He is from Tinley Park, Illinois, and transferred to NIU from Moraine Valley Community College. He loves to play baseball and basketball.

All content by Zachary Bertram
Redshirt sophomore guard Zion Russell (10) attempts a free throw late in the second half of an NIU men's basketball home game. Russell announced Sunday that he will be transferring to Niagara University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Zion Russell commits to Niagara University

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
May 6, 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

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
May 4, 2024
NIU senior infielder Andre Demetral gets set to throw the ball to first base on April 24 at Curtis Granderson Stadium. Demetral scored two runs as NIU baseball fell 6-5 to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Panthers on Wednesday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Timely hitting evades NIU baseball in loss to Milwaukee

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
May 2, 2024
Then-sophomore guard Keshawn Williams (0) shoots a layup over Kent State University's then-redshirt junior guard Sincere Carry on March 1, 2022 at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Williams announced on his Instagram Monday that he will be transferring to Colorado State University for the 2024-25 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Keshawn Williams commits to Colorado State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
May 1, 2024
Sophomore forward Xavier Amos looks for an open teammate in an NIU men's basketball home game against Appalachian State University on Nov. 11. Amos announced his commitment to the University of Wisconsin-Madison via Instagram on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Xavier Amos commits to Wisconsin

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 30, 2024
Senior infielder Eric Erato slides into home plate on April 23 at Ralph McKinzie Field at Walt and Janice Owens Park. Erato drove in two runs in Saturday's 9-6 win over Central Michigan University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Baseball survives Central Michigan

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 28, 2024
NIU junior pitcher Conner Lutes (36) pitches during the second inning against UIC. Lutes pitched five innings, gave up one earned run and had one strikeout. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskie bats go cold in loss to UIC

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 25, 2024
Then-junior Colin Summerhill stands over home plate in an NIU baseball home game against Western Michigan University on April 14, 2023. Summerhill was named to the Northern Star Sports Staff's MAC baseball All-Star squad. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Assembling the 2024 MAC baseball All-Star team

By Zachary Bertram and Joseph Segreti
April 22, 2024
Senior first baseman Mason Kelley (18) throws the ball to the catcher at home plate during the sixth inning of an NIU baseball game against Bowling Green State University on April 6. Kelley scored the game-tying run in the ninth inning against Kent State University on Saturday, but the Huskies fell 9-8 in extra innings. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Nightmare ninth dooms Huskies in series loss to Kent State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 22, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Adam Brouwer delivers a pitch against Miami University at McKie Field at Hayden Park in Oxford, Ohio. Brouwer led the Huskies to a 7-3 win over Kent State University Saturday after giving up just one earned run over 7.2 innings pitched. (Ellison Neumann | Courtesy of Miami Athletics)

Brouwer’s strong start powers NIU baseball to first home win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 21, 2024
Sophomore forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser prepares to shoot a free throw in an NIU men's basketball home game against Central Michigan University on March 5. Konan Niederhauser announced his commitment to The Pennsylvania State University on Monday via Instagram. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Konan Niederhauser commits to Penn State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 16, 2024
Senior catcher Colin Summerhill (8) tags Bowling Green freshman catcher Garrett Wright (3) for the out at home plate during the sixth inning of an NIU baseball game on April 6. Summerhill hit his 13th home run of the 2024 season against the University of Illinois on Saturday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Baseball drops series to Illinois in blowout fashion

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 14, 2024
A chat with NIU baseball

A chat with NIU baseball

By Anna Scanlan, Ethan Gonzales, Zachary Bertram, and Joseph Segreti
April 11, 2024
Senior outfielder/catcher Collin Summerhill drives a baseball off his bat against Bowling Green State University on Saturday. The Huskies were swept by the Falcons in a doubleheader Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies bats silenced by Bowling Green pitching

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 7, 2024
Redshirt sophomore guard Zion Russell passes the ball in an NIU men's basketball home game against the University at Buffalo on Feb. 13. Russell is among seven Huskies that have entered the transfer portal since the end of the 2023-24 season. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Underachieving Huskies wrecked by transfer portal

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 4, 2024
Senior outfielder/catcher Collin Summerhill catches a baseball before an NIU baseball game against Louisiana State University. Summerhill hit his ninth home run of the 2024 season in a 5-3 win over the University of Toledo on Saturday. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

Huskies avoid sweep behind Summerhill longball

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 31, 2024
Chicago White Sox shortstop Danny Mendick throws a baseball during the second inning of a spring training baseball game Friday in Tempe, Arizona. The White Sox and Chicago Cubs are set for their respective Opening Day games on Thursday. (AP Photo/Matt York)

Cubs, White Sox ready for 2024 season

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 27, 2024
Senior infielder Jake Nelson throws a baseball in an NIU baseball game against Louisiana State University. Nelson went 2-for-3 with an RBI in the Huskies' 17-8 victory over Northwestern University. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

Huskies pull away from Northwestern behind late-inning surge

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 26, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Adam Brouwer delivers a pitch against Miami University at McKie Field at Hayden Park in Oxford, Ohio. Brouwer's seven-inning shutout performance boosted the Huskies to a 1-0 win over the RedHawks on Sunday. (Ellison Neumann | Courtesy of Miami Athletics)

Huskies take down Miami in pitchers duel

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 24, 2024
Then junior infielder/outfielder Andrew Smart (27) takes a practice swing while on-deck on March 24, 2023. NIU baseball lost its fourth straight game as it lost 7-4 to Miami University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies end MAC series winning streak

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 24, 2024
Senior outfielder/infielder Parker Shupe throws from the outfield in an NIU baseball game against Louisiana State University. NIU baseball started the 2024 season 7-14, but already look to surpass the total win count of the 2023 season. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

COLUMN: NIU Baseball poised for a bounce back season

By Zachary Bertram and Joseph Segreti
March 21, 2024
Then-junior infielder Eric Erato swings at a pitch against the University of Illinois Chicago on April 25, 2023. Erato went 3-for-5 in NIU baseball's 6-1 victory over Ohio University on Sunday. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Shutdown pitching powers NIU to first MAC-series win since 2021

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 12, 2024
Junior guard David Coit scans the court while Buffalo freshman guard Bryson Wilson guards him on Friday. Coit scored a career-high 37 points en route to a 78-68 victory over the Bulls. (Paul Hokanson | Courtesy of UB Athletics)

3 Huskies post season highs in season finale victory

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 9, 2024
Junior guard David Coit (11) prepares to make a fake pass to a teammate in front of him before quickly sending the ball to a teammate behind him.

Coit named MAC Player of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
March 4, 2024
Senior infielder Andre Demetral focuses on a throw during an NIU baseball game against Louisiana State University. Demetral recorded one hit in the Huskies' 14-1 loss to the University of Cincinnati on Sunday. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

Baseball bags ‘Boneyard Win’, drops 2 to Bearcats

By Zachary Bertram and Joseph Segreti
March 3, 2024
Junior guard David Coit (11) shoots a three-pointer over Ball State junior guard Jalin Anderson (1) on Feb. 20. Coit led the Huskies in scoring with 27 points in a 75-72 upset win over the University of Toledo on Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Unsung heroes lift Huskies to upset win over Toledo

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 27, 2024
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass in an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 7. The Bears' fanbase is torn between keeping Fields or trading him and selecting quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. (AP File Photo)

Look Both Ways: the Justin Fields debate

By Zachary Bertram and Zack Rodriguez
February 27, 2024
Then NIU junior catcher Colin Summerhill (8) slides into third base after hitting a triple on April 28, 2023 against University of Akron. Summerhill had 2 hits, 2 runs and 3 RBIs in a 14-4 win over Northwestern State University Friday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies ride first inning flurry in slaughter over Northwestern State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 24, 2024
Junior guard David Coit surveys the court with Ball State junior guard Jaylin Anderson guarding him in an NIU men's basketball game on Tuesday. Coit scored a game-high 28 points Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Shorthanded Huskies run out of gas against Ball State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 21, 2024
Then redshirt-sophomore pitcher Matt Salomonson throws a pitch in an NIU baseball home game against Ohio University on Mar. 3, 2023. Salomonson gave up two runs on three hits in the Huskies' third game against Abilene Christian University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Baseball falls to Abilene Christian in first 3 games of 2024

By Zachary Bertram and Joseph Segreti
February 18, 2024
Redshirt sophomore guard Zion Russell passes the ball in an NIU men's basketball home game against the University at Buffalo on Tuesday. Russell recorded 2 points in 27 minutes played in a 85-47 loss to Kent State University Saturday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball pummeled at Kent State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 17, 2024
Then-junior outfielder Eric Erato (5) waits on deck on April 7, 2023. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Building a culture key for baseball ahead of 2024 season

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 14, 2024
Junior guard Zarique Nutter (2) shoots a jump hook as Buffalo senior forward Isaiah Adams (3) attempts to block the shot. Nutter led the team in rebounds, accounting for 12 of the team’s total 39. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Huskies survive Bulls for third straight conference victory

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 14, 2024
Junior guard David Coit drives past a University of Toledo defender on Jan. 23. Coit was selected as the starting guard for Senior Sports Reporter Zach Bertram's MAC men's basketball All-Star team. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Creating the 2023-2024 MAC men’s basketball All-Star squad

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 12, 2024
NIU junior guard Zarique Nutter (2) shoots a free throw after a personal foul from Toledo’s redshirt freshman forward Javan Simmons on Jan. 23. Nutter finished with 22 points in a win over Miami University Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies slip past RedHawks, win second straight

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
February 6, 2024
Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vučević questions a call during a Bulls home game against the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. Vučević was traded to Chicago in March 2021 and has yet to represent the Bulls at the NBA All-Star Game. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

COLUMN: The Chicago Bulls need a fresh start

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
January 31, 2024
Redshirt sophomore guard Zion Russell (10) yells to teammates to coordinate a pass as Toledo junior guard Dante Maddox Jr. (21) guards him. Russell finished Tuesday's game against Central Michigan University with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball loses double-overtime heartbreaker to Central Michigan

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
January 30, 2024
NIU junior guard David Coit works his way past Ball State University freshman forward Mason Jones on Saturday. The Huskies fell 81-71 to the Cardinals in Muncie, Indiana on Saturday. (Nick Wilson | Courtesy of Ball State Athletics)

Ball State halts Huskies’ late rally for matinee victory

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
January 28, 2024
After a defensive rebound early in the game, senior forward Harvin Ibarguen (23) navigates around University of Toledo redshirt freshman forward Javan Simmons (1). The Huskies have fallen to 6-12 after starting the season 5-1. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: How NIU men’s basketball’s hot start has flamed out

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
January 24, 2024
The Huskie men’s basketball team returns from the court, defeatedly high fiving their teammates at the bench after losing to Kent State. The final score was 83-76. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball drops seventh consecutive game

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
January 17, 2024
Sophomore defensive end Roy Williams holds a cooler high after dumping Gatorade on NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock. The Huskies defeated Arkansas State University 21-19 in the Camellia Bowl on Saturday. (Todd Thompson | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Football finishes 2023 season as Camellia Bowl champions

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 23, 2023
NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock leads his players onto the Huskie Stadium field on Sept. 23 against the University of Tulsa. The Huskies will face Arkansas State University on Saturday in the Camellia Bowl. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Football set for bowl battle with Arkansas State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 22, 2023
Sophomore forward Yanic Konan Niederhauser (14) is guarded by Indiana State players while going for a layup as sophomore forward Xavier Amos (13) waits for a rebound during the first quarter Tuesday. The Huskies fell to Monmouth at the buzzer on Saturday. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Monmouth downs men’s basketball at buzzer

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 9, 2023
Redshirt junior running back Gavin Williams (21) runs with the ball looking to get past Western Michigan's defense. The Huskies will participate in the Camellia Bowl after an up-and-down season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Looking back on football’s rocky season

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 8, 2023
Senior guard Philmon Gebrewhit hands the ball off to junior guard Zarique Nutter during an NIU men's basketball home game against Indiana State University on Tuesday. Gebrewhit is averaging 10.9 points per game in his first season in a Huskie uniform. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

New Huskies making immediate impact on men’s basketball

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 6, 2023
Redshirt senior Tyler Jackson (0) holds the NIU flag as he leads the team onto the Huskie Stadium field on Oct. 21. The Huskies will take on Arkansas State in the Camellia Bowl on Dec. 23. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football to compete in Camellia Bowl

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 4, 2023
NIU junior running back Antario Brown (1) fights to break tackles against three Ball State defenders during NIU football's game on Nov. 7. Brown is among five players on NIU to receive All-MAC honors. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

5 Huskies named to All-MAC Teams

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
December 4, 2023
A graphic shows NIU football's junior Huskie Devin Lafayette (3), redshirt junior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (85) and senior safety C.J. Brown (6). The mentioned Huskies have all announced their intentions to transfer following the 2023 season. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

3 Huskies enter transfer portal ahead of bowl game

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 30, 2023
Junior guard Zarique Nutter goes for a layup in men's basketball's game against Illinois Tech on Nov. 13. Nutter posted 15 points in the Huskies' 89-67 loss to Northwestern on Monday. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball trounced at Northwestern

By Ethan Gonzales and Zachary Bertram
November 28, 2023
Junior defensive end Ray Thomas rushes the Toledo offensive line in NIU football's game against Toledo on Sept. 30. Thomas received the MAC West defensive Player of the Week award for his 10 tackles against Kent State on Saturday. (Scott Grau | Kent State Athletics)

Thomas’ 10 tackles earns MAC West Defensive Player of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 27, 2023
Then-sophomore guard David Coit stares down his defender in a home game against Western Michigan University on Feb. 11. Coit scored a career-high 34 points to lead NIU men's basketball to an 89-79 victory over DePaul University. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

Coit leads men’s basketball to fifth-straight win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 26, 2023
Junior running back Antario Brown rushes the ball during NIU football's 24-0 win over Western Michigan on Nov. 14. The Huskies enter the final game of the season needing a win to be bowl eligible. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Bowl game within reach ahead of final football game

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 24, 2023
A headshot shows redshirt freshman wide receiver Dane Pardridge. Pardridge was named MAC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning a punt 55 yards for a touchdown in NIU football's 24-0 victory over Western Michigan University on Tuesday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Pardridge earns football’s fifth MAC West Player of the Week Honor

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 21, 2023
Sophomore forward Xavier Amos shoots a three-point shot against Appalachian State University on Nov. 11. NIU men's basketball took down the University of Arkansas at Little Rock 98-93 on Saturday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball holds on for fourth straight win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 18, 2023
Senior forward Harvin Ibarguen shoots a free throw in a home game against the Illinois Institute of Technology. The Huskies defeated Georgia State University on Friday by a final score of 70-64. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball wins nail-biter over Georgia State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 17, 2023
Redshirt freshman Dane Pardridge returns a punt from Western Michigan University on Tuesday. NIU football defeated the Broncos 24-0 to win its fifth game of the year. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies shut out Broncos in statement win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 15, 2023
Freshman guard Will Lovings-Watts shoots a three pointer against the Illinois Institute of Technology. NIU men's basketball trounced Illinois Tech by a final score of 107-55. (Joey Trella | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball obliterates Illinois Tech for home win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 14, 2023
2022 redshirt senior guard Paulina Castro gives coach Lisa Carlsen a high five as the rest of the women's basketball team heads toward the sideline after its game against Bowling Green on Feb. 2, 2022. (Summer Fitzgerald | Northern Star File Photo)

Women’s basketball adds 3 new recruits

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 13, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws a pass in an NIU football home game against Ball State University on Tuesday. The Huskies are set to defend home field on Tuesday against Western Michigan University. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football set for final home game of the season

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 12, 2023
An electric car charges at a charging station. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently announced $27 million in funding for new charging stations. (Courtesy of Getty Images)

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to fund electric charging stations

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2023
Then-sophomore guard David Coit dribbles the ball on March 9 at the MAC Tournament in Cleveland, Ohio. Coit had 14 points in the Huskies' season-opening loss to Marquette. (Northern Star File Photo)

No. 5 Marquette cruises past men’s basketball

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2023
Redshirt junior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph receives a handoff during NIU football's game against Eastern Michigan University on Oct. 22. The Huskies' comeback bid fell short in a 37-31 loss to Central Michigan on Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football’s MACtion comeback falls short

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 31, 2023
Then-sophomore guard David Coit dribbles the ball past a Kent State University defender in the quarterfinals of the MAC Tournament on March 9. Senior Sports Reporter Zach Bertram highlights Coit's journey from Atlantic Cape Community College to NIU. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

From D3 to D1: David Coit’s path to NIU

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 31, 2023
The Ludington Building at Columbia College sits outside on a cloudy day. Faculty at Columbia College began a strike on Monday. (Wikimedia image)

Columbia College teachers begin strike

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 30, 2023
Eastern Michigan then-sophomore guard Emoni Bates (21) approaches NIU then-sophomore guard Zarique Nutter (2) as he jumps up to the hoop during the March 3 game at the NIU Convocation Center. The Huskies defeated Eastern Michigan by a final score of 85-66. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Men’s basketball ready for season after MAC Tournament appearance

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 30, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi hands the ball off to redshirt junior running back Gavin Williams in a 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska. The Huskies travel to Central Michigan looking to stay ahead of the Chippewas in the MAC West standings. (Mark Kuhlmann | NIU Athletics)

Football preparing for Central Michigan battle

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 29, 2023
Former NIU football kicker Mathew Sims gets ready for a last-second field goal attempt against the Ohio University Bobcats on Dec. 2, 2011. Sims, NIU's all-time leader in extra-point attempts and makes, died in a car crash on Friday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Former NIU kicker dies in car crash

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 23, 2023
Redshirt junior punter Tom Foley prepares to punt the ball during football's game against the University of Nebraska on Sept. 16. Foley was named the MAC West Specialist Player of the Week. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Foley earns football’s third consecutive MAC Player of the Week honor

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 23, 2023
Cover for '2 girls with a mic' Podcast (Graphic by Joey Trella | Northern Star)

‘2 girls with a mic’: ‘Loki’ Season 2, Will and Jada Smith’s shocking separation and Halloween

By Joey Trella, Sarah Rose, Anna Scanlan, and Zachary Bertram
October 17, 2023
Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine shoots a layup past Denver Nuggets forward Jrue Holiday in a preseason game on Thursday. The Bulls are set to start the 2023-2024 season with LaVine, guard DeMar DeRozan and forward Nikola Vučević at the helm. (AP Photo | Nam Y. Huh)

Bulls set for 2023-2024 season with same core

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 17, 2023
Then-junior Jasmine Ly shoots at the MAC Tournament from April 21 to April 23. Ly tied the NIU record for lowest round score at the Johnie Imes Invitational and earned MAC Golfer of the Week. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Ly shines, Huskies struggle at Pat Bradley Invitational

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 17, 2023
Redshirt sophomore kicker Jake Seibert (30) practices for field goal kicks while redshirt sophomore kicker Kanon Woodill (92) holds the ball in place during the NIU game against SIU Sept 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Woodill earns MAC Special Teams Player of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 16, 2023
NIU junior safety Nate Valcarcel (9) runs back an interception during the fourth quarter against Ohio. The Huskies won the game 23-13. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football upsets Ohio for Homecoming victory

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 14, 2023
Wide receiver redshirt senior Davis Patterson (9) turns to look for the ball while Southern Illinois cornerback senior DJ Johnson (9) waits to block the play during Southern Illinois University versus the Huskies on Sept 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Football to host 116th Homecoming game

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 12, 2023
Junior running back Antario Brown (1) attempts to run the ball while getting his shirt pulled by Southern Illinois senior linebacker Zach Burrola (10) during the Huskies game against Southern Illinois University on Sept. 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Takeaways from NIU football’s blowout win

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 11, 2023
Junior running back Antario Brown (1), takes possession of the ball during the second quarter of the Huskies game against Southern Illinois University on Sept. 9. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Brown’s historic game earns him MAC West Offensive Player of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 9, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi hands the ball off to redshirt junior running back Gavin Williams in a 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska. The Huskies travel to Central Michigan looking to stay ahead of the Chippewas in the MAC West standings. (Mark Kuhlmann | NIU Athletics)

Offensive onslaught gets football back in win column

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 7, 2023
Arizona Diamondbacks' Evan Longoria hits a single during the sixth inning of a Game 1 of their National League wildcard baseball series against the Milwaukee Brewers Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Guide to the 2023 MLB Playoffs

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 3, 2023
The Huskies offensive line has a team discussion in the third quarter on Sept. 9 against Southern Illinois University. The Huskies were defeated 14-11. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Football to face NC State, Ohio State

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
October 2, 2023
Then-junior Jasmine Ly shoots at the MAC Tournament from April 21 to April 23. Ly tied the NIU record for lowest round score at the Johnie Imes Invitational and earned MAC Golfer of the Week. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Ly nabs MAC Golfer of the Week

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 30, 2023
University of Tulsa special teams unit pushes against NIU punt cover during Saturday games. Tulsa beat the Huskies 22-14. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Football begins MAC play against defending champs

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 28, 2023
Senior golfer Jasmine Ly following through on her swing on Tuesday. Ly finished in a tie for third place at the Redbird Invitational. (Bill Salyer | Illinois State Athletics)

Ly ties NIU single round record

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 27, 2023
Huskie junior forward Taisei Arima rushes the ball upfield during NIU men's soccer's Missouri Valley Conference opener against Missorui State on Sept. 16. The Huskies lost the game by a final score of 3-0. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Men’s soccer falters in second straight shutout

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 25, 2023
NIU offensive line sets against Tulsa defensive line during Saturday's game at the Huskie Stadium. On Saturday, the Huskies were defeated by Tulsa 22-14. (Cameron Whittington | Northern Star)

Quarterback carousel not enough in Huskies’ loss

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 23, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi hands the ball off to redshirt junior running back Gavin Williams in a 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska. The Huskies travel to Central Michigan looking to stay ahead of the Chippewas in the MAC West standings. (Mark Kuhlmann | NIU Athletics)

Football eyes bounce-back victory against Tulsa

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 20, 2023
Senior golfer Jasmine Ly following through on her swing on Tuesday. Ly finished in a tie for third place at the Redbird Invitational. (Bill Salyer | Illinois State Athletics)

Women’s golf places 12th at Mary Fossum Invitational

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2023
Quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open receiver to pass to during a play in the second quarter of the Huskies matchup against the Rockets on Sept. 30, 2022 at Huskie Stadium. (Marco Sotelo Avila | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Run game and defense issues remain

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2023
Senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) make a quick handoff to junior Trayvon Rudolph (85) to make a complete play on Saturday. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

2023 MAC football set for competitive bloodbath

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 13, 2023

Huskies take fifth at Redbird Invitational

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 12, 2023
COLUMN: Discipline, poor offense catalyze home-opening loss

COLUMN: Discipline, poor offense catalyze home-opening loss

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 12, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) looks to pass to senior wide receiver Kacper Rutkiewicz (8) on Saturday during the third quarter against Southern Illinois University on Saturday. The Huskies lost to Southern Illinois University 14-11. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Offense sputters as Huskies lose home opener

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 9, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi searching for a target against Boston College on Sept. 2. The Huskies defeated the Eagles in overtime 27-24. (Gaelen Morse | NIU Athletics)

Huskies set to battle Southern rival in home opener

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 7, 2023
Then-junior Jasmine Ly shoots at the MAC Tournament from April 21 to April 23. Ly tied the NIU record for lowest round score at the Johnie Imes Invitational and earned MAC Golfer of the Week. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s golf prepares for 2023-2024 season

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 6, 2023
Senior wide receiver Kacper Rutkiewicz celebrates the overtime touchdown scored by redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi. The Huskies defeated the Boston College Eagles 27-24 Saturday for their first win of the 2023 regular season. (Gaelen Morse | NIU Athletics)

Huskies down Eagles in overtime thriller

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
September 2, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi evades Tulsa graduate linebacker Grant Sawyer duing a pass attempt in the first half of September 1st 2022 matchup. Lombardi led the Huskie scoring with three touchdowns through the air.

Complementary football vital to Huskies’ 2023 turnaround

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
August 30, 2023
NIU junior shortstop Andre Demetral (1) rounds to third base after stealing second base in the bottom of the first inning. Demetral scored off of a hit by junior first baseman Colin Summerhill, earning the Huskies their first run of the game and setting the score 3-1. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Summerhill’s home run helps Huskies snap skid

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
May 3, 2023
NIU junior catcher Colin Summerhill (8) slides into third base after hitting a triple on Friday against Akron. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Zips sweep doubleheader, series with Huskies

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 30, 2023
Senior utility player Sam Mallinder (18) high-fives the first base coach after hitting a single that drove in a run during the third inning. The Huskies lost the game 7-6. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

6th-inning grand slam propels Huskies in doubleheader split

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 26, 2023
NIU freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22), at bat, watches the ball fly after swinging during the Huskie Softball game against Central Michigan University on April 1 at Mary M. Bell Field in DeKalb. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies fall to Broncos after late rally comes up short

By Zachary Bertram, Senior Sports Reporter
April 25, 2023
Reigning Tugs champions Sigma Nu defeats Phi Sigma Kappa during the championship match. Sigma Nu is the 2023 Tug Champions, making this their second consecutive title. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Tugs dynasty: Sigma Nu captures second straight title

By Zachary Bertram and Alex Crowe
April 22, 2023
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