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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

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Zack Rodriguez

Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter

Zack Rodriguez is a sports reporter for the Northern Star. He is a senior sports management major with a minor in sports journalism. He completed his Associate’s of Arts in Business Administration at the College of Lake County before transferring to NIU. He enjoys exercising and watching football, basketball, and MMA in his free time.

All content by Zack Rodriguez
Debbie Huston, a former NIU soccer player, kicks a soccer ball. Huston was elected as the sixth member of NIU Athletics 2024 Hall of Fame class. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Soccer star Debbie Huston elected to 2024 NIU Athletics Hall of Fame class

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 28, 2024
Former NIU football safety Jimmie Ward prepares for a snap in an NIU football game against Arkansas State University at the GoDaddy Bowl on Jan. 8, 2012. Ward is set to be inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame class of 2024. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Ward added to 2024 NIU Athletics Hall of Fame class

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 25, 2024
Alpha Sigma Phi continues their attempt to use stamina to their advantage by holding Delta Chi in overtime on Tuesday. Alpha Sigma Phi defeated Tau Kappa Epsilon on Wednesday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Phi Kappa Theta, Alpha Sigma Phi earn wins in Day 2 of Tugs

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 18, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart throws to first base leading to an out against Kent State University on March 29. Stewart blasted a grand slam in a 5-3 victory over Bradley University Wednesday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball blows lead in Game 1 against Braves, splits doubleheader

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 11, 2024
Redshirt sophomore heavyweight wrestler Jacobi Jackson scans his opponent in an NIU wrestling home match. Jackson suffered two major injuries before finishing his 2023-2024 season as a ranked wrestler. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

From rehabilitation to ranked: the triumph of Jacobi Jackson

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 10, 2024
Junior Reagan Welch awaits a serve at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House. Welch won her singles match and her doubles match with Anastasia Rakita in a 5-2 win over the Eastern Michigan University Eagles Friday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Women’s tennis splits season series against Eagles

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 6, 2024
NIU football players run onto the field of Huskie Stadium before their game against Eastern Michigan University on Oct. 21, 2023. Head coach Thomas Hammock previewed the 2024 regular season at the Pre-Spring Press Conference. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Hammock previews NIU spring football, position competitions

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
March 31, 2024
NIU redshirt sophomore Blake West grapples on the back of Lock Haven freshman Logan Sallot on Feb. 9. West was eliminated in the first round at the 2024 NCAA Championships. (Northern Star File Photo)

West makes earl departure from Nationals

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
March 24, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Blake West eyes his Kent State University opponent in Day 1 of the MAC Championships Friday. West qualified for the NCAA Tournament after falling in the championship round of the MAC Championships. (Elsye Jones | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Wrestling places 7th at MAC Championships

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
March 12, 2024
Former NIU quarterback Rocky Lombardi drops back during passing drills at Thursday's Pro Day inside the Chessick Practice Center. Lombardi worked out in front of scouts from at least 11 NFL teams. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

6 former Huskies participate in annual Pro Day

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
March 8, 2024
Redshirt freshman Jacob Brya celebrates a victory in an NIU wrestling home dual against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Friday. Brya was named the MAC West Wrestler of the Week on Monday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Brya secures MAC West Wrestler of the Week honors

By Zack Rodriguez, Former 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
Redshirt sophomore Blake West attempts to pin Southern Illinois University Edwardsville redshirt sophomore Davian Guanajuato on Friday's Senior Day event for NIU wrestling. West defeated Guanajuato 4-3 on Friday to finish the season undefeated in dual matchups. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Return of the MAC: Wrestling champions the West

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 24, 2024
Ethan Gonzales (from left) and Zack Rodriguez sit down with Matthew Zuber and Jacobi Jackson from NIU wrestling in the podcast room. This week’s “All-Star” episode discusses life as a NIU wrestler. (Ethan Gonzales | Northern Star)

A chat with NIU wrestling

By Ethan Gonzales, Zack Rodriguez, and Anna Scanlan
February 19, 2024

NIU announces new multimedia rights holder

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 16, 2024
Redshirt senior Jaivon Jones studies his Lock Haven University opponent at the Beauty and the Beast meet Friday. Jones was announced as the MAC Co-West Wrestler of the Week on Tuesday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Jones announced as MAC Co-West Wrestler of the Week

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 15, 2024
Freshman Sean Carroll (right) locks together with Lock Haven sophomore Cael Black. Carroll kept up with Black into overtime to win the match. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Beauty and the Beast: Wrestling vanquishes defending champs

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 10, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Jacobi Jackson studies his opponent in an NIU wrestling home meet against Kent State University on Dec. 19, 2023. Jackson was named the MAC Co-Wrestler of the Week Tuesday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Jackson nabs MAC Co-West Wrestler of the Week

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 6, 2024
Sophomore Blake West grapples a Northwestern University wrestler at the Convocation Center on Dec. 19 2023. West won his match on Saturday against the University at Buffalo by technical fall, making him 6-0 in MAC play this season. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Jackson’s late heroics win it for wrestling

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
February 3, 2024
NIU wrestling head coach Ryan Ludwig screams at his wrestler in a home dual against Central Michigan University on Saturday. Ludwig eclipsed the 100 career-win mark on Dec. 19, 2023. (Elyse Jones | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

From the Mat to Mentorship: Ludwig paving the path to 100 wins

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
January 30, 2024
Redshirt freshman Tommy Bennett holds off Central Michigan University redshirt sophomore Tyler Swiderski in a dual against the Chippewas on Saturday. Bennett defeated Swiderski 5-4 in a decision victory. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

2 wrestlers shine in return, program clinches 10th win

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
January 28, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Blake West pins his Kent State University opponent on Dec. 19. West recorded his 20th victory of the 2023-2024 season on Saturday against Cleveland State University. (Scott Walstrom | Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Wrestling owns East tiebreaker, garners first road victory

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
January 20, 2024
Redshirt sophomore Blake West searches for an opening on his Kent State University opponent. West was named the MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week on Monday following his major decision victory over Ohio University freshman Ryan Meek on Friday. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

West nabs MAC Scholar-Athlete of the Week

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
January 18, 2024
NIU football and basketball's radio announcer Andy Garcia speaks at Winter Sports Media Day on Oct. 24, 2023. Garcia was announced as the new play-by-play radio commentator of NIU football and basketball following the retirement of Bill Baker. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Passing of the mic: new “Voice of the Huskies”

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
January 17, 2024
Then-NIU quarterback Jordan Lynch looks to make a pass downfield during the Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2013. The Huskies have yet to win a bowl game in their last three tries. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Reviewing NIU football’s 3 most recent Bowl games

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
December 6, 2023
A T-Rex stands in front of a blue sky. Jurassic Quest is an interactive dinosaur experience opening Dec. 28 in Rosemont. (Getty Images)

Rosemont to host Jurassic Quest

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
December 5, 2023
Then-redshirt freshman Blake West opposes Buffalo’s then-redshirt freshman Mason Bush in NIU wrestling's match against Buffalo on Feb. 4. West earned third place at 125 pounds in the Cougar Clash on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

West earns third, Huskies take fifth at Cougar Clash

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
December 4, 2023
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Dane Pardridge runs up the field during NIU football win over Western Michigan on Nov. 14. The Huskies earned bowl eligibility in Saturday's win over Kent State. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football escapes Kent, clinches Bowl eligibility

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 25, 2023
Redshirt sophomore Blake West fights for ground against his opponent at the Red-Black Dual on Oct. 27. West finished 2-0 on Sunday at the Boilmaker Duals. (Amanda Springer | NIU Athletics)

3 wrestlers finish 2-0 at Boilermaker Duals

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 20, 2023
Freshman Collin Arch prepares to grapple during the red/black dual on Oct. 27. Arch took the 149-pound title at the Lindenwood Open. (Amanda Springer | NIU Athletics)

Arch wins 149 title, 5 wrestlers place

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 19, 2023
NIU softball huddles up before the first game of a doubleheader against Central Michigan University on April 2. Head coach Christina Sutcliffe added six new recruits for the 2025 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball signs 6 new recruits

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 15, 2023
Redshirt freshman Danny Curran grapples with redshirt freshman Dylan Gvillo during the red/black dual on Oct. 27. The Huskies took 11th place at the MSU Open on Saturday (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Wrestling earns 11th place at MSU Open

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 12, 2023

Planck leads cross country at NCAA Midwest Regional

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 11, 2023
Junior cornerback Javaughn Byrd attempts to block a Ball State University field goal. The Huskies were defeated by the Cardinals by a final score of 20-17 on Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football fails to capture Bronze Stalk

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 8, 2023
Redshirt freshman wide receiver Jalon Johnson attempts to catch the ball in the snow against Central Michigan last Tuesday. The Huskies will look to reclaim the Bronze Stalk Trophy on Tuesday against Ball State. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Football to battle for Bronze Stalk

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 5, 2023
Redshirt freshman Danny Curran and Dylan Gvillo stare each other down at the Red/Black Dual on Oct. 27. NIU defeated Lindenwood University and St. Ambrose University by a combined score of 98-0 on Friday at the Huskie Duals. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Wrestling pitches shutout in home opener

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 4, 2023
Redshirt freshman Danny Curran (right) grapples with redshirt freshman Dylan Gvillo (left) during the Huskie Duals exhibition last Friday. The Huskies' first dual takes place Friday against Lindenwood and St. Ambrose. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU wrestling: New faces, returning stars

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
November 1, 2023
Senior Julia Finegan runs at the Western Illinois Invitational cross country meet on Sept. 1. The Huskies finished the event tied for second place. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Two Huskies PR, cross country takes 11th

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 29, 2023
An NIU defender brings down Central Michigan University freshman quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. during the first half of Wednesday's MACtion game between NIU and CMU at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Sports Reporter Zack Rodriguez predicts NIU will beat CMU in its upcoming game. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

NIU football to beat out CMU by double-digits

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 28, 2023
NIU cross country head coach Juan Carrillo takes in the scene at an NIU event. Carrillo is in his first year as head coach of NIU cross country. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Culture shifter: The Carrillo effect on NIU cross country

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 26, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) runs for the first down against Eastern Michigan. The Huskies defeated the Eagles 20-13. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Football downs Eagles, wins third straight

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 21, 2023
2009 inductee Bill Baker speaks as a part of the series of speakers on Saturday night at the 2022 Athletics Hall of Fame ceremony. Baker has been named a finalist for the 2023 Armed Forces Merit Award. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Baker named finalist for Armed Forces Merit Award

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 20, 2023
Redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Drew Hoth (71) blocks as redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) looks to take an open past during Saturday's Homecoming game against Ohio University. The Huskies are looking for their third straight win this weekend against Eastern Michigan. (Cameron Whittington | Northern Star)

Football eyes third place in MAC West

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 19, 2023
Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus poses for a picture in 1970. Sports Reporter Zack Rodriguez pays tribute to the late Bears legend and his impact on the game of football. (AP Photo, file)

Remembering ‘The Maestro of Mayhem:’ A Dick Butkus tribute

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 17, 2023

COLUMN: Football’s season has silver lining

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 7, 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 to build on high-scoring affair

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
October 5, 2023
Senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi (12) looks to take an open pass to senior wide receiver Kacper Rutkiewicz (8) during the third quarter against Southern Illinois University on Sept. 9. The Huskies lost to Southern Illinois University 14-11. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Football comes up short in shootout

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 30, 2023
Redshirt sophomore Quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open pass during Saturday's game against the University of Tulsa. Tulsa defeated the Huskies by a final score of 22-14. (Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

COLUMN: NIU football has offensive quandary

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 29, 2023

Finegan leads Huskies in Joe Piane Notre Dame Classic

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 29, 2023
Senior defensive tackle James Ester (1) celebrates a sack in the first quarter against EMU on Oct. 2, 2021. Ester has been named a semifinalist for the 2022 William V. Campbell Trophy. (Khavon Thomas | Northern Star)

Ester named semifinalist for William V. Campbell Trophy

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 29, 2023
NIU junior guard David Coit (11) hangs his head after a Huskie foul just before the half on March 9. Coit was selected to the preseason All-MAC First Team on Thursday. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Coit, Williams receive preseason All-MAC honors

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 22, 2023
Redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi throwing a pass to a teammate against Boston College on Sep. 2. The Huskies defeated the Eagles 27-24 in overtime. (Gaelen Morse | NIU Athletics)

Offensive concerns persist, NIU loses big against Nebraska

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 17, 2023

Cross country struggles at Mel Brodt Collegiate Open

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 16, 2023

Napientek, Feuerbach promoted to Frazier’s executive team

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 15, 2023
Cornerback Jacob Finley (20) and safety CJ Brown (6) go in for a tackle on Southern Illinois University wide receiver Izaiah Hartrup (5) during the second quarter on Saturday. ( Nyla Owens | Northern Star )

Huskies seek retribution in road matchup

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 14, 2023
Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

COLUMN: Unleashing dark-horse potential of 2023 Chicago Bears

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 10, 2023
A gas pump ticks up as a tank gets filled. Gas prices are decreasing right now. (Bobak | Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5)

Gas prices going down, may stay there

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 5, 2023
Senior Julia Finegan runs at the Western Illinois Invitational cross country meet on Sept. 1. The Huskies finished the event tied for second place. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Carrillo, NIU debut with second place tie

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
September 2, 2023
Then-redshirt senior Victoria Robinson runs at the Hawkeye Invitational in September 2021. The Huskies are set to begin their season Friday. (Photo courtesy NIU Athletics)

New coach, veteran leadership vital to cross country success

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
August 31, 2023
NIU freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22) reaches for the ball as junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) passes it to her at home plate during NIU Softball's home game against Central Michigan University March 31 at Mary M. Bell Field. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Stewart’s strikeout parade leads Huskies past Bulls

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
May 1, 2023
Then NIU junior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker (3) points to communicate with a coach before an inning on March 31, 2023. Shumaker hit a walk-off double in the eighth inning to defeat Butler University. (Northern Star File Photo)

Huskies split doubleheader against Buffalo

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 30, 2023
NIU women's basketball team huddled in a circle before the game on Feb. 18, 2023 against Ball State. The Huskies defeated the University of Central Michigan on Saturday by a final score of 70- 57. (Northern Star file photo)

Women’s basketball extends Lisa Carlsen through 2025

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 28, 2023
NIU freshman tennis player Iker Gaztambide Arrastia completes a serve against University of Toledo’s Marko Galic, a senior, during their singles match on April 7 at DeKalb High School. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Three Huskies earn MAC postseason honors

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 26, 2023

Broncos spoil Huskies’ season finale

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 24, 2023

RedHawks smoke Huskies in Ohio

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 22, 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)

Defensive emphasis headlines spring football showcase

By Joseph Segreti and Zack Rodriguez
April 22, 2023
Outside hitter Katie Jablonski (center) and middle blocker Sammi Lockwood attempt to block an attack from Ball State's opposite hitter Natalie Mitchem during NIU volleyball's Friday night match at Victor E. Court. NIU volleyball will host four training camps in July. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU volleyball to host 4 camps in July

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 20, 2023
Fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi tugging against Tau Kappa Epsilon during round one of Tugs on Tuesday. Alpha Sigma Phi beat Tau Kappa Epsilon in three rounds. ( Nyla Owens | Northern Star)

Alpha Sigma Phi, Sigma Nu earn wins in Tugs Day 2

By Zack Rodriguez and Alex Crowe
April 18, 2023
Freshman Reagan Welch assumes the ready position during a match against the University of St. Francis on Feb. 11. Welch earned victories in two singles matches and one doubles match during NIU's weekend trip in the state of Iowa. (Summer Fitzgerald | Northern Star)

Huskies struggle in doubles, shut out by Cardinals

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 16, 2023
NIU sophomore tennis player Reagan Welch during a doubles match on Jan. 14 against University of Iowa players on the fourth court at Nelson Tennis Center. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Huskies fail to defend home court against Eastern Michigan

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 14, 2023
DJ Bland was announced as NIU football's cornerback coach on Thursday. (Photo courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU football adds Bland to coaching staff

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 13, 2023

Huskies defeat Eastern Michigan, snap three-game losing streak

By Zack Rodriguez, Former Sports Reporter
April 8, 2023
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