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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Skyler Kisellus

Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter

Skyler Kisellus is a sports reporter for the Northern Star covering NIU football. He joined the Northern Star in fall 2021 and served stints as the publication’s assistant sports editor and sports editor. Before assuming the football beat, he covered NIU gymnastics, softball and volleyball. Outside of the Star, you can catch Skyler playing EA Sports College Football 25, hating on Wisconsin sports teams and chronically checking his notifications on X.

All content by Skyler Kisellus
NIU sophomore guard Kailon Nicholls (5) resists defense from Elon University redshirt sophomore guard Andrew King during the second half of the Huskies' 75-48 loss to the Phoenix on Wednesday night inside the Convocation Center in DeKalb. The loss was the Huskies' first defeat at home of the 2024-25 campaign. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

‘Utter embarrassment:’ Huskies trounced by Elon in lousy shooting night

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 21, 2024
Miami University redshirt sophomore wide receiver Javon Tracy (11) runs after the catch as NIU redshirt freshman safety Santana Banner (15) approaches to make a tackle during Tuesday night’s Mallory Cup rivalry game at Fred C. Yager Stadium in Oxford, Ohio. Banner was ejected from the game for targeting near the end of the second quarter as the Huskies suffered their fourth consecutive loss to the RedHawks. (Courtesy of Miami Athletics)

Huskies stifled by RedHawks in rivalry loss at Miami (Ohio)

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 20, 2024
Green Bay Packers defensive lineman James Ester (65) stands at the line of scrimmage during the Packers’ preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens on Aug. 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Ester is midway through his rookie season in the NFL after being signed by the Packers as a undrafted free agent in April. (Evan Siegle | Green Bay Packers)

James Ester learning lessons in first pro season

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 19, 2024
Redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) turns and prepares to hand the ball to redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) on Wednesday at Huskie Stadium. NIU football will play the Miami University RedHawks on Tuesday, seeking to bring the Mallory Cup to NIU for the first time since it was created in 2018. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to play Miami (Ohio) for Mallory Cup in road finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 18, 2024
NIU redshirt senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (3) throws a 39-yard touchdown pass near the end of the first quarter in Wednesday’s 29-16 win against the University of Akron Zips. Rudolph’s touchdown was his first passing score since his days as a high school quarterback. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

‘It felt amazing:’ the special meaning behind Trayvon Rudolph’s tricky TD pass

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 15, 2024
NIU football redshirt junior Justin Lynch (5) celebrates in the endzone with redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) after Williams rushed for a 71-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter Wednesday against the University of Akron Zips. The Huskies defeated the Zips 29-16, advancing to six wins on the season and clinching a bowl game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Seniors shine against Akron, lead NIU to bowl bid

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 14, 2024
NIU redshirt senior offensive lineman J.J Lippe (79) lifts redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cam Thompson (0) after celebrating a touchdown late in the second quarter against Ball State University on Oct. 26. The Huskies host the University of Akron Wednesday for their second midweek MACtion game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to host Akron, needing one win for bowl eligibility

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 11, 2024
NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock, coaching staff and players watch from the sidelines during the third quarter. NIU’s next home game is on Wednesday against the University of Akron. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: NIU’s wild, wacky path to the MAC title game

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 8, 2024
NIU freshman running back Telly Johnson Jr. (22) carries the ball during the third quarter of the Huskies’ 42-28 victory against Western Michigan University on Wednesday night at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Johnson finished with a career-high 141 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Huskies run wild over Broncos in MACtion drubbing

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 7, 2024
Western Michigan University redshirt sophomore running back Jalen Buckley (6) lunges into the end zone to finish off a 17-yard touchdown run in the Broncos’ 52-21 win over Kent State University on Oct. 26 at Waldo Stadium in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Buckley will be one of three running backs at Western Michigan’s disposal against NIU on Wednesday. (Nicholas Kahl | Western Herald)

Behind Enemy Bylines: Western Michigan

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 5, 2024
The NIU football team rushes onto the field before kickoff of the Huskies’ 25-23 loss to Ball State University on Oct. 26 at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. NIU is 4-4, 1-3 MAC, with four games left in the 2024 regular season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies head to Kalamazoo for midweek MACtion

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 4, 2024
NIU senior running back Antario Brown (1) sprints toward the end zone after spinning around a Ball State University defender Saturday at Scheumann Stadium in Muncie, Indiana. Brown scored a 34-yard touchdown on the play and got another in the fourth quarter to record his second two-touchdown performance of the season. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

KISELLUS: Ball State heartbreaker exposed major issues for NIU

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 31, 2024
Ball State University sophomore kicker Jackson Courville (96) lines up to kick a game-winning 52-yard field goal to defeat the Huskies 25-23. The Huskies drop to 4-4 on the season and 1-3 in the MAC and have lost their last three meetings with Ball State. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU suffers third-straight loss to Ball State in heartbreaker

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 26, 2024
The NIU defensive line lines up opposite of the University of Massachusetts Minutemen offensive line amid the Huskies' 34-20 victory over the Minutemen on Oct. 5. Ahead of the Huskies matchup against Ball State University on Saturday, Ball State Daily News' football beat reporter Kyle Smedley shared his thoughts on the upcoming rivalry game. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Behind enemy bylines: Ball State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
NIU redshirt sophomore wide receiver Cam Thompson (0) runs downfield after catching a 8-yard reception in the first quarter of the 117th Homecoming Game against the University of Toledo on Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Thompson led the Huskies with 80 receiving yards in the game. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU to face Ball State in Bronze Stalk battle

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 24, 2024
Redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) throws a pass on Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Holst passed for 210 yards in his first career start as NIU football lost 13-6 to the University of Toledo Rockets on Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU succumbs to Toledo in low-scoring 117th Homecoming Game

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 19, 2024
NIU Athletics Hall of Fame members and inductees gather on stage on Friday in the Duke Ellington Ballroom. Seven new members of the Hall of Fame were inducted as part of the 36th induction ceremony. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

NIU Athletics celebrates 2024 Hall of Fame inductees

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 19, 2024
The Huskies' defense returns to its sideline celebrating after redshirt junior defensive end Jalonnie Williams (11) recovered a fumble during the second quarter of NIU's 17-7 win against Bowling Green State University at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. The Huskies trailed 7-3 in the first quarter before scoring 14 unanswered to earn the road victory. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU gears up for Homecoming clash with Toledo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 17, 2024
Senior defensive tackle Devonte O’Malley (8) (from left) carries an NIU flag, senior fullback Brock Lampe (49) carries an American flag and redshirt senior tight end Tristen Tewes (82) carries an Illinois flag while running across the end zone to lead the team on the field on Saturday before the game against Bowling Green State University. The Huskies will return Saturday to take on the University of Toledo in the 117th Homecoming game. (Northern Star File Photo)

KISELLUS: NIU-Toledo should add to Huskies’ rich Homecoming history

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 16, 2024
NIU redshirt junior defensive tackle Skyler Gill-Howard (0) celebrates after the NIU defense forced the University of Notre Dame to punt in the third quarter of the Sept. 7 game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes Gill-Howard is NIU football's most valuable defensive player at the halfway point of the 2024 season. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: NIU football midseason awards 2024

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 14, 2024
NIU redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst (15) rushes past Bowling Green State University senior cornerback Jacorey Benjamin (7) en route to the end zone for a 22-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of NIU’s 17-7 upset of Bowling Green at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Holst’s rushing touchdown was the first of his collegiate career. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Shorthanded Huskies earn first MAC win at Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 12, 2024
Bowling Green State University junior tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (0) celebrates with teammates in the Falcons’ 30-27 loss to Old Dominion University on Sept. 28 at Doyt L. Perry Stadium in Bowling Green, Ohio. Falcon Sports Media Network’s Rhys Patrykus describes Fannin Jr. as a “matchup nightmare” for opposing defenses ahead of NIU’s meeting with Bowling Green on Saturday. (Dane Leininger | Falcon Media Sports Network)

Behind enemy bylines: Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 10, 2024
The NIU offense and the University of Massachusetts defense line up at the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of the Huskies’ 34-20 win against the Minutemen on Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. NIU’s victory boosted it to a 3-1 non-conference record, its best finish against non-league opponents since 2014. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

Football heads to Bowling Green for MAC road opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 10, 2024
Multiple NIU players surround University of Massachusetts freshman running back Da'Marion Alberic after he was tackled by senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin short of the line of scrimmage. NIU defeated UMass 34-20 at Huskie Stadium on Saturday. (Marco Alvarez | Northern Star)

No Brown, no problem: NIU runs over UMass in home triumph

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 5, 2024
University of Massachusetts sophomore running back CJ Hester (33) rushes for a 2-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of UMass' 28-14 loss to Eastern Michigan University on Aug. 31 at McGuirk Alumni Stadium in Amherst, Massachusetts. Massachusetts Daily Collegian Head Sports Editor Dean Wendel highlights Hester as a UMass player to watch in Saturday's game against NIU at Huskie Stadium. (Devin Lippman | Massachusetts Daily Collegian)

Behind enemy bylines: Massachusetts

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 4, 2024
NIU senior linebacker Jaden Dolphin (26) and redshirt junior defensive end Pierce Oppong (99) force a fumble by North Carolina State University freshman quarterback CJ Bailey (16) on NC State’s opening possession in Saturday’s game at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. The Huskies lost the turnover battle by four after losing two fumbles and tossing two interceptions. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU looks to end losing skid in home clash with UMass

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 3, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) throws a pass under pressure from North Carolina State University redshirt junior defensive end Travali Price (13) in the third quarter of NIU’s 24-17 loss to NC State on Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hampton committed four turnovers – two fumbles and two interceptions – while taking a career-high four sacks in his sixth loss as the Huskies’ starting quarterback. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

COLUMN: The Achilles’ heel of NIU’s offense

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
October 2, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) is tackled by North Carolina State University graduate student defensive end Davin Vann (1) after rushing for a 9-yard gain on the final drive of NIU’s 24-17 loss Saturday at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hampton finished the game with nine carries for a loss of 19 yards. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Turnovers plague NIU in shortfall at NC State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 28, 2024
North Carolina State University then-freshman wide receiver Kevin “KC” Concepcion (10) stiff arms Marshall University then-junior defensive back Josh Moten during the second quarter of NC State’s 48-41 victory on Oct. 7, 2023, at Carter-Finley Stadium in Raleigh, North Carolina. Concepcion finished his freshman season with 71 catches for 839 yards and 10 touchdowns to earn Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. (Hallie Walker | Technician)

Behind enemy bylines: North Carolina State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 27, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) attempts a pass during Saturday’s overtime loss to the University at Buffalo at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Hampton finished 23-of-43 passing for 194 yards and an interception. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

After Buffalo loss, NIU eyes rebound at NC State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 26, 2024
NIU redshirt junior running back Justin Lynch is tackled behind the line of scrimmage by University at Buffalo redshirt fifth-year nickel Solomon Brown (7) and junior defensive tackle Tristan Souza (55) in the third quarter of Saturday's 23-20 overtime loss to Buffalo at Huskie Stadium. Lynch was one of nine NIU players to record a catch in the game, finishing with two receptions for 3 yards. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

No. 23 NIU falls to Buffalo in overtime

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 21, 2024
NIU redshirt senior running back Gavin Williams (21) runs for a 7-yard gain late in the third quarter of the Huskies’ 16-14 win over then-No. 5 University of Notre Dame at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana. Williams finished the game with 61 rushing yards on 17 attempts. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

No. 23 NIU looks ahead to MAC opener against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 20, 2024
Freshman outside hitter Ava Grevengoed (3) spikes over the net into Northwestern University's blockers on Wednesday at Welsh-Ryan Arena. Grevengoed led NIU volleyball in kills with 10 as the Huskies were defeated in three sets by Northwestern on Wednesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Volleyball suffers first sweep of 2024 at Northwestern

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2024
NIU redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) passes to senior wide receiver Andrew McElroy (19) late in the fourth quarter of a 16-14 victory over the University of Notre Dame on Sept. 7 at Notre Dame Stadium. Hampton was 10-of-19 passing for 198 yards and a touchdown. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Notre Dame, NC State among NIU rooting interests in Week 4

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 18, 2024
Kansas State sophomore quarterback Avery Johnson (2) throws against Tulane University on Sept. 7. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes NIU football fans should be interested in Kansas State's next game as a win over No. 20 ranked University of Arizona could improve the Huskies' ranking in the AP Top 25. (Matthew Hinton | AP Photo)

COLUMN: Week 3 results needed to keep NIU ranked

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 12, 2024
James Earl Jones sits in a black chair. The beloved actor who died Monday will always be remembered for his iconic roles. (Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Remembering James Earl Jones, the voice of Vader

By Skyler Kisellus and Brynn Krug
September 11, 2024
Fans walk around Notre Dame Stadium before kickoff of Saturday’s game between NIU and the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. The stadium, considered a “cathedral” of college football, was the site of NIU’s historic upset of the then-fifth-ranked Fighting Irish. (Skyler Kisellus | Northern Star)

COLUMN: An unforgettable day in South Bend

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 10, 2024
Senior running back Antario Brown (1) races to the endzone for an 83-yard touchdown reception. NIU football defeated the University of Notre Dame, who ranked No. 5 in the nation, by a score of 16-14 Saturday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU topples No. 5 Notre Dame in historic upset

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 7, 2024
NIU senior running back Antario Brown (1) runs through an open gap in the Western Illinois University defensive line Saturday at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Brown finished with eight carries for 69 yards in NIU’s 54-15 blowout victory. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

‘It’s just another game:’ NIU readies for clash with No. 5 Notre Dame

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
September 5, 2024
Redshirt-senior wide receiver Trayvon Rudolph (3) is lifted up in celebration after a touchdown Saturday at Huskie Stadium. Rudolph scored two touchdowns in the first half as NIU defeated Western Illinois University 54-15. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

NIU football pummels Western Illinois in Hampton’s stellar debut

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 31, 2024
NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock speaks to the media during a press conference Tuesday in the McCareins Auditorium inside the Yordon Center. Hammock will lead the Huskies against Western Illinois University on Saturday in NIU’s season opener at Huskie Stadium. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU football set to clash with Western Illinois in 2024 opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 29, 2024
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Rocky Lombardi (4) throws the ball before the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Chicago Bears on Aug. 17 at Soldier Field in Chicago. Lombardi was one of five former NIU Huskies who saw NFL preseason action before being released ahead of Tuesday's roster cut deadline. (Erin Hooley | AP Photo)

Six former Huskies dropped in NFL roster cutdowns

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 27, 2024
NIU head football coach Thomas Hammock speaks to his players after the Huskies’ annual spring showcase on April 27. NIU enters the 2024 season as a dark-horse contender for the Mid-American Conference championship after tying for third in the league’s preseason coaches poll. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Football eyes title contention with senior-heavy roster

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 26, 2024
NIU President Lisa Freeman (from left), George Middlemist, vice president and chief financial officer, and Dennis Barsema, board secretary of the NIU Board of Trustees sit at a table during the Feb. 15 Board of Trustees meeting. NIU's Finance, Audit, Compliance, Facilities and Operations committee will discuss NIU's deficit at Thursday's meeting. (Northern Star File Photo)

NIU sees $50 million holdings decrease in FY24

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 21, 2024
Licensed NIU merchandise is displayed inside an apparel store located inside the Convocation Center. NIU will open two permanent apparel store locations in the fall. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

NIU Athletics unveils plans for on-campus apparel stores

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
August 8, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson dives back to first base on Tuesday at Mary M. Bell Field. NIU softball dropped all three games of its regular season finale against Miami University on Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball swept in series versus No. 25 RedHawks

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
May 5, 2024
A graphic shows redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton, redshirt junior quarterback Jalen Macon and redshirt freshman quarterback Josh Holst. Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus believes the three have emerged as the top contenders to succeed Rocky Lombardi as NIU’s starting quarterback. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Evaluating NIU’s top quarterback options

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
May 1, 2024
Junior middle infielder/outfielder Avery Carnahan hits an RBI single in the third inning of Game 2 on Tuesday. Carnahan drove in three runs on Tuesday as NIU softball split a doubleheader with Ball State University. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies hammer Ball State with home-run frenzy

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 30, 2024
Redshirt junior quarterback Ethan Hampton (2) throws the ball during the Spring Showcase. Besides the Victor E. Fan Fest, fans tailgated in the various fields and parking lots near the Stadium. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Huskies show progress at annual Spring Showcase

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 28, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart (22) starts her pitching windup at Mary M. Bell Field on April 12. Stewart recorded the first no-hitter since 2006 in a win against Bowling Green State University Friday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Stewart pitches no-hitter, NIU blanks Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 27, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson (23) rounds first base after hitting a single on March 30 against Kent State University. Erickson was named to the Northern Star Sports Staff's MAC softball All-Star squad. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: Building the 2024 MAC All-Star softball team

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 24, 2024
Sophomore right fielder Fiona Crane (26) throws the ball infield after catching the foul against the fence line in right field while senior center fielder Ellis Erickson (23) and junior second baseman Jenna Turner (4) cheer her on in the field. NIU softball was defeated 9-3 by the University at Buffalo Bulls Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball drops home series against Buffalo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 22, 2024
Buddy, a 1-year-old domestic shorthair cat, sits inside a cubby. Buddy is available for adoption for $75.00 at Tails Humane Society. (Courtesy of Tails Humane Society)

Tails’ Buddy ready to be your feline friend

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 19, 2024
Then-NIU volleyball head coach Pete Waite stands courtside during a match. Waite will be inducted into the 2024 NIU Athletics Hall of Fame during Homecoming Weekend after leading the Huskies to a program-best .723 winning percentage during his 11 seasons as NIU’s head coach. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Former volleyball coach Pete Waite named to 2024 Hall of Fame Class

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 17, 2024
Seven Phi Kappa Psi members push off of their trench to resist the tug on the other side of a rope during practice at their fraternity house at 1020 W. Hillcrest Drive. The Interfraternity Council is set to host the 2024 IFC Men's Tugs event starting Monday at 4:30 p.m. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

2024 tugs tourney kicks off Monday

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 15, 2024
Two American flags and music notes rest under the words "Look Both Ways" and the topic of the week: playing the national anthem at sports events. Is the national anthem overplayed at sports events? (Lucy Atkinson | Northern Star)

Look Both Ways: National anthem at sports events

By Skyler Kisellus and Will Thiel
April 15, 2024
Sophomore pitcher/utility Danielle Stewart swings and hits a homerun Friday at Mary M. Bell Field. Stewart hit a home run and pitched five innings as the Huskies split Saturday's doubleheader with the University of Toledo. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Softball splits Saturday action, wins series over Toledo

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 14, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea is introduced ahead of the first session of the semifinals round of the NCAA Fayetteville Regional on Thursday at Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville, Arkansas. O’Shea made her NCAA Regional debut Thursday after battling sickness and injuries during her first two years as a college gymnast. (Courtesy of Meaghan Frazier)

Through illness and injury, O’Shea prospers

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 4, 2024
Junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia prepares to serve in an NIU volleyball home game against the University of Akron on Oct. 27, 2023. The MAC announced a new schedule format for conference games on March 27. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

MAC, NIU volleyball announce 2024 conference slate

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 3, 2024
Senior third baseman Caitlyn Shumaker (3) rounds first base after hitting a single to left field against Kent State Saturday. Shumaker broke the NIU softball career record of 61 stolen bases. (Northern Star File Photo)

Shumaker swipes NIU’s stolen bases record

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 1, 2024
Senior catcher/outfielder Ellis Erickson rounds third base in an NIU softball home game against Kent State University on Friday. Erickson scored the game-winning run to seal the Huskies' 3-2 walk-off victory over the Golden Flashes. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Shumaker walks off Kent State to snap losing skid

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 30, 2024
NIU sophomore gymnast Kiera O’Shea salutes at the end of her vault routine during the Huskies’ home-opening tri-meet against Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University on Jan. 28 at the Convocation Center. O’Shea was one of two NIU gymnasts to qualify for NCAA Regionals on Monday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: NIU’s keys to breaking through regionals

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 28, 2024
NIU gymnastics senior Alyssa Al-Ashari executes a back handspring on the balance beam during the final rotation of Sunday’s MAC dual meet against Kent State University in the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio. Al-Ashari finished tied for first on beam at the MAC Championships Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Al-Ashari, O’Shea crowned MAC champs on beam, vault

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 24, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari starts her beam routine at the EMU gymnastics meet on Feb. 17. Al-Ashari was named to the All-MAC second team Tuesday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Al-Ashari, O’Shea named to All-MAC Second Team

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 19, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arms out as she poses during her floor routine. Sissi returned to NIU's lineup Sunday after missing the Huskies' home finale on March 10. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Huskies finish third in Minnesota to close regular season

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 18, 2024
NIU then-redshirt junior quarterback Jordan Lynch prepares to throw a pass during a game against the University at Buffalo on Oct. 13, 2012, at Huskie Stadium in DeKalb. Lynch was announced Friday as a member of the 2024 classes of the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame and MAC Hall of Fame. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Former Huskie star Jordan Lynch to join NIU, MAC Halls of Fame

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 17, 2024
Then NIU junior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker (3) points to communicate with a coach before an inning on March 31, 2023. Shumaker scored the winning run against College of the Holy Cross Saturday on a bunt from freshman outfielder Katy Ramage. (Northern Star File Photo)

Ramage walks off Crusaders as Huskies split Saturday action

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 9, 2024
Then-senior linebacker Tyler Jackson (0) lines up behind then-redshirt sophomore George Gumbs Jr. and then-junior defensive tackle Cade Haberman in an NIU football home game against Ohio University on Oct. 14, 2023. NIU football's 2024 schedule was released Tuesday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

NIU finalizes 2024 football schedule

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 6, 2024
A graphic shows Sports Reporter Skyler Kisellus above the logos of 12 Illinois universities. Kisellus details how he would fare in a hypothetical fist fight with each of the 12 Illinois universities' mascots. (Eddie Miller | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Rumbling with Illinois mascots

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 6, 2024
NIU junior gymnast Isabella Sissi competes on floor during the second rotation of a quad-meet Sunday inside the James T. Valvano Arena at William Neal Reynolds Coliseum in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sissi finished second in the all-around with a score of 39.050 as NIU finished third in the meet, behind North Carolina State University and Iowa State University, with a team score of 195.200. (Courtesy of NC State Athletics)

O’Shea vault title lands NIU third place in N.C.

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 4, 2024
NIU senior infielder Caitlyn Shumaker throws the ball during the Huskies’ 11-2 loss to Western Kentucky University in five innings Sunday at the WKU Softball Complex in Bowling Green, Kentucky. NIU’s defeat sent the Huskies home with a 1-3 record at the Hilltopper Spring Fling. (Courtesy of Wyatt Richardson)

Softball splits weekend finale in Western Kentucky

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
March 3, 2024
NIU freshman gymnast Isabella Ross places a crown upon freshman Dawsyn Sallee’s head during the Huskies’ home quad-meet Sunday at the Convocation Center. Sallee received MAC Specialist of the Week honors Tuesday after posting NIU’s highest scores on vault and beam at the meet. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Sallee named MAC Specialist of the Week

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 27, 2024
NIU senior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari salutes at the end of her bars routine in the second rotation of the Beauty and the Beast Meet on Feb. 9 at the Convocation Center. Al-Ashari serves as one of the Huskies' four team captains while being a consistent standout on the uneven parallel bars and the balance beam. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Alyssa Al-Ashari’s ascent to bar and beam stardom

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 26, 2024
NIU senior outfielder/catcher Colin Summerhill throws during Thursday’s 10-2 loss to then-second-ranked Louisiana State University at Alex Box Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Summerhill’s RBI double in the ninth inning of Saturday’s rematch helped the Huskies avoid a shutout in their 5-2 defeat to the third-ranked Tigers. (Courtesy of Jonathan Mailhes)

Baseball outhits No. 3 LSU in weekend finale

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 25, 2024
NIU freshman gymnast Dawsyn Sallee salutes at the end of her vault routine during the second rotation of NIU's road meet against Eastern Michigan University on Sunday inside the George Gervin GameAbove Center in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Sallee scored a 9.850 in the fourth spot of the Huskies' vault lineup to match her personal best in the event. (Steve King | EMU Athletics)

Huskies drop EMU rematch despite strong finish

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 18, 2024
Then NIU freshman pitcher and utility player Danielle Stewart (22) reaches for the ball as then junior catcher Ellis Erickson (23) passes it at home plate during NIU Softball's home game against Central Michigan University March 31, 2023. Stewart struck out eight batters in a complete game win over University of Alabama at Birmingham Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

Softball splits Day 2 of South Alabama Invitational

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 17, 2024
Freshman gymnast Isabella Ross poses while her teammates cheer for her completed routine. NIU gymnastics will face Eastern Michigan University Sunday. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

‘We got a little payback in us’: Huskies ready for rematch with Eagles

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 15, 2024
Former NIU Director of Athletics Cary Groth (left), ESPN Sportscenter Anchor Nicole Briscoe and Dr. Tonya Davis sit on stage at a Women’s Excellence Panel Discussion held Feb. 7 in the south lobby of the Convocation Center. The three panelists discussed prevalent topics revolving around women’s empowerment at the event celebrating National Girls and Women in Sports Day. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

Former Huskies tackle topics in women’s sports

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 15, 2024
Skyler Kisellus (from left), Ethan Gonzales, Emmalise Nock and Dawsyn Sallee sit in a podcast room. All-Star episode 34 discusses NIU gymnastics. (Anna Scanlan | Northern Star)

A sit down with NIU gymnastics

By Ethan Gonzales, Skyler Kisellus, and Anna Scanlan
February 14, 2024
NIU gymnasts cheer and head coach Sam Morreale oversees the start of sophomore Kiera O’Shea’s vault routine during Sunday’s dual meet against Kent State University at the Memorial Athletic and Convocation Center in Kent, Ohio. O’Shea tied for first place on the event after implementing a Yurchenko full-and-a-half into her anchoring routine. (Cadence Pierce | Kent Stater)

Gymnastics falls to flashy Kent State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 11, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi poses during her floor exercise routine at NIU gymnastics' and wrestling's Beauty and the Beast meet Friday. Sissi, an all-arounder, finished Friday's quad meet with a total score of 39.100. (Totus Tuus Keely | Northern Star)

Gymnastics take second at Beauty and the Beast meet

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 10, 2024
Then-freshman utility player Danielle Stewart (22), at bat, watches the ball fly after swinging during an NIU softball game against Central Michigan University on April 1, 2023 at Mary M. Bell Field in DeKalb. Stewart recorded 2 RBIs in NIU's victory over Western Illinois University Friday. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

Softball survives late comeback, nabs first win of 2024

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 9, 2024
The 2024 NIU softball team poses for its official team photo. The Huskies open their season Friday at the Doc Halverson UNI-Dome Classic, facing five teams in three days. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Hungry for crown: Softball chases conference conquest

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 7, 2024
Then-redshirt sophomore quarterback Ethan Hampton looks for an open pass during an NIU football game against the University of Tulsa on Sep. 23, 2023. After 3 years of playing behind Rocky Lombardi, Hampton is the favorite to become the starting quarterback for NIU football in 2024. (Northern Star File Photo)

COLUMN: 3 position battles to watch in spring ball

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
February 2, 2024
Logo for ‘All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast’ (Graphic by Harrison Linden | Northern Star)

‘All-Star: A Huskie Sports Podcast Episode 32’ – Looking toward the rest of the semester

By Anna Scanlan, Ethan Gonzales, Skyler Kisellus, and Eddie Miller
January 28, 2024
Junior gymnast Isabella Sissi swings her arm as she poses during her floor routine Sunday at the NIU gymnastics Tri-meet. Sissi, the Huskies' lone all-arounder, accumulated 39.050 total points Sunday. (Sean Reed | Northern Star)

NIU falters in home opener after beam breakdown

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 28, 2024
Senior Olivia Lynd and the rest of the Huskie gymnasts make their entrance to a Jan. 13 meet against Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. NIU gymnastics is set to compete in a tri-meet against Central Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University on Sunday. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Back in black: Huskies to host CMU, EMU in home opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 25, 2024
Sophomore Nataly Ninova (left) and junior Erika Dimitriev celebrate a point during an NIU women's tennis home match against the University of Wisconsin on Saturday. (Courtesy of NIU Athletics)

Dimitriev, Ninova snag MAC doubles weekly honor

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 23, 2024
NIU sophomore Kiera O'Shea strikes a pose during her floor exercise routine at a Jan. 13 meet against Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. O'Shea scored a 9.900 on vault, a score that is tied for the fourth-best in program history. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Huskies explode with team-record scoring in ‘meet of the year’

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 20, 2024
Junior Isabella Sissi performs her routine on the uneven parallel bars during Saturday's meet against Bowling Green State University at the Stroh Center in Bowling Green, Ohio. NIU gymnastics is set to compete at the Tennessee Collegiate Classic on Friday. (Courtesy of Dena Martz)

Headin’ south: Huskies to battle Lindenwood, Fisk at Tennessee meet

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 18, 2024
An illustrated Bill Baker hangs up his headphones during his final radio call at Huskie Stadium. Baker has retired after 44 years of play-by-play radio broadcasting for NIU football and basketball. (Christa Kim | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Thank you, Bill Baker

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 15, 2024
Then-sophomore Emmalise Nock poses during her floor routine at an NIU gymnastics home meet on Feb. 17, 2023 at the Convocation Center. Nock tied for second place with NIU freshman Mikayla Brown on the floor exercise event to lead the Huskies to a victory over Bowling Green State University on Saturday. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Gymnastics grounds Falcons in MAC opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 13, 2024
Then-sophomore gymnast Isabella Sissi completes her floor performance at the Huskies’ Beauty and the Beast meet at the NIU Convocation Center on Feb. 4, 2023. Sissi and the Huskies are set to face Bowling Green State University on Saturday. (Cheyanne Quintanilla | Northern Star)

Gymnastics eyes bounceback at Bowling Green

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 13, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari poses during her beam routine in a home meet against Eastern Michigan University on Feb. 17, 2023. Al-Ashari placed fourth on beam at the Mizzou Invitational on Saturday. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

Gymnastics ties for third at Mizzou Invitational

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 7, 2024
Then-junior gymnast Alyssa Al-Ashari started her beam routine at the EMU gymnastics meet on Feb. 17. The Huskies kick off the 2024 season at the Missouri Quad Meet Saturday. (Northern Star File Photo)

‘In attack mode’: Gymnastics readies for trip to No. 12 Mizzou

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 5, 2024
NIU senior opposite/outside hitter Emily Dykes attacks during the Huskies’ home conference match against Eastern Michigan University Oct. 13 at Victor E. Court. Dykes entered the transfer portal Sunday after starting 23 matches for NIU in 2023. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

Volleyball’s Emily Dykes enters transfer portal

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 14, 2023
Senior guard Jayden Marable dribbles toward the hoop during NIU women's basketball's game against Lindenwood Nov. 21. The Huskies downed Detroit Mercy by a final score of 75-66 Sunday. (Ryanne Sandifer | Northern Star)

Titanfall: Women’s basketball downs Detroit Mercy in return home

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
December 10, 2023
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