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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star
Wes Sanderson

Wes Sanderson

All content by Wes Sanderson
An American flag is placed on the World Trade Center memorial to honor one of the fallen from the Sept. 11 attacks. (Wes Sanderson | N.S. File photo)

[Photo] The impact of 9/11 at NIU

By Michael Mollsen, Former Written Managing Editor
September 10, 2023
Then-freshman Ben Sluzas hits off on Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. NIU competed in the Saint Mary's Invitational from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10, 2022, finishing in 17th place. (Photo by Wes Sanderson)

[Photo] Men’s golf set to build off MAC title

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter
September 6, 2023
Wes Sanderson poses for a photo after taking Huskie football photos for the Star.

Final Goodbye: Wes Sanderson

By Wes Sanderson
April 27, 2022
Senior catcher Katie Keller (left) assumes her batting stance during a game against Ball State University April 6 in DeKalb.

[Photo] This weekend in NIU Athletics: April 15

By Noah Silver, Sports Reporter
April 15, 2022
Members of UPI Local 4100, picketing outside of Altgeld Hall Wednesday after NIU officials ceased negotiations with non-tenured instructors earlier this month and have not begun bargaining talks with tenure faculty. Members of both non-tenure and tenure gathered around a table, which signified the university's absence from bargaining talks. UPI Local 4100 represents members of tenured and non-tenured track faculty at NIU, around 750 faculty are members of UPI, Local 4100. (Wes Sanderson| Northern Star)

[Photo] NIU instructors, faculty picket after no-show contract negotiation

By Parker Otto
April 14, 2022
Redshirt senior tennis player Kristopher Ortega runs during a match against Binghamton University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Men’s tennis earns third MAC victory at Ball State

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 11, 2022
Senior outfielder Kara Apato assumes her batting stance during a game against Ball State University April 6 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Softball picks up a win at MAC-leader Central Michigan

By Jordan Radloff
April 10, 2022
Junior tennis player Oliver Valentinsson celebrates during a match against Binghamton University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Swedish tennis player has high competitive spirit as a Huskie

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 10, 2022
Then-junior outfielder Malik Peters (right) slides to return to first base during a game against Miami University April 1, 2022 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Baseball swept by Central Michigan in road series

By Michael Stoll, Sports Reporter
April 10, 2022
Sophomore Luke VanDonslear (left) and freshman Christopher Knutson (left) celebrate during a No. 3 doubles tennis match against Binghamton University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] This weekend in NIU Athletics: April 8

By Noah Silver, Sports Reporter
April 7, 2022
Then-junior pitcher Delaney Ostrowski winds up a pitch during a game against Ball State University Wednesday April 6, 2022

[Photo] Softball loses two, wins one game in midweek Ball State series

By Jordan Radloff
April 6, 2022
Senior Kyle Seebach pitches during a game against Miami University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Huskies lose ball game after holding early lead at Purdue

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
April 5, 2022
Sophomore Mikael Vollbach hits a tennis ball with a back-hand swing during a match against Binghamton University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Coach Fisher becomes NIU men’s tennis all-time wins leader

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 5, 2022
Junior Mikko Malinen runs during a tennis match against Binghamton University Friday April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Huskies best Bearcats in men’s tennis weekend opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 2, 2022
Senior Fernanda Naves swings her racket during a tennis match against Miami University April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Women’s tennis falls short in MAC home opener

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
April 2, 2022
Junior catcher Scott Combs (12) bats during a game against Miami University Friday April 1 in DeKalb.

[Photo] Baseball picks up one win from weekend against Miami

By Michael Stoll and DeOndre Saunders
April 3, 2022
Then-sophomore infielder Mason Kelley (25) plays first base during a game against Kent State on March 28, 2022 in DeKalb.

[Photo] This weekend in NIU Athletics: April 1

By Noah Silver, Sports Reporter
March 31, 2022
The MLK Commons on the campus of NIU in DeKalb.

Student Affairs VP search closes in on candidates

By Wes Sanderson and Skyler Kisellus
March 31, 2022
Junior infielder Paddy McKermitt slides into first base during a game against Kent State Monday in DeKalb.

[Photo] Notre Dame scores 11 on visiting Huskie baseball

By Jordan Radloff
March 29, 2022
Junior catcher Scott Combs (right) bats during a game against Kent State Monday at Ralph McKenzie Field in DeKalb.

[Photo] Baseball wins a walk off, loses three games in first home series

By DeOndre Saunders and Jordan Radloff
March 28, 2022
New enrollment plan focuses on removing barriers, retaining students

New enrollment plan focuses on removing barriers, retaining students

By Wes Sanderson
March 22, 2022
Freshman tennis player Erika Dimitriev swings a racket during practice.

[Photo] Women’s tennis dominates Roosevelt, loses first MAC game to Bowling Green

By Noah Silver, Sports Reporter
March 21, 2022
Rich Harvest Farms (pictured) will play host to one of eight LIV Golf Invitational Series events Sept 16-18. The series is backed and sponsored by LIV Golf Investments, which is majority owned by PIF, a Saudi-backed investment firm.

Saudi-backed LIV Golf to host event at Rich Harvest Farms

By Wes Sanderson
March 16, 2022
Men's head golf coach John Carlson (Left) talks through a shot with then-senior Tommy Dunsire during the first round of the 2021 Saint Mary's Invitational at Poppy Hills Golf Course in Pebble Beach, California. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

Red & Black: Season 2 Ep. 3: NIU Men’s Golf Spring Preview

By Wes Sanderson and Jerome Pearles
March 3, 2022
NIU was a subject of a phishing scam Tuesday that targeted over 9,000 student email addresses after two accounts were compromised.

Phishing scam hits NIU email server

By Wes Sanderson
February 24, 2022

Red & Black: Season 2 Ep. 2: Black History Month with college athletics ( with coaches Thomas Hammock, Connie Teaberry and A.D. Sean Frazier)

By Wes Sanderson and Jerome Pearles
February 24, 2022
Red & Black: Season 2 Ep. 1: A sit down with NIU Gymnastics

Red & Black: Season 2 Ep. 1: A sit down with NIU Gymnastics

By Wes Sanderson and Jerome Pearles
February 17, 2022
The goal of the position is to help students and staff with a variety of issues, whether personal or professional.

Enrollment sees 4% decrease from Spring 2021

By Brionna Belcher and Wes Sanderson
February 8, 2022
FILE - Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker speaks on Oct. 27, 2021, in Springfield, Ill. Pritzker laid out a freeze to the states gas and grocery taxes for FY23 in Wednesday State of the State Address in Springfield.(AP Photo/John O'Connor, File)

Pritzker proposes freeze on grocery and gas tax in State of State Address

By Wes Sanderson
February 2, 2022
NIU Chief of Police Darren Mitchell works in his office during a Jan. 19 visit with the Northern Star. Mitchell has been a member of the NIU Police Department for 22 years and doesn't just call NIU his place of work, but his home. (Zulfiqar Ahmend | Northern Star)

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

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

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

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
January 19, 2022
Anthony Markanich (left, Colorado Rapids scarf) and brother Nick Markanich (far right) celebrate being selected in Tuesday's 2022 MLS SuperDraft with mother, Wilma Markanich, and father, Anthony Markanich Sr.( Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

Markanich twins reach MLS on Draft Day

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

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

[Photo] Markanich twins recount path to the MLS SuperDraft

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

NIU students, faculty react to starting the semester online

By Elisa Reamer, Brionna Belcher, and Wes Sanderson
January 10, 2022
Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi winds up to throw a pass in NIU's 41-23 victory over Kent State in the MAC Championship Game on Dec. 4 in Detroit. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

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

By Northern Star Staff
December 5, 2021
NIU players celebrate in front of their fans after their 41-23 victory over Kent State on Dec. 4 in Detroit. The Huskies become the first team in FBS history to win a conference championship game after going winless the year prior. (Wes Sanderson | Northern Star)

[Photo] Huskies go from worst to first

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

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

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

Police Chief candidate’s former department subject of external investigation

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

Indiana University director named final NIU Police Chief candidate

By Wes Sanderson
November 30, 2021
Junior forward A'Jah Davis (left) watches junior guard Chelby Koker drive to the basket in NIU's victory over Bradley on Nov. 22. (Northern Star File Photo)

[Photo] Huskies beat Milwaukee at home

By DeOndre Saunders, Sports Reporter
November 28, 2021
Chicago Police Commander Roderick Robinson was named the second of three NIU Chief of Police finalists.

Chicago Police Commander named second police chief finalist

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

NIU Interim Chief of Police named a finalist for permanent position

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

[Photo] Davis, Brandon double-doubles lead Huskies

By Waleed Alamieh, Sports Reporter
November 22, 2021
An NIU police car parked on campus. NIU Police Chief Darren Mitchell is set to create a 3 year strategic plan.

Open forums scheduled for 3 NIU Police Chief finalists

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

[Photo] Huskies struggles at Poppy Hills

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter
November 11, 2021
Jesse McCartney will still perform at 8 p.m. on Nov. 11 at the Egyptian Theatre.

CAB pivots to free McCartney tickets

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

Illinois passes new district boundaries

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

Congressman Kinzinger won’t seek reelection in 2022

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

Illinois Dems release second proposed map

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

Illinois Dems release new Congressional map proposal

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

Redistricting 2020: The redrawing of political boundaries

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

Northern Star alumni recount and reflect on 9/11

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

9/11 aftermath has gone from unity to division

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

Women’s golf ready for strong 2021-2022 season

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

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

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

Former Huskie one step closer to the PGA Korn Ferry Tour

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

LPGA stars to compete in 2021 Solheim Cup

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

Northern Star redefined in the digital era

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

Star sports coverage goes on regardless of COVID-19

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

Carlson receives four-year contract extension

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

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

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

Team USA ties Team International during day one of Palmer Cup

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

Women’s golf finishes second at MAC Championship

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

Pebble Beach Golf Links, the pinnacle of public golf

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

Jordan Less finishes fourth at Aggie Invitational

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

Women’s golf takes second at EKU Colonel Classic

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

Women’s national tournament provides Cinderella story

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

Slow start at Twin Oaks proves to much to overcome

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

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

By Wes Sanderson
March 21, 2021
Junior Mia Lord performs a beam rountine March 1 during NIU's meet against Southeast Missouri State University at the Convocation Center.

Huskies take second at MAC Gymnastic Championships

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

Women’s golf takes eighth in BYU Spring Classic

By Wes Sanderson
March 17, 2021

Gymnastics falls to Iowa State

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

Men’s golf finishes San Diego Classic strong

By Wes Sanderson
March 11, 2021
NIU junior Tommy Dunsire reacts to a putt lip-out Mar. 8 during the first round of the San Diego Classic at San Diego Country Club

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

March 8, 2021
Gymnastics takes second in triangular meet

Gymnastics takes second in triangular meet

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

Huskies finishes fourth at Kiawah Classic

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

Men’s golf opens season with 20 stroke victory

By Wes Sanderson
March 1, 2021
Huskies win seven straight

Huskies win seven straight

By Wes Sanderson
February 21, 2021
NIU junior guard Darius Beane, second from left, attempts a close jumpsuit off the dribble Jan. 2, during NIU's 68-42 loss to Bowling Green State University at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. Beane would hit the game winning-shot in the game against the University of Akron Zips Tuesday.

Attendance of 25% capacity allowed for Basketball Championships

By Wes Sanderson
February 20, 2021
Men's tennis off to best start in over 30 years

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

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

What to look forward to in the world of sports

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

Winter weather cancels first men’s golf meet

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

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

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

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

By Wes Sanderson
February 10, 2021
Men's golf's Russell Matos wins in playoff

Men’s golf has eyes set on MAC Championship

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

That time I caddied for Michael Phelps and Justin Thomas

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

Women’s basketball Feb. 10 game postponed

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

Women’s golf spring schedule released

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

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

By Wes Sanderson
January 8, 2021
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