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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student media since 1899

 

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The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

The Student News Site of Northern Illinois University

Northern Star

Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields (1) runs the football while Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) attempts to tackle him on Sep. 24 in Kansas City. Sports Reporter Eddie Miller details what the Bears should do with their first round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft. (Charlie Riedel | Associated Press)

COLUMN: Bears in need of answers amid horrid start

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | September 29, 2023

Starting the year 0-3, the Chicago Bears have fallen to be one of the worst – if not, the worst – teams in the NFL. Given the circumstances, it is nearly impossible for the organization to turn this season around, but there are some viable options.  Coming...

NIU junior defensive specialist/libero Jada Cerniglia serves the ball during a Sept. 8 match against DePaul University during the DePaul Invitational at McGrath-Phillips Arena in Chicago. Cerniglia has nine service aces on the 2023 season, tied for second place on the Huskies. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: In defense of NIU volleyball

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | September 19, 2023

Two wins, 10 losses and rock bottom in the MAC standings. Not a great start to a season by any stretch of the imagination.  That is where the NIU volleyball team stands through 12 matches, all against non-conference competition. This column was...

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

DeKALB – NIU football (1-2) was a step slow in all three facets of the game in its 35-11 loss against the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers (1-2) Saturday. The Huskies offense was the most glaring issue, totaling just 149 scrimmage yards. The defense...

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

After beginning the season 1-0 with a road victory over the Boston College Eagles, NIU football (1-1) came up short in its home opener, falling to the Southern Illinois University Salukis (2-0) 14-11. In order to bounce back with a win on Saturday...

Midfielder Camilo Estrada (Left) standing in the rain waiting for the to return into play during the Huskies' Oct. 12, 2022 men's soccer game against Northwestern University at the NIU soccer and track & field complex. (Alyssa Queen | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Huskies have leaders, offense needs spark

By Adrien De La Peña, Sports Reporter | September 12, 2023

DeKALB- NIU men’s soccer is coming off of a tough 2-1 loss to Northwestern University this past Friday. The Huskies lacked offensive opportunities against a much bigger and stronger Northwestern team. Here are a few things to look out for heading into...

NIU junior libero Crew Hoffmeier (1) serves the ball to the University of Evansville during Friday’s matchup between the Huskies and Purple Aces at the DePaul Invitational in Chicago. (Tim Dodge | Northern Star)

COLUMN: Volleyball stonewalled in Chicago, rocky start persists

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | September 11, 2023

Like you might find its players doing on the sideline during a mid-match challenge, NIU volleyball has found itself in a limbo near the end of its non-conference stretch. After losing every one of its matches at the DePaul Invitational in Chicago this...

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, Sports Reporter | September 10, 2023

DeKALB – As the 2023 NFL season dawns, a story of resilience, determination and potential unfolds on the gridiron. From underdogs to dark horses, I believe the Chicago Bears are poised to defy expectations and stampede their way into the playoffs....

Graduate student outside hitter Katie Erdmann digs a ball during a home match against the University of Illinois on Aug. 26 at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: A win’s a start, but more work to be done

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | September 4, 2023

The NIU volleyball team has returned from its first road trip of the season, bringing back something they left home without: a win. As great as that first win is, especially since it’s the first for its first-year head coach, areas for improvement...

Philippines guard Jordan Clarkson (6) passes the ball to teammate June Mar Fajardo (15) during the Basketball World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan province, Philippines Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (AP Photo)

COLUMN: Gilas Pilipinas shows flashes of bright future

By Ethan Gonzales, Sports Editor | August 29, 2023

The Philippines’ hopes of a FIBA World Cup title have been doused, but Filipinos all around the world have many reasons to be excited for the future of international basketball. Gilas Pilipinas – the Philippines’ national basketball team –...

Savanah Brandt (18) jumping up to block a University of Illinois attack on Saturday. The Huskies fell to the Illini 3-1 in day 2 of the Huskie Invitational. (Scott Walstrom | NIU Athletics)

COLUMN: Volleyball fought through fire, hope remains

By Skyler Kisellus, Senior Sports Reporter | August 28, 2023

DeKALB – The first showing of the 2023 edition of NIU volleyball hasn’t delivered in the win-loss record, but plenty of volleyball is left to be played for the Huskies to prove their worth. Hosting two opponents at the NIU Convocation Center across...

COLUMN: Bears should draft Johnson Jr. or Carter at ninth

By Eddie Miller, Sports Reporter | April 6, 2023

DeKALB – With the 2023 NFL Draft a few weeks away, general manager Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears currently hold the ninth overall pick. At the start of the NFL offseason, Chicago held the first overall pick before trading it to the Carolina Panthers. The...

The different ways we raise daughters vs sons can have major impacts on society.

Column: Equal parenting standards should be common sense

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Editor in Chief | March 24, 2022
It's time to break the cycle of treating children differently based on their gender.