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Northern Star

Northern Illinois University’s student news organization 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

An NIU defender brings down Central Michigan University freshman quarterback Bert Emanuel Jr. during the first half of Wednesdays 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, Sports Reporter | October 28, 2023

DeKALB – NIU football (4-4, 3-1 MAC) carries a three-game winning streak into Week 1 of MACtion against Central Michigan University (4-4, 2-2 MAC).  LAST SEASONS MATCHUP  In their last matchup, CMU topped the Huskies in a double digits scoring...

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, Sports Reporter | October 17, 2023

DeKALB – In the world of football, there are players, there are stars, there are legends and then there’s Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus.  As we mourn the death of this gridiron giant, we also celebrate the incredible impact he had on the...

Taylor Swift performs in a pink and blue sequined bodysuit during her Eras tour. Since rumors of Swift dating Chiefs player Travis Kelce blew up over social media, football fans and Swifties alike are confused about what the big deal is. (AP Photo/George Walker IV, File)

Explaining Swifties for sports fans

By Kalin Schaefer, Sports Reporter | October 9, 2023

The most recent crossover between pop culture and sports, and the spike in viewership and sales for the National Football League, is thanks to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.  Swift is a singer, songwriter and global icon who is currently on break...

Taylor Swift (right) watches the Chicago Bears play the Kansas City Chiefs on Sept. 24 at Arrowhead Stadium. Swifts fans cheered alongside her as rumors of her dating NFL Chiefs player Travis Kelce came out. (AP Photo/Ed Zurga, File)

Explaining football for Swifties

By Angelina Padilla-Tompkins, Editor-in-Chief | October 1, 2023

Recently, it has been nearly impossible to scroll on social media or watch a football game without the mention of icon singer-songwriter Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, tight end – a player that blocks and catches passes – for the Kansas City Chiefs.    Football...

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, Sports Reporter | September 29, 2023

DeKALB – In recognition of his dedication on the field, in the classroom and in his community, senior defensive tackle James Ester has been named a semifinalist for the 2022 William V. Campbell Trophy, NIU announced on Wednesday. Annually, this award...

NIU redshirt senior tight end Liam Soraghan turns upfield after catching a pass from freshman quarterback Nevan Cremascoli in the first quarter of the Huskies Nov. 16 football game against the Miami University RedHawks. NIU Football has announced multiple additions to its lineup for the upcoming season. (Mingda Wu | Northern Star)

NIU football announces nine signings for 2023 season

By Jermel Williams, Sports Reporter | February 3, 2023

DeKALB– The first day of February signing for NIU football concluded with nine new roster signings with six of the players being from Illinois.  The six Illinois recruits include freshman tight end Tyler Gaines from Rockford, freshman running back...

Then-redshirt junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi rushes to the right against Eastern Michigan University at Huskie Stadium on Oct. 2, 2021. Lombardi made his return from injury in Saturdays matchup against EMU.

COLUMN: Rocky Lombardi will save NIU’s season

By Tyler Murray, Sports Reporter | October 21, 2022

Editor's note: Tyler Murray is a sophomore communications major and serves as a sports reporter at the Northern Star. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the Star. This is an opinion piece. Senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi made his comeback...

Fourth-year wide receiver Jayshon Jackson catches the football in a game against Northern Illinois Oct. 1 at Sheumann Stadium. Jackson had 10 receptions during the game. (Amber Pietz | Ball State Daily News)

Huskies dominate Eastern Michigan, running backs shine in 39-10 victory

By Joseph Segreti, Sports Reporter | October 16, 2022

DeKALB – The Huskie defense shut down Eastern Michigan University’s offense, as NIU earned its second win of the season.   The win ended the Huskies’ five game losing streak. It was also NIU’s first win against a Mid-American Conference opponent...

Junior quarterback Rocky Lombardi throws a pass in practice on Aug. 20. Lombardi transfers in from Michigan State University, where he threw eight touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.

NIU snaps five-game losing streak, Rocky Lombardi returns

By Ethan Gonzales, Sports Editor | October 15, 2022

YPSILANTI, Mi – NIU football ended its five-game skid against Eastern Michigan University in a 39-10 victory on Saturday.  Good news came for the Huskies on Saturday after redshirt senior quarterback Rocky Lombardi made his return under center....

This weekend in Huskie sports: Oct. 7-9

This weekend in Huskie sports: Oct. 7-9

By Northern Star Sports Staff | October 6, 2022

DeKALB – NIU’s 115th Homecoming celebration features a weekend filled with Huskie home sporting events. Football, volleyball, men’s soccer and women’s soccer all stay in DeKalb to defend home against various Mid-American Conference opponents....

Huskie of the Week: Tristan Tewes

Huskie of the Week: Tristan Tewes

By Northern Star Sports Staff | September 26, 2022

DeKALB – Redshirt sophomore tight end Tristan Tewes has been named the Northern Star’s Huskie of the Week. Tewes was a key factor in the Huskies’ 31-23 loss in Saturday’s matchup against the University of Kentucky. He racked up 37 yards receiving...

Left: Sophomore linebacker Daveren Rayner assumes his defensive position pre-play during NIUs road game against the University of Tulsa Golden Hurricane on Sept. 10 at H.A. Chapman Stadium in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Right: Redshirt sophomore punter Tom Foley punting during the second quarter of NIUs season-opening game versus the Eastern Illinois University Panthers on Sept. 1 at Huskie Stadium.

Rayner and Foley secure MAC weekly honors

By Northern Star Sports Staff | September 26, 2022

DeKALB – Two Huskies were included on the list of the Mid-American Conference's Week Four Football Players of the Week that was announced Monday. Sophomore linebacker Daveren Rayner had a great performance against the University of Kentucky Saturday,...