Zack Rodriguez

DeKALB – Redshirt sophomore Jacobi Jackson pinned his opponent with seconds remaining in the first period as NIU Wrestling (13-2, 7-1 MAC) fended off Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (6-6, 3-4 MAC) 22-13 to clinch the MAC West at Victor E. Court on Friday. NIU finishes the season undefeated at home for the first time in...

DeKALB – Redshirt freshman Jacob Brya was named MAC West Wrestler of the Week, the conference announced Tuesday. Brya is now the fourth Huskie wrestler to receive MAC weekly honors. Brya notched his 10th win of the season after topping Southern Illinois University Edwardsville redshirt freshman Eric Almarinez 7-3 Friday. Brya finished the 2024 regular...

DeKALB – Six former Huskies and five other draft-eligible players worked out in front of NFL scouts ahead of April’s 2024 NFL Draft Thursday at the Chessick Practice Center for NIU’s annual Pro Day. Measurements were taken ahead of on-field testing. All six Huskies took part in the vertical jump, broad jump and three-cone drills. ...

DeKALB – Seven Huskies merit a MAC Championship spot while one earned admission to the NCAA Championships during the 2024 MAC Championships Friday and Saturday on the campus of Kent State University. NIU extended its NCAA qualifier streak to 51 consecutive years. After winning the MAC West division outright in the season finale, NIU accumulated...

After falling short of an at-large bid into the 2023 NCAA Championships, redshirt sophomore Blake West made his Nationals debut in Kansas City, Missouri, Thursday. West was eliminated from the tournament after losing both matches in the opening round. West was bested in a 10-7 decision during Session 1 of the opening round against North...

NIU football head coach Thomas Hammock spoke to the media at the NIU Football 2024 Pre-Spring Press Conference. In case you missed it, here are the biggest takeaways from Hammock’s 22 minutes at the podium. EMPHASIS ON SPECIAL TEAMS Hammock commenced Monday’s pressers by highlighting the priority topic discussed during team meetings: special teams. “We...

NIU women’s tennis (13-8, 2-3 MAC) protected the home court against Eastern Michigan University (8-9, 2-3 MAC) to split the season series in a 5-2 win over the Eagles at the Nelson Tennis Center at Chick Evans Field House Friday. “The intensity and the energy was really good today, and we were very motivated, I...

Redshirt sophomore heavyweight wrestler Jacobi Jackson played a pivotal role in the Huskies’ pursuit of the MAC West title. Yet, his journey to success encountered significant obstacles, temporarily diverting him from his path to dominance. HIGHLY TOUTED RECRUIT Jackson was a highly touted recruit from Desmet Jesuit High School in Creve Coeur, Missouri. Jackson excelled...

NIU softball (10-24, 3-9 MAC) found retribution in Game 2 after blowing a lead in Game 1 to split Wednesday’s doubleheader against Bradley University (19-20, 8-6 MVC) on the road. “Our offense showed up today no doubt about it,” said NIU softball head coach Christina Sutcliffe. “I love that bounce back.” GAME 1: BRAVES 11,...

Former NIU star safety Jimmie Ward will be inducted into the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2024, NIU announced Tuesday. Ward joins the 2024 class along with former quarterback Jordan Lynch, gymnast Holly Reichard, volleyball star Kate McCullagh and volleyball head coach Pete Waite. Lynch and Ward are the sole first-ballot Hall of Famers...