DEKALB, Ill. – After cloudy skies spoiled Eclipse Monday on campus yesterday, blue skies greeted the NIU football team as they returned to the practice field on Tuesday afternoon at Huskie Stadium. Tuesday's practice included the presence of officials to work the team periods as preparations begin ramping up today the season opener. 

Head coach Rod Carey noted that the transition to Boston College begins in earnest on Thursday and there are just a small handful of things he would like to see in camp before the full focus turns toward the Eagles. 

"There are a couple of things," said Carey about what is left to be accomplished. "Probably some younger guys that we want to continue to develop and push to see if they can get into the playing time aspect. That's really probably the last piece to fall camp."

One of the younger players who made a noticeable impression on Tuesday afternoon was freshman receiver Cole Tucker. The DeKalb native made an outstanding one-handed grab during a team period as he looks to catch the eye of the coaching staff in his first fall with the Huskies. 

As practice was finishing, NIU Acting President Dr. Lisa Freeman stopped by to say hello to the Huskies and give her support for the upcoming season. Carey noted how special it is to have the support of the NIU campus community. 

"It's as good as it can get," said Carey after President Freeman's visit. "When you have the community synced up inside the University that is really what it is all about. We were really honored to have her. She is a big supporter so we were glad to have her come by."

The Huskies open the 2017 season Friday, Sept. 1 when NIU plays host to Boston College in Huskie Stadium, as the Eagles become the first Atlantic Coast Conference opponent to play at NIU since 2003.
 
Single game tickets for all six home games this fall are now on sale online at NIUHuskies.com or by calling 815-753-PACK (7225). Season tickets offer the best value with options like the new $199 Family Pack featuring four tickets in sections A or G and a new, lowered $60 price for season tickets on the East Side with general admission seating.  Reserved seats in sections A, B, F and G are just $115 for the season, a cost of less than $20 per game.
 
Three-game mini-plans, priced at just $40 and featuring two different options, are also available. Mini-plan purchasers receive all the benefits of season ticket members, including exclusive invitations to special events throughout the year. Check NIUHuskies.com for all the details.

NIU will be back on the field on Thursday at 3:30 p.m. Check Training Camp Central on NIUHuskies.com for daily updates, videos and more.