Hall of Fame
"Lew." In a class by himself. The "hits" kept coming. Most prolific and durable LB in Northern Illinois history in six-foot, 225-pound package. Became first player in Mid-Am history to compile 600 or more career tackles (1979). "Frank Lewandoski is the single most relentless competitor it has ever been my pleasure to coach," said NIU head coach and former Texas LB Pat Culpepper. Graduated with school records for career stops (616 in 42 games), career tackle-per-game average (14.7), and single-game hits (33). Produced 16 tackles and 17 assists (33 total stops) in shadowing RB Jerome Persell vs. Western Michigan (Sept. 20, 1978). Two-time Honorable Mention Associated Press All-America (1977, 1979). First Northern Illinois player to perform in Blue-Gray Game (Dec. 25, 1979). Inked free agent contracts with NFL Seattle Seahawks, NFL New York Jets, and USFL Chicago Blitz (1980-82). Voted program's first MAC Defensive Player of Year as senior (1979). Named First-Team All-MAC twice (1977, 1979), plus Second-Team All-MAC (1976) and First-Team All-MAC Academic (1977). Won MAC POW honor four times vs. Illinois State (1976), vs. Wisconsin (1977), vs. Western Michigan (1978), and vs. Long Beach State (1979). Gained All-Illinois status as soph. Tabbed on NIU All-Century (1999) and All-Time Huskie Stadium (1995) squads. First D-1 era player to lead NIU in tackles four straight years (130 in 1976, 179 in 1977, 134 in 1978, and 173 in 1979). Two-time team co-MVP (1977, 1979). Blue chip recruit. Led "D" on 9-0-0 Class B state champs at Muskegon (MI) Catholic Central High (1974). First-Team All-Stater as senior (1975).
