DeKALB, IL — Northern Illinois University Intercollegiate Athletics will enshrine five individuals and one team into the school’s Athletics Hall of Fame on Friday (October 18) as part of the Huskies’ gala 96th Homecoming weekend.

The formal induction ceremonies will take place at the Duke Ellington Ballroom in NIU’s Holmes Student Center on campus, Northern Illinois Athletics Director Cary Groth announced.

NIU’s 2002 induction class—the 21st since the inception of the Huskie Athletics Hall of Fame in 1978—features Larry Clark (football in 1969-72), Chuck Ehrlich (head men’s gymnastics coach in 1973-90), Gordon Nuber (basketball in 1969-73), Vince Scott (football in 1980-83), Allan Zelechowski (soccer in 1968-70), and the 1988 women’s softball team that won the National Collegiate Athletic Association Regional and finished seventh at the NCAA College World Series.
The Friday evening NIU Athletics Hall of Fame Induction Banquet precedes the annual Homecoming Game on Saturday (October 19) against Mid-American Conference West Division rival Central Michigan University at 1:05 p.m. (CDT) in Huskie Stadium. The new Hall of Fame inductees will be honored on the field at halftime of the NIU-CMU contest.

For the second year in a row, the new NIU Hall of Fame inductees will appear in Friday’s Homecoming parade. The parade—which steps off at 5 p.m. (CDT)—begins at Anderson Hall, proceeds west on Lucinda Avenue, and ends at the new Central Park on west campus. The parade is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board and the NIU Alumni Association.

Fans, friends, Northern Illinois alumni, and the general public are invited to attend all the HOF festivities. Tickets for the induction banquet cost $30 apiece. Guests have the choice of either a roast sirloin or baked chicken dinner. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. (CDT), followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m., and the program at 8:30 p.m.

For the 17th consecutive year, Bill Baker—the voice of Northern Illinois football and basketball on the Huskie Radio Network—will serve as the banquet emcee. For further information or to RSVP for the banquet, please contact Michael Ward at NIU Athletics Development in the Convocation Center or via telephone at (AC 815-753-4315).

This year’s Hall of Fame Selection Committee included NIU Assistant Athletics Director / Media Relations Mike Korcek as chair, plus Roger Dutton, Bill Finucane, Ruth Heal (Fender), Andrea Hein, Donna Martin, Chuck Morgan, Art Rohlman, Don Shields, and Ward. Dutton, Finucane, Heal, Martin, and Rohlman are previous Northern Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame inductees.

To nominate a deserving individual (student-athlete, coach, administrator, etc.,) or team for future NIU Athletics Hall of Fame consideration, please contact Korcek via telephone (AC 815-753-1706), via mail (Office of Sports Information, 209 Convocation Center, NIU, DeKalb, IL 60115), or via e-mail at mkorcek@niu.edu.

Northern Illinois University’s 2002 Athletics Hall of Fame inductees:

LARRY CLARK, Football (1969-72) / Winnebago
The legend of No. 55. Regarded as premier linebacker in program’s early major-college years. Selected to school’s All-Century Team (1999) and All-Time Huskie Stadium Team (1995), plus named the “Smartest Player” among the The Best of the Huskie Stadium’s Best (1995). Picked in the fifth round of the 1973 National Football League draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers (128th player selected), plus signed free agent NFL contracts with the Chicago Bears (1973) and New England Patriots (1974). Named on Gridiron First-Team All-Midwest squad with Dave Butz (Purdue), Randy Gradishar (Ohio State), Bob Thomas (Notre Dame), Brad Van Pelt (Michigan State), John Hicks (Ohio State), Tom Clements (Notre Dame), Otis Armstrong (Purdue), Rufus Ferguson (Wisconsin), and All-Century teammate Mark Kellar (Northern Illinois). Currently ranks No. 3 on all-time Huskie Hit List with 446 career tackles. Set school records for most single-game tackles (29 vs. Fresno State in 1972), single-season tackles (189 in 1972), career tackles, and longest interception return (88-yard touchdown vs. Long Beach State in 1972). Led team in tackles for three consecutive seasons (137 in 1970, 120 in 1971, and 189 in 1972). Made 22 solo stops and nine assists in record-setting game vs. Fresno State (1972). Recorded one of greatest plays of The First Century with 88-yard pass theft TD that sealed 22-13 triumph vs. Long Beach State at Anaheim Stadium and guaranteed 7-4 season (1972). Named two-time team defensive MVP (1971, 1972), team Outstanding Defensive Back (1971), and Northern Illinois co-captain (1972). Senior Year Statistics: 107 solo tackles, 82 assists, five tackles for 24 yards in losses, four blocked kicks, three pass deflections, three fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. Blocked seven kicks in final two seasons. Started at DE on undefeated (4-0-0) frosh team (1969). Lettered in football (3), track (3), and basketball (2) at Winnebago High School. Named team captain and MVP, First-Team All-SHARK Conference, and Chicago’s American Little All-State on gridiron for ex-Northern Illinois HB Arny Vesely as senior (1968).

CHUCK EHRLICH, Men’s Gymnastics Head Coach (1973-90) / Dayton, OH (Colonel White) —
The master of technique, repetition, and meticulous routine who succeeded at the prep, collegiate, national, and international level. Lifted Northern Illinois men’s gymnastics program into national prominence during his 17-year tenure by coaching five National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I individual champions (Mike Burke on the pommel horse in 1978 and 1979, Kirk Mango on the still rings in 1979, Doug Kieso on the pommel horse in 1983, and Kevin Ekberg in the floor exercise in 1984), 10 student-athletes to 16 All-America titles, two national team qualifiers (finishing sixth in the NCAA in 1982 and eighth in 1983), and two members of the United States national team (Breck Grigas in 1980 and Tom Kennedy in 1983 and 1986). Tutored six NIU Athletics Hall of Famers to date—Burke (inducted in 1988), Kieso (1989), Kennedy (1991), Pete Botthof (1997), Grigas (1999), and Mango (2000). Recipient of the prestigious College Gymnastics Association (formerly the National Association of College Gymnastics Coaches) Honor Coach Award for 25-year lifetime achievement (1999). Named NACGC Mideast Coach of the Year three times (1976-77, 1978-79, and 1981-82). Produced 70-42-2 won-lost-tie record during first 10 seasons at NIU—highlighted by 11-0-1 squad in 1978-79 that (1) featured three All-America picks and two NCAA champs, (2) ranked as high as No. 7 nationally by NACGC, and (3) beat No. 3-rated Indiana State with All-World Kurt Thomas in memorable classic before a jam-packed Chick Evans Field House. Coached men’s and women’s gymnastics on a national and international level at U. S. Olympic Sports Festival, the Maccabiah Games in Israel, and United States Gymnastics Federation competition in London, Bangkok, and Havana. Won state boys gymnastics titles at Denver (CO) Cherry Creek High School (1973) and at suburban Glenbard North High School (1992). Initiated boys program at Riverside-Brookfield high School (1964). Former still rings All-America, NCAA runner-up, and team captain as senior on national champion Southern Illinois team under the legendary Bill Meade (1964). Prepped at Dayton, OH, Colonel White High School.

GORDON ‘DOC’ NUBER, Men’s Basketball (1969-73) / Detroit, MI (Denby)
The erudite but affable pre-med student known as “Doc” to his Northern Illinois teammates. Regarded as one of the country’s top orthopedic surgeons by the National Football League, National Hockey League, and Major League Baseball. Affiliated with the Chicago Bears as team physician since 1992, and with the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Blackhawks as an orthopedic consultant since 1986 and 1996, respectively. Long-time benefactor to Northern Illinois Intercollegiate Athletics as orthopedic consultant, surgeon, and referral physician. Enters NIU Athletics Hall of Fame for second time. Inducted originally as member of the storied 21-4 Huskie men’s basketball team that cracked the Associated Press Top 20 in 1971-72 (1987). Becomes fifth member of that long-revered quintet to be enshrined in Hall of Fame—joining head coach Tom Jorgensen (inducted in 1998), Jim Bradley (1983), Jerry Zielinski (1986), and Billy “The Kid” Harris (2001). Won three varsity letters on Northern Illinois teams that finished a collective 51-22 (1970-73). Made 39 varsity appearances and contributed 42 career points and 43 rebounds. Named school’s Mid-American Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year (1972-73). Produced a career-high six points and six boards vs. Ball Sate (2-14-73). Started on Pup quintet with three other NIU Hall of Famers—Harris, plus the fabled tennis twins Tim and Tom Gullikson—and averaged 11.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game (1969-70). Graduated cum laude from NIU with bachelor of science degree in biological sciences (1973). Earned M.D. from Wayne State University School of Medicine (1978). Served as a professor of clinical orthopaedic surgery (1985-2000), department vice chair (1988-98), and director of the residency program (1985-86) at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. Currently a partner at the Northwestern Orthopaedic Institute in Chicago. Named Jaycees Outstanding Young Man of America (1976). Prepped at Denby High School for long-time Northern Illinois staffer Walt Owens. Won Joe Hustle Award and lettered in basketball (3) at Denby.

VINCE SCOTT, Football (1980-83) / DeKalb —
That No. 1 jersey always fit perfectly in more ways than one. One of greatest clutch placekickers in Northern Illinois football history. Classic soccer-style kicker. Honored on All-Century Team (1999) and All-Time Huskie Stadium Team (1995). Won free agent tryouts with National Football League Buffalo Bills and United States Football League Orlando Renegades (1984-85). Graduated with eight Huskie kicking records and two Mid-American Conference marks. Still holds four major NIU records—(1) longest field goal (51 yards vs. Toledo in 1983), (2) most single-game kick-scoring points (18 vs. Ohio in 1982), (3) most single-game field goals (five vs. Ohio in 1982), and (4) most consecutive career PAT kicks (42 in 1980-83). Currently ranks No. 3 in NIU career field goals (41), No. 3 in career kick-scoring (192 points), and No. 6 in overall career scoring. Owns two of the six longest field goals in school history. Selected Honorable Mention Associated Press All-America and First-Team All-MAC on 10-2 league and California Bowl champs and Hall of Fame squad (1983). Named MAC Offensive Player of the Week vs. Ohio (1982) and vs. Toledo (1983). Ranked among NCAA kicking leaders as upperclassman. Finished No. 8 in NCAA field goals (1.30 per game) in 1982. Tied for No. 15 spot in NCAA field goals (1.55 per game) and No. 21 in NCAA scoring (80 points) in 1983. Voted First-Team All-MAC Academic (1981) and Honorable Mention All-MAC (1982). Contributed eight points (39 and 42-yard field goals and two PATs) in 20-13 triumph vs. Cal State Fullerton in California Bowl III (1983). Kicked 26-yard field goal with 0:08 left in game to beat Kansas, 37-34, and for Northern Illinois’ first football triumph over a Big Eight (12) Conference school (1983). Hit 30-yard field goal with 1:37 remaining to edge Wichita State, 17-14, as a freshman (1980). Added 14 kick-scoring points (four field goals and two PATs) in 26-10 title-clinching victory vs. unbeaten Toledo (1983). Becomes fifth member of Cal Bowl team in NIU Hall of Fame. Led team in kick-scoring for four years and scoring three seasons. Former All-Area kicker and receiver at DeKalb High School. Lettered in football (2), basketball (1), and baseball (2).

ALLAN ZELECHOWSKI, Soccer (1968-70) / Chicago (Lake View)
First men’s soccer All-America selection in the proud history of Northern Illinois program. Renown as the Bob Cousy-John Stockton-Magic Johnson “connector” on the field and set up man for school’s No. 1 (striker Ed Kositzki in 1969-71) and No. 3 (Hall of Fame striker Eric Roy in 1967-69) all-time scorers. Earned varsity letters on Huskie squads that finished 22-5-2 overall for head coach Dave Bucher (8-1-0 in 1968, 8-1-0 in 1969, and 6-3-2 in 1970). “If anybody deserved to be in our Athletics Hall of Fame, it was Allan. This (honor) was long overdue,” said current Northern Illinois head coach Willy Roy, a member of the U. S. Soccer Federation National Soccer Hall of Fame. “Allan was known for his technical ability and it still shows in our annual alumni match. He sees the field extremely well and always finds the open man. His leadership always showed on the field where he made an average player a much better one.” Bucher agreed: “Allan was extremely knowledgeable, soccer-wise. I mean I don’t think you would exactly call him ‘sneaky’, but he was very creative. He always read the field well and read the game well. While his ball skills were excellent, the real thing that separated Allan from the other players was his sixth soccer sense. He knew the game and would think two or three passes ahead.” Named National Soccer Coaches Association of America Honorable Mention All-America and Honorable Mention All-Midwest as a senior (1970). Third Northern Illinois men’s soccer standout inducted into Hall of Fame. Starred at center halfback and at sweeper in college days. Credited with one goal and five assists in final Huskie campaign. Tallied a goal and two assists vs. Valparaiso (1970). Added two assists vs. Marquette and one vs. Wisconsin-Green Bay (1970). Tallied one assist vs. Ball State as a junior (1969). Well-regarded in Chicago soccer circles. Played for Hakoh (1964-67) in National Soccer League, the Croatians (1981-84), and the famed Chicago Lions (1983-87)—including city championship squad in 1986. Prepped at Chicago Lake View High School. Younger brother Edmund Zelechowski lettered on NIU soccer team (1971-74).

NIU 1988 WOMEN’S SOFTBALL TEAM
Head Coach: Dee Abrahamson. Assistant Coach: Donna Martin.
Record: 35-11 (9-0 home / 9-3 away / 17-8 neutral sites) .
Notable Accomplishments: First major-college program to advance to the softball Final Eight in initial NCAA appearance. Tied for seventh place at NCAA College World Series. Won NCAA Midwest Regional, North Star Conference Tournament, and Iowa State Cyclone Classic. Ranked No. 11 in NCAA Division I team batting average (.301), No. 11 in team pitching (0.88 earned run average), and No. 13 in team fielding (.964 percentage). Produced school-record 16 straight regular-season wins. Featured nation’s leading hitter and First-Team All-America outfielder Jill Justin (.484 batting average), plus four All-Midwest performers (Justin, catcher Pat Faletti, pitcher Beth Schrader, utility player Lisa Gilfoy), and four CoSIDA Academic All-Americas (Schrader, first baseman Sue Kause, shortstop Amy Veld, and second baseman Laura Peterson). Letterwinners: Sue Alexander (Lemont / Oak Lawn), Kathy Bulow (Oak Lawn), Susie Conway (Morton / Chicago Academy of Our Lady), Kim Crotinger (Monticello), Shari Edwards (Nesconset, NY / Smithtown East), Pat Faletti (Braidwood / Reed-Custer), Lisa Gilfoy (Chicago / Resurrection), Jennie Hughes (Deerfield), Heidi Hutchison (Moline), Jill Justin (Oak Lawn / Richards), Sue Kause (South Holland / Thornwood), Lynn Lacy (Wheaton / Central), Maria Leake (South Bend, IN / LaSalle), Laura Peterson (Buffalo Grove / Lincolnshire Stevenson), Jennifer Preston (Kankakee), Mgr., Jeanne Richeal (Verona, WI), Beth Schrader (Wheaton / Central), Julie Sexton (Antioch), Amy Veld (South Holland / Thornwood), Cory Wilensky (Tinley Park), Mgr.

(For further information, please contact Mike Korcek)