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NIU Huskie Football
Leave your comments and thanks for former Huskie Head Football Coach Joe Novak, who retired Monday after 12 years of loyal service to Northern Illinois University.
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| Brian (Savanna): Coach Novak,
Thank you for being a winner on the field and off, and for putting Northern Illinois University on the football map. You will be missed! You are a first class gentleman! |
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| Nick (Sycamore): I'm not really sure if I knew how much I appreciated Novak as much as I did until I heard the press conference. Listening to it on the way home from school, it honestly brought tears to my eyes. Listening to him talking about the stories and his times NIU just made me realize how much he did here and how much I will miss him. Some people may compalin about no MAC Championship and a 2-10 finish, but honestly I could care less. Joe was a great coach, and more importantly is a great man.
Thanks Joe. |
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| Bloomington,MN: Coach Novak, Thank you for bringing the winning attitude to NIU and making Football fun to watch again. Best Wishes for you in the future to you & your family, you will always be remembered in DeKalb. Good Luck. |
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| Steve/ Carol Goehl (Geneva): Carol and I wish you nothing but the best. You put the pride back in the program. |
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| Breanne (Highland Park): Coach Novak, Thank you for all the great memories in my four years at NIU. You made the football team and took the time to speak with the marching band over the years to thank us. Well Coach Novak, THANK YOU for all that you do on and off the field. You are an amazing man and coach and you will be missed. Good Luck! |
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| Steve (Chicago): Coach Novak
You truly are a role model, and I speak for many people when I say thank you. Enjoy the time with your family, you have definatley earned it.
Go Huskies! |
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| Brad (DeKalb): Coach Novak, it is because of your hard work and success with the NIU football program over the past 12 years that I am currently a NIU undergrad and will be a proud NIU alumni and diehard fan for life. You have made us NIU fans proud to be apart of Huskie Nation.
Enjoy your much deserved retirement and please don't be a stranger to DeKalb! THANK YOU JOE! |
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| Dave (Milwaukee): I was lucky enough to meet you when I was in school there. I produced the Huskie Match Game game show and you graciously agreed to be a celebrity panelist. Thank you so much for all you've done at NIU and with the Football program. You are truly a top notch, first class coach. Enjoy your retirement and thank you Joe. |
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| MFM83: Joe Novak ran his football program THE RIGHT WAY, and for that we are grateful. Thanks, coach, and enjoy life on the beach! |
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| Ben Hutchison, DeKalb: As an NIU student and college football fan beyond the scope of DeKalb...Whether NIU was ranked in the top 25 or not...Coach Novak carried class and dignity win or lose. He is a great representative of NIU and what this university stands for. Not only did he mold individuals into better football players, but better young men for their lives after football...Thank you for 12 great years! |
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| Andrew(Schaumburg): Coach Novak, thank you for all the work you have done at NIU. You have done so much for the program and have gotten the Huskie name and tradition out there for everyone to see. Enjoy your retirement. HUSKIES!!!! |
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| Doug Feldmann (Covington, KY): Coach Novak - Thank you for restoring the pride in Huskie football. You ran a first-class program all the way, and in all ways! God bless you and your family in the future. |
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| Greg (New River, AZ): Thanks Coach for bringing football respectability to NIU, and DOING IT THE RIGHT WAY! After the California Bowl in 1983, it was a long and tough road back. Your presser today reminded me of a time in 1983 when I heard Bill Mallory speak at a pre-Toledo pep rally. I was proud to be a Huskie then, and I'm proud to be one still, 20+ years after graduation.
Thanks also for your comments you shared about what you tell the outgoing seniors every year. Absolutely nothing wrong with school pride and I hope the traditions started during your tenure are built upon. If so, the W's will follow, as long as the foundation is right.
Thanks Coach! |
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| Rich (DeKalb): Coach Novak, thank you for the class, persistence, humility and success you brought to NIU. Those traits are part of what makes me proud of my NIU degrees. Enjoy your retirement to the coast, and for your travels I guarantee the N.Carolina mountains will never disappoint you. |
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| Arlo Guthrie (Downers Grove): Novak, I am so sad to see you go. Perhaps I'll take you up on that invite to your home in the Carolinas. |
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| Colleen and Charlie (Crystal Lake): We were blessed to be at NIU during some awesome football years!! You are the man and we will never forget our NIU days! Thanks for the memories! |
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| Ron Dekalb: Joe Novak equals class, thanks Joe! |
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| Jim (DeKalb): Coach Novak, thank you for so many wonderful memories. Being a fan through the 23 game losing streak was difficult but I'll never forget being at the Maryland game in 2003 and realizing how far the program had come. It was a special evening and a special season. And thanks to you it will always be special to be a Huskie! |
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| Aaron (Genoa): As a resident of this area, I enjoyed watching your teams for many years. Your teams never quit fighting. GO HUSKIES! |
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| Ryan (DeKalb): Coach Novak, you are truly a class act. Nothing can ever be summed up in words to describe what you have done for this university. You will be missed. GO HUSKIES. |
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| Rick (Rolling Meadows, IL): Coach Novak - Thank you for all you've done for the football program at NIU. I'm sad to see you leave. You've made us alumni proud! Thanks again, and enjoy your retirement. |
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| The Dempseys (Cary, IL): Thanks for everything, Coach.
For the past five seasons as season ticket holders, you've provided our family with many great memories. You and the fine men you've coached have both our kids dead-set on attending NIU (Classes of 2018 & 2021)!
Enjoy your retirement! |
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| The Dempseys (Cary, IL): Thanks for everything, Coach.
For the past five seasons as season ticket holders, you've provided our family with many great memories. You and the fine men you've coached have both our kids dead-set on attending NIU (Classes of 2018 & 2021)!
Enjoy your retirement! |
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| Dan (Rockford): Coach - You have impacted thousands of lives in the Northern Illinois region! From the shores of the Mississippi to Chicago, you have brought back pride to the Huskie football tradition. Thanks for your time, you will never be forgotten! Don't be a stranger to Huskie Stadium! |
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| Corey (Chicago): Coach, Thanks for your emotion and great integrity! You will never be forgotten. |
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| Gary (homer Glen, IL.): Thank you Joe! Who will ever forget the feeling that Huskie fans had after the Maryland game? |
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| Rich (Chicago): Thanks coach for you dedication to NIU for the last 12 years. Your enthusiasm was apparent in everything that you did. And your players and us fans fed off this ethusiasm. You will be greatly missed by the growing alumni base that you have made so proud of NIU Football. Best wishes on your retirement. |
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| Brian (Stafford): The turnaround of the Northern Illinois football program that you engineered was simply amazing. You're a class act and I really enjoyed the brief conversations we had at teleconfereces and so forth. Good luck in retirement Joe!
Brian Nowicki
Rocket Digest |
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| Tom (Arlington Heights, IL): Say it ain't so Joe! What you've accomplished at NIU is incredible. We are all truly gratful for your years of hard work and dedication. You leave some very large shoes to fill. |
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| JC (Florida): Coach Novak,
Thanks for all you have done for Huskie football. Thanks for ALL the memories, too. I'm sad you won't be leading the Huskies anymore, but glad you got to go out your way! Best wishes for a long, healthy retirement. |
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| The Dredzes (Winfield, IL): Thanks Coach. You brought glory to NIU Football and your Huskies brought fans out of the woodwork. Your legend will live on. Go Huskies! |
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| Jeff (Chicago Heights): Coach - Thanks for the thrills and for building the program with honesty & integrity. To put it simply, you are - and always will be - the face of all that is great about Huskie football. |
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| Phil (Raleigh, NC): Joe - your presence at NIU means so much more than wins and losses for the football program. thanks for getting people excited about NIU and conducting yourself in the highest regard. |
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| Andrew (Milwaukee, WI): Thanks coach! |
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| Dave Mc: Coach, Thanks for putting NIU on the map, and for running a quality program. You'll be missed....best of luck! |
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| Derrick (Chicago, IL): Thanks for everything coach. I still have the Maryland ticket stub in my wallet. It represents what a person can accomplish when you are in a good situation, even if other don't see the opportunity. If you believe you can make anything happen. Thanks coach! |
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| Jon (Arlington Heights): Coach Novak - You ran a first class program the whole way. Your ability to evaluate and develop will not be forgotten. Thanks for the great memories, and enjoy what you have worked so hard for. |
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| Mike (Elburn, IL): We started attending games in 2000. You gave us some great memories, Maryland at home, Alabama, the list goes on. I am happy that you will be moving onto the next phase of your life. After helping so manu, it is time to relax and see what you have been missing. |
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| Jeff (Ann Arbor MI): Thank you so much for all your hard work. I will never forget the bowl victory and the great players that you brought to the NFL. Whoever takes over has some huge shoes to fill. Coach Novak is a class act. |
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| cK (Orange County, CA): Coach Novak, you will definitely be missed! You are leaving behind a great legacy and a great program that you had a major part in building. I wish you would stay one more year because I feel like next season will be a great one for the Huskies. Whoever picks up the coaching job is going to be one lucky fella! |
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| Chris Tagler (Park Forest, IL): Coach Novak - Thank you for bringing Huskie pride back to DeKalb. As an editor for the Northern Star when you became the head coach, I could tell that you would turn a struggling program around. You will be sorely missed, but never forgotten. Thanks again, coach, and enjoy your retirement. You've earned it. |
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| Mike (Burbank): Mr Novak,
You will be missed. One of the best coaches and nicest guys in NIU athletics. I am proud to say my father and I were one of those in attendance Saturday to watch what was your last game. A true NIU icon. I will be in attendance when you are in inducted into the NIU Hall of the Fame in the near future.
God Bless You,
Go Huskies! |
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| Tom(Bloomingdale): What a great ride. When I was a very young coach at the high school level you let me come by whenever I wanted. I always appreciated that. Thank you. |
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| Cami (Downers Grove): Coach, thanks for the memories. I've been a loyal fan since the Maryland game and look forward to many more games in the future. Enjoy your retirement and may we win the MAC for you. |
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| Jason (Bloomington): I will never forget the look of joy on your face after the Maryland game, and you raising both arms in victory. Congratulations Joe on a great career here at NIU. You will be missed! |
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| Mike (Kenosha, WI): Thanks Coach for all the great memories. I will remember the 2003 season for the rest of my life. I can honestly say I am proud to be an NIU Huskie. A BIG reason behind that is because of you and the football program. Good luck in all your future endeavors. We will miss you. |
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| Zac (Ottawa): Coach ? I have many wonderful moments from NIU. Some of my fondest were watching and cheering on our Huskies. You helped bring a lot of pride to our school. Thanks for all your dedication and for making our Huskies a respected program. |
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| Eric Burns (Mesa AZ): Thank you, Coach Novak for bringing the NIU Football program back from the brink. It's been a rough season but I'm still a proud alum and cheer with pride every chance I can catch a game here in AZ. Thank you again very much and best wishes in your retirement. We won't forget you! |
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| Dzak / Deerfield, Il.: Coach Novak.... Your the best. My two sons went to NIU. They were not athletes, but I know you have been their parental role model away from home. You Coach, your Midwest Work Ethic has stayed with them. You will always be hard work and fair play personified.... and for that Coach..... I tip my hat to you .. Thank you One Proud NIU Dad. |
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| Jack (Platteville): Joe, I am a 74 Huskie grad. You helped turn my 5 sons into big Huskie fans. I always knew it was good for them to have Joe Novak as one of their heroes, because you always did things right. You were their "Uncle Joe". Thank you for the integrity you brought to your position. |
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| Brad (DeKalb): Coach Novak- Thanks for everything. you were the best coach in history at NIU. and you will be missed alot and i cant wait to see you be in the hall of fame at NIU. hope you have a great retiremnet.good luck |
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| The Larsens ( Algonquin): Thanks Coach, you have given me and my family many great memories that we will hold onto forever... |
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| Ginny (Algonquin): From a very old alum-thanks for an exciting 12 years. |
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| Georgetown: We are grateful and proud that our son had the opportunity to know you and play NIU FB for you. You deserve every minute of happiness in your retirement! |
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| Florida Huskie: Coach Novak,
Thanks for the memories, for all you did for Huskie football and all you have done for the sport of football throughout your career.
You'll be missed, but I'm truly happy you got to go out on your own terms. Best wishes for a long, healthy retirement! |
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| Steve Steinke (Scottsdale, AZ): I watched my first NIU Huskie game the year they went to the Mineral Water Bowl! Graduating in 1968, I now have more than four decades of Huskie memories tucked away in my mind. Some wonderful individual athletes. Some special special moments! But Coach, you have done more to define the meaning of team, the idea of Huskie pride, than you know. Coaches like Bill Mallory and Lee Corso opened the door. You built not only a stronger foundation, but a level of respect among your players, within college football, and around a whole lot of grateful fans. You are not going out at a low point, but instead leave with the bar raised to a new plateau. And for that I share a sincere and appreciative thank you. |
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| Gary M. Henderson, NC: Your legacy at NIU will remain forever. The entire nation knows about NIU and has been in many football conversations. Congratulations.
Oh, by the way, welcome back to the Carolinas!!! |
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| Jerry Peirson(Muncie, IN): Joe and Carol are wonderful people as we have known each other since Miami U. days. Personal best wishes for healthy and prosperous days ahead. |
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| Dennis (Buffalo Grove): Thank you for everything you have done for NIU and the Huskies.Enjoy your retirement. Thanks again !!! |
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| Dom (Colorado Springs): Thanks for the great times and wonderful memories. Your are truly a class act and will forever be a vital part of NIU History! |
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| Ken (Dallas,TX): what a great run! a successful program built w/ INTEGRITY..enjoy the good life, you deserve it |
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| Ebenhoch's: Coach, thanks for all the good times and the memories during 2001-2006. It sure was a good ride and one that our family will never forget. Thanks for the opportunity that you give our son. |
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| Staaash ( Chicago): Appreciate all you did for NIU Coach. That new coach is gonna be one lucky dude, to have the talent and best facilities in the country to work with. Thanks Coach! Good luck! |
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| Jim (Louisville): As a university, we can never thank you enough for all that you have done. You and your family will always be in our thoughts and prayers. Best always! |
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| Kevin(Bartlett): Coach Novak - Thank you for all you have done for NIU. You are truly an Ambassador for this University. Hope to see you at some tailgates next season. First beer is on me. |
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| Jim (Sycamore): Thanks,Coach, for being an inspiration to us all. Enjoy your retirement! |
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| Bryan (Rockton): Coach-
Thank you for 12 years of greatness. You have shown the world that hard work and dedication pay off. Have a wonderful retirement. YOU HAVE EARNED IT! |
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| Scott (Evergreen Park): I had an opportunity to do a feature story on a few local athletes from my coverage area for the newspaper I like, and Coach Novak was a true professional in every sense of the way. It's been a pleasure watching the program prosper, and I wish Coach and his family the best. |
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| Sean McDermott (Chicago,Il): Dear Coach
Thank you for the tweleve years you served at NIU. You are a great coach just look at the stars you made. (wolfe,turner) Because of you I'll be going to NIU. Have a good retirement |
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| Dave (Tucson AZ ): Coach: You made a difference for NIU. Thanks for bringing dignity and pride to the Huskie Nation. |
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| Brett (Rockford): Thanks for 12 great years of NIU football, from sitting though the monsoon to tear down the goalposts in 98, to watching us beat Maryland in 03, we couldn't have asked for anything more. Enjoy your retirement you will be missed. |
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| Shawn (Schaumburg): Thank you Coach Novak for making my years at NIU even more special with the great times at football games. I wish nothing but the best for you and your family. |
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| Brett (Rockford): Thanks for 12 great years of NIU football, from sitting though the monsoon to tear down the goalposts in 98, to watching us beat Maryland in 03, we couldn?t have asked for anything more. Enjoy your retirement you will be missed. |
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| Richard (McHenry): Joe, you are a class act and a wonderful football coach. You're a great guy, and I have a picture of you giving me a bear hug to prove it. Though you didn't get that elusive MAC championship, you have done more for NIU than a MAC championship could ever do. Thank you! |
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| linda and joel dekalb: We are sorry that you left. Hope you fun retirement! |
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| Dan (Evanston): Thanks for all the great years. Good luck! |
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| Mike De Kalb: It is sad to see you leave NIU, but as you said, you are leaving the program better than when you started Coaching here 12 years ago. Good luck to you and Carole. |
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| Eric (Warrenville): As a current student and a soon-to-be alum I am truly grateful for what you have given NIU Football and this great University. Because of you I am and will always be a Huskie. Thank you Coach and enjoy your retirement! |
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| Chris Stamer (Rochelle): Coach Novak,
I have had so much fun watching you build this football team since 2001 when I started at NIU. As a member of the Marching Band, I have been fortunate enough to see this program grow and offer me some of my greatest college memories. I will always be proud to call myself a Huskie. THANK YOU COACH! |
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| Todd and Becky (Rockford): Thank you for everything. We are all proud of the work you did and proud of the program. THANKS. |
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| Bobby (Aurora): Coach Novak, it is evident by all of these posts that you have made a positive impact on NIU. I can't thank you enough for all of the great memories. Enjoy your retirement, but don't forget about HUSKIE NATION. Best of wishes in all you do. |
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| Dave Ross Roanoke, va: Coach Novak represented the MAC and NIU with true integrity. As a Bowling Green graduate I know the MAC is better off for his service. |
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| John & Karen Criner (Loves Park): Coach Novak, we enjoyed watching the Huskie football program turn around under your leadership. Thanks for running a program that the people of Northern Illinois can be proud of. Good luck! |
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| Scott Round Lake: Thank for everything you did to really put NIU on the map. I was fortunate to see you coach many exciting games as a student and an alumnus over the past five years. Without you the program would never have reached the highs we have experienced over the past few years. |
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| Rick, Barrington: Coach,
Thank you for restoring the football program, the pride that comes with that, and building a foundation for the future success of NIU football at the same time. I so appreciate the great games and good times that you helped foster. I hope you enjoy a long and happy retirement, you and yours deserve it. |
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| Chris Hauser (Columbus,OH): Coach Novak, THANK YOU for all of the great things you have done for the game of College Football!! You stand for what is right with the game today and you are someone that young coaches look up to whether you know it or not. I am very thankful my younger brother John had a chance to learn under you and appreciate all that you have done for him. Best wishes to you and your family! |
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| Ruth (Kingston): Dear Coach Novak, I grew up in DeKalb and saw the great teams that played in the '60s, but as an alum ('71) I can truly say your 12 years at Northern have made me the proudest of NIU Football. It is very hard in this day and age to have a program of high integrity that wins, but you did it. Lord help the man who follows you because you have set such very high standards. We will miss you! |
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| Ray (Westmont): Coach Novak,
Thank you for instilling pride in NIU alumni worldwide- you will be missed. Enjoy your retirement. |
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| Brad (DeKalb): Two words: THE BEST! |
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| Mike (Rockford): May God bless you with many years of healthy, happy retirement. |
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| Andy (St. Louis): Thank you, Coach Joe, for bringing me back to NIU. I had completely stopped caring before you stepped in.
Andy
NIU College of Business 1982 |
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| Brad (Dekalb): Class |
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| Steve (Lindenhurst): Coach Novak,
It's hard to put into words the gratitude that I have for what you have done and meant for not only the Huskie football team but also for the entire university and the NIU community. You've seen us through the good and the bad times and have always kept a level head and a blue collar/chip on your shoulder attitude. We'll truly miss seeing you on the sidelines, hands on knees and focused intensely on the action on the field. You deserve endless thanks for your commitment and passion for the university and the Huskie football team. Thank you and enjoy your retirement! |
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| Jason (Naperville): It's easy to see what Coach Novak has done for the NIU football team and university when you walk around Huskie Stadium on game day. What is so special is the manner in which he has done it. Thanks Joe for bringing back the pride and excitement to the university. |
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| Mike (St. Louis): Thanks, Coach, for everything, especially for getting me hooked on Huskie football again. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement. |
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| Smitty( LaGrange): I've enjoyed working with you and enjoyed your friendship these past 25 years--- see you on the beach |
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| Steve Lux (DeKalb): Thanks Coach for everything you've done for NIU. I've been on campus for 37 years and you've been the best! Congratulations on your retirement. NIU will have a tough time filling your shoes. |
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| Mike (Elgin): Thank you Coach! You made us all proud to be Huskies! |
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| Jon (Quad Cities): Thank you coach! You will be missed! Enjoy your retirement!!! |
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| Terry (Medinah): Thank you, Thank you, Thank you, for rescuing Huskie Football from a dark place and delivering it to a level of competitiveness never before seen at NIU. Thank you especially for doing it your way, the right way, with the class that comes simply and naturally to you. |
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| Patrick (Chicago): Thank you for developing a first class football program, great on the field with no distractions off the field. I will always remember the excitement of being in the stands during the Maryland game! Thanks Coach! |
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| John and Cheryl (Arlington Heights): Thanks for the wonderful memories. We are disapppointed to lose such an awesome talent from the university, but acknowledge you have certainly earned a great retirement.
Thanks for all the wonderful memories such as torn down goal posts, Alabama, Maryland, NFL draft picks, solid graduation rates, etc. You are awesome and not easily replaced! Class, integrity, and hard working are but a few of the terms that are synonymous with Joe Novak.
Best wishes for a long and healthy retirement! |
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| Craig Quinn (Schaumburg, IL): Thank you Coach for putting NIU football on the map. It was an honor and a privilege to watch your teams over the last 12 years. You have made it an honor to be an NIU alum and support the football team. Thank you for all the years Coach Novak!... Enjoy your Christmas in Chicago! |
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| Bob (Tustin, CA): Coach,
I graduated in 1979 and have been a loyal Huskie follower who has suffered through many lean years. That all changed when you arrived on the scene & I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for all that you have done to resurrect NIU's football program. Even here in California, people would stop me when I was wearing an NIU shirt to comment on how they saw Garrett Wolfe on ESPN. Thanks for making us proud to be Huskies & best wishes on your retirement. |
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| Greg( Naperville): You Rock!!!! Thanks for the Silicon Valley Bowl!!!!!!!! |
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| Chuck Dublin, Ohio: Thanks for reawakening the Huskie pride in this 1975 alum. I not only appreciate the seven winning seasons, I appreciate the way that you won. You ran a clean program that we could all be proud of. |
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| Dan (Naperville): Thanks for making me proud to be a Huskie fan! H U S K I E S GO HUSKIES!!!!!!! |
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| Dave (South Beloit): Thanks for all of the memories Joe. You are a class act and will be remembered. |
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| Kevin(Naperville): I don't know how to put how much I appreciate what you've done in to words so THANKS A MILLION! YOU'RE DA BEST!!!!!!! |
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| Jake, Ang, Jacklyn & Joey (Lake Zurich): Thank you Coach Novak! You have brought much pride to the Huskie Nation. You will be missed by all of the fans at NIU. Enjoy your retirement! |
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| Steven Azar (Niceville): Coach Novak, thank you for everything you have done for Northern Illinois and not just the football program. You helped give life back in to the campus and the student body. It was an honor to play for you. I wish you nothing but the best for you and your family. Again thank you and best wishes |
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| Scott-Glen Ellyn: Coach- Simply, in the words of the great Bob Hope-"Thanks for the Memories" |
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| Coach S (Texas): Thanks for the opportunity to work with you we learned a great deal and continue to use your coaching methods today! Have a great one! |
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| A.J (Wonder Lake): Thanks coach, I love you! |
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| Scott, Chicago: Joe:
You did a wonderful turning the program around, and manned the helm with quiet dignity. Thanks for all you did. |
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| Nick (Barrigton): Thank you coach for letting me work with you. You are a great person |
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| Mark (Chicago): Thank you for the work you have done for NIU football program. Your success made me feel proud to be a Huskie and renewed my interest in my alma mater. |
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| Bob (Sycamore): Coach, thanks for making us all proud to be Huskies! Enjoy your retirement! |
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| Kyle (Blackstone): Thanks for putting NIU back into the football discussion, it was great to watch the games in person and be able to watch them on national television. What you have done to the university will never be forgotten. |
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| Rich '67 (Bloomingdale): Appreciate you being such a classy guy like myformer gymnastics coach Dr Dunn.
Enjoy retirement.... |
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| Chris (Houston, TX): Coach, thanks for putting NIU on the football map. You had a wonderful run and the program indeed is light years better from when you got there. Happy Retirement ! |
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| Ashley (Pingree Grove):: Thank you for everything you have done for the NIU community. My husband played for you and I cheered for you and the boys at every game. NIU football will forever be a part of our lives. |
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| Jim (Birmingham, AL): Thanks for the unforgettable experience watching the Huskies defeat the Tide in Bryant Denny. I was happily one of many NIU fans there. Your shoes will be hard to fill. |
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| Kevin (Plainfield, IL): Coach Novak, you stand for everything that is good about college sports. You are a great leader and coach. We will miss you greatly. Thank you for reviving the NIU Huskie football program! |
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| john, freehold n j: coach
could not be prouder of what you have done for and contributed to niu's reputation. all the best-to the best |
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| Nikki (Beloit, WI): Thank you coach Novak thank you so much for taking the time while you were here to connect with the marching band! During my time in the Huskie Marching Band you always made a point to come to camp and get us pepped up. That really made us feel a part of athletics and supported by the team. |
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| Steven (Wheaton): Coach Joe, thanks for everything you have done for the football program and the University as a whole. You will be missed. |
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| Dan (Naperville): N= Number 1
O= Outstanding
V= Very Awesome
A= Amazing
K= Kool with a K
NOVAK= The best NIU Huskies coach to ever set foot in Huskie Stadium! |
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| Larry '80 ( Wheeling ): Thank you coach Novak for proving what could be done the right way. You gave fans a reason to cheer and the university the confidence to invest. |
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| Dan (St. Paul MN): Coach, thanks for all of your hard work and for pushing the NIU program to the top of the heap. A winning program is one thing these days, but doing it with style and with heart is quite another. You'll be missed. |
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| Eric H (Lake in the Hills): Thanks for putting NIU on the college football map! Enjoy your retirement and go huskies! |
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| Mark(Lombard): Enjoy your retirement an next chapter in your life. No others have done so much for so many young men, NIU alums and football fans. |
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| Ken L. (Roswell, GA): Coach..Thanks for 2003. You are all class. 'Old School' never goes out of style. Have a long and happy retirement. You deserve it! |
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| Gary (Oswego): I have been attending Huskie football games since my days as a student in the mid 80s and have missed only a handful of home games during the last 20+ years. The past 5-6 years have been quite a thrill ride and there has not been a better place to be on a Saturday afternoon than Huskie Stadium. I don't think we, as fans and alums, can fully express our gratitude for the impact you have had on our university. I, for one, have never been more proud to be a part of Huskie Nation. There will only be one Coach Joe. All the best, Coach. Go Huskies!!! |
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| Chris (Lake Zurich): Coach Novak, thank you for putting NIU on the map, and for representing the university with such character and class. You have made many NIU alums proud, and we wish you the best in your retirement. |
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| Brandon (Rockford): Coach you are made of class and greatness. I am glad to be a huskie since 2001. I have watched many games and even when we didn't have the best of records I never stopped believing in the program. You will be missed, thank you for the national exposure and the great memories. |
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| Mark Hopkins: Coach Joe:
Your vision lead NIU to a miraculous transformation of the football program and facilities. We will all miss you! |
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| Jeff (Downers Grove): Coach Novak,
Thanks so much for the past 12 years. Your efforts not only restored but elevated pride in this fantastic university. So many people "came back to NIU" because of you. It was a pleasure speaking with you when I had the opportunity, and an honor to watch your teams year after year take the field. I wish you and your wonderful wife the best in North Carolina and I hope to see you at a Huskie game or two in the future. Take care. |
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| Jim Keogh (Wheaton): Coach: Thank you for coaching our sons and also thank you for all you have done for college football. We have felt you are a friend and a great coach. Bless you and your family in the future. |
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| Mike Feinstein (Arlington Heights): You and Carol are wonderful people. Thank you for doing a great job at NIU.
All NIU fans will miss you. |
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| Jeff (Geneva): Coach Novak you were a class act! Thanks for the memories and that great Maryland home win! |
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| Joe Barry - Oxford, OH: Joe: Enjoy your much deserved retirement with Carol. You are a credit to the coaching profession. I look forward to seeing you along the way. Best wishes. |
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| Shelby (Schaumburg): Thank you Coach for all you have done for NIU and the football program. Your success with the football program have made me proud to announce to others that I'm an NIU alumni. |
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| Lena (Crystal Lake): There are no words left to say than thank you. Thank you for your love of football, for your honor of the game, for your respect for your players and fans, and for the hope and pride you have brought to NIU. THANK YOU!!! |
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| Mike '77 (Philadelphia): Coach - The NIU flag proudly flies on Saturdays in PA because of your leadership. Good luck in retirement. |
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| Rich (Bolingbrook): Coach Novak, congrats on your long and successful coaching career. Thanks for bringing the pride back to Huskie football. |
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| Bill (Darien): Thank You for turning NIU into a respectable football program. Your guidance on and off the field has help to create many collegiate athletes who will go on and make something out of theirselves. Thanks for a great 12 years coach Joe ! ! |
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| Rick (Spokane): Coach I know first hand the impact you have made on your players lives. Many know your great accomplishments on the field... and we are all very proud of that! The impact you have made on your players lives and their future will continue on forever! Thanks Coach and may your retirement be great. |
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| Matt McGhghy (Sycamore): Coach Novak, thanks for all the memories you have gave to me and my family from 2000-2004. You made winners out of your players on and off the field. What you have done for the surrounding community and Northern Illinois University is remarkable. I felt privileged to play for you as you taught me life lessons and turned myself into a man. May the world offer you and your wife a happy retirement as you well deserve it. I now proclaim Joe Novak day in Dekalb. Thanks again Joe, you will be missed. |
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| Larry (DeKalb): Coach, I have been attending NIU football games since the fall of 2001 and I can honestly say that it has been an honor and a privelage to witness the rejuvination of this football program. It is with a heavy heart that we say good bye to you as our head football coach. Coach Joe, we salute you!!! |
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| Ben (Galesburg): Congrats and thanks for the memories coach Novak. |
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| Matt (Gainesville, FL): I was in Grad school at Northern between 2000-2002 and had the opportunity to meet Coach Novak. There is not a classier coach in all of college football. |
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| bob azar #13: Coach....I personally want to thank you for the individual human development of my son STEVEN...second for the opportunity you gave him in his career. I live just outside of Austin Texas so PLEASE if your ever in the area MY HOME IS YOUR HOME.... NOW CAN WE RETIRE THE NUMBER 13?
Thanks for the memories.. |
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| Al Rood ( arlington heights: Coach Nov's You are the MAN! Thanks for creating a tradition in so many people take a part of with in Illinois. Your goal was to push people to become better people and you succeeded through all these messages. Congrats coach and Good luck with all in future. |
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| Jeff (Dana Point, CA): Coach Novak, Thank you for the respect, dignity, and pride you brought to our university. Your legacy will remain. |
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| Merlin (Spring Grove): Thanks for making me an honorary Husky. Can't wait to see you again soon! |
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| George Bork (Spring Grove): You brought me back on to the NIU campus after too many years away. Good luck and God bless. You did things the right way! |
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| Denny & Judy (amboy): Thanks Joe for all the ways you have helped NIU and the lives of the young people on campus. Enjoy your retirement and God Bless |
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| Andy Padulo(Calexico,Ca.): Joe, thanks for putting NIU football back on the map!!
Your good friend Andy Padulo
class 1997. |
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| Charles Achilles (Downers Grove): I interviewed Joe and Carole for the head coaching job 12 years ago. Joe promised he would turn the program around and he did it. Congratulations! |
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| Kurt (Madison, WI): Thanks for all the success, and memories you've created for me as a fan. You'll be missed. Take care and God bless. |
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