Aug. 10, 2007

DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois' football team donned full pads for the first time this season, working out for just over two hours on a warm and sunny Friday afternoon at Huskie Stadium. The ability to practice in full-contact mode gave the coaches a new perspective on the team.

"You look a lot different in pads than you do in shorts," said head coach Joe Novak. "We pushed our team hard today and we saw that we have got to get more mentally tough. They have to be able to push through being tired and working in the heat and a lot of that comes from being young."

After four consecutive evening workouts in helmets and shorts, the Huskies were ready to begin hitting.

"It feels good to get out there and being able to hit," said junior defensive tackle Craig Rusch (Hilbert, Wisc./Hilbert). "After a long offseason and working hard without contact it is good to be back in the swing of things."

With the contact and the first week of training camp comes some bumps and bruises.

"We've got a couple of injuries, but nothing serious," said Novak. "It's a couple of hamstrings and things like that here and there."

The Huskies wrap up their first week of practice Saturday with the first double session of 2007. NIU will practice at 8:30 a.m. and again at 3:30 p.m.

Northern Illinois opens the 2007 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 at Chicago's Soldier Field versus Iowa. The sold-out game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. and will be televised by ESPNU. The Huskie Stadium opener will take place Saturday, Sept. 8 versus in-state foe Southern Illinois. Season tickets for NIU's five Huskie Stadium games are on sale now for just $95 at www.niuhuskies.com or by calling the Athletics Ticket Office at 815-752-6800.