April 29, 2008
DeKALB, Ill. - Northern Illinois elevated assistant coaches from the baseball, volleyball and wrestling programs to the level of associate head coach Tuesday.
The promotions for Kirstine Jensen of volleyball, Steve Joslyn of baseball, and Ryan Ludwig of wrestling, reward each for their committed service and outstanding performance as assistant coaches.
Joslyn, the longest tenured of the three, serves as the team's third base coach, recruiting coordinator, and arranges team defense, working with infielders and outfielders. Joslyn, who arrived in DeKalb in 2003, also places Huskie players into summer leagues and oversees the annual NIU baseball camp.
"Promoting Steve Joslyn is a well-earned move and the right move," said NIU head baseball coach Ed Mathey. "He has been part of our staff for six years and performed above and beyond the level of his job responsibilities throughout his time here."
Jensen came to the Huskie volleyball program in 2005 and immediately made an impact as Northern Illinois won the 2006 Mid-American Conference West Division title for the first time since 2001. Her recruiting ability has also helped attract talented student-athletes, such as two-time Second-Team All-MAC and 2006 MAC All-Freshman selection Meagan Schoenrock.
"This title is long over due for Kirstine," said head volleyball coach Ray Gooden. "Since day one, she has brought a wealth of experience and energy to our program. This title is just a way to show how important she is to our program."
Ludwig has served as the primary recruiter for the Huskie wrestling program since his arrival in 2005. Eight high school All-Americans have come to Northern Illinois during his tenure, and NIU's current roster includes wrestlers who won 29 state high school titles.
"Over the last three years, Ryan has embedded himself in NIU wrestling and become an integral part of this program," head wrestling coach Dave Grant said. "He embodies the overall goals and mission of the NIU athletic department."
NIU baseball currently sits at second in the conference standings. Wrestling finished third in the Mid-American Conference, while volleyball placed fourth in the MAC West.
