DEKALB, Ill. – Voting is now open for the 2018 Play of the Year, which will be presented at the ninth annual awards show, "The Victors", at the Sandburg Auditorium Thursday, May 3 at 7 p.m.
 
This year's nominees are Hope Schmelzle becoming NIU's first All-American in track & field, Shawun Lurry's 87-yard interception return for a touchdown in the win at Nebraska, Kelly Smith's buzzer beater in women's basketball's victory over Western Illinois, Eugene German's game-winning shot in the men's basketball overtime win over Buffalo, Nolan Baker's pin of the No. 4-ranked wrestler at the MAC Championships and Anna Martucci's school record 9.975 floor routine.
 
Voting on the six semifinalists will be conducted on NIUHuskies.com and is open until midnight, May 1. The top two plays will then be voted on, through @NIUAthletics, from noon to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 3 and the winning play announced at "The Victors".
 
Free to the public, the all-sports ESPY-esque awards show celebrates the academic, athletic and community service accomplishments of this year's student-athletes. The red carpet will be rolled out and the doors open at 6 p.m. to begin the social hour with the student-athletes, coaches and athletics staff.
 
More than 20 different awards including male and female athlete of the year, newcomer of the year, along with Mr. and Miss Victor E. Huskie, an award given to student-athletes who represent commitment to developing as a champion in the classroom, in competition and in life. Results from the 2017 spring, 2017 fall and 2017-18 winter sports were considered in the nominations.

-NIU-