DeKALB, Ill. – During his tenure as head coach of the Northern Illinois University Huskies from 1980-83, the late Bill Mallory led NIU Football to its first Mid-American Conference Championship and first bowl as a "major college" program.  In honor of his impact on the Huskie Football program and his many contributions to college football, Northern Illinois University Athletics has announced the creation of the Bill Mallory Legacy Scholarship.
 
"Bill Mallory was one of the most respected and successful college football coaches of his era, helping build four FBS teams [Miami (OH), Colorado, NIU, and Indiana] into successful, championship-caliber programs," said NIU Associate Vice President and Director of Athletics Sean T. Frazier.  "The success of NIU Football over the years can be traced to principles Coach Mallory established here nearly 40 years ago, and we are so honored to be able to honor his legacy with a scholarship in his name."
 
A member of the NIU Athletics Hall of Fame, Coach Mallory spent four years at NIU (1980-83), compiling a record of 25-19 in DeKalb.  Prior to his arrival, NIU had experienced just two winning seasons as a major college program.  Mallory's 1983 Huskies' made history with a season-opening win at Kansas, NIU's first over a Big Eight (now Big 12) program. The team posted an 8-1 record in the MAC to claim the Huskies' first conference title in its history as a "Major College" (now Football Bowl Subdivision) program.  The 10-2 season of '83 concluded with NIU's first FBS bowl appearance – in the California Bowl - and first bowl win, a 20-13 victory over Cal State Fullerton.
 
"Our time at NIU and in DeKalb was very special to Bill and so memorable for the Mallory family," said Mallory's widow, Ellie.  "The 1983 season was magical, and it helped create a bond between Bill, the players and the university that would last a lifetime.  I know Bill would be humbled and honored by this scholarship at NIU."
 
Successful and universally respected, "Coach Mal" was an even better person, leaving an indelible mark on student-athletes, coaches, administrators and countless others whose lives he touched.  One of the most successful coaches in MAC history, who led two league programs to championships, Mallory passed away last May at the age of 82.  Last summer, NIU and Miami created the Mallory Cup, presented to the winner of football games between the two league schools. 
 
"I had the good fortune to coach at NIU under Joe Novak, and Huskie Football is a great program with high-quality student-athletes," said Mike Mallory, one of the Mallory's sons and an assistant coach with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars.  "My family and I are honored that a scholarship in my dad's name will help an NIU student-athlete pursue his dreams on the football field and in his chosen field of study."
 
This scholarship will be awarded to a football student-athlete who demonstrates dedication to the Huskie football team and intercollegiate athletics program through selflessness, positive attitude and commitment to his team and community service.  
 
Those who played for Mallory at NIU believe the Legacy Scholarship is a fitting tribute to an individual who influenced so many people throughout his lifetime.
 
"The impact Coach Mal had on me and my family is beyond measure," said NIU Hall of Fame kicker Vince Scott.  "He was more than my coach and a mentor – Coach was a close friend and a confidante.  The Bill Mallory Legacy Scholarship will help preserve his memory and provide opportunities for deserving Huskie student-athletes for years to come."
 
To date the Bill Mallory Legacy Scholarship has received $42,000 in commitments from Sean and Rosa Frazier, Rod and Tonya Carey, Dave and Karen Heide, Vince and Kelly Scott, and First National Bank.
 
To contribute to the Bill Mallory Legacy Scholarship click here or contact the Huskie Athletic Fund at (815) 753-1923.  
 
-- NIU --