Hello Huskies!
 
At NIU Athletics, November is what is known as a "crossover" month. That is when MACtion meets basketball season meets soccer and volleyball tournament time, and there is nothing to do but take a deep breath and fully embrace the hectic pace of a week – like this one – when there is a new game every day.
 
I encourage you to check out the just released 2021-22 NIU Athletics Annual Report. This comprehensive look at the 2021-22 year details the athletic and academic accomplishments of NIU teams and individuals, from conference titles to NCAA qualifiers to national honors, including the Huskies' historic NCAA and MOAA Award for Diversity and Inclusion, and more. Plus, see the advancements made in areas like mental health support, facilities and fundraising during what was, overall, one of the most successful years on record for Huskie Athletics during my tenure. While we are always "moving forward," producing an Annual Report is important as it provides a comprehensive and transparent summary – in one document – of the department's accomplishments.    
 
I hope you're taking advantage of our Huskie "Howl-idays" to get out and support our teams and student-athletes this week. We had an exciting start to the women's basketball home schedule last Saturday with a big win over DePaul in the Convocation Center, NIU's first win over the Blue Demons since 1994.  The Huskie men, meanwhile, earned their first victory of the season Monday night with a win over Purdue Northwest. We've already seen several newcomers make a big impact and it's going to be fun to see this team come together.   
 
After this week, both of our basketball teams become road warriors! The men play eight straight road games, beginning Thursday at Georgia Tech and are on the road for 11 of 12 games between now and January 10th. Between now and December 20th when they return to the Convo to face Albany, NIU will play eight games in seven states and travel approximately 16,000 miles!  Following Thursday's home game versus Western Illinois, the Huskie women will play the next five games on the road, including a Thanksgiving tournament at Navy, before returning home for the last time in 2022 on December 17.
 
Huskie Football plays both of its last two games of the season at home this year, beginning Wednesday (tomorrow) night versus Miami (Ohio) at 6 p.m. The Mallory Cup, our newest "trophy" game, is special because of the man we honor, the late Coach Bill Mallory, who led both NIU and Miami to MAC Championships during his time leading the programs. I was fortunate to be able to meet Coach Mallory, who was not afraid to "tell it like it is!" The love and respect that his former players have for him is evident every time you talk to them.
 
We will see you at Huskie Stadium on Wednesday night and again on Saturday, November 26 at 12:30 p.m. as we celebrate Senior Day. Yes, you read that right. We will celebrate Senior Day on a Saturday this year with a day game in November versus Akron! While the results have not been what they planned, this football team has lived the "next man up" mentality while dealing with multiple key injuries, worked extremely hard and battled every day and every game.
 
Another hard-working team – men's soccer – will begin play in a new league in 2023 as the Mid-American Conference has suspended sponsorship of men's soccer with only four full league members currently fielding a men's soccer team.  Thankfully, we have found an excellent new home for the NIU men's soccer program in the Missouri Valley Conference, which will be a 10-team league next year with the addition of NIU and fellow former MAC teams Western Michigan and Bowling Green. The MVC provides the opportunity for multiple in-state and regional games, including UIC, Bradley, Drake and SIU Edwardsville.    
 
While looking ahead to next week's Thanksgiving holiday, I want to express again how thankful all of us at NIU Athletics are for you, Huskie Nation. I don't have to look any further than the recently completed Huskies Invest campaign as this year's Week of Giving resulted in OVER $1 million in support of Huskie student-athletes. Your support truly makes a difference!
 
Go Huskies!
 
 




Sean T. Frazier
Vice President/Director of Athletics and Recreation