Independence Bowl Blog Check in daily (or more!) with Assistant Director of Media Relations Russell Houghtaling, who is traveling with the Northern Illinois football team to Shreveport, La. for the 33rd Annual Independence Bowl, where the Huskies will battle Louisiana Tech, Dec. 28 at 7 p.m.
Dec. 29, 2008
Day Seven - Final Entry - 9:12 p.m.
We're back in DeKalb, and I think most of us couldn't be happier. Everyone loved our time in Shreveport, but a week away from home, especially over the holidays, was plenty.
I'll let you make your own judgments on the game; I'll just say this: I know, from standing on the sideline for all 60 minutes, that every kid played his heart out. That includes Huskies and Bulldogs.
Postgame, Coach Kill thanked the seniors for setting the bar for the younger guys, and showing them what "work ethic" really means. Those seniors could've packed it in after a tough 2-10 season last year, but they came back and fought hard for a new coach to get the Huskies to their third bowl game in five years. Congratulations and a big Huskie thank you to the seniors for all they've done for the NIU Football program.
I mentioned it in my last blog, but it bears repeating how awesome the city of Shreveport, and the Independence Bowl treated us. We were truly guests in a terrific American city, where the people treated us beautifully and the student-athletes got to experience so much that they may never have otherwise. Many never would have had the opportunity to tour an Air Force base, or tried gumbo. Others would not have been deeply moved by a visit to a children's hospital.
Those experiences, among many others, helped this group grow as a team and as a family. I was lucky enough to be a small part of that growth, and I know that every fan that kept up with this blog, watched the game on TV, or made the long trek to Shreveport for the game, was a part of that process as well.
Here's wishing all of the Huskie Family a safe and happy new year. Thanks for reading. If you'd like to see more content like this at www.niuhuskies.com, please let us know by clicking here. Remember, the basketball and wrestling seasons are in full swing, and gymnastics starts up in January. We'll see you at the game!
RH
