Dec. 11, 2009
DEKALB, Ill. - Whether it was a release of nervous energy from the end of finals week or the fact that it was the first practice for the Northern Illinois University football team in two weeks, the Huskies turned in a spirited 90-minute workout at the DeKalb Sports and Recreation Center Friday afternoon.
NIU head football coach Jerry Kill and his staff conducted their first practice in preparation for the International Bowl (January 2, 2010, 11 a.m. CST), spending 16 periods getting the Huskies back into football shape after a brief respite from the practice field. Kill returned to what he did during summer camp, working the veterans for about 10 periods, then spending the remainder of practice working with the younger players.
"We're trying to play them back into shape," Kill said. "I don't believe in just lining up and running across the field. We put their pads on and let them play. Also, we got to see the two young quarterbacks do some things today. I was excited about that."
The Huskies have 13 more practices scheduled before boarding the team charter and heading to Toronto. Kill, who visited the city for a press conference and site visit in the middle of the week, raved about the International Bowl's host city.
"Everything we experienced was first class," he said. "It's a beautiful city. If I were a fan, it would be hard for me not to go because of what the city has to offer."
Northern Illinois Athletics has made it easy for fans to travel to the 2010 International Bowl and watch the Huskies take on South Florida. Fans can choose from two travel packages, so they can pick the bowl experience that is right for them.
The first includes transportation from the Convocation Center in DeKalb or from Oakbrook, Ill. to Toronto, two nights (double occupancy) at the team hotel, a lower bowl ticket to the game in the NIU section, access to the HASF/Alumni Tailgate, an International Bowl t-shirt, and a special bowl gift for $428. The second package mirrors the first, but is designed for fans that will make their own way to Toronto. It does not include the bus trip, and is available for $245.
Fans can order either package online or by calling the Huskie Athletics Scholarship Fund at (815) 753-1923. For more information on NIU's trip to the International Bowl, the game, purchasing tickets and fan packages, go to www.niuhuskies.com and click on "Bowl Central."
-NIU-
