The Northern Illinois softball team opened play at the MAC Tournament today against Miami (OH). in Akron, Ohio. The Huskies lost a heartbreaking 2-1 decision, but with the tournament format of double-elimination, the Huskies still have a shot. You can relive the game with the Huskie Gameday Blog. Also, you can view the bracket. Like we mentioned, the Huskies had won three-straight, which helped freshman Morgan Bittner to a MAC West Pitcher of the Week award last week. Hopefully, they can get back on the winning track tomorrow!

Northern Illinois assistant men's basketball coach Sundance Wicks is a man of many talents and expertise.  During his high school athletic days at Campbell County High School in Gillette, Wyoming, Wicks was part of a "triple crown" of domination.  As a standout wide receiver, he helped lead the Camels to the 1999 state championship (their first in 30 years), and also was a part of state championship teams in both basketball and track and field.  He was named Wyoming's Millward Simpson Athlete of the Year as a senior.    

Wicks' expertise in track and field is on the hurdles, where he also was an all-conference performer at his alma mater, Northern State University.  That was after not running or practicing hurdles for two years, while he was playing professional basketball in Sweden's top division.  He returned to Northern State to begin his graduate assistantship under legendary head coach Don Meyer, but decided to "give the conference championships a shot" in his last semester of college eligibility.  He beat every hurdler on his own team, and in the league, to chalk up one more honor.  I'm sure his teammates that had been practicing all season were happy for him.

Why is this relevant to Huskie Happenings?  To celebrate the NIU track and field team's first home meet in more than 30 years, Wicks will be the PA Announcer at the event.  He wanted to re-live some of that track glory, and everyone else was going home for Mother's Day, so we decided to give him a shot.  Make sure to come out and support the Huskies Saturday!