Let's start this edition of Frazier's Corner with a little "Did You Know?" 

Did you know, at the midway point of the Mid-American Conference basketball schedule, the NIU men's and women's basketball teams are each tied for the West Division lead?

Did you know, the NIU women's team takes on Ball State Saturday in a battle of the two top teams in the MAC?

Did you know, under second-year head coach Lisa Carlsen, the NIU women are ranked THIRD in the nation in scoring behind only Baylor and Maryland, averaging 88.5 points per game with six players scoring in double figures?

Did you know, that seven of the top 10 players on Mark Montgomery's NIU men's team – which is currently 12-8 on the year overall - are freshmen or sophomores? 

How about a little historical perspective? The Huskie men's team is actually enjoying one of the most successful stretches IN ITS HISTORY! NIU's 62 wins over the last four seasons (from 2013-14 through today), are the most wins since the Huskies won 64 games between 1992-93 and 1995-96. 

On the women's side, with just ONE more win, NIU will have its most wins in eight seasons! With two more victories, it will be the most wins by the Huskies on the women's side in 10 years, since the 2006-07 team went 19-12.  

It wasn't too long ago – five years in fact – that the NIU men's and women's basketball teams COMBINED for just 12 wins all season!  Today, with nearly six weeks of basketball left, both teams are poised to have a winning season. It would mark the first time since 1994-95 – 22 YEARS! - that BOTH NIU basketball teams have had a winning record in the same season. Think about that!

Then, think about coming out and supporting these student-athletes and coaches at the Convocation Center this season. The men have a huge game versus MAC leader Akron at home on Tuesday night, January 31; then on Saturday, February 4, help us "Cram the Convo." 

If you come out just once this year (and I hope that's not the case), February 4 is the day to be here. First, it's Alumni Day for both programs. The NIU women's team has been celebrating the 60^th Anniversary of women's basketball all season, and for this game, they will be wearing throwback uniforms honoring those early 90s NCAA Tournament teams. The jerseys are being auctioned off to support women's basketball. There are pre- and post-game receptions in the South Lobby so come out, greet the alumni pregame and meet our current team and coaches following the game. Tipoff for the game versus Western Michigan is at 1 p.m.

During the men's game, we will honor NIU Hall of Fame Coach John McDougal, who passed away late last year, with a special video tribute.  Coach Mac's family will be on hand as will several of his former players.  I think it will be a special afternoon as the Huskies take on Eastern Michigan beginning at approximately 3:30 p.m.   

The NIU Alumni Association is holding its Spring Homecoming event in Victor E. Court on that day, so be sure and check that out. Tickets for the "Cram the Convo" doubleheader are just $5 and provide admission to both games of the Huskie basketball doubleheader as well as the women's basketball receptions!

Of course, basketball isn't all we've got going on this winter. Wrestling and gymnastics are in the middle of their competition seasons with some excellent results to date. Remember, their home meets are always free to attend. Indoor track and field is off and running – literally – and looking forward to move even higher in the MAC standings after record-setting results in the Championship meets a year ago.

Although it doesn't feel like it now, spring IS just around the corner. The NIU tennis dual match seasons for both men and women are underway, with golf, baseball and softball soon to follow! Every team is back on campus for the spring semester, practicing in the Chessick Practice Center, or on the tennis courts opened last year in Chick Evans Fieldhouse. 

The thought of spring reminds me to remind you that registration is now open for the Second Annual Victor E. Ball (see link above) set for April 29, 2017 in the Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center. Many attended the inaugural Victor E. Ball, which was held at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove in November of 2015. For this year, we've come back to campus determined to make the 2017 Victor E. Ball bigger and better!  If you cannot clear that date on your calendar, I hope you will consider sponsoring a student-athlete and/or participating in the online silent auction. See the website for more information on all of the ways you can get involved in helping us ensure NIU student-athletes have the best possible experience.

Just a few weeks later, we'll be back at Rich Harvest Farms for the 2017 Men's and Women's NCAA Golf Championships from May 19-31 (see link above). Tickets are on sale now, and of course we still need volunteers. We want to make this the best NCAA Golf Championships ever.
 
Don't forget to be on the lookout for the 2017 Huskie Athletic Fund Donor Guide and season ticket renewal forms and I look forward to seeing many of you at the Convo next Saturday!

Go Huskies!





Sean T. Frazier
Associate Vice-President & Director of Athletics