Staff Profile
Josh Walfish –– Sports Editor
Josh Walfish is the Sports editor of The Daily and a Medill junior. His past positions include Gameday editor. He is from Rockville, Md., and has interned for RantSports.
Lacrosse: Northwestern routs Penn State to advance to 9th straight Final Four
May 18, 2013
Filed under Lacrosse, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories
It took No. 2 Northwestern four minutes to score, and from there the Wildcats never let up. NU scored five times before Penn State even manufactured a shot as the Cats advanced to their ninth consecutive Final Four with a 15-7 win over the Nittany Lions on Saturday night. “We came out strong... Read more »
Football: Big Ten releases 2014 schedule
May 16, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The Big Ten this morning released Northwestern's 2014 conference schedule. The Wildcats will open with a road game Sept. 27 at Penn State followed by their home opener a week later against Wisconsin. NU will also visit Minnesota, Iowa and Purdue and host Nebraska, Michigan and Illinois. The Cats will... Read more »
Walfish: Use of selection committees risks contradictory decisions
May 14, 2013
Filed under Columns, Sports
Most college sports use a selection committee to decide which teams will compete for the national title. For the most part, the handful of people do a good job at selecting the teams, but when the bubble gets involved, it gets a little dicey. How do you judge two teams that never played on the field... Read more »
Football: Chicago Bears sign former Northwestern receiver Demetrius Fields
May 13, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The number of Northwestern alumni in the NFL grew a little Monday when the Chicago Bears announced they have signed Demetrius Fields. The wide receiver was one of 33 players the Bears invited to their rookie camp and one of the four the team signed. Fields played in all of the Wildcats' 52 games... Read more »
Actress Jami Gertz discusses being Jewish in entertainment industry
May 9, 2013
Filed under Campus, Events, Speakers
Actress Jami Gertz did not learn much from her appearance in the 2006 comedy “Keeping Up with the Steins.” Speaking Thursday to more than 40 people in Annie May Swift Hall, the actress admitted she may have gone a tad overboard with her son’s bar mitzvah party, much like her character Joanne... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern ready to face heat in Big Ten kitchen
May 6, 2013
Filed under Sports
If there were a time for the Wildcats to silence their critics, it would be 2013. Northwestern has a legitimate shot to start off the football season 4-0 before squaring off with The Ohio State, and please put emphasis on “the.” For those of you who claim the Cats have accomplished the feat before,... Read more »
Football: Kain Colter excelling on different green this offseason
May 6, 2013
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories
Northwestern has come to expect senior quarterback Kain Colter to succeed on the green of a gridiron. However, he has also found a lot of success on the putting green. Although Colter may play football for the Wildcats, he claims golf may be his better sport. The Daily caught up with Colter after practice... Read more »
ETHS graduate gets second chance at military life
May 5, 2013
Filed under City, Local
A year after being rejected by the U.S. Air Force Academy, Philip Strunk realized he was not ready for military life. But after spending a year at a military prep school, the Evanston Township High School graduate finally got a nomination from Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) to the Air Force Academy,... Read more »
Walfish: Give women's golf some love, Wildcats fans
May 1, 2013
Filed under Golf, Sports, Spring Sports
Emily Fletcher could probably walk around campus freely without causing a hubbub or getting much attention. That seems odd for a coach who's been named the Big Ten Coach of the Year two of the past three years. It seems strange that a coach who has guided Northwestern to four consecutive postseason... Read more »
Updated: World of Beer calls off Illinois' Coaches Caravan stop
May 1, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
Update, 8:30 p.m.: World of Beer owner Ted Mavrakis said his decision was influenced by the student response. "I don't want to alienate the community in which we live, so I made the decision," Mavrakis said. Original story: Illinois is not coming to Evanston after all. A week after the... Read more »
World of Beer cancels Illinois coaches' event
May 1, 2013
Filed under Sports, Top Stories
Illinois is not coming to Evanston after all. A week after the Fighting Illini announced a May 8 stop on their Coaches Caravan tour at World of Beer, the downtown Evanston bar has called off the event. Owner Ted Mavrakis said his decision to cancel the rally was influenced by Northwestern students... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern holds on to crucial win over DePaul
April 30, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports
The two teams were nearly identical on paper. DePaul came to Evanston with a 28-18 record and took on Northwestern, which also boasted an 28-18 record. The Blue Demons handed the ball to pitcher Kirsten Verdun, who had a 20-10 record. The Wildcats sent sophomore ace pitcher Amy Letourneau to the circle... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern makes out like bandits with new divisions
April 30, 2013
Filed under Football, Sports
We all knew new divisions were coming for Big Ten football. We all knew geography was going to be an issue. And we all know the trio of Morton Schapiro, Jim Phillips and Pat Fitzgerald was jumping for joy. Northwestern will be in the West Division when the new alignment is rolled out for the 2014... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern uses sixth-inning rallies to sweep Purdue
April 29, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories
Nothing is ever easy with Northwestern this year. The Wildcats, who have made a habit of scoring runs late to win games, scored 4 in the sixth inning Friday and 5 in the sixth frame Sunday to finish a sweep of Purdue. The three wins move NU (28-18, 12-7 Big Ten) closer to the fourth seed and a bye... Read more »
Football: Wildcats set to host Buckeyes in prime-time matchup
April 29, 2013
Filed under Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern will take on Ohio State at home Oct. 5 before a prime-time audience, ESPN announced this afternoon. The contest will kick off at 7 p.m. and likely feature two top-20 teams in a conference showdown. It will air on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2, with the decision being made in the fall. The game... Read more »
Illinois athletic event in Evanston stirs controversy
April 26, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The Northwestern-Illinois rivalry is heating up, but not on the football field or basketball court. The Fighting Illini announced Wednesday they will bring their annual coaches caravan to Evanston with a May 8 stop at World of Beer, 1601 Sherman Ave. The event will feature appearances by football... Read more »
Softball: Drohans unite in face of sickness, death
April 25, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Top Stories
John Drohan has had many second chances in his life. In 1984, the father of Northwestern softball coaches Kate and Caryl Drohan underwent a heart transplant, which at the time was an extremely risky procedure. He had a 50 percent chance to live two years after the surgery. Yet 20 years later, John... Read more »
Softball: Offense stagnates as Northwestern drops pair to Wisconsin
April 24, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports
Northwestern started well in both games of its doubleheader with Wisconsin. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, innings two through seven weren’t as gratuitous. The Cats struck for their only runs in the first inning of both games but were unable to hold onto the leads in either contest, falling 3-1... Read more »
Walfish: Lacrosse's loss to Florida will serve as inspiration for Northwestern
April 23, 2013
Filed under Lacrosse, Sports, Spring Sports
For diehard Northwestern fans, the football team didn’t play on Nov. 10, 2012. The Wildcats’ heartbreaking loss to Michigan on that day is affectionately known to some fans as the “Amnesia Bowl” because of their desire to forget it. NU lacrosse fans will be blacking out Saturday’s 22-4 loss... Read more »
Walfish: Wrigley Field proves to be 'Friendly Confines' for Wildcats
April 21, 2013
Filed under Baseball, Sports, Spring Sports
I have never heard 4,197 people sound so loud. The souls that braved the cold weather and Chicago winds to watch Northwestern beat Michigan 6-0 on Saturday were heard, even if it was difficult to see them among the green seats at Wrigley Field. For a ballpark that holds more than 40,000 people,... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Senior forward Drew Crawford staying at Northwestern
April 19, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Senior forward Drew Crawford announced today he will return to Northwestern for his fifth season of eligibility after receiving a medical hardship waiver. "We're all thrilled that Drew has decided to remain here at Northwestern for his fifth year," coach Chris Collins said in a news release. "It... Read more »
Women's Tennis: Northwestern ends season with Hoosier State opponents
April 18, 2013
Filed under Sports, Spring Sports, Tennis, Women's Tennis
The Wildcats could be in unfamiliar territory come Sunday. Northwestern may battle for the No. 3 seed instead of one of the top-2 seeds as the team travels to Purdue on Friday before hosting Indiana in Sunday's regular season finale. The Cats have been either the No. 1 or the No. 2 seed every year... Read more »
Walfish: Sports is chicken soup for Boston's soul
April 17, 2013
Filed under Sports
Monday was supposed to be the best sports day all year in Boston. When I lived in the Boston area, the annual Patriots’ Day tradition, which included the running of the Boston Marathon and the Boston Red Sox playing at 11 a.m., was my favorite day of the year. In my five years living in the area,... Read more »
Football: Tony Jones discusses music, study habits
April 17, 2013
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Stories
Northwestern's passing game had an off year in 2012, but the Wildcats still return a lot of talented receivers for the 2013 season. Junior Tony Jones will be one of the main vertical threats for the quarterback duo of senior Kain Colter and junior Trevor Siemian. Last year, Jones made 29 catches for... Read more »
Football: Fitzgerald changes spring practice, happy with results
April 15, 2013
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Stories
Coach Pat Fitzgerald sounded as loud and vibrant as ever as he met the media toward the end of spring practice Saturday. It was an unusual sound for the coach, who admitted he normally does not have much of a voice after spring practice because of all the screaming he does. However, the coach's healthy... Read more »
Women's Tennis: Wildcats shake off loss, prepare for weekend roadtrip
April 11, 2013
Filed under Sports, Spring Sports, Tennis, Women's Tennis
A team can be judged by its ability to bounce back from a tough defeat. Northwestern's last match did not end the way it hoped, dropping a 4-3 thriller to Michigan on Sunday. Despite losing a second conference match for the first time since 2003, the Wildcats have maintained their focus on finishing... Read more »
ESPN's Adam Schefter returns to Northwestern to discuss career, give job tips
April 10, 2013
Filed under Campus, Speakers, Top Stories
ESPN reporter Adam Schefter earned his masters degree at Northwestern but never claimed his diploma. Schefter (Medill '90) left the graduate journalism program early to pursue an internship in Seattle. He called not attending his graduation ceremony and receiving his diploma one of the biggest regrets... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern demonstrates good rivalry etiquette
April 10, 2013
Filed under Sports
Every school has its arch-rival. Duke has North Carolina. Michigan has Ohio State. Alabama has Auburn. Oklahoma has Texas. The list is endless. Yet, I came to Northwestern not sure which school fit on the other side of the equation. I assumed Illinois was the answer, but it felt like we cared more... Read more »
Football: Chance Carter talks love for hockey, advantages of being close to home
April 8, 2013
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
Northwestern must replace two defensive linemen after Brian Arnfelt and Quentin Williams graduate this spring. However, the Wildcats have some experienced players returning, including junior defensive tackle Chance Carter. The Evanston native played in all 13 games during the Cats’ 2012 campaign, compiling... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern's Amy Letourneau notches second no-hitter in two weeks in sweep of Illinois
April 7, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Top Stories
Northwestern’s hitters proved over the weekend they can match the dominating efforts of the pitchers. The Wildcats’ pitching staff held Illinois’ hitters in check for almost the entire weekend, and the lineup showed its might as NU (19-14, 5-3 Big Ten) completed its three-game sweep of the... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Tavaras Hardy stays on Northwestern staff
April 5, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Latest Stories, Men's Basketball, Wildcat Extra
In his first move as Northwestern's men's basketball coach, Chris Collins retained Tavaras Hardy on the coaching staff. Hardy was a part of Bill Carmody's staff for the past seven seasons, including the past two years as associate head coach. The former Wildcats player was instrumental in recruiting... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern athletic department showcases lighter side with Chris Collins announcement
April 3, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Latest Stories, Men's Basketball, Sports
Teasing tweets and cheeky references to the conclave colored Northwestern's roll-out of the new men's basketball coach last week. NU’s athletic department has been expanding its social media presence and was up to its usual tricks when it unveiled Chris Collins as the Wildcats’ new leader. The... Read more »
Softball: Amy Letourneau sweeps national weekly accolades
April 2, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Amy Letourneau's performance last weekend got the attention of the national softball community. The sophomore won both the Louisville Slugger/NFCA and USA Softball College player of the week honors for the week of March 25-31. She began the week with her first collegiate no-hitter Friday in a 6-2... Read more »
Walfish: Chris Collins understands Northwestern's needs
April 2, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports
Chris Collins gets it. If his remarks at an introductory news conference Tuesday are any indication, the new men’s basketball coach understands what Northwestern needs. Collins is aware the team has to establish a culture of success and associate that narrative with NU basketball. He understands... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern to introduce new coach Chris Collins on Tuesday
April 1, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports
Northwestern will officially introduce new men's basketball coach Chris Collins on Tuesday, the latest chapter in the athletic department's fast-moving quest to replace Bill Carmody. The 11 a.m. news conference comes two days after Duke, where Collins was an assistant, failed to reach the Final Four... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Duke's Chris Collins named next Northwestern head coach
March 27, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
Chris Collins will be the next head coach of the Northwestern men’s basketball team. The NU athletic department announced tonight it has hired the 38-year-old associate head coach at Duke to replace Bill Carmody, who was fired earlier this month after leading the Wildcats to a 13-19 record in the... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern shortstop Emily Allard out for season with undisclosed injury
March 27, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Senior Emily Allard will miss the remainder of the 2013 season after reaggravating an undisclosed injury at the beginning of the season. The shortstop will request a medical hardship waiver. She has only played in six of Northwestern's first 26 games this season, hitting .263 with three runs scored... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Athletic director Jim Phillips talks decision to fire Bill Carmody
March 16, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories, Winter Sports
It didn't take long after Northwestern's loss in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament for athletic director Jim Phillips to make his decision on coach Bill Carmody’s future. Less than two days after the Wildcats ended their season with a 73-59 loss to Iowa in the conference tournament, Phillips... Read more »
Updated: Men's Basketball: Alumni, media, Big Ten coaches react to Carmody decision
March 16, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Latest Stories, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Updated, 6:45 p.m. Saturday: With the Big Ten Tournament in full swing in Chicago, the coaches of the four teams in the semifinals used their postgame press conferences to weigh in on Bill Carmody’s dismissal. All four talked about their tremendous amount of respect for the former Northwestern coach. Tom... Read more »
Updated: Men's Basketball: Bill Carmody fired after 13 seasons
March 16, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
Bill Carmody has been fired after 13 seasons as the head coach of Northwestern's men's basketball team. At a news conference this evening, athletic director Jim Phillips said NU expects all its coaches to compete for conference and national trophies. Under Carmody's leadership, the Wildcats never... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern can't compete with Iowa on the glass
March 14, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Latest Stories, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern knew it would have issues on the glass after Jared Swopshire went down. The graduate student had the highest rebounding average for an NU player since Evan Eschmeyer in 1999. However, the Wildcats' woes on the board came back to haunt them in the Big Ten Tournament. Iowa outrebounded... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern set to face Iowa in Round 1 of Big Ten Tournament
March 14, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
No. 11 seed Northwestern will take on No. 6 seed Iowa in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament at the United Center in Chicago on Thursday night. The first time the Wildcats took on the Hawkeyes this season was in mid-January, when NU still had a winning record (10-6 at the time). The matchup... Read more »
Northwestern to open Wrigley partnership with prime-time match-up
March 11, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The Wildcats will begin their partnership with the Chicago Cubs under the lights at Wrigley Field. Northwestern announced today its baseball game against Michigan on April 20 will start at 6:05 p.m. Tickets, which are $7 for both non-students and students, go on sale Friday. “We’re so grateful... Read more »
Men's Basketball: No. 10 Michigan State outlasts Northwestern in regular season finale
March 10, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern nearly had the storybook ending to the season it was looking for. The Wildcats, losers of seven straight games entering East Lansing, Mich., trailed the Spartans by as many as 13 in the first half. Yet, with 5 minutes and 44 seconds remaining to play in regulation, No. 10 Michigan State... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern loss overshadows Marcotullio's career night
March 7, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Thursday night belonged to Alex Marcotullio. The senior guard’s final game at Welsh-Ryan Arena will be memorable despite the fact Northwestern could not pull out the victory. Marcotullio set a career high with 22 points and hit a career-best six 3-pointers in the Wildcats’ 66-59 loss to Penn... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern seniors prepare for home finale against Penn State
March 7, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern’s three seniors may be the most diverse bunch in recent memory. There’s Jared Swopshire, a graduate student who transferred this season from University of Louisville and is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury. There’s Alex Marcotullio, the sixth man for the Wildcats... Read more »
Men's Golf: Wildcats fight back to finish fourth in Fresno
March 6, 2013
Filed under Golf, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern found ways to overcome the inconsistent play of their two best players in Fresno, Calif. The Wildcats finished fourth in the Fresno State Lexus Golf Classic despite the team's top two players, junior Jack Perry and senior Nick Losole, finishing outside the top 25. Coach Pat Goss said... Read more »
Football: Former Wildcats show off for NFL scouts at pro day
March 5, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Football, Sports, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Scouts from 27 National Football League teams descended on Evanston on Tuesday to look at prospects for April's NFL draft. Northwestern's annual pro day began with prospects from smaller schools around the Chicagoland area showing their mettle for the scouts. In the afternoon, eight former Wildcats... Read more »
Softball: DiPrima's modesty hides fast start to season
March 5, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Andrea DiPrima does not like to talk about herself. Every question about the sophomore's personality resulted in an answer that somehow involved the team. She said if people should know one thing about her, it’s that she wants what’s best for Northwestern and she hates being in the spotlight. This... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern ends weekend on shutout streak
March 4, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern entered the weekend with one streak and came back with a different one. The Wildcats (10-9) were riding a seven-game winning streak into the Easton Invitational in Fullerton, Calif., but a close 2-0 loss to No. 8 California in the opening game Friday quickly ended that roll. Despite... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern looking to rediscover toughness against Ohio State
February 27, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
The closest game Northwestern has played since the injury to graduate forward Jared Swopshire came Feb. 14 against Ohio State. The Wildcats led the Buckeyes for most of the game, but a late 12-0 run from Ohio State handed NU its second loss in what has evolved into a five-game losing streak. Just... Read more »
Softball: Wildcats looking to prove rallies were no fluke
February 27, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
When Kate Drohan walked to her usual coaching spot for the seventh inning of Northwestern’s game with Long Island University-Brooklyn on Sunday, she paused for a moment to ask herself if her team had one more late-game rally left in them. Her mindset quickly shifted to getting the leadoff batter on... Read more »
Student-athletes showcase unique talents in annual show
February 25, 2013
Filed under Campus, Student Entertainment, Top Stories
Northwestern’s student-athletes proved Monday the Wildcats are more than just athletically gifted. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee hosted its third annual Student-Athlete Talent Show on Monday night with 10 acts vying for the winning title at the event. The show opened with members of the... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern uses dramatics to sweep weekend
February 25, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Kate Drohan would rather her team didn’t wait until the end of the game to score runs, but if the Wildcats win, it doesn’t really matter to the coach. Northwestern (8-6) scored 16 of their 27 runs at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic in the sixth inning or later to win all five of their games... Read more »
Men's Golf: Northwestern relying on top guns to lead
February 25, 2013
Filed under Golf, Sports, Spring Sports, Spring Sports Guide
Northwestern’s spring campaign normally begins with a win. The Wildcats had won 13 straight matches at the Big Ten Match Play Championships from 2009 to 2012, but in the first match of the 2013 tournament, the three-time defending champions lost to Michigan State 4-1. NU rebounded to take fifth... Read more »
Softball: Offseason makes Wildcats battle-tested for 2013 campaign
February 25, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Spring Sports Guide
Northwestern came back from Texas disappointed and hungry. The Wildcats had just lost a doubleheader to No. 6 Texas, eliminating them from the NCAA Championships. With a majority of the team coming back the next season, NU hit the practice field with eyes toward returning back to the NCAA Championships... Read more »
Women's Golf: Northwestern relying on youth to make impact
February 25, 2013
Filed under Golf, Sports, Spring Sports, Spring Sports Guide
Lauren Weaver has helped put Northwestern back on the map. The senior has led the Wildcats to the NCAA Championships in each of her first three seasons at NU. She holds the program records for lowest round, lowest single season scoring average and lowest career scoring average. Coach Emily Fletcher... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern travels to Palm Springs to challenge nation's best
February 21, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern will pack its bags and head off to Cathedral City, Calif., for the 10th annual Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic. The Wildcats (3-6) have participated in the tournament on eight previous occasions and hold a 22-18 record at the event, including a 10-11 mark against ranked opponents. The... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wisconsin muscles its way past Northwestern
February 20, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories, Winter Sports
Wednesday was a night to forget for the Wildcats. Northwestern’s offense continued its slump and once again looked lost as No. 19 Wisconsin dominated the Cats 69-41 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. “It didn’t seem much different to me than the other night against Illinois,” coach Bill Carmody said.... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats face tough, 'disciplined' Badgers' defense
February 19, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Stories, Winter Sports
Northwestern has not had much recent success against No. 19 Wisconsin. The Wildcats have lost 10 of their last 11 matchups with the Badgers with the sole victory coming at home in the 2008-09 season. NU has beaten every single Big Ten team at least once since its last win over Wisconsin. Bill Carmody... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern bounces back with solid weekend in Georgia
February 19, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern's weekend ended with three wins and a sprint to the airport. The Wildcats suspended their game with No. 13 Georgia on Sunday afternoon in the top of the fifth inning with the bases loaded and a 7-5 lead. However, the Cats had to dash to catch their flight back to Chicago and hoped to... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Illinois runs away from Northwestern
February 17, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern started off on the wrong foot and never got it right Sunday night against in-state foe Illinois. The Wildcats gave up the first 7 points of the contest, and the Fighting Illini matched every single run the Cats threw at them in a dominating 62-41 victory at Welsh-Ryan Arena. “If... Read more »
Wrestling: Harger challenges himself on and off the mat
February 14, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
As Northwestern takes a break from Big Ten play to head to South Dakota State, The Daily spoke with Pierce Harger about his busy life at NU. The redshirt sophomore is 20-5 so far this season at the 165-pound weight class and is ranked 17th in the latest coaches rankings released Thursday. As a... Read more »
Softball: Wildcats work on staying in the moment
February 13, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Winter Sports
Teams supposedly improve the most from the first week to the second. Northwestern certainly hopes that’s the case. The Wildcats went 0-5 last weekend, their worst start since 1991 when the team lost its first seven contests. NU is borrowing a notion from its football program by “flushing” this... Read more »
Evanston businesses disappointed by Wrigley move
February 12, 2013
Filed under Business, City, Football, Local, Sports
When Northwestern announced it was taking five football games and a slew of other sports to Wrigley Field over the next several years, the news was well received by most fans. Some Evanston business owners, however, are not so excited. Dick Peach, president of the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, said... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern comes home from Arizona winless
February 11, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports, Top Stories, Winter Sports
Northwestern was competitive against some of the nation’s best teams — it just couldn’t pull out the victories. The Wildcats lost four of their five games by four runs or fewer and came home from Tempe, Ariz., with no wins. It was a disappointing start for a team that returned most of the starters... Read more »
Wrestling: Welch, Wildcats prepare for two in-state foes
February 7, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
Jason Welch does not lose a lot. He’s won 83 percent of his matches at Northwestern and has lost only once so far in 23 duals this season. The senior said he remembers the feeling he had as he left the mat Jan. 12 after losing to Nebraska’s James Green, and it was one of disappointment more... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern jumps into season with ranked foes Arizona, Oklahoma
February 7, 2013
Filed under Softball, Sports, Spring Sports
Kate Drohan prides herself on Northwestern’s tough non-conference schedule. It was the coach’s scheduling which earned the Wildcats a spot in the NCAA Regionals last season, where they lost in the final of the Austin Regional to No. 6 Texas. NU will return to the field this weekend for the... Read more »
Walfish: Athletic department shouldn't forget basketball
February 6, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports
The Wildcats are returning to Wrigley Field. Northwestern has teamed up with the Chicago Cubs to bring more than just its football team to the Friendly Confines over the next five years. It all starts on April 20, when the Cats host Michigan for some baseball at Wrigley. The following spring, lacrosse... Read more »
Wrestling: White making most of opportunity
February 4, 2013
Filed under Sports, Top Stories, Winter Sports, Wrestling
Garrison White's big debut on the college scene wasn't supposed to happen until next year. The freshman was working through a successful redshirt season when senior Levi Mele suffered a season-ending injury. Not wanting to forfeit an entire weight class for the rest of the season, coach Drew Pariano burned... Read more »
Wrestling: Northwestern can't escape Purdue
February 3, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
Not even the return of an All-American could save Northwestern on Friday night. Sophomore Mike McMullan returned to the mat for the Wildcats for the first time since the Midlands Championships in late December and put NU in a position to win its second Big Ten dual. However, the Cats gave up the... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Offense keys Northwestern win over Purdue
February 2, 2013
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern’s Princeton offense requires precise passing and constant movement away from the ball. Most of that formula has been missing in recent games, but against Purdue on Saturday, the Wildcats ran their offense to near perfection. In the first half, NU put on a clinic with their passing and... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats more competitive, still fall to Wolverines
January 30, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern could not execute the basic stuff Wednesday night. The Wildcats (12-10, 3-6 Big Ten) missed routine layups and short jumpers most of the night and the Wolverines (20-1, 7-1) made them pay for it. Michigan was in a lull at the beginning of the second half, but were able to persevere and... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern faces uphill battle against Michigan
January 29, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
The last time Northwestern played a team ranked No. 1 in the regular season, it took a last-second foul shot to stave off an upset. That contest against Ohio State preceded Wednesday's matchup with top-ranked Michigan by two years and a day. The Buckeyes were unbeaten at the time and led the Wildcats... Read more »
Wrestling: Northwestern searches for first conference win in Michigan
January 24, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
The Big Ten has asserted itself as the best wrestling conference in the nation this season. Northwestern is ranked No. 23 in the nation, but the Wildcats are searching for their first conference dual victory this year. The hunt takes NU (5-5, 0-3 Big Ten) to Michigan this weekend where they face two... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats stun No. 12 Golden Gophers at home
January 24, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Winter Sports
Northwestern teased its fans last season with nail-biting losses to top-15 opponents at Welsh-Ryan Arena, but on Wednesday night, the Wildcats sprung the upset. NU used its 1-3-1 zone defense and hot shooting to knock off No. 12 Minnesota 55-48 at Welsh-Ryan Arena. It was the Golden Gophers’ lowest... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern counting on centers to hit the glass
January 22, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Winter Sports
Centers are supposed to be the biggest players on the floor, which should give them a distinct edge on the glass. That has not been the case this season for Northwestern, and it certainly was not true Sunday against then-No. 2 Indiana. The Wildcats started Alex Olah, a true freshman, at center;... Read more »
Northwestern comes together to celebrate Gator Bowl victory
January 21, 2013
Filed under Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
Northwestern’s celebration of its win in the Gator Bowl entered its 18th day Friday with a community-wide event. On the same day Gov. Pat Quinn proclaimed Jan. 18 “Northwestern Wildcat Football Day” throughout Illinois, the NU community came together in Norris University Center to celebrate... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Indiana outlasts Northwestern's second-half rally
January 20, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern made a run at No. 2 Indiana, but it was too little too late. After trailing by as many as 16 in the second half, the Wildcats (11-8, 2-4 Big Ten) made a furious rally in the final 10 minutes of the second half to get within five. However, the Hoosiers (16-2, 4-1) made crucial buckets... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Indiana
January 20, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's showdown at Welsh-Ryan Arena between Northwestern and No. 2 Indiana. Northwestern vs. Indiana Men's Basketball — Josh Walfish and Ava Wallace
Men's Basketball: Cobb making a silent impact for Wildcats
January 15, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
JerShon Cobb made headlines last September for the wrong reasons. The junior was suspended for the entire year by coach Bill Carmody for violating team rules, mainly regarding academics. The Wildcats lost a guard who, when healthy, was capable of scoring 20 points per game, which he nearly did... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats offense stumbles in loss to Hawkeyes
January 13, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern is known for its Princeton offense, utilizing motion to open up backdoor cuts and three-pointers. Coaches dread having to plan against it, but when a team figures out how to defend the Wildcats’ offense, it is up to NU to make the necessary adjustments. On Sunday against Iowa, NU did... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern can't find basket, loses to Iowa
January 13, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern picked a poor time to have its worst shooting performance of the season. The Wildcats (10-7, 1-3 Big Ten) shot just 29 percent from the field including 19 percent from behind the arc in a 70-50 loss to Iowa (12-5, 1-3) on Sunday. “We’re having a hard time putting the ball in the... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern runs away from Penn State
January 10, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern put together Thursday its best performance of the young Big Ten season to earn its first conference win of the 2013 campaign. The Wildcats (10-6, 1-2 Big Ten) ended the first half on a 25-6 run to take the lead for good and beat the Nittany Lions (8-7, 0-3) 70-54. "It seems like we're... Read more »
Walfish: The youthful revolution at Northwestern
January 10, 2013
Filed under Sports
All the pundits want to talk about how important seniors are in college sports, and although I agree the veterans are a crucial aspect of every team, Northwestern is in the midst of a revolution led by youth. Look no further than the women's basketball team, which started two freshmen and a sophomore... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats unite in face of adversity
January 9, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
If adversity is supposed to be a great uniting factor for teams, Northwestern is well suited for unity. There may not be a Big Ten team that has faced more hardships this season than the Wildcats, who in the last month have had to absorb the loss of senior forward Drew Crawford for the season with... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats have difficult winter break
January 8, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Once Northwestern students left campus, the Wildcats faced adversity. On Dec. 14, NU announced senior Drew Crawford would miss the rest of the season with a torn labrum. The forward was expected to be a major factor in the Cats' pursuit of an NCAA Tournament bid, and his injury news was received... Read more »
Wrestling: Northwestern gets mixed December results
January 8, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
December is usually a big month for Northwestern, which spends the time preparing for the NCAA Championships in March. The No. 15 Wildcats open up their conference slate at the beginning of the month and then finish it with the Midlands Championships, which NU hosts each year. December is when NU... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern runs out of steam against Minnesota
January 7, 2013
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
Northwestern could only slow down No. 9 Minnesota for so long Sunday night. The Wildcats (9-6, 0-2 Big Ten) trailed 17-14 at the half, but the Golden Gophers (14-1, 2-0) got hot in the second half, shooting a scorching 59 percent from the field to pull away from NU 69-51. “They had that stretch... Read more »
Wrestling: Wildcats unable to overcome Buckeyes
January 6, 2013
Filed under Sports, Winter Sports, Wrestling
Sports are all about momentum, and on Sunday the Wildcats were unable to overcome it. No. 15 Northwestern lost the first four and last four matches of a 33-6 loss to No. 4 Ohio State at home. The Cats were without the services of two of their top wrestlers, and the Buckeyes took advantage of the... Read more »
Walfish: Gator Bowl a win for Northwestern, generations of alumni
January 2, 2013
Filed under Football, Road to Jacksonville, Sports
As the final seconds ticked down in the 2013 Gator Bowl, University President Morton Schapiro and Northwestern athletic director Jim Phillips went along the sidelines of EverBank Field and started hugging the numerous alumni around them. And when coach Pat Fitzgerald ran onto the field to shake Mississippi... Read more »
Football: Northwestern breaks bowl drought with dominating win over Mississippi State
January 1, 2013
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Road to Jacksonville, Sports
There was only one lingering negative surrounding Northwestern football — a 64-year stretch of no bowl wins. That all changed Tuesday, when the Wildcats used a stifling pass rush and a resilient quarterback duo to defeat Mississippi State and win the 2013 Gator Bowl. “It’s great to be a champion,”... Read more »
Football: Wildcats snap bowl losing streak with win over Mississippi State
January 1, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern erased what coach Pat Fitzgerald has constantly called the last negative remaining in the program with a 34-20 victory over Mississippi State in the Gator Bowl on Tuesday. The Wildcats won a bowl game for the first time since they won the Rose Bowl after the 1948 season. It is also the... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Mississippi State
January 1, 2013
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's Gator Bowl between Northwestern and Mississippi State. Gator Bowl: Northwestern vs. Mississippi State — Josh Walfish and Rohan Nadkarni
Football: Wildcats face media ahead of Gator Bowl appearance
December 31, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Road to Jacksonville, Sports
With only one day left before Northwestern and Mississippi State square off in the Gator Bowl, coaches and select players faced the media for the pregame press conference. Although a wide range of topics were discussed, for the Wildcats the talk surrounded the seniors, that elusive bowl win and the competition... Read more »
Football: Cisek has fun in unheralded role
December 23, 2012
Filed under Football, Road to Jacksonville, Sports
There are not many players who have as much fun with college football as Bo Cisek. “He’s the same guy on and off the field,” junior punter Brandon Williams said. “He’s having fun in the locker room, he’s having fun on the field, he’s having fun in practice. Everywhere he goes he’s... Read more »
Football: Mississippi State poses big challenge for Northwestern in Gator Bowl
December 22, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Road to Jacksonville, Sports, Top Stories
As Northwestern gets set to battle Mississippi State on Jan. 1 in the Gator Bowl, the process of creating a gameplan for a previously unknown opponent is in full swing. Coach Pat Fitzgerald has gone from knowing nothing about the Bulldogs (8-4) on Dec. 2, when the Wildcats (9-3) accepted the bowl... Read more »
Updated: Capitol One Bowl CEO calls rumors of Big Ten meddling 'blatantly false'
December 16, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
The Capital One Bowl has put on a full-court press to deny rumors that the Big Ten intervened in the bowl's team selection this season. Capital One Bowl CEO Steve Hogan told The Daily on Saturday that the Big Ten did not express any opinion to the bowl selection committee about which conference team... Read more »
Report: Capital One Bowl wanted Northwestern
December 13, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Two members of the Capital One Bowl selection committee told the Orlando Sentinel on Thursday that their ideal match-up would have been Northwestern and Texas A&M. According to the sources, the Big Ten and SEC strong-armed the bowl into taking Nebraska and Georgia, the two losers of the conference... Read more »
Northwestern takes first in 'Academic BCS' standings
December 12, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern can take pleasure in knowing that it's ranked No. 1 in the Bowl Championship Series for academics. A poll released Monday by the New America Foundation ranked the Wildcats as the best academic team among the 25 schools listed in the final BCS standings of the season. The rankings not... Read more »
Football: Northwestern headed to Gator Bowl on New Year's Day
December 2, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Stories
After mounting speculation throughout the past week, No. 20 Northwestern officially accepted an invitation Sunday to play in the 2013 Gator Bowl. The Wildcats (9-3, 5-3 Big Ten) will face Mississippi State (8-4, 4-4 SEC) in the New Year's Day game in Jacksonville, Fla., with kickoff scheduled for... Read more »
Off to Jacksonville: Planning your trip to Gator Bowl
November 30, 2012
Filed under Holiday Guide 2012
So you're upset Northwestern isn't going to Orlando or Tampa for its bowl game and instead wound up in Jacksonville. I understand the frustration, but that doesn't mean you can't come down and support the Wildcats in the Gator Bowl. You're all, for the most part, college students, and even if you're... Read more »
Football: Projecting where Northwestern will go bowling
November 29, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
CAPITAL ONE BOWL If Nebraska wins: If the Cornhuskers beat the Badgers, Northwestern has a 30 percent chance of going to Orlando. Insiders say the Capital One Bowl has a lot of interest in the Wildcats because when the team went there in 1997, about 21,000 fans made the trip to cheer on the Cats.... Read more »
Walfish: Patience required with this year's Wildcats
November 28, 2012
Filed under Basketball, Fall Sports, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports
It is not time to hit the panic button yet, Northwestern fans. Believe me when I say it was frustrating to watch the Wildcats struggle so much in what was the most important game of the season to date. However, it's only the team’s seventh game of the season. This team is more equipped to handle... Read more »
Updated: Northwestern ranked No. 22 in BCS standings
November 25, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
After a brief two-week hiatus, Northwestern returned this evening to the latest Bowl Championship Series rankings, checking in at No. 22. The No. 22 ranking is the team's highest position in the BCS poll since the end of the 2008 season, when they received the same ranking heading into bowl season. NU... Read more »
Football: Northwestern runs over Illinois to reclaim Land of Lincoln Trophy
November 24, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Stories
For the first time since 2009, Lincoln’s hat resides in Evanston. Northwestern controlled Saturday's game almost from the start, defeating in-state rival Illinois 50-14 to reclaim the Land of Lincoln Trophy on the Wildcats' Senior Day. “Nine wins is a great year,” coach Pat Fitzgerald said.... Read more »
Northwestern routs Illinois on Senior Day
November 24, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern kept its foot on the pedal until the end, crushing in-state rival Illinois 50-14 on Saturday. The Wildcats were once again led by the tandem of junior quarterback Kain Colter and junior running back Venric Mark. NU racked up more than 300 yards on the ground, led by Mark's 127 and Colter's... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Illinois
November 24, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Top Stories, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Illinois. Northwestern vs. Illinois Football Live Blog — Josh Walfish
Big Ten continues expansion, adds Rutgers
November 20, 2012
Filed under Sports, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The Big Ten announced Tuesday that Rutgers has joined the conference as its 14th member, one day after the conference announced the addition of Maryland. The Big Ten Council of Presidents unanimously approved Rutgers' application this morning and the school is expected to join the conference for... Read more »
Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Illinois
November 20, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Video
Protecting the brand: Social media in college athletics
November 20, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Trying to summarize your feelings in 140 characters is difficult enough for your average nobody, let alone when the whole world is waiting for you to screw up. Yet this is the atmosphere student-athletes live in on a daily basis in the 21st century. The NCAA has been late to the game with social media, and... Read more »
Football: Lowry making impact on defense as freshman
November 19, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Dean Lowry is not accustomed to losing football games. The freshman defensive end hadn’t lost a game since his sophomore year of high school before Northwestern lost 39-28 to Penn State on Oct. 6. The Wildcats have lost three games this year, each frustrating in one way or another. But the support... Read more »
Football: Pocic, Scheelhaase forge bond on field
November 19, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
It's probably the closest thing to a given in football. The simple transfer of the ball from the center's meaty grip to the quarterback's soft hands is the most basic concept. The snap from under center goes right 99 percent of the time — but when it goes wrong, everyone notices. It is why the... Read more »
Reports: Maryland Board of Regents approves Big Ten move
November 19, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
The University of Maryland's Board of Regents reportedly approved the Terrapins' move to the Big Ten this morning. The Big Ten Network confirmed the board's decision in a tweet. An official announcement from Maryland is expected at 2 p.m. Maryland must now apply for membership to the Big Ten, which... Read more »
Walfish: Adding Rutgers, Maryland to Big Ten does Northwestern few favors
November 18, 2012
Filed under Columns, Sports
There are rumors swirling that at any moment Maryland and Rutgers will be joining the Big Ten as its 13th and 14th members. Theoretically, it will transform the Big Ten into a power player in Division I athletics, but for Northwestern, the move would have minimal positive effect. The Wildcats build... Read more »
Football: Wildcats overcome demons, beat Spartans
November 17, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Stories
EAST LANSING, Mich. — Northwestern came home last week after losing to Michigan and immediately started to prepare for Michigan State. The weeklong training paid off as the Wildcats overcame their late-game demons to beat the Spartans 23-20 in their final road contest of the season. “The guys... Read more »
Northwestern survives late-game rally to beat Michigan State
November 17, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern put its late-game demons to rest today with a 23-20 win over Michigan State. The Wildcats forced four consecutive incompletions on the Spartans' last drive of the fourth quarter to preserve the victory. NU held four different leads in the contest but managed to hold onto the one... Read more »
Wildcats lead Spartans after sloppy first half
November 17, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Jeff Budzien hit two field goals to give Northwestern a 6-5 lead at halftime over Michigan State. The Wildcats took the lead with a field goal on their opening drive, but after forcing a Spartans fumble, junior quarterback Kain Colter was sacked in the end zone for a safety. Michigan State kicker... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Michigan State
November 17, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Michigan State. Gator Bowl: Northwestern vs. Mississippi State — Dan Ryan and Josh Walfish
Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Michigan State
November 16, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Video
Football: Wildcats' defense to be tested by tricky Spartans
November 15, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio is known for having a couple of tricks up his sleeves. Two years ago, the Spartans beat Notre Dame on a fake field goal in overtime and, nearly a month later, pulled off a successful fake punt against Northwestern to help Michigan State make a second-half comeback.... Read more »
Walfish: Joe McKeown makes Northwestern relevant
November 13, 2012
Filed under Basketball, Fall Sports, Sports, Winter Sports, Women's Basketball
To say Northwestern women's basketball was irrelevant before Joe McKeown wouldn't be completely accurate. The Wildcats have made the NCAA Tournament six times, five of which came under the tutelage of Don Perrelli from 1987-1997. However, since NU lost to McKeown's George Washington team in 1997,... Read more »
Football: Young Northwestern team finds ways to bounce back
November 12, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
"It's not a pity party. It's football." After what may be Northwestern's worst loss this season, that attitude, which coach Pat Fitzgerald has instilled in his team, will be put to the test. The Wildcats won after each of their earlier losses, but this time it seems like a whole new animal. "The... Read more »
Football: Northwestern stumbles in overtime clash with Michigan
November 10, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Stories
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Northwestern was leading by 3 with 18 seconds remaining in regulation. And then Devin Gardner hit Roy Roundtree. The Michigan quarterback and wide receiver connected on a 53-yard bomb with eight seconds left to move the ball from the Michigan 38-yard line to the NU 9-yard line.... Read more »
Wildcats let upset slip through fingers against Wolverines
November 10, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Northwestern had today's game won with 18 seconds left and then it all disappeared. Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner heaved a pass down the field and wide receiver Roy Roundtree caught the deflection to set the Wolverines up with a field goal to tie the game. The kick was good... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Michigan
November 10, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along with the Daily Sports desk in real time as Northwestern takes on Michigan today in Ann Arbor. — Colin Becht, Rohan Nadkarni and Josh Walfish
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Michigan
November 9, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Video
Gameday: Wolverines safety takes long road to Michigan football
November 9, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports, Wildcat Extra
Jordan Kovacs would have been ecstatic to be playing on Michigan’s special teams units by his junior season. Instead, he was out there on day one of his redshirt freshman year and is now a four-year starter on defense. “I expected to contribute on scout defense, and I had the mindset I would make... Read more »
Football: The changing role of the Northwestern superbacks
November 8, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Most schools have tight ends or fullbacks or maybe both. At Northwestern, those two positions are rolled up into one: the superback. Superbacks do it all for the Wildcats from being extra offensive linemen in the goalline formation to being one of the biggest receiving targets on the field. To define... Read more »
Football: Jones gives back to Northwestern and Evanston communities
November 8, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports, Wildcat Extra
Tyris Jones came to Northwestern in 2008 as a walk-on linebacker with the hope of giving back to his community. In 2012, the senior is now a running back, but his commitment to the NU and Evanston community is still strong. Jones said he was raised to give back because his parents sacrificed much... Read more »
Basketball: Season starts for both teams at Northwestern
November 6, 2012
Filed under Basketball, Fall Sports, Men's Basketball, Sports, Winter Sports, Women's Basketball
It's the most wonderful time of the year for college sports fans: Football is reaching the crux of its season and basketball is just beginning its long journey to March. November basketball balances the interests of coaches, who still want to get more practice time in before playing games that matter,... Read more »
Men's Tennis: Wildcats have strong showing at Big Ten Indoor Championships
November 5, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Men's Tennis, Sports
Northwestern asserted itself as a team to watch this spring with an impressive showing at the Big Ten Indoor Championships this weekend. The four-day tournament in Madison, Wis., was the final event of the fall season for the Wildcats, and they made it count. Junior Raleigh Smith and senior Sidarth... Read more »
Football: Bye week proves beneficial for Wildcats
November 5, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
There are many benefits to having a bye week, and Northwestern took full advantage of all of them this past week. With the Wildcats off last week, coach Pat Fitzgerald and most of his coaching staff hit the recruiting trails in the beginning part of the week, while his team rested and did light workouts... Read more »
Northwestern ranked in BCS for first time since 2008
November 4, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern is ranked 24th in the latest Bowl Championship Series Standings, marking the first time the Wildcats have appeared in the influential poll since 2008. Four years ago, NU surfaced at No. 23 in the final BCS poll of its season. The Cats were ranked 21st in the latest USA Today Coaches'... Read more »
Updated: Northwestern returns to coaches' poll
November 4, 2012
Filed under Sports, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern was ranked 21st today in the latest USA Today Coaches' Poll, its highest ranking in the poll since Dec. 7, 2008, when it was ranked No. 20. The Wildcats were ranked No. 22 in the same poll Sept. 30 after starting the season 5-0 but did not return to the rankings until this week. NU received... Read more »
Walfish: Confidence most important quality for women's soccer
October 30, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Women's Soccer
When Northwestern won four of its first seven games, there was optimism around the program. But we knew the true test of the Wildcats character would come in the Big Ten. If you judge the first eight conference games, the first seven of the year would seem like a fraud. How can a team that went 4-2-1... Read more »
Football: Bye week still hard work for Northwestern
October 30, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
For the first time since Aug. 20, Northwestern players woke up Monday morning knowing they won't be playing Saturday. This is the Wildcats' annual bye week, and although NU doesn't have a game, the players and coaches are not taking their break lightly. Coach Pat Fitzgerald is on the road recruiting... Read more »
Football: Northwestern running game propels Homecoming victory over Iowa
October 27, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories, Top Stories
For a team without an identity in the middle of the week, Northwestern found something that works for it. The Wildcats (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten) ran the ball 49 times for 349 yards and got past Iowa (4-4, 2-2) 28-17 on Saturday. It was a return to the formula that was working for NU early in the season and... Read more »
Northwestern bounces back from Nebraska loss, drops Iowa
October 27, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Photo Gallery, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern used its stellar run game to sprint past Iowa 28-17 today. The Wildcats (7-2, 3-2 Big Ten) had more than 300 yards on the ground, including more than 100 from both junior quarterback Kain Colter and junior running back Venric Mark. Colter led the way with three rushing touchdowns and... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Iowa
October 27, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Iowa. — Josh Walfish
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Iowa
October 26, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Video
Football: Northwestern seeks to establish deep-ball threat
October 26, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Trevor Siemian's pass fell to the turf near a wide receiver. It was a sight all too familiar for Northwestern fans in Saturday's game against Nebraska. The sophomore quarterback took quite a few shots deep against one-on-one coverage along the sidelines, and nearly every single throw resulted in an... Read more »
Young Fitzgerald now an old man in Big Ten
October 25, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports, Wildcat Extra
There are times Pat Fitzgerald shows the enthusiasm of a 37-year-old coaching at his alma mater. His frequent hip bumps with players and not-so-timid celebrations along the sideline make him one of the most exciting coaches to watch. Despite being the youngest head coach in the Big Ten, Fitzgerald... Read more »
Q&A: J.A. Adande, ESPN commentator and Homecoming grand marshal
October 25, 2012
Filed under Personality Profiles, Profiles, Quotes, The Current
As Homecoming draws closer, grand marshal of this year's parade, J.A. Adande, is getting ready to return to campus. The alumnus graduated from Medill in 1992 and was the sports editor at The Daily in the early 1990s. The Current got the chance to have an email exchange with Adande, in which he shared... Read more »
Football: Offense, defense on different pages
October 24, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
Northwestern's problem has shifted from getting its defense off the field to keeping its offense on it. The Wildcats' defense has forced teams off the field 18 times, not including kneels to end the half, without scoring in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, the offense has had 14 three-and-outs in those... Read more »
Northwestern player named finalist for William V. Campbell Trophy
October 24, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern left tackle Patrick Ward is a finalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, the National Football Foundation announced this morning. The senior was one of 15 finalists named for the award informally known as the "academic Heisman." Ward will receive a $18,000 postgraduate scholarship and... Read more »
Men's Basketball: New is good thing for Wildcats
October 23, 2012
Filed under Basketball, Men's Basketball, Sports
This offseason was all about the new for Northwestern. The Wildcats had two hours of organized team activities per week thanks to a new NCAA rule implemented this year. They had to adjust to playing with five new freshmen and Louisville transfer Jared Swopshire. In all, eight players on this year's... Read more »
Football: Wildcats focusing on rebounding from tough loss
October 22, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
If Pat Fitzgerald stresses one message to his players, it's to forget about every game — win or loss — by the time they show up to practice the following Monday morning. That philosophy certainly doesn't change after a heartbreaking loss like the one Northwestern suffered last Saturday. "They... Read more »
Fitzgerald doubtful VanHoose, Evans will play against Iowa
October 22, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern freshman cornerback Nick VanHoose and senior corner Quinn Evans are unlikely to play against Iowa on Saturday, coach Pat Fitzgerald told reporters this afternoon. The pair of defensive backs was injured in Northwestern's 29-28 loss to Nebraska this past weekend. Evans was hobbling on... Read more »
Football: Game-winning play eludes Northwestern against Nebraska
October 20, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
Most one-point games come down to one play. On Saturday, Northwestern failed to make the one play necessary to beat Nebraska. The Wildcats had plenty of opportunities: three turnovers, numerous close calls on interceptions and a field goal to take the lead at the end. They just couldn’t put everything... Read more »
Wildcats lead Cornhuskers 14-10 despite offensive struggles
October 20, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern got a late touchdown pass from sophomore Trevor Siemian to junior Tony Jones to take a 14-10 lead against Nebraska heading into this afternoon's halftime intermission. The Wildcats forced three fumbles in the first half, including two on muffed punts, which led to the Cats' first touchdown... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Nebraska
October 20, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Nebraska. — Josh Walfish
Pregame roundup: Northwestern vs. Nebraska
October 20, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
As Northwestern prepares for its sold-out showdown against Nebraska this afternoon, The Daily rounds up some of the best local media on the Wildcats-Cornhuskers rumble. The last time Nebraska visited Evanston was 1931 and Al Capone happened to be in attendance for the Wildcats' 19-7 win. Junior... Read more »
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Nebraska
October 19, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Sports, Video
Football: Wildcats focus on fundamentals to get by Cornhuskers
October 19, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Northwestern went to Lincoln, Neb., last year and beat then-No. 9 Nebraska 28-25. It was a game that set the Wildcats back on track for a bowl bid and turned their season around. On Saturday, the Cornhuskers visit Evanston, and the Cats have moved on from last year's game and are looking at this contest... Read more »
Football: Injuries fail to slow down redshirt freshman defensive lineman
October 18, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Deonte Gibson was back to 100 percent and ready to play his first college football game. After taking a redshirt season last year to rehabilitate from a torn ACL he suffered during his senior year of high school, Gibson returned to the practice field in a regular uniform in the spring. Gibson impressed... Read more »
Report: Vanderbilt cancels two football games with Northwestern
October 18, 2012
Filed under Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Vanderbilt has informed Northwestern that it is cancelling the schools' football series in 2013 and 2014, the Chicago Tribune reported this afternoon. The games were scheduled to take place Sept. 13, 2013, in Nashville and Sept. 14, 2014, in Evanston. According to the Tribune, Vanderbilt did not notify... Read more »
Football: Nebraska writer says revenge not factor for Cornhuskers
October 17, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Northwestern continues its season with a big game against Legends Division rival Nebraska on Saturday. The Daily caught up with Chris Peters, assistant sports editor at The Daily Nebraskan, via email to discuss the upcoming matchup. The Wildcats beat the Cornhuskers last year in Lincoln, Neb., shocking... Read more »
Report: Nebraska interested in playing Northwestern at Wrigley Field
October 16, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Nebraska is looking to move its 2014 game against Northwestern from Ryan Field to Wrigley Field, the Omaha World-Herald reported Monday. Wrigley is the home of the Chicago Cubs, where the Wildcats played Illinois in 2010. A source at Omaha, Neb.-based TD Ameritrade, which was founded by the father... Read more »
Football: Northwestern prepares big-game atmosphere against Nebraska
October 16, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
When Northwestern breaks out the black jerseys, it's a big game for the Wildcats. Two seasons ago it was the Wrigleyville Classic against Illinois, and last year it was the first of three consecutive night games when NU hosted Michigan at Ryan Field. On Saturday, Legends Division foe Nebraska visits... Read more »
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Minnesota
October 14, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Video
Football: Wildcats hold on late, become bowl eligible
October 13, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
MINNEAPOLIS — Saturday was just another example of Northwestern finding a way to win a football game. The Wildcats failed to score a single point in the second half, but held on to beat Minnesota 21-13 to get to six wins and bowl eligibility. However, coach Pat Fitzgerald stressed there is a lot... Read more »
Wildcats hold on late against Golden Gophers, become bowl eligible
October 13, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
MINNEAPOLIS — When Northwestern needed it the most, its defense stepped up and sealed the Wildcats’ 21-13 win over Minnesota on Saturday. The Golden Gophers (4-2, 0-2 Big Ten) drove deep into the Cats’ territory late in the fourth quarter, but the defense held from eight yards out to preserve... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Minnesota
October 13, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Minnesota. — Josh Walfish
Football: Minnesota Daily writers split on Saturday's winner
October 12, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
It's another road trip for Northwestern on Saturday, this time to Minnesota to face the Golden Gophers. The Wildcats won last year's battle 28-13 to gain bowl eligibility for the fifth consecutive year. A win this weekend would make is six straight seasons of six wins or more. The Daily emailed the beat... Read more »
Football: Northwestern trying not to let season spiral out of control
October 11, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
Last season, Northwestern's first loss was the start of a five-game slide that took the Wildcats from 2-0 to 2-5. Now, NU is hoping Saturday's loss to Penn State doesn't result in a similar tailspin. The Cats have a 24-hour rule during which NU can think about the game but then need to forget about... Read more »
Football: Wildcats look to improve on little things
October 9, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
Northwestern suffered its first loss Saturday , but you wouldn't know it from listening to coach Pat Fitzgerald and the rest of the Wildcats. The theme of the week is improving on the little things that allowed NU to succeed in the first five weeks of the season but led to its downfall against Penn... Read more »
Northwestern loses to its own game plan
October 7, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Northwestern's wins this season have been set up by three fundamental principles: The Wildcats have controlled time of possession, run more plays than their opponents and outgained them on the ground. The Cats have achieved all of that since opening week and have cruised to wins... Read more »
Walfish: Nobody's right in Wilbon controversy
October 7, 2012
Filed under Sports
Let me begin by saying I have lived the last 14 years of my life just 15 minutes outside of Washington, D.C., in a city called Rockville, Md. I do not root for any Washington sports teams outside of the Nationals, and I think the D.C. media writes too damn much about the Redskins and not enough about... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Penn State
October 6, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Penn State. — Josh Walfish
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Penn State
October 6, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Multimedia, Sports, Video
Football: Daily Collegian writer: Penn State staying behind football program
October 5, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
Northwestern heads out this week on its first road trip since Sept. 1 when the Wildcats travel to State College, Pa. to take on Penn State. The Daily got a chance to chat with John Stuetz, the football beat reporter at The Daily Collegian, and discuss this season in Happy Valley. Popular topics included... Read more »
Football: Sophomore linebacker proving to be big playmaker on defense
October 5, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports
For the last two seasons, a safety has led Northwestern in tackles. This season, the Wildcats don't need to rely on their safeties to make the plays because it rarely gets to them. The starting linebackers are the three leading tacklers on this team, and leading the pack is sophomore Chi Chi Ariguzo. The... Read more »
Football: Wildcats seek vengeance against Nittany Lions
October 5, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
This has been quite an odd week of preparations for Northwestern. The Wildcats usually know conference opponents pretty well after seeing them on a regular basis on film and the field. However, this week there is a decidedly new feel as NU prepares for its trip to Penn State on Saturday. For the first... Read more »
Walfish: Football coaches at heart of promising season
October 4, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
If you've only been paying attention to the football team so far, I don't blame you. Northwestern is 5-0, the rest of the Big Ten is struggling and it feels like a year the Wildcats could contend for a Big Ten title. However, you're missing out on the many other sports that have found success this... Read more »
Men's Golf: Losole carries Wildcats in Illini Invitational
October 3, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Golf, Sports
Northwestern continued its strong start to the season with a top half finish in the Fighting Illini Invitational on Tuesday. The Wildcats' sixth place finish was their worst this season, but senior Nick Losole picked up his third top 10 placement in as many events, finishing five shots behind the... Read more »
Football: Northwestern looks to rewrite October script
October 1, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
Pat Fitzgerald only has a losing record in one month of the regular season: October. The Northwestern football coach is 10-15 in the 10th month of the year and 36-17 in the other three months of the regular season. Only twice has Northwestern (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) had a winning record in the month of... Read more »
Updated: Northwestern returns to Associated Press poll at No. 24
September 30, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Wildcat Extra
For the first time since 2008, Northwestern is among the top 25 football teams in the country in the Associated Press's weekly poll. The Wildcats are ranked No. 24 with 143 points in Sunday's poll. NU was ranked No. 22 in the penultimate AP poll of 2008, which was released the day before the team... Read more »
Football: Northwestern clocks record day to hold on against Indiana
September 29, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Sports, Top Sports Stories
Saturday's game against Indiana was another lesson for Northwestern that no lead is ever safe. The Wildcats took a 27-0 advantage with 11 minutes and 52 seconds remaining in the third quarter, but with 14 minutes and 6 seconds left in the game, the Hoosiers had pulled within eight points. The 29-10... Read more »
Wildcats stay undefeated in Big Ten opener
September 29, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Fall Sports, Football, Gameday, Wildcat Extra
Northwestern held off a furious rally from Indiana to beat the Hoosiers 44-29 today. The Wildcats’ offense was firing on all cylinders and set a new school record with more than 700 yards of total offense against the Hoosiers. The previous record was 674 yards, set in 2005 against Wisconsin. Junior... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. Indiana
September 29, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and Indiana. — Josh Walfish
Video: Gameday roundtable: Northwestern vs. Indiana
September 28, 2012
Filed under Football, Multimedia, Sports, Video
Football: Indiana Daily Student writers say Hoosiers no longer pushovers
September 28, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
As Northwestern heads into Big Ten play, The Daily shifts its focus to Indiana. We emailed the Indiana Daily Student's two football beat writers, Jordan Littman and Aaron Siegal-Eisman, who collaborated on answers to five big questions ahead of Saturday's game. The Wildcats and Hoosiers got into a shootout... Read more »
Athletes, then students: Late-start quarter system gives NU advantage
September 27, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Fall Sports, Football, Wildcat Extra
For most student-athletes, being four weeks into the season means midterms. At Northwestern it means school is just getting started. The Wildcats have played four football games already and did not have to go to class until Thursday. NU won all four games and goes for its fifth win on Saturday against... Read more »
Men's Golf: Callahan wins Windon, Northwestern falls a shot short
September 26, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Golf, Sports
John Callahan made a 25-foot birdie putt on the 54th hole of the Windon Memorial Classic to win the tournament by one shot. The junior was playing as an individual, meaning his score did not count towards Northwestern's final total, but he can count the win as his first career victory. Still, the... Read more »
Football: Northwestern unfazed as Big Ten play looms
September 26, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
A new goal has been uncovered in Northwestern's team room: Win the Legends Division. After sweeping through the non-conference slate at 4-0, the Wildcats turn their attention to the Big Ten and the chance to play Dec. 1 in Indianapolis. The three players present at Monday's press conference all shrugged... Read more »
Men's Soccer: Northwestern excels in Big Ten opener
September 24, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Soccer, Sports
On a day celebrating the defending Big Ten champions, Northwestern certainly played the part. The Wildcats controlled the run of play from the opening whistle on Sunday, cruising to a 2-0 victory over Michigan (2-5-0, 0-1-0 Big Ten). It was NU’s sixth win in its first eight games and its third consecutive... Read more »
Field Hockey: Wildcats fall in Big Ten opener, split weekend games
September 24, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Field Hockey, Sports
After getting out to an 8-1 start this season, Northwestern was taken down a few notches last weekend. The No. 10 Wildcats (9-2, 0-1 Big Ten) were on the road for eight of their first nine games and beat four ranked schools at home. However, the momentum did not carry over into Friday, when NU dropped... Read more »
Updated: Football: Despite big win, Northwestern still has room for improvement
September 22, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
Northwestern’s 38-7 win over South Dakota was routine in many ways. The Wildcats ran the ball effectively, were accurate in the passing game and kept the Coyotes to less than 250 yards of offense. However, the blowout victory also showed just how much work is still left for NU (4-0) as it heads... Read more »
Gameday live blog: Northwestern vs. South Dakota
September 22, 2012
Filed under Blogs, Sports Blogs, Wildcat Extra
Follow along as The Daily Sports desk offers real-time analysis of today's football match-up between Northwestern and South Dakota. — Josh Walfish
Football: Northwestern beats Boston College 22-13
September 15, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports, Top Sports Stories
With Saturday’s 22-13 victory over Boston College, Northwestern has won all three of its games this season — each in a different way, and all in close calls. The Wildcats needed a fourth-quarter comeback against Syracuse and a couple of key turnovers against Vanderbilt to win their first two... Read more »
Knicks confirm Shurna signing
September 11, 2012
Filed under Basketball, Sports
The New York Knicks announced Tuesday that they have signed former Northwestern forward John Shurna. The 2012 graduate is the Wildcats’ all-time leading scorer with 2,038 points, also leading the Big Ten last season with an average 20 points per game. Shurna was one of four free-agent signings... Read more »
Football: Junior running back poised for 1,000-yard season
September 11, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
The last time a Northwestern football player rushed for more than 1,000 yards was in 2006 when sophomore Tyrell Sutton matched that exact number. Since Sutton graduated in 2009, no running back has broken 600 yards. Junior Venric Mark could change all that this season. The small, athletic running... Read more »
Football: Wildcat defenders buoy clumsy offense to defeat Vanderbilt
September 9, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports, Top Sports Stories
In a defensive struggle that no one was expecting, it was Northwestern’s much maligned unit that stepped up when it mattered most. The Wildcats’ defenders forced a fumble with less than two minutes left to secure a 23-13 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday. As a result, the defense’s performance... Read more »
Football: 'Jet team' punt returners propel Northwestern to victory
September 5, 2012
Filed under Archive, Manual, Fall Sports, Sports
Northwestern's punt-return unit — known among players as the "jet team" — lived up to its name against Syracuse on Saturday, poising itself for a promising season after an underwhelming run last year. Led by speedy junior Venric Mark, the jet team buoyed the offense early with two first-half... Read more »
Northwestern football launches social media portal
September 4, 2012
Filed under Archive, Manual, Fall Sports, Sports
Northwestern’s football program unveiled its latest way to interact with fans Tuesday, launching a new website to consolidate all of the social media activity the team generates. TheWildcatWay.com will serve as a single outlet for potential recruits and fans to see what players are posting on the... Read more »
Football: Northwestern rallies late to knock off Syracuse
September 2, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Football, Sports
SYRACUSE, N.Y. - With two minutes and 40 seconds left in the game, it looked as though Northwestern would fall victim to the habit that hurt it last season. Two minutes later, the Wildcats found a way to overcome the disappointment of blowing a 22-point lead and hold on for a 42-41 victory over Syracuse... Read more »
Football: Daily Orange editor predicts NU victory in football opener
August 30, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
The last time the Wildcats met the Syracuse University Orange in the Carrier Dome, the Orange came out on top thanks to a last-second field goal. The Wildcats went on to finish 8-5 in 2009. This year, the pressure is on the Cats to start off the year well and finally win a bowl game for the first time... Read more »
Know your teams: A guide to NU's top athletes
August 27, 2012
Filed under Guide to NU Sports, Orientation Issue
1. Football Summary: There is a lot of optimism in Evanston surrounding Pat Fitzgerald’s bunch this season. After four straight bowl games and five straight seasons of bowl eligibility, the pressure is on the Cats to finally end the bowl drought in 2012. The non-conference slate is challenging with... Read more »
Fall sports preview: Volleyball soars, men's soccer stumbles
August 27, 2012
Filed under Fall Sports, Sports
The fall season officially started last weekend with three of Northwestern’s six teams beginning their 2012 campaigns and another playing its second game. Here are the highlights: Field hockey NU began the season at No. 20 in the rankings and opened its season at Cardinal Classic in Louisville,... Read more »
Walk to honor former NU football coach
July 20, 2012
Filed under Archive, Manual, Sports
For the last four years, Northwestern has honored the memory of football coach Randy Walker with a five kilometer walk for charity. This year the event got a facelift with the inaugural Run for Walk, a 4.1-mile run as part of the City of Evanston Let’s Move Race Series. The race on July 29 winds... Read more »
Women's basketball team goes to Italy for 10 days
July 20, 2012
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Once every four years college teams are allowed to travel overseas during a break and experience a new culture while competing in the sports they love. In 2010 the Northwestern men's basketball team went 4-0 during a nine-day tour of Italy, and this summer their female counterparts will head to the... Read more »
Walk to honor former NU football coach
July 20, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
For the last four years, Northwestern has honored the memory of coach Randy Walker with a five kilometer walk for charity. This year the event got a facelift with the inaugural Run for Walk, a 4.1-mile run as part of the City of Evanston Let's Move Race Series. The race on July 29 winds through NU's... Read more »
NU lands verbal commitment with new recruit
July 15, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Northwestern has landed a verbal commitment from arguably its best recruit in the Bill Carmody era. Jaren Sina announced his decision to join the Wildcats on July 2 after decommitting from Alabama. The point guard from Lake Hopatcong, N.J. is the 75th best recruit in the class of 2013, according to... Read more »
Athletic director wins regional award from NACDA
July 8, 2012
Filed under Sports
Jim Phillips added another award to his trophy case last week. The Northwestern athletic director was given the 2011-12 Under Armour Central Region AD of the Year Award by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. Phillips will be recognized for the award on Wednesday at NACDA's... Read more »
Athletic department gathering schedule cards
June 28, 2012
Filed under Sports
If there's one thing Kevin Schneider loves as much as Chicago sports, it's schedule cards. The 35-year-old Evanston Township graduate is a mainstay at Northwestern athletic events and is a consistent visitor to Anderson Hall, the home of NU's athletic department. In honor of one of its great fans, the... Read more »
Shurna skips festivities, puts talents to the test
June 25, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
A lot has gone on in John Shurna's life in the three months since Northwestern fell to Washington in the second round of the National Invitation Tournament. The senior forward went to New Orleans, where he won the 2012 State Farm College 3-Point Championship on March 30. He found time to finish his... Read more »
Football: Northwestern adds transfer from Stanford
June 11, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Pat Fitzgerald announced Monday the addition of defensive back Quinn Evans as a transfer who will be eligible to play for Northwestern in 2012. Evans graduated from Stanford this month and decided to transfer after missing all of the 2011 seasons due to injury. After taking a redshirt his freshman year,... Read more »
Student-athletes join Evanston firefighters, UP in kickball match-up
May 30, 2012
Filed under Archive, Manual
The Evanston Fire Department and University Police hit the diamond Tuesday to battle for the Golden Gatorade Trophy in their second annual kickball game hosted by Northwestern's Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. The gold-painted cooler stayed with the fire department, which used a three-run second... Read more »
Lacrosse: Northwestern advances to final with win over Maryland
May 25, 2012
Filed under Lacrosse, Sports
Northwestern advanced to the finals for the eighth consecutive year with a 9-7 win over Maryland. In the rematch of last year's final, the Wildcats trailed 5-4 at the halftime, but went on a 4-0 run to take a 8-6 lead, which they never gave up. Senior midfielder Jessica Russo and junior midfielder Taylor... Read more »
Kelly Amonte Hiller to be inducted into US Lacrosse Hall of Fame
May 23, 2012
Filed under Lacrosse, Sports
Northwestern lacrosse coach Kelly Amonte Hiller will be inducted into the U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame, US Lacrosse announced Wednesday. The eight-person class, which includes Amonte Hiller's coach at the University of Maryland Cindy Timchal, will be inducted in an Oct. 20 ceremony in Hunt Valley, Md.... Read more »
Football: Persa's career possibly over after second Achilles injury
May 22, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Former Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa re-injured his right Achilles tendon during a tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers earlier this month which will require him to undergo a second surgery on the ankle according to the Chicago Tribune. Persa went to visit David Porter, a foot and ankle specialist... Read more »
Walfish: Together WEARe PURPLE
May 21, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
A hashtag sweeping across the Northwestern campus over the weekend centered on the Wildcats' softball team. For one weekend, the athletic community and alums from across the country took to Twitter to show their support for the Cats using the hashtag of "togetherWEARePURPLE". Though NU was unable to... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern advances to regional final with wild win over Houston
May 19, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
Northwestern tied a school-record with 17 hits, outslugging Houston 13-9 to advance to the final of the Austin Regional on Sunday. The Wildcats fell behind 3-0 after the first inning, but lit up the Cougars for seven runs in the second inning to take the lead. NU tacked on three runs in the third frame... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern upsets No. 6 Texas in NCAA Regionals
May 18, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
Northwestern kept its six-game winning streak alive in convincing fashion Friday. The Wildcats knocked off No. 6 Texas 2-0 in the opening round of the double-elimination NCAA Regional Championships behind a five-hit shutout from freshman pitcher Amy Letourneau. NU moves to 11-2 in the opening game of... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern earns at-large bid to NCAA Championships
May 13, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
Northwestern won eight of its last nine games, including a weekend sweep of Illinois, to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships. The Wildcats finished the season at 27-27, but boast the No. 1 nonconference strength of schedule. They will head to Austin, Texas to play Texas in the opening round... Read more »
Softball: Northwestern earns at-large bid to NCAA Championships
May 13, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
Northwestern won eight of its last nine games, including a weekend sweep of Illinois, to earn an at-large bid to the NCAA Championships. The Wildcats finished the season at 27-27, but boast the No. 1 nonconference strength of schedule. They will head to Austin, Texas to play Texas in the opening round... Read more »
Northwestern releases College GameDay ad campaign
May 8, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
The popular ESPN pregame show College GameDay is having a public vote for where they should bring the show next season. Northwestern's athletic department has released a video in support of its campaign. Since the video's release yesterday, the Wildcats have moved up 16 spots in the standings. "Our... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern won't lose three times to Florida
May 8, 2012
Filed under Lacrosse, Sports
Saturday's result in Gainesville, Fla., was a sign for Northwestern. After dominating the American Lacrosse Conference for a majority of the last 10 years, NU was dethroned by Florida this season. It is a sign of the parity that has taken over women's lacrosse. Five teams enter the NCAA Championships... Read more »
Wrestling: Herbert makes Olympic dream come true
May 3, 2012
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Jake Herbert took a year off from school in the fall of 2007 because he had an Olympic dream. Five years later, that dream has finally come true: Herbert will be competing in London this summer. Instead of partaking in what would have been his senior year of wrestling at Northwestern in the fall of... Read more »
Wrestling: Herbert makes Olympic dream come true
May 3, 2012
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Jake Herbert took a year off from school in the fall of 2007 because he had an Olympic dream. Five years later, that dream has finally come true: Herbert will be competing in London this summer. Instead of partaking in what would have been his senior year of wrestling at Northwestern in the fall of... Read more »
Football: Northwestern has two players drafted in NFL Draft
April 29, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
It was better late than never for Northwestern in the NFL Draft on Saturday. Deep into the seventh round, two former Wildcats were selected within two picks of each other with superback Drake Dunsmore going off the board to Tampa Bay at No. 233 and wideout Jeremy Ebert going to New England at No. 235. "We... Read more »
Northwestern alums wrestle for spot in London
April 23, 2012
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Jake Herbert and Brandon Precin wrestled Sunday for one of a precious few spots on the United States Olympic Wrestling team heading to London in July. The Wildcats got their first ever wrestling alumnus into the an Olympic Games with an exciting victory for Herbert in the 84-kilogram final over Travis... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern's best program doesn't play on campus
April 19, 2012
Filed under Golf, Sports
One of Northwestern's best athletics programs doesn't play on campus. It's almost impossible to watch them play, and the players' names are not famous campuswide. Yet the men's golf team has a track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels. NU is one of the best teams in the... Read more »
Football: Freshman shines in spring practice
April 19, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Deonte Gibson made the most of his opportunity this spring. The redshirt freshman got extensive repetitions with the first team defense after rising junior defensive end Quentin Williams was out with an injury and impressed many of his coaches and teammates with his play. The young defensive lineman... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern's best program doesn't play on campus
April 19, 2012
Filed under Golf, Sports
One of Northwestern's best athletics programs doesn't play on campus. It's almost impossible to watch them play, and the players' names are not famous campuswide. Yet the men's golf team has a track record of success at both the collegiate and professional levels. NU is one of the best teams in the... Read more »
Football: Freshman shines in spring practice
April 19, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Deonte Gibson made the most of his opportunity this spring. The redshirt freshman got extensive repetitions with the first team defense after rising junior defensive end Quentin Williams was out with an injury and impressed many of his coaches and teammates with his play. The young defensive lineman... Read more »
Walfish: Rejuvenated defense needs to continue momentum
April 16, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Sometimes the best source of motivation is wanting to prove someone wrong. That is the exact mindset the defense has taken this spring, trying to regroup after a disappointing 2011 season. With all the fingers pointing in their direction, the defense had two choices: embrace it or run from it. It made... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats add transfer forward from Louisville
April 13, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Two weeks after losing to Kentucky in the Final Four, Jared Swopshire has decided to transfer from Louisville to Northwestern. The six-foot, eight-inch forward will be eligible immediately because he will enroll in a graduate program at NU after he graduates from Louisville in May. The move was announced... Read more »
Spring Football: Northwestern looking to improve through annual Spring Exhibition
April 13, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
The spring game: a day when college football fans get their first glimpse of next year's squad. The glorified scrimmages are meant to showcase the new and returning talent on each team. For Northwestern, Saturday's annual Spring Exhibition will also be another step in the learning process for this young... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern's spring sports awakening
April 10, 2012
Filed under Sports
I feel bad for the spring sports. With all the focus on campus going to football and men's basketball in the fall and winter, spring can be seen as nothing more than a break from the perennial disappointment the two teams bring. However, there is a lot of great sports action the students miss while... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern's spring sports awakening
April 10, 2012
Filed under Sports
I feel bad for the spring sports. With all the focus on campus going to football and men's basketball in the fall and winter, spring can be seen as nothing more than a break from the perennial disappointment the two teams bring. However, there is a lot of great sports action the students miss while... Read more »
Walfish: Northwestern has yet to hit the golden age
April 1, 2012
Filed under Baseball, Football, Lacrosse, Men's Basketball, Sports, Wrestling
I've come to the realization that we are not actually in the golden age of Northwestern athletics- - we're on the brink of it. Before you go trying to teach me a history lesson, let's look at it from an outsider's perspective. Yes, the Wildcats have made four straight bowl games for the first time in... Read more »
Football: Open competition awaits Northwestern cornerbacks
April 1, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Nick VanHoose's first year with Northwestern has been a roller coaster. The redshirt freshman cornerback was delegated to scout team for most of the fall, which brought some interesting opportunities. Most notably, VanHoose emulated Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson in the week leading up to the... Read more »
Wildcats named one of 20 most valuable college basketball programs
April 1, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Have you ever wondered how much Northwestern basketball is worth? Ryan Brewer did, and he estimates the Wildcats are worth $66 million. That figure, reported Monday by The Wall Street Journal along with 19 other teams' values, places NU as the 20th most valuable program in the nation. The assistant... Read more »
Spring Football: The Daily chats with David Nwabuisi
March 28, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
As spring football kicks off this quarter, The Daily checks in with some of the players to learn about what they do off the field. First up is rising-senior David Nwabuisi, who finished third on the team with 84 tackles last season. The linebacker discussed topics ranging from the biggest misconceptions... Read more »
Shurna named AP All-American
March 25, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
For the first time since 1999, Northwestern has an Associated Press men's basketball All-American. John Shurna was named an honorable mention on the 2011-12 AP All-America team Monday, becoming the ninth Wildcats player to earn All-American honors. He is the first to receive the award since center Evan... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Cobb's return a welcome sight for Northwestern ahead of Washington battle
March 14, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
This season has been full of what ifs for Northwestern. With so many close losses against Big Ten competition, fans are left wondering what would have happened if the Wildcats could have pulled off an upset or two. However, the latest what-if scenario surrounds guard JerShon Cobb. The sophomore said... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats claw past Zips in NIT first round, 76-74
March 13, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
It would not be a Northwestern basketball game if it didn't make fans sweat it out. The Wildcats blew a 15-point first-half lead, but were able to hang on to defeat Akron, 76-74, in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday. The Zips missed a free throw on purpose to set up a... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats claw past Zips in NIT first round, 76-74
March 13, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
It would not be a Northwestern basketball game if it didn't make fans sweat it out. The Wildcats blew a 15-point first-half lead, but were able to hang on to defeat Akron, 76-74, in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday. The Zips missed a free throw on purpose to set up a... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern glad to have home-court advantage for NIT opener with Akron
March 11, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
When fourth-seeded Northwestern begins its campaign in the 2012 National Invitation Tournament on Tuesday against fifth-seeded Akron, the Wildcats will have the benefit of doing so on its home court. The benefit of playing once again at Welsh-Ryan Arena is an opportunity NU (18-13) rarely squanders.... Read more »
Stood up at the Dance: Northwestern misses the NCAA Tournament
March 10, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The drought survived another year on Sunday as Northwestern missed the NCAA Tournament for the 74thconsecutive year. "We're obviously disappointed that we weren't selected," coach Bill Carmody said. "But it's the fourth year in a row that we're playing in the postseason and you have to move forward." Only... Read more »
Close but no closure: Northwestern's NCAA Tournament hopes take hit in 75-68 loss to Minnesota
March 7, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
After six lead changes and 13 ties, Northwestern was unable to keep its fate in its own hands. The Wildcats were stuck in a back-and-forth battle with Minnesota all night, but ultimately fell to the Golden Gophers 75-68 in overtime. "We've had a lot of close games this year," senior forward John Shurna... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Late rally falls short as Ohio State survives Northwestern, 75-73
February 29, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
When Northwestern was down 12 to Ohio State with 5 minutes and 39 seconds remaining, all hope was seemingly lost. Five minutes and 32 seconds later, the Wildcats had tied the 10th-ranked Buckeyes at 73 and the crowd at Welsh-Ryan Arena was on its feet. However, when the final horn sounded, Ohio State... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern looks to exploit Sullinger, knock off Ohio State
February 27, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The last time Northwestern beat Ohio State was Feb. 18, 2009. The seniors who will be honored Wednesday were merely freshmen, but that did not stop them from stealing the show. John Shurna hit the game-winning 3-pointer with just 3.3 seconds remaining to lift the Wildcats past the Buckeyes. The forward... Read more »
Earning their keep: Walk-ons at Northwestern
February 27, 2012
Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports
Any walk-on envisions how he is going to score his first career points. For freshman Omar Jimenez, that moment was even more special. The Kennesaw, Ga. native entered Northwestern's Nov. 29 game against Georgia Tech with very little college basketball experience - none, to be exact. In front of his... Read more »
Earning their keep: Walk-ons at Northwestern
February 27, 2012
Filed under Football, Men's Basketball, Sports
Any walk-on envisions how he is going to score his first career points. For freshman Omar Jimenez, that moment was even more special. The Kennesaw, Ga. native entered Northwestern's Nov. 29 game against Georgia Tech with very little college basketball experience - none, to be exact. In front of his... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Penn State dominates the paint in Northwestern's win
February 25, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
When Penn State needed a bucket to keep Northwestern within its grasp, it knew exactly where to go: the paint. The Nittany Lions (12-17, 4-12 Big Ten) scored 40 of their 66 points inside the painted area even though the Wildcats (17-11, 7-9) escaped University Park, Pa., with a 67-66 win. Penn State... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats embrace pressure ahead of Nittany Lions matchup
February 23, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
After Northwestern's loss to Michigan on Tuesday, NU's NCAA Tournament hopes took a severe hit. Fans were scrambling after the game to see what the prognosticators said about the Wildcats' chances at making the Big Dance. The hype surrounding NU's opportunity to make the tournament has enveloped the... Read more »
Softball: Wildcats not focusing on past, only future
February 23, 2012
Filed under Softball, Sports
Northwestern is not worried about its past. "We're playing for 2012," junior pitcher Meghan Lamberth said. "We're focusing on the present, not the competing." The next two weekends will be a major test for NU, which is 1-3 against ranked competition. The Cats face three ranked squads in the Cathedral... Read more »
Fitzgerald, panel discuss college sports
February 22, 2012
Filed under Campus (Archived)
A packed McCormick Tribune Center forum learned Wednesday afternoon that money was sitting "Beyond the Box Score." The lecture, co-sponsored by the Northwestern Department of Athletics and Recreation, was a part of the larger Crain Lecture Series held by the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated... Read more »
Football: Adonis Smith elects to transfer
February 21, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Football coach Pat Fitzgerald announced Wednesday sophomore running back Adonis Smith has decided to leave the program. "We're disappointed to see Adonis leave Northwestern," the coach said in a statement. "He is an outstanding young man, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors." Smith... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Rebounding woes vex Northwestern as it prepares for Michigan
February 20, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
As Northwestern has inched closer and closer to its first-ever berth in the NCAA Tournament, there has been one thing holding the Wildcats back - rebounding. NU is the worst rebounding team in the Big Ten, a fact coach Bill Carmody seems to have gotten used to. "We clearly got beat badly off the boards... Read more »
Men's basketball: Shurna shines as Northwestern's leading scorer
February 18, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
When John Shurna's phone rang Saturday morning, he was not expecting to hear Billy McKinney's voice on the other end. The former Wildcats guard was the school's leader in career points entering Northwestern's contest with Minnesota on Saturday. With Shurna just 16 points behind the 1,900 points McKinney... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats fall 71-66 in Hoosier heartbreaker
February 15, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Verdell Jones III picked a good time to score his only 6 points of the game. The senior scored 6 of the Hoosiers' final 8 points as Indiana pulled away late to beat Northwestern 71-66 on Wednesday. "(Indiana is) a streaky team, an emotional team at home," coach Bill Carmody said. "They went on a big... Read more »
Pat Fitzgerald tweet starts media firestorm
February 13, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
A tweet from the account of football coach Pat Fitzgerald sent the Twitter world into a frenzy Friday. The tweet about New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, who is Asian-American, was seemingly complimentary, but critics said the tweet was racist and disrespected the NBA. "Officially on the Jeremy... Read more »
Big Ten playoff is good idea but doesn't benefit conference
February 13, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
As Jim Mora so eloquently put it, "Playoffs? Don't talk about playoffs! You kidding me?" With no disrespect to the former Indianapolis Colts coach, I will talk about playoffs. The Big Ten athletic directors met last week to discuss a possible four-team playoff in college football. It would give the... Read more »
Northwestern faces tough test with Cody Zeller and Indiana
February 13, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
For the last four games, Northwestern has started without a center on the court. An increase in athleticism compensated for the lack of height, and the Wildcats are 3-1 in that stretch. Wednesday will pose a steep challenge for NU as it travels to face Indiana. The Hoosiers (19-6, 7-6 Big Ten) feature... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Wildcats outhustled in Boilermakers' win
February 11, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
With less than six minutes left in the game, Ryne Smith found himself wide open. The Purdue guard knocked down the 3-point shot and put the Boilermakers up 6 points. Northwestern was unable to overcome the deficit and failed to get a defensive stop until it was too late, losing 87-77 on Sunday. The... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern routs Iowa from behind the arc, 83-64
February 9, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
In a battle of interior play versus perimeter shooting, it was the outsider shooters who won. Northwestern used 13 3-pointers to offset a 29-21 rebounding deficit, beating Iowa 83-64 Thursday. "It was a nice team victory," coach Bill Carmody said. "The scoring was balanced and a lot of guys did some... Read more »
Wrestling: Northwestern using last road trip as tuneup for March
February 7, 2012
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Last season Northwestern ended its dual schedule with seven straight contests against Big Ten foes. This year the Wildcats have scheduled three non-conference opponents between the seventh and eighth conference duals. The change in scheduling is caused by the restructuring of the Cliff Keen Division... Read more »
Former Rose Bowl MVP Aschenbrenner dies
February 5, 2012
Filed under Alumni, Campus (Archived), Football, Sports
The most valuable player in the only bowl win in Northwestern history died Jan. 30 at age 86 in Arizona. Frank Aschenbrenner scored the first touchdown of the 1949 Rose Bowl, a 73-yard run that was the longest run in a Rose Bowl for the next 44 years. He finished the day with 11 carries for 119 yards... Read more »
Former Rose Bowl MVP Aschenbrenner dies
February 5, 2012
Filed under Alumni, Campus (Archived), Football, Sports
The most valuable player in the only bowl win in Northwestern history died Jan. 30 at age 86 in Arizona. Frank Aschenbrenner scored the first touchdown of the 1949 Rose Bowl, a 73-yard run that was the longest run in a Rose Bowl for the next 44 years. He finished the day with 11 carries for 119 yards... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Shurna rewrites his second half against Illinois
February 4, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The difference between John Shurna's two games against Illinois this season is night and day. The senior forward scored 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting in the first half of the Jan. 4 game. He proceeded to score three points and make one shot in the second half as the Wildcats lost by a single point to... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern prevails over Nebraska in game of runs
February 2, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The Wildcats were reminded that no lead is safe in the Big Ten. Despite leading by 15 points at halftime, Northwestern had its lead trimmed to a single point before pulling out the 84-74 victory over Nebraska on Thursday. "It's good to get a win," coach Bill Carmody said. "So little separates wins from... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Northwestern struggling when it matters most
January 31, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
In the 2011 portion of this season, Northwestern was 4-0 when the game was decided by two possessions or fewer. In 2012, the Wildcats are 0-3 when the contest is within 6 points. When the games have been close in Big Ten play, NU (12-8, 2-6 Big Ten) has not found that last bit of magic to pull out... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Reggie Hearn makes his mark for Northwestern
January 30, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
Reggie Hearn's path to the starting lineup was, to borrow a word he used to describe his own personality, "goofy." The junior guard was a walk-on for the last two seasons before finally earning a scholarship this year. "I wouldn't say there was any doubt (I could play at this level)," Hearn said. "It... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Hummel hits for Northwestern heartbreaker
January 28, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The plan was for junior forward Drew Crawford to get the ball at the top of the key. Instead, it was senior forward John Shurna chucking up a long-range three-pointer as Northwestern fell to Purdue 58-56 Saturday. The Boilermakers had taken the lead on an off-balance runner by forward Robbie Hummel... Read more »
Walfish: Judging JoePa's legacy
January 22, 2012
Filed under Sports
Joe Paterno passed away Sunday after a brief battle with lung cancer at the age of 85. The legendary college football coach holds the record for the most wins in Division I history. He had been at Penn State since 1950 and had been the head honcho since 1966. He was by far the most respected coach in... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Defense fails Northwestern when needed most
January 21, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
On a day when Northwestern's offense went cold, its defense could not reignite the Wildcats. NU (12-7, 2-5 Big Ten) began the game 0-for-14 from the field and trailed Minnesota (15-5, 3-4) 11-0early in the first half. The Cats could not climb out of the deficit as their defense seemed unresponsive to... Read more »
Men's Basketball Gamer: Wisconsin gets hot and burns Northwestern 77-57
January 18, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
The second half has not been kind to Northwestern in recent weeks. After blowing halftime leads to Illinois and then-No. 13 Michigan, NU was outscored 43-25 in the second stanza in its 77-57 loss to Wisconsin on Wednesday. The Wildcats were down just a bucket at the halftime break, matching the Badgers... Read more »
Men's basketball: Heartbreak, mistakes greet Northwestern in Ann Arbor
January 11, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
With just a second left in overtime, Alex Marcotullio spotted up in the corner for the game-tying three-pointer. The junior guard was fouled on the shot, but made only one of the three shots as Northwestern lost 66-64 to No. 13 Michigan (14-3, 4-1 Big Ten) on Wednesday. The free throws were just some... Read more »
Women's soccer: New coach adds to staff
January 11, 2012
Filed under Sports, Women's Soccer
Women's soccer coach Michael Moynihan announced Wednesday that David Nikolic has joined the Northwestern staff as an assistant coach. "I am extremely excited to have David join me at Northwestern," Moynihan told NUSports.com. "David brings a wealth of soccer knowledge and we share a similar vision.... Read more »
Football: Northwestern seniors invited to all-star games
January 11, 2012
Filed under Football, Sports
Three seniors from Northwestern's football team received an opportunity to showcase their skills for the NFL. Quarterback Dan Persa and offensive lineman Al Netter will play for the West in the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla. The game on Jan. 21 will be broadcast on NFL Network, and all... Read more »
Walfish: NU's quest for respect
January 8, 2012
Filed under Contributors, Sports
For the longest time Northwestern has been the punch line of many jokes around the Big Ten. Now that the Wildcats have shown an ability to pull off a big upset, the question around campus is: "Where is the love?" Where is the attention of the national media or even the Big Ten Network? The answer is... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Luka Mirkovic finds 'second home' at NU
January 8, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
"Normal." It's the word Luka Mirkovic chose to describe himself, but the word might not fit the on-court persona Northwestern has come to know. The six-foot, 11-inch senior is not a "normal" big man. Coach Bill Carmody recruited him not because of his dominant post-play, but because he could pass the... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Shurna, Crawford go cold, ice Cats in Illini loss
January 4, 2012
Filed under Men's Basketball, Sports
After John Shurna had 17 points at halftime, Illinois coach Bruce Weber challenged his guards to stop the senior forward in the second half. Illinois guards Brandon Paul and D.J. Richardson responded, holding Shurna to a lone three-pointer at the end of the game as the Fighting Illini escaped with a... Read more »
For Texas A&M, victory in the trenches leads to triumph in the war
December 30, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
HOUSTON - When senior linebacker Bryce McNaul brought down Ryan Tannehill in the first quarter of the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas, it was just the ninth time all season the Texas A&M quarterback had been sacked. Northwestern's quarterback Dan Persa was sacked seven times on Saturday alone. The Aggies'... Read more »
The case for Northwestern: Why the Wildcats will win on New Year's Eve
December 29, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
The Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas is a matchup of two teams with great offenses and subpar defenses. It is easy to say that the team that plays the best defense will win, but Northwestern does not necessarily need a spectacular defensive performance to win its first bowl game in 63 years. Here are... Read more »
With dicey rushing situation and pick-prone quarterback, Aggies hope to continue high-scoring season
December 22, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
As inept as Northwestern was at finishing games in 2011, it may have found an even less clutch opponent in Texas A&M. The Aggies blew four halftime leads, three of which were by two or more scores, en route to a 6-6 finish this season. Texas A&M scored just 154 points in the second half of games compared... Read more »
Northwestern hires Wisconsin-Milwaukee coach with record of success to take over program
December 20, 2011
Filed under Sports, Women's Soccer
Jim Phillips announced the newest member of the Northwestern coaching family Wednesday morning. The athletic director named Michael Moynihan the women's soccer coach, replacing Stephanie Foster who Phillips announced would not have her contract renewed in November. "Michael has had tremendous success... Read more »
After position swap, Damien Proby produces sizzling sophomore season at middle linebacker
December 17, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
When media members asked to speak with Damien Proby after practice, the sophomore knew something was up. The middle linebacker had yet to start a game leading up to Northwestern's match against Penn State, so the media's request for an interview took him by surprise. "When you come to practice, you... Read more »
Men's Basketball: Bears win by keeping Cats' top dogs in check
December 5, 2011
Filed under Basketball, Sports
Northwestern's success had been grounded in the play of its star forwards. Senior John Shurna and junior Drew Crawford lit up the scoreboard for the Wildcats as they cruised to a 7-0 start to the season. However, in the biggest challenge of NU's non-conference slate, the star duo - and the Cats - came... Read more »
Northwestern to play against Texas A&M in Meineke Bowl
December 4, 2011
Filed under Sports
The Wildcats will be playing postseason football in Texas for the third time in their last four seasons. Northwestern (6-6) will complete its tour of the state with a matchup against Texas A&M in the Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas in Houston on Dec. 31. This will mark the first-ever meeting between... Read more »
Football: 80-hour weeks, high pressure, all part of the job
November 21, 2011
Filed under Sports
Urban Meyer won 104 college football games in a 10-year period. He won four BCS bowl games, including two national championship games. Yet at the age of 46, Meyer stepped away from college football to spend more time with his family. Just one year earlier, the coach announced he would retire after being... Read more »
Football: Special teams play gives Cats a significant boost over Golden Gophers
November 18, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
The difference in Northwestern's 28-13 win over Minnesota came down to a simple punt. Facing a fourth-and-nine from their own 29-yard line, the Golden Gophers sent out Dan Orseske to punt. The kick sailed a measly nine yards and the Wildcats turned the mistake into a 14-point lead. "Their punter hit... Read more »
Football: With lines of communication opened, Cats' defense excels
November 14, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
After Northwestern beat Rice on Saturday, David Nwabuisi said that the Wildcats defense was getting simpler. During Monday's press conference, Pat Fitzgerald was not buying anything the junior linebacker said. "Every team is different, every defense is a little bit different," Fitzgerald said. "Some... Read more »
Men's Soccer: Short-lived celebration as Cats set to face Zips
November 14, 2011
Filed under Soccer, Sports
Northwestern's men's soccer team met at Nicolet Football Center on Monday to find out its NCAA Tournament fate. Decked out in their Big Ten champions gear, the Wildcats had to wait until the last section of the bracket was revealed to learn their destiny: a trip to Ohio to play defending national champion... Read more »
Persa's four touchdowns lead Northwestern to 28-6 win over Rice
November 11, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
The Wildcats' third straight win was hardly pretty. Northwestern's 28-6 victory over Rice on Saturday was filled with turnovers and missed opportunities, yet the Cats escaped just a win shy of bowl eligibility. "We didn't play consistently today, " junior wide receiver Demetrius Fields said. "I don't... Read more »
Football: As adversity hit, Cats stayed calm
November 9, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
During its five-game losing streak, Northwestern fought against the odds by staying confident. The players were loose and outgoing during practices, and they exuded confidence with their voices. This innate ability to stay gregarious despite all the doom and gloom around them allowed the Wildcats to... Read more »
Walfish: Giving a great coach due respect
November 8, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
What has transpired at Penn State in the last 48 hours is sad. The only thing sadder is that Joe Paterno, the greatest coach in Division I history, is being treated so poorly. The amount of disrespect toward Paterno in reaction to the horrible scandal at Penn State is a disgrace. The calls for the octogenarian... Read more »
Football: Cats defense stomps out the rush
November 7, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
LINCOLN, Neb. - Northwestern took its poor play on defense personally. In NU's 28-25 victory over Nebraska, the defense came up with what the players said was its best performance of the season. After suffering abuse at the hands of Big Ten offenses the entire season, the defense decided to take a stand... Read more »
Football: Cats battle for "NU" moniker in Lincoln
November 3, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Northwestern does not want to remember the last time it played Nebraska. Coming off a season in which they won a share of the Big Ten title, the Wildcats were embarrassed by the Cornhuskers, 66-17, in the 2000 Alamo Bowl. "I watched the game, I was at home," coach Pat Fitzgerald said. "I flew back from... Read more »
Football: The Daily's cheat sheet on Nebraska
November 3, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Nebraskans love their Cornhusker football. The pilgrimage of people from around the state into Lincoln, Neb., transforms Memorial Stadium into the third-largest "city" in the state on game days. Nebraska football isn't just a game, it's a way of life. "We don't have any pro teams," said Tim Weak, a... Read more »
Football: High-flying Cats head south
November 2, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
For the first time in a long time, Northwestern's offense was firing on all cylinders in its victory over Indiana on Saturday. The Wildcats piled up 616 yards and 59 points against the worst defense in the Big Ten, but they will face a far greater challenge this coming Saturday, when they take on the... Read more »
Defense rendered unnecessary as Northwestern rolls to 59-38 victory over Indiana
October 28, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – While the Wildcats' offense was unstoppable, their defense kept things interesting in Northwestern's 59-38 victory over Indiana on Saturday. NU racked up 616 yards of offense and scored its most points in a game since 2000, but still allowed Indiana (1-8, 0-5 Big Ten) to gain... Read more »
Football: Colter proves a "Kain-of-all-trades" for NU
October 27, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Kain Colter has appeared at so many positions this season, he can only use one word to describe himself - "a
Football: Nineteen-year-old wunderkind leads way for Indiana
October 27, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Kevin Wilson is no stranger to the team that enters Memorial Stadium on Saturday to face his Hoosiers. The Indiana coach was Northwestern's offensive coordinator from 1999-2001 and worked with Pat Fitzgerald when the Wildcats' coach came on staff as the secondaey coach in 2001. NU's spread offense has... Read more »
Football Sidebar: Northwestern offense and defense out of step, out of luck against Penn State
October 23, 2011
Filed under Football, Sports
Northwestern could not get its offense and defense to play well at the same time Saturday night. The Wildcats (2-5, 0-4 Big Ten) scored 24 points and racked up 281 yards of offense in the first half, but trailed at halftime as a result of a defense that surrendered nearly 300 yards and 27 points. The... Read more »
Firing Squad: Less pout, more pep needed in student stands
October 20, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
I understand there is very little school spirit at NU, but what I saw at Welsh-Ryan Arena Wednesday for the volleyball match was unacceptable. There were twice as many people in orange than purple and there were numerous chants of ILL-INI. Illinois even brought their own student section. I understand... Read more »
Pay-for-play: Student-athletes and their worth
October 20, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Pat Fitzgerald may have a Northwestern degree, but even the Wildcats' coach is not bright enough to figure out how much compensation college athletes should receive. "I'm not smart enough to come up with that idea," Fitzgerald said at Big Ten Media Days in July. "We need to help and provide all of our... Read more »
Walfish: Joy awaits away from the gridiron
October 19, 2011
Filed under Sports
Hey Wildcats fans, do you need to take some time away from the frustration of the football team's four-game losing streak? Are you starved for a Northwestern victory of some sort? Well, what if I told you that I could get you that elusive win before Penn State even arrives in Evanston? It's a simple... Read more »
Football: Even a trip to Kinnick can't revive the Wildcats' season
October 15, 2011
Filed under Sports
IOWA CITY, Iowa - Northwestern's attempt at completing its own second-half comeback came up short Saturday in Iowa City. The Wildcats (2-4, 0-3 Big Ten) were down 17-7 at the intermission but evened the score with a 10-point third quarter spurt. Yet, the Hawkeyes (4-2, 1-1) found their offensive rhythm... Read more »
Football: Cats look to stay positive in dire times
October 11, 2011
Filed under Sports
Keeping one's morale up during a losing streak is never easy. That is the challenge Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald faces as his team tries to bounce back from three straight losses heading into a rivalry game with Iowa on Saturday. One way the coaching staff combatted the challenge was to remind... Read more »
Football Sidebar: A tale of two defenses for Michigan
October 10, 2011
Filed under Sports
Michigan put out two different defenses against Northwestern on Saturday. The defense that played the first half for the Wolverines gave up 24 points and nearly 300 yards on offense. However, the defense that came out for Michigan in the second half shut out the high-octane Wildcats offense and held... Read more »
On the run: NU backs step into the spotlight
October 7, 2011
Filed under Sports
Something happened in the Big Ten last year that was incredibly unusual, more unusual even than the conference's expansion. For the first time in the Big Ten's storied history, a running back did not lead the conference in rushing. That honor belonged to Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson, who brings... Read more »
Football: June injury set Persa back a month, helped lead to removal against Illinois
October 4, 2011
Filed under Sports
The truth is finally out as to why Dan Persa missed the first month of the 2011 season. The senior quarterback revealed Tuesday that he had a setback in June which set him a month back in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. That month turned out to be exactly how much time Persa missed of... Read more »
Football: June injury set Persa back a month, helped lead to removal against Illinois
October 4, 2011
Filed under Sports
The truth is finally out as to why Dan Persa missed the first month of the 2011 season. The senior quarterback revealed Tuesday that he had a setback in June which set him a month back in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. That month turned out to be exactly how much time Persa missed of... Read more »
Football: Put the champagne on ice, NU blows 18-point lead to Illinois
September 30, 2011
Filed under Sports
Leading 28-10 with less than 20 minutes remaining, it appeared Northwestern was well on its way to avenging last year's embarrassing Wrigleyville Classic loss. Instead, it was Illinois (5-0, 1-0 Big Ten) that had the last laugh, scoring four touchdowns in the final 18:51 to defeat NU (2-2, 0-1) 38-35... Read more »
Football: Northwestern clinging to halftime lead in Champaign
September 30, 2011
Filed under Sports
CHAMPAIGN, ILL., - At halftime the Wildcats are clinging to a 14-10 lead Illinois wasted no time in scoring the first points of the game. Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase found Jenkins wide open on a crossing route and Jenkins did the rest to put the Fighting Illini up 7-0. That was enough to spur the... Read more »
Football: NU knows the long trek upward begins on third down
September 27, 2011
Filed under Sports
The playing of Metallica's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" at Ryan Field signifies one thing - third down. That down has given Northwestern fits so far this season on both sides of the ball. The Wildcats are tied for 84th among FBS schools in third-down defense, giving up the first down 44.2 percent of the... Read more »
Cross Country: Cats divide, aim to conquer
September 22, 2011
Filed under Sports
Success has followed Northwestern wherever it has run this season. The Wildcats finished first in both of their events so far. However, NU will face stiff competition in St. Paul, Minn., at the Roy Griak Invitational, one of two events the Cats will take part in on Saturday. The other event is the Forester... Read more »
Field hockey: Armstrong breaks records as Cats deliver upsets
September 19, 2011
Filed under Sports
Chelsea Armstrong is now the all-time points leader in Northwestern history and is a tally away from becoming the Wildcats' top goal scorer. What makes this milestone so special is that the junior forward has rewritten the record book in just over two seasons. Armstrong transferred from the University... Read more »
Field Hockey: NU topples ranked opponents
September 19, 2011
Filed under Sports
Chelsea Armstrong is now the all-time points leader in Northwestern history and is a tally away from becoming the Wildcats' top goal scorer. What makes this milestone so special is that the junior forward has rewritten the record book in just over two seasons. Armstrong transferred from the University... Read more »
Women's soccer: Cats continue to struggle
September 18, 2011
Filed under Sports
It's pretty impossible to win games when you can't put the ball in the back of the net. That is the struggle Northwestern (1-7-0, 0-1-0 Big Ten) has faced throughout the beginning part of their 2011 campaign. The Wildcats are averaging just more than one goal per game, far less than the nearly two and... Read more »
Football: Steelman, Army run roughshod over NU
September 16, 2011
Filed under Sports
Trent Steelman might as well have been made of steel Saturday. The Army quarterback spearheaded an impressive Black Knights rushing attack that put up 381 yards on the ground in their 21-14 victory over Northwestern (2-1) at West Point. Steelman ran the ball a game-high 28 times for 108 yards and three... Read more »
Football: No Trumpy, no problem
September 9, 2011
Filed under Sports
As Jacob Schmidt crossed the goal line with 3:41 left in the first quarter, thoughts of the last time he was at the goal line crossed his mind. On October 23, the senior running back broke his ankle and fumbled on the goal line against Michigan State, one catastrophic play that caused him to miss... Read more »
Weekend sports review: Sept. 5
September 4, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
It was a wild beginning of September for Northwestern athletics from the excitement of the football team's win over Boston College to the shellacking the women's soccer team took at the hands of No. 2 Stanford and everything in between. Let's take a look at what some of NU's teams did during the... Read more »
Football: Northwestern prevails in the Battle of Chestnut Hill
September 2, 2011
Filed under Sports
Pat Fitzgerald is the biggest fan of the new time rules the NCAA instituted this season. Boston College was called for a false start with 14 seconds left in the game and lost not only the customary five yards, but also 10 precious seconds off the clock thanks to the new NCAA rules. The new rule states... Read more »
Softball: Failure to finish dooms Cats
May 17, 2011
Filed under Sports
Every athlete will tell you it doesn't matter how you start, but how you finish. Every coach will say the same thing, but what makes one team finish better than another? Finishing games was the problem for Northwestern softball this year. The Wildcats held a lead in 12 of their 18 conference matchups... Read more »
Softball Q&A: Bast helps power NU in her freshman campaign
May 16, 2011
Filed under Sports
Second baseman Marisa Bast is a part of a freshman class that made an impact on Northwestern this season. In a lineup filled with speed, Bast has stepped in to provide some much needed power for the Wildcats. She hit .298 with 5 home runs and 26 RBIs, both good for third on the team. The DAILY spoke... Read more »
Softball: Cats' season slips away in Penn State sweep
May 14, 2011
Filed under Sports
By Josh Walfish the daily northwestern For a second consecutive year, Northwestern will not be in the NCAA Tournament. The Wildcats (23-20, 5-13 Big Ten) made the postseason from 2003 to 2009, but NU was not among the 64 teams announced Sunday night in the NCAA Championships. For the first time under... Read more »
Softball: Cats' seniors say goodbye with positive legacy
May 11, 2011
Filed under Sports
Every single class has its own unique flair, and this year's seniors for Northwestern are no exception. The Class of 2011 has accomplished a lot, including two NCAA Tournament appearances and a 2008 Big Ten regular season and tournament title on its home field. Despite all the good times they had on... Read more »
Softball: Bats don't show up for Cats
May 4, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern is used to being able to score more than three runs in a game. Or at least two games. The Wildcats' 5.97 runs a game are 19th in the country, but NU (22-17, 4-10 Big Ten) was shut out for the first time all season in the first game against Minnesota (30-21, 8-8) Wednesday. The Cats could... Read more »
Softball: NU needs clutch play to make NCAA appearance
May 3, 2011
Filed under Sports
Close, but no cigar. Those four words have summed up Northwestern's season thus far. The Wildcats (22-15, 4-8 Big Ten) are 7-10 in games decided by less than two runs and 2-6 in Big Ten games decided by that same margin. Coach Kate Drohan said the key to winning those close games is to play the same... Read more »
Softball: Wheeler offers stalwart presence in outfield
April 28, 2011
Filed under Sports
Jordan Wheeler rarely gets a day off when Northwestern is in action. The senior outfielder has played in all but eight of the Wildcats' games since her freshman year, starting 172 of the 177 games in which she has appeared. Wheeler is currently playing the best softball of her career statistically,... Read more »
Football: NU linebackers embrace season in the spotlight
April 26, 2011
Filed under Sports
Following the loss to Texas Tech in the Ticket City Bowl, coach Pat Fitzgerald had a message for his upcoming senior class: step up. That message hit home for not only the two rising senior linebackers on the Wildcats, but also some of the younger players. "It was just motivation for everybody," junior... Read more »
Softball: After blowing two late leads, NU looks to solve closing woes
April 17, 2011
Filed under Sports
After blowing leads in both its games over the weekend, Northwestern needs to learn how to finish a softball game, coach Kate Drohan knows. "The big innings have been really haunting us this Big Ten season," coach Kate Drohan said. "What I would really like to see is some grit and some aggressiveness... Read more »
Softball: Cats bounce back to split series with Spartans
April 13, 2011
Filed under Softball, Sports
For a second straight series Northwestern's resiliency was put to the test. NU (20-11, 2-4 Big Ten) responded to a 13-4 drubbing in the first game of a doubleheader Wednesday to knock off Michigan State (21-18, 3-7) 4-2 in the second game. Last season the Wildcats took both games in the series in five-inning... Read more »
Albanese brings no-hit mentality to NU
April 12, 2011
Filed under Sports
Sammy Albanese was a dominant pitcher in high school. She threw nine perfect games in three seasons of softball and threw 10 straight no-hitters during her senior year. Albanese was a four-time first-team high school All-American selection and was mentioned in Sports Illustrated twice. Yet, all that... Read more »
Softball: NU splits Wisconsin series
April 10, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern was six outs away from winning its first Big Ten game, but three outs later it was Wisconsin who had the lead. The Wildcats (19-10, 1-3 Big Ten) entered the bottom of the sixth with an 8-3 lead, but senior pitcher Jessica Smith unraveled, giving up four runs while only recording one out..... Read more »
NU rallies to take down NIU
April 6, 2011
Filed under Sports
Meghan Lamberth came back after two weeks of rest to pitch a complete game to help Northwestern beat Northern Illinois 8-2 Wednesday. The sophomore had last pitched in relief against Stanford on March 21 and the little bit of rust that had built up showed in the first inning. Lamberth gave up a run... Read more »
Softball: Batts slams NU past DePaul
April 5, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern refused to succumb to its recent finishing demons Tuesday, gutting out a 6-5 win over DePaul. The Wildcats took a 6-4 lead into the seventh inning and, after a leadoff single, replaced senior pitcher Jessica Smith with freshman Sammy Albanese. Albanese gave up two hits and struck out another... Read more »
Softball: NU to put ball in play vs. stingy DePaul defense
April 4, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern's offense is predicated on forcing the defense into making mistakes. The Wildcats (16-9, 0-2 Big Ten) will have a difficult time getting help from defensive errors when DePaul comes to town on Tuesday. The Blue Demons (20-10, 5-1 Big East) are second-best in the nation in fielding percentage... Read more »
NU snags 1,000th program win with sweep of Loyola
April 3, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern's first-ever program came courtesy of a 20-7 victory over Mundelein. Thirty-five years later, it swept a doubleheader with Loyola (Chicago) to celebrate its thousandth victory. "It's a tremendous accomplishment for our program," coach Kate Drohan said. The Wildcats (16-9) picked up win... Read more »
Cats dominate vs. inferior teams, struggle against elites
March 30, 2011
Filed under Sports
Northwestern has proven throughout the season that they have been able to compete with the top teams in the nation, but they have failed to find much success. The Wildcats are 1-9 against ranked opponents this season but are 13-0 against unranked foes. NU's lone win against ranked opposition came in... Read more »
Wrestling: NU's All-Americans finish strong at NCAA Championships
March 19, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Brandon Precin finished his Northwestern career two wins shy of winning a national title Saturday. The redshirt senior finished third in the 125-pound weight division at the 2011 NCAA Wrestling Championships. The redshirt senior was one of NU's three All-Americans, including redshirt sophomore Jason... Read more »
Wrestling: Wildcats to host Big Ten Wrestling Championships
March 2, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
For the first time in 10 years, Northwestern will host some of the nations' best competitors for the Big Ten Wrestling Championships this weekend. The Wildcats have seven wrestlers ranked in the preliminary seedings released by the Big Ten on Monday. The seedings were determined based on a vote of the... Read more »
NU wrestlers count the pounds
February 28, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Thirteen years before Drew Pariano took over the reins of the Northwestern wrestling program, a six-week span in 1997 changed the culture of the college sport forever. Pariano was a sophomore wrestler at NU when University of Michigan wrestler Jeff Reese died while working out in a wrestling room on... Read more »
Women's Tennis: Young team looks for experience, Tourney success
February 24, 2011
Filed under Olympics, Sports
There's only one thing missing from the Claire Pollard's resume: a NCAA team championship. The coach, who is entering her 13th year at the helm of the Northwestern women's tennis program, is hoping to finally hoist that elusive NCAA trophy this season. The team has not gotten off to the most ideal start,... Read more »
Wrestling: NU snags first Columbus win in 13 years
February 19, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Drew Pariano said he wanted to make sure Northwestern sent a message to the Big Ten in its dual against Ohio State. The coach accomplished his mission as the No. 14 Wildcats (18-2, 6-2 Big Ten) ran over the Buckeyes (2-11, 1-7) 27-13 in Columbus on Saturday. It was NU's first victory in Columbus since... Read more »
Wrestling: NU presses to win at 174 class
February 16, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
This year has been cruel to the 174-pound Northwestern wrestlers. Redshirt sophomore Brian Roddy and redshirt junior Robert Kellogg combined for an 8-2 record in the division at the beginning of the season. However, neither wrestler has won in 2011. The trend has not hindered the Wildcats' overall... Read more »
Wrestling: At home duals, seniors steal show
February 13, 2011
Filed under Wrestling
Brandon Precin has maintained a workman-like demeanor throughout his two All-American seasons and two Midlands Championships titles. During his final regular season match at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday night, the redshirt senior broke out of that mindset. Following his pin, which occurred 80 seconds... Read more »
Wrestling: At home duals, seniors steal show
February 13, 2011
Filed under Wrestling
Brandon Precin has maintained a workman-like demeanor throughout his two All-American seasons and two Midlands Championships titles. During his final regular season match at Welsh-Ryan Arena on Friday night, the redshirt senior broke out of that mindset. Following his pin, which occurred 80 seconds... Read more »
NU to honor senior class against Wisconsin
February 7, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
When Aaron Jones first came to Northwestern he was more concerned with how he performed in the classroom than how he fared on the mat. The Illinois native didn't necessarily have the innate cunning or physical prowess of fellow senior Brandon Precin, who went on to qualify for the NCAA Championships... Read more »
Wrestling: NU gets bonus points in lower weights, bests Purdue
February 5, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Aaron Jones broke his five-game losing streak in a big way Friday night. The senior won his 184-pound match against No. 7 A.J. Kissel in convincing 6-1 fashion, controlling the match from start to finish and notching takedowns late in the first two periods. Jones' win was one of No. 17 Northwestern's... Read more »
Fitz, NU sign
February 2, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Mother Nature's got nothing on Pat Fitzgerald. By 7 a.m. Wednesday, Fitzgerald had already signed seven of the 17 recruits Northwestern would pick up on National Signing Day. Because recruits are allowed to fax in their commitments at 7 a.m. in their respective time zones, Fitzgerald was able to nab... Read more »
Wrestling: NU to face top-heavy Purdue on Friday
February 1, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Northwestern's best wrestlers aren't necessarily its biggest. The Wildcats (15-2, 3-2 Big Ten) have won 77 of 85 matches at their five lower weight divisions this season. Three of the five starters at the lower divisions rank in the top-10 nationally, and all five appear in the top-30. When No. 17 NU... Read more »
Precin, NU pinned by Iowa
January 30, 2011
Filed under Wrestling
Ambition got the best of Brandon Precin, and perhaps his No. 1 ranking, against Iowa on Friday night. The redshirt senior was pinned with 49 seconds left in his Midlands Championships rematch with Matt McDonough during Northwestern's (15-2, 3-2 Big Ten) 31-9 loss to No. 8 Iowa (11-0-1, 4-0) at Welsh-Ryan... Read more »
Wrestling: Precin to try and pin down rematch win against Iowa
January 26, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
On Dec. 30 then-No. 2 Brandon Precin was matched up against Iowa's Matt McDonough, the nation's top-ranked wrestler in the 125-pound weight division, in the finals of the Midlands Championships. After seven minutes of intense wrestling, Precin scored a 3-1 win to notch his second Midlands championship. Precin... Read more »
Wrestling: Cats to take on No. 11 Wolverines
January 19, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Drew Pariano hit the mat running as the new head coach of the wrestling program. Pariano was promoted in June after five years on the staff of Tim Cysewski, now the associate head coach. Pariano was named the NWCA Division I Assistant Coach of the Year in 2008 and is looking to make his mark as the... Read more »
Cats wrestle away victory
January 10, 2011
Filed under Archive, Manual
Northwestern maintained its perfect record for duals with three wins at the University of Pittsburgh on Sunday. The most anticipated event at the Pittsburgh Duals was No. 21 NU's face-off with No. 20 Pittsburgh, due to the teams' high rankings in the latest NWCA/USA Today poll. The match-up was the... Read more »
Wrestling: Cats try to keep early season momentum rolling in duals
January 5, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
With its Big Ten schedule looming, Northwestern will travel to Pittsburgh this weekend for its final three non-conference duals. The trip is more about preparation than preserving the team's undefeated record, coach Drew Pariano said. NU will face a steep challenge in Pittsburgh, a team that just finished... Read more »
Wrestling: Cats try to keep early season momentum rolling in duals
January 5, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
With its Big Ten schedule looming, Northwestern will travel to Pittsburgh this weekend for its final three non-conference duals. The trip is more about preparation than preserving the team's undefeated record, coach Drew Pariano said. NU will face a steep challenge in Pittsburgh, a team that just finished... Read more »
Wrestling: Brandon Precin Q&A
January 4, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Redshirt senior Brandon Precin talks about winning his second career Midlands Championships crown and resisting late night Burger King runs. Excerpts: Daily: How did you first get involved in wrestling? Precin: I first got involved through my family. I had a few uncles and cousins who wrestled and... Read more »
Wrestling: New head coach, same old grit for NU
January 4, 2011
Filed under Sports, Wrestling
Redshirt senior Brandon Precin is back. After winning his second career crown in the 125-pound weight division at the 48th Midlands Championships, Precin received the Art Kraft Champion of Champions award, which is given to the top champion as voted on by all 10 winners at the event. "I appreciate them... Read more »
Women's Basketball: Jaeschke's triple-double key in comeback
November 22, 2010
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Victories don't always have to be pretty. Northwestern learned that the hard way on Sunday, beating Chicago State 75-73 on the shoulders of a career game from senior center Amy Jaeschke. The Wildcats (4-0) trailed for a majority of the afternoon, including a 14-point deficit early in the second half.... Read more »
Women's Basketball: Without McKeown, Cats escape with win
November 18, 2010
Filed under Basketball, Sports
With coach Joe McKeown not making the trip to Bowling Green for personal reasons, Northwestern (3-0) narrowly escaped with the victory over Western Kentucky (0-2), 61-54. Assistant coach Ali Jaques took over the coaching duties for the Wildcats for the night, and the team expects McKeown to return in... Read more »
Northwestern women's basketball hits the road Thursday against Western Kentucky
November 16, 2010
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Off to a 2-0 start and coming off a big win against perennial power LSU, Northwestern will hit the road on Thursday for the first time this season before returning home on Sunday to face Chicago State. Thursday's game against Western Kentucky (0-1) will be in "one of the tougher environments we will... Read more »
Women's basketball: Northwestern starts season off strong, beats LSU and Dartmouth
November 14, 2010
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Northwestern's women's basketball victories this weekend proved just how far the team has come under coach Joe McKeown. The team took down Dartmouth 66-37 on Friday and LSU 71-62 on Sunday afternoon. The Wildcats (2-0) played nearly mistake-free as they knocked off perennial powerhouse LSU (0-1) behind... Read more »
Women's Basketball: Northwestern opens up at home against Dartmouth, LSU
November 11, 2010
Filed under Sports, Women's Basketball
Northwestern will hit the floor Friday night to begin what they hope is the culmination of a long rebuilding process for the women's basketball program. The Wildcats have steadily increased their win total over the last three years, winning double-digit games last season for the first time since the... Read more »
Field Hockey: Loss to MSU ends season
November 3, 2010
Filed under Field Hockey
Northwestern got three chances to defeat No. 10 Michigan State, matching up with the Spartans three weeks in a row. However, the third time wasn't the charm for the Wildcats on Thursday morning, while at the same time this loss ended their season. The Cats (11-9, 3-3 Big Ten) fell to Michigan State... Read more »
Field Hockey: Big Ten invades Evanston as Northwestern hosts tournament
November 2, 2010
Filed under Field Hockey, Sports
This year, fifth-seeded Northwestern will have a key advantage over the six other teams in the Big Ten Tournament: home field. The Wildcats will kick off the 2010 version of the tournament against fourth-seeded and No. 10 Michigan State at Lakeside Field on Thursday. The tournament runs through Sunday. The... Read more »
Field Hockey: Cats face two of nation's best with a chance to win Big Ten
October 27, 2010
Filed under Field Hockey, Sports
The last time Northwestern made the NCAA Tournament, they lost 1-0 to James Madison in the Final Four. Unfortunately for the Wildcats, that was all the way back in 1994, which was also the last year NU won the Big Ten regular season title. Both streaks could end this season as the Cats head into a pair... Read more »
Field Hockey: Chelsea Armstrong nets four goals in 4-2 win over Iowa
October 24, 2010
Filed under Field Hockey, Sports
After sitting out of Northwestern's loss to Michigan State on Oct. 17 because of injury, sophomore midfielder Chelsea Armstrong got back to her usual scoring ways on Sunday. Armstrong scored all four NU goals as the Wildcats (11-6, 3-1 Big Ten) went into Iowa City and beat Iowa 4-2. The Cats jumped... Read more »
Field Hockey: Northwestern finds heartbreak on road trip to Michigan, Michigan State
October 16, 2010
Filed under Field Hockey, Sports
Northwestern dropped both games on its weekend road trip to Michigan in heartbreaking fashion, losing to No. 12 Michigan 4-3 in overtime on Friday and No. 7 Michigan State 2-1 on Sunday. NU (10-6, 2-1 Big Ten) played against the Spartans (12-4, 1-3 Big Ten) without sophomore forward Chelsea Armstrong,... Read more »