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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Cole Paxton, Gameday Editor

Cole is a Medill senior studying journalism and history. He has previously served as sports editor and managing editor and has covered several sports for The Daily, including football and women’s basketball. The Seattle native has also worked on Olympic sports and business news for various publications. You can reach Cole via Twitter or email.

All content by Cole Paxton
Riley Lees lunges into the end zone for a Northwestern touchdown. His score was one of four in the third quarter that propelled the Wildcats past Utah in the Holiday Bowl.

Football: Northwestern roars back thanks to massive third quarter, defeats Utah 31-20 in wild, historic Holiday Bowl

January 1, 2019
Pat Fitzgerald speaks to the media on Sunday, one day ahead of the Holiday Bowl.

Holiday Bowl preview notebook: Fitzgerald swats down Green Bay Packers rumors; Utah quarterback situation remains unclear

December 30, 2018
Ohio State running back JK Dobbins breaks away from a tackle during the Buckeyes' win over the Wildcats.

Rapid Recap: No. 6 Ohio State 45, No. 21 Northwestern 24

December 1, 2018
Pat Fitzgerald speaks to the media on Friday. His Wildcats will face Ohio State in the Big Ten title game Saturday.

Football: Northwestern mentally ready to face Ohio State in Big Ten title game

November 30, 2018

Paxton: Enjoy the recent highs, Northwestern fans. They’re special.

November 30, 2018
Pat Fitzgerald coaches from the sideline.

Football: Fitzgerald named Big Ten Coach of the Year

November 27, 2018
Football: In attracting in-state standouts, Northwestern blows past rival Illinois

Football: In attracting in-state standouts, Northwestern blows past rival Illinois

November 20, 2018
Joe Gaziano recovers a fumble. Northwestern's defense came up huge in a win at Minnesota.

Football: Northwestern spurts past Minnesota, 24-14, winning sixth straight Big Ten game

November 17, 2018
Riley Lees (left) and Cameron Ruiz celebrate against Iowa.

Paxton: When the stakes are high, Pat Fitzgerald has a tendency to rise

November 15, 2018
A Notre Dame tackler wraps up receiver Charlie Fessler. The Wildcats' fourth-quarter comeback came up short against the Fighting Irish.

Football: Wildcats’ fourth-quarter comeback attempt thwarted by Notre Dame

November 3, 2018
Dominik Stary hits a shot. The junior won the Big Ten Singles title.

Men’s Tennis: Wildcats look for successful weekend at Minnesota Mock Duals

November 1, 2018
Several offensive linemen prepare to engage blocks. The Wildcats have picked up their play in recent weeks.

Football: Wildcats’ offensive line turning a corner after early-season struggles

November 1, 2018
Sophomore receiver Kyric McGowan stretches for a touchdown reception during the third quarter of Saturday's game. McGowan's big play helped Northwestern pull away for a 31-17 win over Wisconsin.

Football: Northwestern rolls past No. 20 Wisconsin in 31-17 upset, continuing upward trend in Big Ten West

October 27, 2018
Isaiah Bowser fights to break through a Rutgers tackle. Entering the day with only two career carries, Bowser stepped up with over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Football: Isaiah Bowser’s big day gives Northwestern much-needed offensive spark

October 20, 2018
Chris Bergin closes in on a sack. The Wildcats struggled but managed to defeat Rutgers on Saturday.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 18, Rutgers 15

October 20, 2018
Flynn Nagel sprints away from a Nebraska defender. The senior wideout currently leads the Big Ten in receiving yards.

Football: After up-and-down stretches, Nagel shines in his senior season

October 18, 2018
Sophomore receiver Kyric McGowan jogs into the end zone after a long catch and run last week against Michigan State. McGowan and fellow speedster JJ Jefferson have emerged as field-stretching receivers for the Wildcats.

Football: Young receivers stand out with big-play ability, consistency

October 11, 2018
Clayton Thorson celebrates. The senior quarterback threw three long touchdown passes in Saturday's upset win at Michigan State.

Football: Explosive plays key Northwestern’s offense in upset win

October 6, 2018
Northwestern quarterback Clayton Thorson hits the ground. Michigan sacked Thorson six times and stifled Northwestern's offense in a 20-17 comeback victory.

Football: Northwestern collapses again, losing 20-17 to Michigan

September 29, 2018
Jeremy Larkin seeks to evade a tackler in one of his final career games.

Football: As Jeremy Larkin leaves the field, running backs scramble to fill void

September 27, 2018
Jeremy Larkin carries the ball against Akron in what became his final career game. Larkin retired due to cervical stenosis.

Football: Jeremy Larkin retires from football due to cervical stenosis

September 24, 2018
Clayton Thorson surveys the field. The senior quarterback's three critical turnovers were decisive in Northwestern's loss to Akron.

Football: Thorson’s second-half disaster dooms Northwestern

September 16, 2018
Northwestern cornerback Montre Hartage forces an incomplete pass intended for Purdue receiver Jared Sparks on Thursday night.

Football: Wildcats’ defense plays sturdily enough to secure victory

August 30, 2018
Jeremy Larkin high-steps past a defender. The sophomore running back had a standout performance in NU's win over Purdue on Thursday.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 31, Purdue 27

August 30, 2018
Jared McGee signals before a play. The to-be senior safety has missed spring practices while recovering from hip surgery.

Football: Recovering from injuries, expected top safeties develop from sidelines

April 15, 2018
The Northwestern football team practices in the new Ryan Fieldhouse for the first time on Saturday. The 460,000-square foot facility will serve numerous purposes for Northwestern athletics and beyond.

Northwestern christens Ryan Fieldhouse practice facility

April 8, 2018
The crowd at a men’s basketball game at Welsh-Ryan Arena two seasons ago. The new renovations will likely be unveiled to host men’s and women’s exhibition games on Nov. 2, Schapiro said.

Welsh-Ryan Arena to reopen in November, Schapiro says

March 8, 2018
Glynn Watson, Jr. slips past Barret Benson for a layup. Watson had 19 points in Nebraska's 70-55 win over Northwestern.

Men’s Basketball: Woeful offense sends Northwestern to loss to Nebraska

January 2, 2018
Isiah Brown drives to the hoop. The sophomore guard had only 2 points in the loss to Nebraska.

Rapid Recap: Nebraska 70, Northwestern 55

January 2, 2018
Matt Alviti brings the ball down. The senior quarterback had 54 rushing yards after being pressed into duty in the Music City Bowl.

Football: Led by Alviti, seniors shine bright in Music City Bowl win

December 29, 2017
Justin Jackson unleashes a stiff arm. The senior running back ran for a pair of touchdowns in Northwestern's Music City Bowl win Friday.

Music City Bowl Rapid Recap: No. 21 Northwestern 24, Kentucky 23

December 29, 2017
Justin Jackson runs with the football. The senior running back starred in Northwestern's win over Pittsburgh in the Pinstripe Bowl last December.

Football: Northwestern readies for Music City Bowl on cusp of 10-win season

December 26, 2017
Byrdy Galernik scans the court. The sophomore guard and the Wildcats went 1-2 at the Challenge in Music City.

Women’s Basketball: Low-scoring Wildcats go 1-2 in Nashville tournament

November 28, 2017
Junior defensive tackle Jordan Thompson and senior tackle Tyler Lancaster smother Illinois running back Dre Brown. The Wildcats' defensive front dominated Illinois on Saturday.

Football: Northwestern’s defense shuts down Illinois in lopsided win

November 25, 2017
Byrdy Galernik dribbles. The sophomore guard played 10 minutes off the bench against Santa Clara.

Women’s Basketball: With questionable depth, undefeated Wildcats set off for 3 games in 3 days

November 22, 2017
Seniors Garrett Dickerson and Warren Long stand in the end zone. Dickerson caught a pair of touchdowns in NU's dominant win over Minnesota.

Rapid Recap: No. 23 Northwestern 39, Minnesota 0

November 18, 2017
Coach Joe McKeown surveys the court. Associate head coach Christie Sides resigned at the beginning of this season, McKeown said.

Women’s Basketball: Top assistant Sides resigns from Northwestern

November 17, 2017
Football: In breakout seasons, pair of Northwestern linebackers take play to new heights

Football: In breakout seasons, pair of Northwestern linebackers take play to new heights

November 16, 2017
Nate Hall wraps up a Boilermaker. The junior linebacker played a part in Northwestern’s stout run defense in Saturday’s win over Purdue.

Football: Stifling run defense helps lead Wildcats past Purdue

November 12, 2017
Scottie Lindsey rises for a dunk. The senior guard led all scorers with 26 points as the Wildcats survived Loyola Maryland on Friday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern sneaks by Loyola Maryland in trying season-opening win

November 11, 2017
Vic Law plays suffocating defense. The junior forward and the Wildcats opened their season with a tight victory over Loyola Maryland.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 79, Loyola Maryland 75

November 10, 2017
Northwestern's offensive front lines up. The team has seen improved play from its offensive line over the course of this season.

Football: After shaky start, Northwestern’s offensive line rounds into form

November 10, 2017
Justin Jackson prepares for impact. The senior leads the team with 798 rushing yards on the season.

Football Roundtable: Writers talk Wildcats, Big Ten as season’s end approaches

November 7, 2017
Oceana Hamilton looks to make a pass. The senior center is looking to be among several Wildcats playing more prominent roles this season.

Women’s Basketball: After stars depart, Northwestern enters uncertain era marked by youth, inexperience

November 6, 2017
Macan Wilson runs with the ball. The senior receiver caught five passes for 107 yards against Nebraska.

Football: Northwestern beats Nebraska 31-24, earns third consecutive OT win

November 4, 2017
Pat Fitzgerald yells. The coach railed against NCAA guidelines about official gameday tackling statistics this week, claiming redshirt freshman linebacker Paddy Fisher had more tackles than he was credited for against Michigan State.

Football Notebook: Fitzgerald laments official tackling statistics

November 2, 2017
Sophia Miller strikes the ball. The senior defender was unanimously named to the All-Big Ten first team on Wednesday.

Field Hockey: Trio of Wildcats earn Big Ten honors

November 1, 2017
Flynn Nagel steps out of bounds. The junior receiver caught the final go-ahead touchdown in Northwestern's win over Michigan State on Saturday.

Football: Northwestern makes huge plays in third overtime to upset No. 16 Michigan State

October 28, 2017
Lauren Clem kicks the ball. The senior goalkeeper was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week on Tuesday.

Women’s Soccer: Clem, Stahlschmidt earn Big Ten weekly honors

October 24, 2017
Charlie Kuhbander kicks. The freshman kicker knocked in three field goals and four extra points in Maryland last week.

Football: Settling into Wildcats’ starting kicker role, Kuhbander exudes confidence

October 19, 2017
Paddy Fisher delivers a hit on Penn State quarterback Trace McSorley that led to an ejection for targeting. The redshirt freshman linebacker was one of two Northwestern players ejected for the foul against the Nittany Lions.

Paxton: Fitzgerald’s attitude on targeting is good, but it needs to be better

October 19, 2017
Pat Fitzgerald coaches from the sideline. Fitzgerald this week defended a controversial option play-call on fourth-and-three against Penn State.

Football Notebook: Pat Fitzgerald offers creative solution to linebacker conundrum

October 12, 2017
Godwin Igwebuike misses a tackle on Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. Igwebuike, a senior safety, was ejected for a targeting penalty in the second half of Northwestern's loss to No. 4 Penn State.

Rapid Recap: No. 4 Penn State 31, Northwestern 7

October 7, 2017
Northwestern’s offensive line blocks. The Wildcats’ front struggled against No. 9 Wisconsin last week.

Football: Struggling Northwestern offensive line to be challenged by Penn State

October 6, 2017
Puck Pentenga runs after the ball. The junior midfielder has led the Wildcats to a successful season with six regular season games to go.

Field Hockey: Writers ruminate on Northwestern’s season, NCAA Tournament chances

October 5, 2017
Clayton Thorson (left) scans the field, while Trevor Siemian throws the ball. Siemian is in his second season as the starting quarterback for the Denver Broncos while Thorson has strong pro prospects.

Football: Point-Counterpoint: NFL careers for Northwestern gun-slingers

September 26, 2017
Clayton Thorson carries the ball. The junior quarterback tossed for 352 yards in Northwestern's win over Nevada on Saturday.

Football: Northwestern starts slow, pulls away in 31-20 win over Nevada

September 2, 2017
Elena Curley carries the ball. The senior midfielder and the Wildcats won twice in recent days, but took an ugly loss against Connecticut.

Field Hockey: Northwestern opens season with 2-1 road trip

August 30, 2017
Sophia Miller works around an opposing player. The senior defender is expected to lead the Wildcats this season.

Field Hockey: Deep Northwestern team seeks to replace stars

August 25, 2017
Mohammed Ramzan drowned in April in a crew team accident. A police report released to the Chicago Tribune this week revealed he had told a teammate beforehand that he could not swim.

Mohammed Ramzan told a teammate he could not swim, police report says

August 25, 2017
Kayla Sharples heads away a ball in the box last season. The junior defender is one of the top returners on this year's squad.

Women’s Soccer preview: Northwestern looks for second-straight conference title

August 17, 2017
Northwestern's offensive line prepares for a snap in last year's game against Iowa. Jared Thomas has helped stabilize what Pat Fitzgerald has called a "fluid" unit.

Football Notebook: Thomas takes advantage of opportunity, but remains understated

August 17, 2017
Nathan Fox (left) celebrates with a teammate in a game last year. Fox is a candidate to take over the middle linebacker job this season, though coach Pat Fitzgerald said there may not be a determined starter at that position.

Football Notebook: Fitzgerald leaves open possibility of middle linebacker rotation

August 13, 2017
Nia Coffey boxes out an opponent for a rebound in San Antonio's July 25 game against the Washington Mystics. Coffey and the Stars have both struggled this season.

Women’s Basketball: In challenging rookie WNBA season, Nia Coffey remains upbeat

August 11, 2017
Tyler Lancaster (center) fights a block in a game last year. Lancaster was given the prestigious No. 1 jersey this season.

Football Notebook: Lancaster ‘proud’ to receive No. 1 jersey, calls it ‘a responsibility’

August 9, 2017
Northwestern players huddle during a non-conference game last year. The Cats' full non-conference schedule for this season was released Thursday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern releases full non-conference schedule

August 3, 2017
Construction equipment on Sheridan Road. Foster and Noyes streets will be temporarily closed this month because of the work.

Foster Street, Noyes Street each to close for a week at Sheridan Road

August 3, 2017
Coach Pat Fitzgerald yells at players during last season's game against Illinois State. Fitzgerald discussed a number of offseason topics during Tuesday's Big Ten Media Days.

Football Notebook: Northwestern to begin training camp unusually late

July 26, 2017
Jordan Wilimovsky swims in a meet for Northwestern. The recent NU grad won the silver medal in the 10-kilometer open water swim at the world championships.

Men’s Swimming: Wilimovsky falls just short of defending world championship

July 18, 2017
Chris Collins looks on during an NCAA Tournament game in March. Collins said Monday that Northwestern has had some difficulties scheduling non-conference games for next season.

Men’s Basketball: Collins discusses scheduling, says Northwestern won’t play post-Big Ten Tournament game

July 18, 2017
Then-Wright State coach Billy Donlon coaches in a 2013 game. Donlon was hired as an NU assistant Monday.

Men’s Basketball: Michigan’s Donlon takes NU assistant job

June 26, 2017
Graduates of the Northwestern Class of 2017 stand at commencement. Commencement took place Friday morning at Ryan Field.

Commencement Notebook: Five awarded honorary degrees

June 16, 2017
Kacie Komoto tees off. The senior and the Wildcats lost in the National Championship final Wednesday, but still secured the best finish in program history.

Paxton: Despite loss, Northwestern’s nationals performance excellent, impressive

May 24, 2017
Janet Mao thinks through a putt. The sophomore and the Wildcats fell to Arizona State in the National Championship match Wednesday.

Women’s Golf: Northwestern falls in national championship match

May 24, 2017

Cross Country: O’Brien leads Northwestern in California

May 8, 2017
Pat Fitzgerald (left), Jim Phillips and Chris Collins pose for a photo. Phillips announced new contracts for Fitzgerald and Collins on Tuesday.

Fitzgerald, Collins sign lengthy contract extensions

April 25, 2017
Chris Collins watches during the NCAA Tournament. The men’s basketball coach received a contract extension that runs through the 2024-25 season.

Men’s Basketball: Lengthy Collins extension secures Northwestern’s ‘destination’ status

April 25, 2017
Men’s basketball coach Chris Collins observes the court during an NCAA Tournament game. Collins and football coach Pat Fitzgerald received contract extensions on Monday, according to reports.

Pat Fitzgerald, Chris Collins to receive contract extensions, according to reports

April 24, 2017
Nia Coffey races past a defender. The former NU player was selected fifth overall in the WNBA Draft on Thursday.

Women’s Basketball: Coffey taken fifth overall in WNBA Draft

April 13, 2017
Marissa Panko runs the bases. The junior infielder and the Wildcats took down local rival Loyola on Wednesday.

Softball: Wildcats top local rival Loyola, prepare for daunting weekend

April 12, 2017
Nia Coffey jumps for a tip-off. The former Wildcat is a near-certain first round pick in Thursday’s WNBA Draft.

Women’s Basketball: Coffey set for first round WNBA Draft selection

April 12, 2017
Joe McKeown gestures. The coach has led the Wildcats to two relatively disappointing seasons in the past two years.

Paxton: Results under McKeown are frustrating, but he deserves his job

April 10, 2017
Gramatik

Hip-hop, electronic musician Gramatik to perform at Dillo Day

April 10, 2017
Matthew Fitzpatrick

Men’s Golf: Fitzpatrick finishes 32nd at Masters

April 9, 2017
Alex Chatt (left) celebrates a point with her doubles partner, Maddie Lipp. The juniors and the Wildcats are seeking to extend their unbeaten start to Big Ten play.

Women’s Tennis: Wildcats put perfect Big Ten streak on line

April 5, 2017
Matthew Fitzpatrick

Men’s Golf: Former NU golfer Fitzpatrick set for Masters

April 4, 2017
Lily Novak swings through the ball. The sophomore infielder and the Wildcats were shut out three times in weekend losses.

Softball: Wildcats shut down at Michigan

April 2, 2017

Cross Country: Roberts runs at World Championships in Uganda

March 30, 2017
Johnnie Vassar makes a pass. The former NU basketball player filed a motion Tuesday opposing a separate motion to dismiss his lawsuit against the University.

Former men’s basketball player Johnnie Vassar files motions regarding lawsuit against Northwestern, NCAA

March 30, 2017
Jordan Wilimovsky takes a stroke. The senior closed his NCAA career with a fourth place finish in the 1,650-yard freestyle.

Men’s Swimming: Wilimovsky finishes fourth at NCAAs

March 29, 2017
Alcy Bush reacts to a ball in play. The senior infielder helped the Wildcats to a win in their weekend series against Wisconsin.

Softball: Wildcats snag win in weekend series

March 28, 2017
Ashley Deary struggles against her defender. The senior guard committed five of the Wildcats' 21 turnovers in Friday's loss to Ohio State.

Women’s Basketball: Turnovers doom Northwestern in ugly Big Ten Tournament loss

March 3, 2017
Nia Coffey shoots over a defender. The senior exploded for 34 points to lead Northwestern to victory.

Women’s Basketball: Nia Coffey leads senior charge in Northwestern’s Big Ten Tournament opener

March 3, 2017
Nia Coffey attempts a layup. The senior put on an 34-point showstopper in Northwestern's Big Ten Tournament win over Iowa.

Women’s Basketball: Northwestern upsets Iowa, moves on in Big Ten Tournament

March 2, 2017
Joe McKeown motions from the sideline. The coach is optimistic about Northwestern’s chances in the conference tournament despite a poor February showing.

Women’s Basketball: Despite ugly February, Wildcats enter Big Ten Tournament with confidence

February 28, 2017
Nia Coffey dribbles the ball. The senior forward was named to her fourth All-Big Ten First Team.

Women’s Basketball: Nia Coffey named first-team All-Big Ten, Ashley Deary named Defensive Player of the Year

February 27, 2017
Nia Coffey attempts a shot. The senior forward notched 19 points but couldn’t lift Northwestern over the Boilermakers, who won on a buzzer-beater.

Women’s Basketball: Last-second buzzer-beater dooms Northwestern in loss to Purdue

February 26, 2017
Nia Coffey drives to the basket. The senior forward’s 27 points led the Wildcats to their victory over Rutgers.

Women’s Basketball: Nia Coffey shines in final home game

February 23, 2017
Nia Coffey dribbles through defenders. The senior will look to lead Northwestern through its home stretch.

Women’s Basketball: Northwestern looks for late run to solidify Big Ten standing

February 23, 2017
Nia Coffey skies for a layup. The forward was honored alongside her fellow seniors prior to Sunday’s win.

Women’s Basketball: Northwestern’s seniors find success in sendoff

February 19, 2017
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Cole Paxton