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John Riker, Sports Editor

John is a Medill junior from North Potomac, Maryland, and he really enjoys Star Wars. He currently works as the sports editor and writes occasional film columns for the arts and entertainment desk. You can contact him through his email.

All content by John Riker
Coach in black shirt paces the sideline.

Football: Who holds the edge in the third matchup between Pat Fitzgerald and Jim Harbaugh?

October 22, 2021
Player in purple jersey dives to floor to hit ball.

Volleyball: Northwestern suffers regular season sweep to Illinois, loses in four sets

October 21, 2021
Man in suit poses for a picture with man in black jersey.

“A pioneer almost everywhere I’ve gone”: Why Derrick Gragg is uniquely positioned to guide the future of Northwestern athletics

October 20, 2021
Players in white uniforms surround the coach in black polo.

Volleyball: Wildcats battle both opponents and fatigue to split four-game away stretch

October 18, 2021
Film strip features stills from the movie “No Time to Die.”

Reel Thoughts: ‘No Time To Die’ delivers on its promise as an epic Bond finale

October 13, 2021
Volleyball player celebrates a point with teammates.

Volleyball: Wildcats finding consistency in fall season after tumultuous spring

October 8, 2021
Linebacker in black jersey pulls down running back in white jersey.

Football: Inside Northwestern’s defensive struggles against big plays

October 8, 2021
Volleyball player aims for a hit.

Volleyball: Northwestern captures first Big Ten win, nearly upsets No. 7 Minnesota

October 3, 2021
Volleyball player communicates to a teammate.

Volleyball: Wildcats search for first Big Ten win in weekend matches against Rutgers, No. 7 Minnesota

October 1, 2021
Player in purple jersey makes hand motions

Football: Northwestern returns to Big Ten action against Nebraska on the road

September 30, 2021
A high school football stadium sits behind two teams on the field in orange and white, preparing for the action to start.

Captured: Wildkits defeat rival New Trier for the first time in ten years

September 27, 2021
Football receiver runs to the end zone.

Evanston Township captures first football victory over New Trier since 2010

September 27, 2021
Football player eyes down the defense.

Football: Ryan Hilinski wins first start for Northwestern, but rushing performance headlines offense

September 25, 2021
Volleyball player reaches up to hit the volleyball.

Volleyball: Wildcats win set against No. 12 Nebraska, but drop Big Ten opener at home

September 24, 2021
Film strip features stills from the movie “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings”

Reel Thoughts: Marvel flick Shang-Chi sheds familiarity and achieves brilliance

September 22, 2021
An empty seat stands in an arena.

Riker: The Daily’s Sports desk is thrilled for this fall. There’s good reason for you to be, too.

September 21, 2021
Player in white jersey throws pass.

Football: Northwestern shuffles through three quarterbacks in 30-23 loss to Duke

September 18, 2021
Running back sprints for the end zone.

Football: “They will not stop the run”: How Northwestern’s running backs are making their presence felt in 2021

September 17, 2021
Football player runs into the end zone.

Football: Northwestern earns 24-6 win over Indiana State behind prolific ground game, stout defense

September 11, 2021
Football player evades opposing defenders.

Football: Twenty years ago, Northwestern saw its world upended by the 9/11 attacks

September 9, 2021
Football player looks for an opening in the defense.

Rapid Recap: Michigan State 38, Northwestern 21

September 3, 2021
A merchandise trailer outside a stadium features a football player flexing.

Football: From the sidelines to the student section, Northwestern welcomes fans back to Ryan Field

September 2, 2021
Basketball coach reacts to play on the court.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern bolsters backcourt with four-star recruit Brumbaugh

August 30, 2021
Football player prepares to catch a snap.

Football Notebook: Hunter Johnson building rapport with NU offense ahead of season opener

August 28, 2021
Football player rushes through a hole in the defense.

Football: Injuries sideline Porter, Franks for 2021 season

August 17, 2021
Baseball player readies to hit the incoming pitch.

Baseball: After whirlwind 2021, Cats looking to find footing under Josh Reynolds

August 16, 2021
Basketball coach directs players on the court.

Men’s Basketball: After AD switch, 2021-22 could be prove-it year for Collins and Co.

August 16, 2021
A running back carries the football against three defenders.

Q&A: Washington Football Team President Jason Wright (Weinberg ’04) still making history after storied college career

July 8, 2021
Athletic director claps at basketball game with other fans.

Riker: This academic year showed Northwestern athletics at its best. Then, we saw its worst.

June 2, 2021
Reel Thoughts: “Clone Wars” spinoff “The Bad Batch” targets hardcore fans, but leaves casual viewers behind

Reel Thoughts: “Clone Wars” spinoff “The Bad Batch” targets hardcore fans, but leaves casual viewers behind

May 26, 2021
Northwestern player offers a fist bump on the field.

Baseball: Wildcats upset Iowa for first series victory since March

May 25, 2021
Northwestern player looks to first base between pitches.

Baseball: Northwestern drops two against Nebraska, cancels series finale amid health and safety concerns

May 16, 2021
Northwestern player prepares to hit the baseball.

‘Get it to Goose’: Inside Shawn Goosenberg’s emergence as Northwestern’s best batter

May 13, 2021
Man competes in freestyle swimming.

Q&A: Olympian Jordan Wilimovsky (Weinberg ’17) discusses swimming career, unusual 2020 Olympic cycle

April 28, 2021
Baseball players in purple and white uniforms stand in a huddle on the outfield grass.

Baseball: Northwestern falls to .500 after weekend losses to Indiana

April 18, 2021
Player in white jersey dives across brown dirt to white base stood over by player in black jersey

Baseball: Allen earns 100th win, but Northwestern drops two of three to Rutgers

April 12, 2021
Northwestern player fires a pitch from the mound.

Baseball: Northwestern returns to Miller Park for first time in nearly two years

April 8, 2021
Northwestern player crouches on the basepath, leading off from first base.

Baseball: Northwestern drops three of four but holds off No. 25 Michigan in finale

April 4, 2021
Men’s player Michael Trautwein crouches on the basepath, leading off from first base.

Baseball: Three takeaways from Northwestern’s surprising start

April 1, 2021
Men’s player attempts a layup.

Men’s Basketball: 2020-21 Men’s Basketball Exit Survey

March 12, 2021
Ryan Young shoots the ball. Young scored five points and pulled down four rebounds in Northwestern’s season-ending loss to Minnesota.

Men’s Basketball: Disastrous start, finish spell doom for Wildcats in season-ending loss to Minnesota

March 11, 2021
Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) engage in a heated debate in “WandaVision.” The nine-episode series released its final episode on March 6.

Reel Thoughts: “WandaVision” breaks new ground for the Marvel Cinematic Universe

March 11, 2021
Sophomore forward Robbie Beran backs down a Nebraska defender. Beran scored 11 points in the Cats’ win, their third consecutive victory.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 79, Nebraska 78

March 7, 2021
Sophomore guard Boo Buie drives against Rutgers. Buie led the Cats with 15 points and added a layup in the clutch as NU knocked off Maryland.

Men’s Basketball: Young’s dominant finish lifts Northwestern to upset of Maryland

March 4, 2021
A Northwestern swimmer does freestyle. The Wildcats finished fourth at the Big Ten Championships.

Swim and Dive: Northwestern places fourth at Big Ten Championships

February 28, 2021
Sophomore guard Boo Buie releases a shot against Ohio State on Dec. 26. Buie scored 25 points in Northwestern 67-59 win over Minnesota.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 67, Minnesota 59

February 25, 2021
Men’s player squats on baseball diamond.

Baseball: Northwestern releases 44-game schedule 11 days ahead of first game

February 23, 2021
Junior forward Pete Nance goes up for a block attempt against Illinois on Jan. 7. Nance scored 12 of his 14 points in the second half, but the Cats’ upset bid came up short.

Men’s Basketball: Dosunmu’s late threes doom Cats’ comeback bid against Illinois

February 17, 2021
Chase Audige elevates for a dunk attempt in the Cats’ loss to Rutgers on Jan. 31. NU was unable to avenge their earlier loss in a 64-50 loss to the Scarlet Knights.

Rapid Recap: No. 25 Rutgers 64, Northwestern 50

February 13, 2021
Ryan Young backs his defender down during Northwestern’s loss to Rutgers on Jan. 31. The Cats lost their 10th straight game in a double overtime loss to Indiana.

Men’s Basketball: Cats fall in double OT marathon, suffer 10th straight loss

February 11, 2021
Pete Nance drives inside during Northwestern’s 64-56 loss to Rutgers on Jan. 31. Nance’s emergence has been a bright spot in a turbulent season.

Men’s Basketball: After a rocky start, Pete Nance is living up to the hype. Now he’s a Big Ten problem.

February 10, 2021
Chase Audige reacts in Northwestern’s Jan-31 loss to Rutgers. Audige led the Cats’ offensive effort with 18 points against Purdue, but the host Boilermakers held on to win 75-70.

Rapid Recap: Purdue 75, Northwestern 70

February 6, 2021
A photo of Tiger Woods featured in “Tiger.” The two-part HBO original documentary delves into the life of the golfing legend.

Reel Thoughts

January 28, 2021
Pat Fitzgerald lifts up the Holiday Bowl Trophy after Northwestern took down Utah 31-20 on New Years Day in 2019. He’ll hope for more celebrations like that in the next ten years, having just signed a decade-long contract extension to stay at NU.

Riker: Wildcat football’s biggest win of the season comes at the end with Fitzgerald extension

January 28, 2021
Sophomore guard Chase Audige defends an opponent in Northwestern’s home loss to Iowa. The Cats dropped their seventh straight contest on Saturday night.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern loses seventh straight in late collapse to Penn State

January 24, 2021
Anthony Gaines talks to Miller Kopp in Northwestern’s loss to then-No. 5 Iowa.

Rapid Recap: No. 10 Wisconsin 68, Northwestern 52

January 20, 2021
Coach Chris Collins reacts to the on-court action. The Cats surrendered 49 first half points to No. 5 Iowa and suffered their fifth consecutive loss.

Rapid Recap: No. 5 Iowa 96, Northwestern 73

January 17, 2021
Boo Buie takes a three. The sophomore guard has struggled recently after strong performances early in the season.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern can’t complete rally in loss to No. 21 Ohio State

January 14, 2021
Sydney Wood sets up the offense. The postponement of the Cats’ January 14 game at Rutgers gives No. 22 Northwestern an eight-day hiatus.

Women’s Basketball: Game against Rutgers postponed due to COVID

January 12, 2021
Chase Audige dribbles down the floor. Audige had just four points in Thursdays loss to Illinois.

Rapid Recap: No. 12 Illinois 81, Northwestern 56

January 7, 2021
Sophomore guard Boo Buie launches a three against Ohio State. The Wildcats struggled from behind the arc against No. 16 Michigan, connecting on just five of 18 attempts.

Men’s Basketball: In 19-point loss, No. 19 Northwestern outpaced by No. 16 Michigan’s hot 3-point shooting

January 4, 2021
Freshman guard Ty Berry celebrates after the Cats pull out a 71-70 victory over No. 23 Ohio State.

Men’s Basketball: Cats edge No. 23 Ohio State, improve to 3-0 in Big Ten for first time since 1968

December 26, 2020
Chase Audige gave the Wildcats the offensive spark they needed against Indiana. The sophomore guard finished with 17 points, all in the final nine minutes.

Men’s Basketball: Audige’s second half explosion leads Wildcats to perfect Big Ten start

December 25, 2020
The Wildcats huddle during their ACC/Big Ten Challenge matchup against Pitt. Northwestern lost by a point after a disastrous final minute.

Men’s Basketball: Pittsburgh wins on last-second dunk, deals NU first loss

December 10, 2020
Chase Audige tries a three-pointer. Audige scored a career-high 25 points against No. 21 Ohio State, but couldn’t get going from three-point range, finishing the night 1 for 7.

Men’s Basketball: Transfer Chase Audige makes impressive NU debut in blowout win

December 3, 2020
Stills from “The Mandalorian.” Season Two of the acclaimed Disney+ show has built on the success of the first outing and pushed it to new heights.

Reel Thoughts: Mandalorian Season Two sends Star Wars hurtling forward

November 20, 2020
Lindsey Pulliam goes up for a layup. Pulliam was named to the mid-season Wooden Award Top 25 on Thursday.

Women’s Basketball: Pulliam named media’s Big Ten Preseason Player of the Year

November 13, 2020
Dererk Pardon dribbles the ball during Northwestern’s last game at the United Center, in 2019. The United Center is slated to host NCAA Regionals in 2022 and 2026.

Northwestern to serve as host school for 2026 NCAA regional

October 18, 2020
A still from “Class Action Park.” The HBO documentary takes a deep dive into a dangerous water park, and all the trauma that came from it.

Reel Thoughts: HBO documentary “Class Action Park” provides thrills and chills

October 14, 2020
Pete Nance takes a layup. NU will look to Nance and fellow junior forward Miller Kopp to take the team to contention in the Big Ten.

Men’s Basketball: Kopp, Nance look to make Wildcats conference contenders

August 16, 2020
Aubrey Roberts, whose cross country career came to a premature end due to the coronavirus. The cross country team will look to capitalize on a reworked training regimen.

Cross Country: Northwestern looks to capitalize on reworked training regimen

August 16, 2020
Chris Collins and Jim Phillips sit courtside at a game. The NCAA and its athletic programs face an uncertain future for collegiate sports.

Riker: With or without games, this fall will be the most important season in NCAA history

August 16, 2020
Aubrey Roberts runs alongside her teammates. The COVID-19 pandemic brought a premature end to the senior’s NU career.

Cross Country: Wildcats find “mental escape” in distance training

May 18, 2020
A Northwestern swimmer leaps into the water. With swimming pools not a training option for most of the team, the Wildcats have found alternative means to continue working out.

Swimming: Wildcats translate competitive mindset to new terrain

May 5, 2020
(Daily file photo by Joshua Hoffman). Miller Kopp drives the lane. The sophomore forward led the team in scoring Saturday.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 80, No. 20 Penn State 69

March 7, 2020
Abbie Wolf makes a move against Illinois. The senior forward/center has developed into one of the Big Ten’s best post-up players in her four years in Evanston.

Women’s Basketball: Abbie Wolf joined Northwestern without her own post-up game. Now she’s the anchor inside for the Big Ten champs

March 6, 2020
Robbie Beran prepares to dribble. The freshman forward scored six points on Wednesday.

Men’s Basketball: Wildcats’ offense falters in road loss to Wisconsin

March 5, 2020
Men’s player Michael Trautwein crouches on the basepath, leading off from first base.

Baseball: Northwestern suffers weekend sweep to South Florida

March 3, 2020
Boo Buie handles the ball. Buie and the Wildcats dropped their 12th game in a row Thursday to Illinois.

Men’s Basketball: Fighting Illini complete season sweep of Wildcats

February 28, 2020
(Daily file photo by Joshua Hoffman). Pat Spencer drives the lane. The grad transfer guard struggled to score Sunday against Minnesota

Rapid Recap: Minnesota 83 Northwestern 57

February 23, 2020
Brennan Dwyer moves down the field. The junior finished with a program-record 21 draw controls in Sunday’s win over Arizona State.

Lacrosse: Behind Dwyer’s record performance, Cats roll Arizona State

February 16, 2020
Sophomore Miller Kopp dives for a loose ball. Kopp scored 10 points on 3 of 12 shooting.

Men’s Basketball: Wildcats’ offense falters in 25-point home loss to Michigan

February 13, 2020
Robbie Beran surveys the floor. The freshman forward started for the Wildcats on Saturday

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern hopes to rebound, pull off home upset of Michigan

February 11, 2020
Miller Kopp shots a three pointer. The sophomore forward nailed three three-pointers from behind the arc on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Purdue steals win in final seconds, hands Northwestern 10th Big Ten loss

February 2, 2020
Pat Spencer gets hit as he shoots. The graduate transfer guard finished with 11 points on Wednesday.

Rapid Recap: Michigan State 79, Northwestern 50

January 29, 2020
Boo Buie makes a move. The guard finished with 10 points but struggled shooting from the floor in NU’s loss to Ohio State.

Men’s Basketball: Boo Buie takes another step in injury comeback against Ohio State

January 27, 2020
Pat Spencer looks to make a move. The Wildcats dropped their third conference game in a row to Maryland on Thursday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern fumbles away late lead to Maryland

January 22, 2020
(Daily file photo by Joshua Hoffman). Ryan Young takes a layup. The freshman center scored a career-high 25 points Sunday.

Rapid Recap: No. 24 Illinois 75, Northwestern 71

January 18, 2020
Pat Spencer dribbles the ball. Northwestern plays at Illinois on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Northwestern aiming to upset No. 24 Illinois

January 16, 2020
Miller Kopp makes a move through two defenders. The Wildcats dropped their fifth Big Ten contest of the season to Iowa on Thursday night.

Men’s Basketball: Wildcats run out of gas, fall to Iowa at home

January 15, 2020
Miller Kopp shoots the ball. The sophomore finished the game with 15 points.

Rapid Recap: Northwestern 62, Nebraska 57

January 11, 2020
Pete Nance looks to make a pass. Northwestern will look for its first Big Ten win of the season on Saturday.

Men’s Basketball: Wildcats look for first Big Ten win against Nebraska

January 9, 2020
(Daily file photo by Joshua Hoffman). Pat Spencer dribbles the ball. The grad transfer guard scored 22 points Sunday.

Men’s Basketball: Down to seven-man rotation, Northwestern can’t keep up with Minnesota

January 5, 2020
Pete Nance shoots a free throw. The sophomore forward scored 16 points and 10 rebounds on Tuesday.

Men’s Basketball: Scoring drought dooms Northwestern as Wildcats fall to Radford

November 20, 2019
Kayla Byrne runs in a crowded pack of athletes. The freshman finished her 6k Friday with a time of 22:53.7.

Cross Country: Northwestern “hungry for more” after strong effort at NCAA Regionals

November 18, 2019
Sarah McCoy runs in the race. The sophomore runner will look to lead her team to a successful weekend at NCAA Regionals.

Cross Country: Northwestern plans to “put it all out there” in their possible final race of the season

November 15, 2019
Kayla Byrne runs. The freshman cross country runner finished just outside the top 100 at the Big Ten Championships.

In season’s ‘most important race of the season,’ NU stumbles to bottom of standings

November 5, 2019
Cross country runners at the 2019 Loyola Lakefront Invite. With the 2020 season up in the air, Northwestern cross country is focusing on staying healthy and staying connected outside of practice.

Cross Country: Northwestern faces tough test at Sunday’s Big Ten Championships

October 31, 2019
Northwestern runs in a pack. The Wildcats placed fifth out of 26 on Saturday.

Cross Country: McCardell, O’Brien, Nicholson lead Cats to 5th in NCAA Pre-Nationals

October 21, 2019
Amanda Davis runs in a race. The junior runner participated at the Loyola Lakefront Invite.

Cross Country: Northwestern aims for progress at NCAA Pre Nationals

October 16, 2019
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