Jordan Lynch
With memories of New Year’s in Miami, Northern Illinois’ second consecutive Mid-American Conference Championship and a spot in the Top 25 in the final polls still fresh, all Huskie fans are invited to the NIU Convocation Center at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 2, to reminisce about last year’s success and, more importantly, look ahead toward a bright future at the 2013 NIU Football Kickoff.
At the 2013 NIU Football Kickoff, the Huskie Athletic Support Fund, NIU Athletics’ primary direct support organization, will officially begin its 2013 Annual Fund Drive, season ticket information for the 2013 football campaign will be available, and fans can order replica MAC Championship/Orange Bowl rings, a copy of a new book chronicling the history of NIU Football, and a personalized Legacy Brick that will be a permanent part of the new Chessick Practice Center.
This year’s event will be held in Victor E. Court prior to the NIU-Central Michigan men’s basketball game slated for a 7 p.m. tipoff in the Convocation Center.
To obtain a free ticket to the 2013 Kickoff and the game (required for admission), simply call the Huskie Athletic Support Fund at (815) 753-1923 by Thursday, Feb. 28.
Enjoy free food and drink, talk to Northern Illinois head coaches from many sports, hear from NIU Associate Vice President Jeff Compher, meet the NIU football coaching staff, and reserve your tickets for the 2013 Huskie Football season. Current donors to the Huskie Athletic Support Fund and 2012 season ticket holders will be able to pick up their renewal packets for 2013. Fans unable to attend Saturday’s event will receive renewal information in the mail.
Anthony Wells and Giorgio Bowers
Fans attending the 2013 NIU Football Kickoff also will be able to order a replica version of the MAC Championship/Discover Orange Bowl ring similar to the one that the Northern Illinois players will receive. Artwork of the ring, as well as a ladies pendant, will be on display, and will be posted online at www.NIUHuskies.com. The personalized rings, designed by Jostens, are $275 each with a $9.95 shipping and handling fee, and pendants are $225 each. All revenue from sales of the replica Orange Bowl rings will support NIU student-athletes through the HASF.
Northern Illinois will unveil its 2013 season ticket pricing and packages at the 2013 NIU Football Kickoff, including the all-new Huskieland Plan, featuring “Doggie Dollars.” Complete information on all of the football ticket pricing options will be available and posted on www.NIUHuskies.com.
As the steel framework of the new Kenneth and Ellen Chessick Practice Center is completed and the walls go up, the deadline for alumni, fans and friends of the university to add their personalized brick to the Jeffrey and Kimberly Yordon Huskie Pride Plaza through the NIU Huskies Legacy Brick Campaign is quickly approaching. Brick sales will close Saturday, April 13 – the day of the 2013 Spring Football Game. Become a part of the Huskies’ future success by putting your name, or the name of your family or loved one, on a brick for just $200. Order online now or speak with a member of the HASF staff March 2 for more information.
Tommylee Lewis
In addition, Dan Verdun, author of a new book chronicling the history of Northern Illinois football, will be at the Kickoff, and fans can visit with him and order a copy of the book, which is slated for release this spring.
The Huskie Athletic Support Fund celebrated its sixth straight year of record growth in 2012 as 1,682 HASF donors contributed $1,449,073 to support NIU student-athletes. Donations to the HASF were up $102,745 last year while the number of donors grew by 113.
Donations received through the Huskie Athletic Support Fund are distributed directly into each Huskie sport program’s budget, providing an immediate impact on every Northern Illinois student-athlete. HASF monies are used for such items as transportation, enhancing schedules and equipment upgrades, just to name a few.
For more information on the HASF, the 2013 NIU Football Kickoff, the 2013 HASF Annual Fund Drive, or Northern Illinois football tickets, or to reserve a ticket to the basketball game on March 2, call (815) 753-1923.
For more information on NIU football and Huskie athletics, visit www.niuhuskies.com.
