Eddie Carifio

NIU athletic director Sean Frazier takes notes before the school's media day on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. (Eddie Carifio)

Sycamore wrestling coach Chauncey Carrick reacts to Zack Spiewak's victory against DeKalb's Evan Jones in January 2008 in Sycamore. (Rob Winner)

Sycamore's Khiara Thomas (8) fires a shot past Belvidere's Brecken Ralston-Walsh (24) during the Class 3A Sycamore Regional Semifinals in Sycamore

Girls volleyball Genoa-Kingston def. Marian Central, 25-16, 25-10 : At Woodstock in a Class 1A Marian Central Regional semifinal, Presley Meyer set a school record with 194 career assists with the two she had in the win.

Sycamore's Dylan Curtis, left, celebrates with teammate Maddox McRoberts (58) after Dylan score a touchdown on Friday Oct. 23, 2026, while taking

Every Connor Busch save drew a roar from the Sycamore student section Friday. He made 13 of them. The Spartans fell 1-0 to Peoria Notre Dame in the sectional semis but finish as outright conference champs and regional champs.

Northern Illinois University's wide receiver DeAree Rogers (1) catches a pass while being defended by Hawaii's Elijah Palmer during the game on

Sterling's Jack Saathoff beats Rock Island's Lanell McNeal for a TD Friday, Oct. 16, 2026. (Alex T. Paschal) Subscribe now and enjoy unlimited access!

NIU fifth-year guard Max Weisbrod brings the ball up the court against Northern Michigan in an exhibition game on Oct. 17, 2026, at the NIU Convocation Center in DeKalb. (Photo provided by NIU Athletics)

NIU women's basketball coach Jacey Brooks instructs her team at a workout at the NIU Convocation Center ahead of the 2026 season. (Photo provided by NIU Athletics)