Created: Tuesday, January 13, 2004 12:00 a.m. CDT FONT SIZE:   Huskie banquet pays tribute to seniors, signals start of 2004 work
The Point After - Sports Commentary By Bob Regan - Chronicle Sports Staff Joe Novak took a brief moment during Sunday's 2003 Northern Illinois University football banquet to inform his 2004 team that it was 237 days until the season-opener on the road against the University of Maryland. "It's time to get back to work," said Novak, who scheduled an 8 a.m. meeting for Monday. "We still have yet to achieve our ultimate goal." Yes, Novak can still dangle the motivational carrot in front of his young players. Despite the success of the past few years, the goal of being a Mid-American Conference Champion still exists. The aforementioned directive didn't apply to the numerous men sitting on the dais at the front of the Duke Ellington Ballroom. That's where the Huskie seniors sat - a collection of notable characters who have been mainstays in helping elevate the football program in DeKalb. For a majority of them, they have been involved in four consecutive winning seasons, a first for NIU since rising to major college status in 1969. Those seniors saw records of 6-5, 6-5, 8-4, and 10-2 - a 30-16 overall ledger that included winning 20 out of 24 home games played on Brigham Field at Huskie Stadium. Some of those men have plans to play on Sundays in the National Football League. Some will continue their studies at a higher level, while some will graduate and enter the workforce. But it is to those seniors that Novak and his staff must say good-bye. In coaching circles, it's like watching your sons leave home after nurturing them along. "I can't say thank you enough," Novak said from the podium to his now former players. The group included Steve Azar, Leonard Cooksey, Randy Drew, Nick Duffy, Joel Ellis, P.J. Fleck, Jason Frank, Todd Ghilani, Ryan Gilbert, Akil Grant, Keith Perry, Turner Pugh, Vinson Reynolds, Shaun Schroeder, Anthony Spacucello, Gerard Taylor, and Michael Turner - all of them significant contributors. Novak had something to say about each player; once youngsters who came wide-eyed to the program four to five years ago and now graduate as seasoned veterans. He also wanted to make sure this group left NIU with pride in the institution and fans of the program as they age. "I have pride in my alma mater (Miami (Ohio) University) and I want these guys to feel the same way about theirs," said Novak "They want to see this thing continue. We will continue to strive and do that. The secret now is to maintain this; to make football success something that is expected, a tradition." This past season was certainly memorable in many different ways. Unfortunately it started off on a sour note during the summer with the death of Shea Fitzgerald, a promising young Huskie offensive lineman who died in the tragic porch collapse in Chicago. The team paid tribute to Fitgerald by wearing a patch with his number 76 on their jerseys and encased his locker with his equipment inside to serve as a memorial. Prior to the 2003 season-opening kickoff, the Fitzgerald family stood at center field as the capacity crowd stood in silence to honor the deceased. Members of the Fitzgerald family were in attendance at Sunday's banquet and Shea's brother David spoke at the podium. "The season was exciting. You took us on a ride," said David Fitzgerald. "You made it clear that Shea was in your hearts all along. We express our deepest thanks. How proud Shea was to be a Huskie." The second standing ovation of the afternoon followed his heart-felt words. People can remember that Northern Illinois wound up beating then No.15-ranked University of Maryland, a team than finished with a 10-3 record and played in the Gator Bowl. The upset victory ended on a unique play when the ball bounced off the foot of Rob Lee, soared into the air, and found the hands of Randy Drew. Those who believe in fate were certain Shea had something to do with that. During the course of eight to nine weeks, Northern Illinois football caught the attention of the college football world, becoming the Cinderella story. NIU also beat then No. 21-rated University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala., followed by a win over Iowa State University. The Huskies were on various sports shows and on the front page of many newspapers. Sports Illustrated did a feature piece for the team that at one time was ranked No. 12 in the country. Proof of Novak's elation after the Alabama game was caught on tape and seen Sunday during a 30-minute highlight film. In the visitor's lockerroom, with the players hopping up and down, along came Novak, 56, who proceeded to join his players in the dance. Priceless material. "It takes some doing to get me do dance," he later remarked. "My wife can tell you that." While much of the attention at times focuses on Novak, he is well aware of how many people it takes to build a successful program: from secretaries to trainers, wives, graduate assistants, maintenance people, electrical technicians, parents, equipment personnel, administrators, fans, assistant coaches, bus drivers, and the list could go on. "There are a lot of people who make this program go," he insisted. Much of the hype involving NIU featured tailback Michael "The Burner" Turner, who was touted as a Heisman Trophy candidate and did receive some votes. Teams began to zero in on No. 32 in Cardinal and Black. He still rushed for 1,648 yards and was second in NCAA Division I-A rushing. He later earned Associated Press Second-Team All-America. Through it all Novak said Turner never let it get to his head. "It never became a problem because of the way Michael handled it," he explained. There was some teasing now and then from his peers. Novak told one story. "We were at practice and Michael dropped a pass. Some of his teammates asked if he had too much hot sauce on his hands," said Novak, the joke being the bottles of hot sauce used as a marketing tool to promote "The Burner." While attending a coaching convention, Novak, wearing his NIU gear, received many comments from fellow coaches, about the successful season. "Everybody knows where Northern Illinois football is right now," said Novak. Even with the success, Novak heard from critics now and then. "I received some input after the Tennessee Tech (University) game," said Novak. People were questioning why NIU only won by 30 points. "So I knew we had arrived. People forget when we were happy just to get a win." Longtime DeKalb resident and NIU Hall of Famer Bob Heimerdinger made an appearance to present the Fran Cahill Award to the team's outstanding receiver who best represented the spirit of the deceased Huskie Hall of Famer and good friend of Heimerdinger. But first he expressed his appreciation to the team. "Coach Joe and the staff, and these young men, thank you so much for not just one year, but four to fives years, and the way you all handled yourself on and off the field." A large portion of the Cahill family was in attendance including Fran's wife Mary Lou. Cahill was the first NIU player drafted into the NFL after his career (1948-49-50-51) with the Huskies. He stills holds numerous school records. "He (Cahill) led by example," Heimerdinger added. "He made all of us better players. He was a person you wanted to be around." The 2004 Cahill Memorial Award was presented to Sugar Grove native and Kaneland High School product P. J. Fleck. Other 2004 Award winners included: Michael Turner (Shea Fitzgerald Award for Most Valuable Offensive Player and the team's Special Achievement Award), Vinson Reynolds (Most Valuable Defensive Award), Leonard Cooksey (Most Improved Player), Randee Drew (Jawan Jackson Award presented to the top achieving walk-on), quarterback Josh Haldi (Academic Award for highest GPA), Steve Azar (Special Achievement Award). It's been a long road for Novak & Co. since the one-time NIU assistant came to DeKalb from Indiana University. They endured a long rebuilding process that included a 23-game losing streak and once having to rely on a sixth-string quarterback. Of course that rookie QB, Craig Harmon, surprisingly led the Huskies to a victory over Central MIchigan University which broke that losing streak and began a turnaround. Suddenly there was light at the end of the tunnel. The foundation took awhile to establish. But it's a solid foundation that will last as long as NIU does the things necessary to keep this train rolling. Major college football is getting to be an "arms race" in terms of spending for eye-candy that appeals to aspiring prep athletes who have to make a decision where to play. Northern Illinois is behind in this endeavor at a time when the Huskie program is as close as it has ever been to fulfilling the old "P" word that had been tossed around for a long time - the potential of Northern Illinois University athletics. Right now, football is the engine leading the train. Will financial fuel keep getting pumped into it. The coaches and players want to keep this thing going under Novak's eyes. The question is, do other people at the university or in the community? Will NIU continue to soar or will bad administrative decisions, as has occured in the past, cause the program to fall back to mediocrity. The words of Benjamin Disraeli echo the current goals of NIU football: "The secret of success is constancy to purpose." |
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