NIU Homecoming 2013-- Part 4: NIU Football

From 1973 to about ten years ago, we used to go to every NIU Homecoming, but then had a stretch where we stopped going until about five years ago when we started going again.

Stopped at the Barsema Alumni Center and saw that the Huskie store wasn't open, but Dan was outside at a table selling copies of his new book on NIU football. He had his own personal copy of the book on the table which was signed by most of the Huskie greats that he features in it. Once the Huskie store opened, we could go in and buy a copy and he would sign it.

While waiting, we talked Huskie football, something I always enjoy doing. He said that writing the book came about because it combines three of his favorite things: NIU, NIU football and writing. (Sounds likeme.)

He grew up in Odell, Illinois, before attending NIU. Odell is on Route 66 so we had something else to talk about as Liz and I are huge Route 66 fans.

He agrees that it was a complete shame that the 2003 team didn't get to go to a bowl game even after posting a 10-2 record, beating Iowa State, a ranked Maryland and, best of all, a ranked Alabama. This happened while a lot of 6-6 teams played in bowl games. Anyone who says NIU didn't belong at this year's Orange Bowl should consider our trip makes up for that huge slight back in 2003.

Always Great to Talk Huskie Football. --RoadDog