Today the Northwestern Wildcats launched "PersaStrong," a media campaign to promoting senior quarterback Dan Persa as a 2011 Heisman Trophy candidate. Persa enters this season after being named the All-Big Ten first-team quarterback in 2010, a season in which he broke the Big Ten's all-time record for completion percentage with a 73.5 mark. He missed the last three games due to … [Read more...] about Northwestern Launches Persa Heisman Campaign; Voting Opp for New B-Ball Court
nu football
#35 Northwestern Wildcats: College Football 77 in 77
It's going to happen someday right? It has too. Chicago sports KNOWS DROUGHT. The Blackhawks ended their 49 year cup drought in 2010. The Cubs have that 1908 thing still going, and Northwestern football has 1949. That's the last time they won a bowl game; failing in eight tries. Then there's the basketball team which still hasn't been to a NCAA Tournament (the only major … [Read more...] about #35 Northwestern Wildcats: College Football 77 in 77
Northwestern vs. #7 Wisconsin: Brutally Honest Game Preview
Northwestern’s Life After QB Dan Persa Begins with a Loss
Today was Northwestern starting quarterback Dan Persa's 22nd birthday. Many of his approximately 2,500 Facebook friends posted well wishes on his Facebook wall. But with a 48-27 loss to the in-state rival Illini, in an ultra-hyped contest that injury precluded him from taking part, I'm guessing he's had better birthdays than this. Persa brought a lot to NU's table: a 15-4 TD … [Read more...] about Northwestern’s Life After QB Dan Persa Begins with a Loss
#7 Michigan State-Northwestern: Brutally Honest Game Preview
On my way home from the “Banks Bowl” (nickname I give to the annual Illinois-Michigan State meeting, because the former is my undergrad, the latter my MBA school) on Saturday night I drove past the town of Climax, MI on I-94. The miles immediately leading into Climax are exciting, but then when you’re past Climax, it’s all downhill. By the way, wouldn’t it be … [Read more...] about #7 Michigan State-Northwestern: Brutally Honest Game Preview
Recruiting Philosophies: How Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald finds, replenishes his Talent
Some college football coaches recruit according to a primary philosophy. They stress one ideal above the others. It can be recruiting to fill positions of need, recruiting specific players that meet the profile of your system, or it could be recruiting players based on scout's rankings, the star system beside their name. I asked Northwestern Head Coach Pat Fitzgerald at NU … [Read more...] about Recruiting Philosophies: How Northwestern’s Pat Fitzgerald finds, replenishes his Talent
Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 1
By Paul M. Banks In 2008-09, Chicagoans became well aware of how Chicago Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, along with team Vice President John McDonough re-branded the Blackhawks from red-headed stepchild to main event on the Second City’s sports stage. Forbes named them the biggest turnaround in sports business history. When you’re a university Athletic Director, you have … [Read more...] about Jim Phillips, CEO of Northwestern’s Athletic Program Part 1