DeKalb Mayor Cohen Barnes has issued a proclamation congratulating Northern Illinois University and the Huskie football team on their stunning victory over No. 5-ranked Notre Dame.
The proclamation, presented at Monday’s City Council meeting, declares Sept. 7, 2024, the date of the historic 16-14 win in South Bend, as NIU Football Day in the City of DeKalb. It reads, in part, “the NIU victory was not luck, but the result of dominant and tough defense, exciting and dramatic offense, heroic coaching, and a will to win that defied all the odds.”
Like many community members, Mayor Barnes, an NIU alumni, said he has been receiving congratulations on the momentous victory from friends and family across the country.
“I’m a big believer that when things like this happen, it’s time to take pause and everyone, not just Northern Illinois University, not just the football team, recognize what an amazing thing transpired,” said Barnes.
NIU Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier, Chief Strategy Officer Matt Streb, Executive Associate Athletic Director for Operations John Cheney and Dr. Doug Rose, husband of President Lisa Freeman, were presented with the proclamation at the Council meeting. Fraizer said the upset win has put NIU at the epicenter of college football and it would not have happened without the support of the community.
“I’m so happy to be able to represent our fine City, our great people, our great university on this level,” said Frazier. “I’m so humbled and thankful that we have this relationship.”
Following the win, NIU entered the Associated Press Top 25 rankings for the first time since 2013. The Huskies are next in action on Saturday, Sept. 21 when Buffalo comes to Huskie Stadium.
Mayor Cohen Barnes and the DeKalb City Council present a congratulatory proclamation to NIU Executive Associate Athletic Director for Operations John Cheney, Vice President and Director of Athletics and Recreation Sean Frazier, Dr. Doug Rose, husband of President Lisa Freeman, and Chief Strategy Officer Matt Streb following the football team’s win over Notre Dame.