DEKALB, Ill. — The Northern Illinois University Huskies are set to pay tribute to their former head coach Joe Novak this fall by adorning their helmets with special decals. This initiative comes as a heartfelt remembrance of Novak, who passed away on July 28, 2023, and who left an indelible mark on the program during his tenure.
The helmet decals will feature Novak's initials, along with dog bone symbols that represent the Boneyard Victories. This term is used by the Huskies to denote their wins against Power Conference teams and major independent programs. Additionally, the decals will include the letters T-H-W, standing for 'The Hard Way', which reflects the blue-collar ethos that Novak instilled in his players.
Joe Novak served as the head coach of the Huskies from 1996 to 2007, a period during which he achieved significant success. Under his leadership, the team secured four Mid-American Conference (MAC) West Division championships. Novak ranks second in the history of NIU for games coached, with a total of 139, and he is third in all-time wins with 63 victories.
His coaching philosophy and commitment to hard work have left a lasting legacy at Northern Illinois, and the upcoming season will serve as a reminder of his contributions to the program. The Huskies are scheduled to kick off their season this Saturday afternoon against Iowa, and the presence of the decals will undoubtedly resonate with players, coaches, and fans alike.
As the team takes the field, they will carry not only their own aspirations but also the memory of a coach who dedicated over a decade to building a competitive and resilient football program. The tribute aims to inspire the current roster, encouraging them to embody the principles that Novak championed throughout his coaching career.
This season, the Huskies will not only strive for victory on the field but also honor the legacy of Joe Novak, ensuring that his influence continues to be felt as they pursue their goals in the MAC and beyond.
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