Northern Illinois University

Never give up the dream. A 90-year-old Illinois great grandma is living that truth as she just got her college degree after putting it on hold 70 years ago.

My television will be set on ESPN Wednesday night as they will televise the Ball State-Northern Illinois University football game. Not only is this game featuring two teams with 9 victories each and 6-0 conference records this season, but two local people will featured in the game. NIU's kicker is Mathew Sims, formerly of the Hannibal Pirates. Former Quincy Notre Dame running back Ric Hinkamper wi

So I put on the TV last night to watch the Discover Orange Bowl in Florida on ESPN. It was Northern Illinois taking on Florida State. Normally I wouldn't have that much of an interest in watching the game except for the fact that Mathew Sims from Hannibal was playing in the game for the Huskies of Northern Illinois.

In case you football fans haven’t noticed this area is blessed with some great kicking talent as evidenced by the fabulous seasons being put together by Pat Smith at Western Illinois University and Mat Sims at Northern Illinois University.  Pat is from Quincy and Mat is from Hannibal.