NIU hosts Eastern Michigan on Thursday night with a chance to clinch bowl eligibility on the line for the Huskies. At 5-2 and 3-0 in the MAC, NIU is enjoying a bounce-back season after missing out on the bowl season for the first time since 2007 last season. But the game itself with a chance to keep the hopes of playing for a MAC championship will be a mild side story to the big development of Thursday night’s game because NIU is unveiling a brand new statue of the lovable ex-mascot Diesel.
Diesel was seen at NIU sporting events including football games from 2005 through 2013. The husky became famous for his signature high-fives after NIU touchdowns, and the adorable dog melted the Internet’s hearts with his celebration tradition on the sidelines at NIU games. Diesel passed away in 2015. Soon after Diesel’s passing, fans organized an online campaign to raise funds to erect a bronze statue in his honor
Now, Diesel will be the symbol to honor all live mascots used by NIU over the years. The statue
NIU to unveil statue of late-mascot Diesel, the high-fiving husky outside Huskie Stadium before Thurs game vs EMU! https://t.co/KhXUke55ud pic.twitter.com/dajpe7tDFd
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) October 25, 2017
Nice @23WIFR piece on Diesel statue unveiling prior to this Thursday’s @NIU_Football vs. EMU game at Huskie Stadium. https://t.co/IhQqx9fnRx
— Bradley Hoey (@HuskieBH) October 25, 2017
NIU has continued their tradition of having a live husky mascot at football games and other sporting events. Mission took over the job in 2013 as Diesel’s successor.
