Dec. 31, 2009

Wildcats Capture Chicago Tribune Team of the Decade Title!

Northwestern #1 in Sports Illustrated.com's "Performances You May Have Missed" During the Past Decade

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Thanks to nearly 10,000 votes from Wildcat fans, the Northwestern women's lacrosse team captured the Chicago Tribune's Team of the Decade title. Conducted by an online fan poll, Northwestern tallied 9,558 votes, capturing 58 percent of the vote and dominating the 2005 Chicago White Sox (36 percent).

It was a fitting result for a team that has known nothing but success since reclaiming varsity status in 2002, beating out three professional teams and an in-state rival. The nearly 10,000 votes was by far the most of any nominations across five different categories, more than doubling the 4,276 votes White Sox skipper Ozzie Guillen received for Manager/Coach of the Decade.

After the second-place finish for the White Sox, the 2005 Illinois men's basketball team placed third with 539 votes (three percent), followed by the 2006 Chicago Bears (318 votes - two percent) and the 2003 Chicago Cubs (188 votes - one percent).

Northwestern looks to continue its success into the next decade, as it commences its 2010 season in just over five weeks. The Wildcats head to sunny San Diego, Calif., to take on Massachusetts in a rematch of last year's NCAA first round on Saturday, Feb. 6.

Chicago Tribune Team of the Decade Final Voting

2005-09 Northwestern women's lacrosse - 9,558 votes (58%)
2005 Chicago White Sox - 6,029 votes (36%)
2005 Illinois men's basketball - 539 votes (3%)
2006 Chicago Bears - 318 votes (2%)
2003 Chicago Cubs - 188 votes (1%)