Northwestern University Athletics
Wildcats Join Conference Brethren at 40th Big Ten Media Day
7/28/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
July 28, 2011
Photo Gallery -- 2011 Big Ten Football Media Day
Coach Fitzgerald Press Conference -- Full Transcript 
CHICAGO -- A Northwestern contingent of head coach Pat Fitzgerald and seniors Jordan Mabin, Al Netter and Dan Persa were in the spotlight on Day One of Big Ten Media Day at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place in Chicago Thursday. It is a landmark edition of the event, which in its 40th year hosted a record-number of media attendees (511), due in part to the addition of Nebraska to the conference fold.
Mabin, Netter and Persa made the rounds for sit-down interviews with Big Ten Network, CBS and ESPN in the morning hours while Fitzgerald addressed the large media cohort at noon. The Big Ten Network and ESPNU both provided live all-day coverage from Chicago.
Fitzgerald was the first of the Legends Division coaches to take the podium on Thursday.
"(I'm) excited about the experience coming back. It's arguably the most experienced team we've had since I've been the head football coach, a group that's won as many football games as any other class in Northwestern football history," Fitzgerald said. "Looking forward to them reporting here in a couple days. Summer school wraps up and we'll get going next weekend."
Fitzgerald also addressed the scheduling quirk in NU's 2011 slate that will see the Wildcats play three consecutive night games in October -- two at Ryan Field as well as on the road at Iowa.
"It's going to be a lot of fun. There's something fun about when those lights come on, it's a neat environment," Fitzgerald said. "Our fans are excited about being able to do some things with their kids in the morning and watch us play at night. For us, the Big Ten Network, the exposure that gives you from a media standpoint, we've benefited maybe from that most in the country. Our brand is seen worldwide and nationwide to the recruits. We're thankful for that."
Later in the day, the Big Ten Network announced the debut of a live, 24/7 digital extension of the linear network under the name BTN2Go. BTN2Go will feature a live feed of all BTN television programming, including more than 40 football games, over 100 men's basketball games and hundreds of other live events.
Media Day continues Friday morning with a two-hour question-and-answer session with print and online media reporters. Later in the morning, the players and coaches will engage fans in an autograph session before heading into the 40th annual Big Ten Kickoff Luncheon.
Check back to NUsports.com later in the day for video interviews and behind-the-scenes highlights with Fitzgerald and all three NU players.
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