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NORMAL, Ill. (WMBD/WYZZ) — The Niekamps are having the time of their lives.
Junior Tye Niekamp and his brother, redshirt freshman Dexter, are both linebackers. Both former Normal Community High School stars.
And are both headed to the FCS National Championship game with Illinois State. So is their father Travis, the defensive coordinator for the Redbirds.
“It’s awesome when one person from your family goes to the national championship but we have three of them,” Tye Niekamp said. “It’s really fun and cool.”
The Niekamp brothers say the Redbirds’ four-game winning streak in the postseason is the main topic of conversation around their house. And the upcoming title game against Montana State has been the talk of their family.
“All my family, that’s all we talk about. We went up to see some family for Christmas and they were all congratulating us.” Dexter Niekamp said. “It feels good. The town recognizes you and all that. It’s been an awesome ride.”
The Redbirds leave Nashville, the site of the title game on Friday. And the family conversation likely won’t stop until days after the game.
“Like Dexter said, people are asking us about it this entire time,” said Tye Niekamp. “It’s a lot of fun.”
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