They've been through hell and have emerged as one of the most successful senior classes in Northwestern football history.

For many of the seniors, 2005 was their first year in the program. It was a banner year for Northwestern football, as Brett Basanez helped lead the 'Cats to the Sun Bowl, where they fell just short in a memorable battle with the UCLA Bruins.

It seemed like NU had turned the corner and was set up for years of success.

Then on June 29, 2006, the unthinkable happened. Head Coach Randy Walker died of a heart attack at the age of 52.

All of a sudden, football just didn't matter anymore. It would have been understandable if many had decided to transfer.

But they di...

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