As we start a new calendar year, I am reflecting on the success of North Central College’s athletics programs and what makes NCAA Division III athletics so meaningful.
Success was seen during the recent fall season. Women’s soccer and women’s tennis completed perfect seasons to capture conference titles — with women’s soccer earning its third NCAA tournament appearance. Men’s cross country claimed its 51st straight conference championship. Football went undefeated through the regular season and, as of this writing, is headed to the NCAA national semifinals (final four) for the sixth straight year. In November, history was made when our women’s triathlon program captured its fourth consecutive national championship, becoming the first North Central sport — among 47 team national championships — to four-peat.
Our Cardinals’ accomplishments underscore what Division III athletics is all about: student-athletes who compete for the love of the game while dedicating themselves to the rigorous education that is synonymous with “Naperville’s University” — North Central College.
These accomplishments also reflect a culture that was built on our campus by exceptional leaders like former Head Cross Country and Track & Field Coach Al Carius and former Head Football Coach Jeff Thorne, both of whom passed away recently. Coach Carius’s philosophy of “Run for Fun and Personal Bests” is ingrained throughout our entire athletics department. Coach Thorne’s “Refuse to Lose” mindset elevated our football program to national prominence and instilled a standard of integrity and competitiveness that continues to prevail.
Naperville is home to this tradition of excellence. For area residents, North Central is a great place where families and kids can enjoy high-level athletics close to home. With our winter sports now in full swing, it’s the perfect time to watch national contending men’s and women’s wrestling matches, indoor track & field meets, basketball games, swim meets, and men’s volleyball matches. The full schedule of events is available at northcentralcardinals.com.
When you attend a Cardinal competition, you are watching future healthcare workers, business leaders, lawyers, teachers and more. Thank you for supporting North Central College and the student-athletes who proudly represent our campus and the Naperville community. We look forward to cheering with you!
Founded in 1861, North Central is home to more than 3,175 students and offers more than 90 undergraduate majors and 25 graduate degree programs. Visit northcentralcollege.edu to learn more.
