Spring Has Sprung!

Two weeks of Spring Ball practice will conclude today at Benedetti-Werhli Stadium. The Cardinals have had an excellent turnout throughout the Spring and continue to set their sights high for their 2009 campaign. All are welcome to come and watch the Cardinals as they continue working throughout the upcoming weeks.

Countdown to Switzerland

Now 52 days until we leave for Switzerland!

Player Perspectives: Alex Haan

This edition of Player Perspectives features Freshman Quarterback Alex Haan. In his piece, Haan discusses the first week of Spring Practice, his experiences during recruiting and what he plans on accomplishing during the Spring and the upcoming season. Haan, a native of Homer Glen, Illinois, is a 2008 graduate of Chicago Christian HS.

After the first week of spring ball, I think things are going really well for me and the team. Coming together for 16 practices can only make the team better; it’s a great way to show all the hard work we have put into the off season. Getting out on the field is great because it keeps us up to speed with the knowledge of the game and gives us a chance to compete for a starting job. Spring practices are really good for recruiting and getting kids to come out for the football program because we can show the kids how we run practice and give them a feel for what our program is all about. We show that we work very hard each practice, but we also have fun while doing it.

The winter term went well academically. I decided to take four classes during my winter term to stay busy. Throughout the winter term I ate lunch with a recruit almost every day. During the recruiting overnights I hosted three recruits including a recruit from Connecticut. I had a great experience with Dom Sulo on my overnight recruiting visit so I feel like every other kid who decides to take an overnight visit here deserves the same.

Some of my personal goals are being the number two quarterback behind Aaron Fanthorpe throughout spring ball as well as the upcoming season. During the summer I want to improve my 225 max from 15 reps to 20 reps and my max squat 315 from 8 reps to 12 reps. Next season as a team I think we have all the tools and players to make it deep into the playoffs. I believe that if we stay healthy we can compete with any team in the nation.

I am going to Switzerland this summer with the team and I could not be more excited. Going out of the country with all my best friends and also playing football will be an unbelievable experience. Coach Spencer has done a great job setting up fun activities throughout each day. I think that Switzerland will be an unforgettable and I am really looking forward to the summer trip.

Countdown to Switzerland

Now only 59 days until departure to Switzerland!

Championship Rings

The Rings are in! If you have not yet received yours, it can be picked up in Coach Spencer's office. Also, be sure to swing by and pick up your framed poster of our ring's compliments of Josten's.

Pizza with the President

Cards, don't forget Pizza with the President tonight at 6 p.m. in Wentz Concert Hall. Players from the 2008 season should attend.

Count-down to Switzerland

73 Days until Lakes, Mountains, Rafting, and football!

2009 Cardinal Spring Ball Dates

Welcome back Cardinals! The following is a list of Spring Ball Practice dates and times. All are welcome to come and watch as the Cardinals continue their preparation for the 2009 season. Practices will be held in Benedetti-Wehrli stadium.

Mon April 13th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues April 14th 6:00-8:00 PM
Thur April 16th 6:00-8:00 PM
Mon April 20th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues April 21st 6:00-8:00 PM
Thur April 23rd 4:00-6:00 PM
Fri April 24th 4:00-6:00 PM
Mon April 27th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues April 28th 6:00-8:00 PM
Wed April 29th 4:00-6:00 PM

Fri May 1st 4:00-6:00 PM
Mon May 4th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues May 5th 4:00-6:00 PM
Wed May 6th 4:00-6:00 PM
Mon May 11th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues May 12th 4:00-6:00 PM
Tues May 26th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Wed May 27th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Thur May 28th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)

Mon June 1st 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Tues June 2nd 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Wed June 3rd 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Mon June 8th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Tues June 9th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)
Wed June 10th 4:00-6:00 PM (Switzerland)

Count-down to Switzerland

Only 87 Days until Switzerland!

Count-down to Switzerland

94 Days until Switzerland. Remember to get your Passports!

Player Perspectives: Derek Sulo

This edition of Player Perspectives features Junior Defensive Back Derek Sulo. Sulo, a three year starter in the Cardinal defensive backfield, earned CCIW First Team honors as a junior in 2008 as well as a spot on the D3Football.com’s North All-Region Third Team. In his career, Derek has accumulated 124 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 5 interceptions, 25 pass breakups and 3 fumble recoveries. Sulo and his classmates have won three consecutive CCIW Championships and are poised to win a fourth in 2009. In addition, they have also made it to the second round of the Division III NCAA playoffs three years in a row. In his piece, Derek discusses being recruited by North Central, his early seasons, playing alongside his brother Dominic, and his goals for himself and the Cardinals in 2009. Derek is a 2006 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School.


I went on a few visits to opposing CCIW schools, and I had a great time. However, those other schools were missing something. That is when my brother introduced me North Central College. He told me that he had just met a crazy white haired guy named Coach Wienke. He told me that I had to come for a visit to see what the school and guys were like. I did what he told me, and came for an overnight visit with a bunch of other recruits. It was a great night, but more importantly the people were great. After that visit I told myself that I want to be a Cardinal, and the rest is history.

In my first season with the Cardinal football team I was fortunate enough to come in and contribute right away. I got to know everyone really fast, but mostly the juniors and seniors. Guys like Chris Bazant, Tim Bellazzini and of course the rest of my teammates didn’t treat me as a freshman, but as a friend. There was nothing more memorable than winning the CCIW championship with a group of guys who worked so hard. I believe that those guys set the standard for the next season and eventually our undefeated CCIW championship this last year. Off the field there are so many opportunities that the school offers. One of my most memorable experiences off the field happened just recently. I was nominated to go to a Regional Division III Leadership Conference. I got a chance to meet a lot of new people, and I learned a lot about myself as well.

The team has always been very connected with each other. I believe that everyone is treated like a person and an individual, not just a freshman or a number. You can always pick out the football guys in a crowd because we are loud and proud of whom we are.

I have been watching my brother Dominic succeed in athletics since grade school. It really is fun to watch him play because I know how much time and effort he puts into football. I am to a point in my athletic career, where I don’t even need to look up to see him; I just listen to the crowd cheering. I know every time that he gets the ball on offense he has a chance to score, and I think that is why he has been so successful. He is easily one of the hardest workers on the team. The benefits of going to school with my brother are endless. First off, I know that I will always have some sort of competition wherever I go. There are too many benefits to talk about, but I know that there will always be someone who knows were I have been and where I want to go.

I would like to help lead the Cardinals past the second round of the playoffs. A fourth consecutive CCIW championship is a very realistic goal as well. As far as personal goals, I would like to contribute in any way possible. I want to achieve first team CCIW honors as well as all-region. No matter what happens, I want everyone to know about our new tradition at North Central.

Each year we have improved, but we haven’t been able to get over the hump of the second round. I myself am putting everything I can into my final season as a Cardinal. I believe that we as team need to work hard to reach our ultimate goal. Once we can get everyone to buy in to the program you will see North Central in Salem, Virginia where we belong.

Count-down to Switzerland

Only 101 days until Switzerland!

Football Recruiting At North Central College

Welcome to North Central College’s first football recruiting post. As the recruiting coordinator, I would like to explain a little bit about our process and program through a question and answer session. I will post some of the frequently asked questions and our program’s response.


1. When does North Central begin contacting recruits?

A: We will begin mailing and emailing as early as the spring of your junior year. Some coaches will begin calling to introduce themselves in the summer. Most coaches will begin calling recruits once we finish with our pre-season camp in September.

2. How do you collect my contact information?

A: I will send out questionnaires (mail and email) to all Illinois high school coaches asking for student athletes who are interested in continuing their football career in college. This goes out during the spring of your junior year. We also purchase recruiting information from a private vendor who contacts high school coaches individually.

3. When should I start to visit campus?

A: As early as your junior spring/summer you should begin to visit college campuses. Our coaches will have an opportunity to sit down and talk with you when you are on campus. We also invite recruits to campus on Saturday’s during our season to view a game and meet the staff.

4. How many athletes do you plan on recruiting each year?

A: Because of our “Make it Fun” philosophy, we have established an 8 game Freshman Program. In order to maintain a functional freshman and varsity team we will always strive to enroll 50-60 new student athletes. These numbers will include walk-on participants.When you consider a 2-deep roster is composed of 44 players, the addition of kickers & punters will quickly bring this number up to 50 new players.

5. Can freshmen participate on the varsity?

A: Absolutely. Each year we have 10-12 players from the freshmen class earn a letter for varsity participation. In fact each of the last 7 years freshmen have earned starting positions on the varsity roster.

I will continue to post questions/answers that frequently arise during the recruiting process. In addition, I will begin to post updates on our current recruiting class. As of this writing, we have secured 15 outstanding recruits for this year’s class along with another 15 verbal commitments. This weekend we will have 9 recruits on campus from Florida, 1 from Missouri, and 1 from Maryland. There is still lots of work to do, but this class is shaping up nicely.


Coach Ponx
Assistant Head Coach
Recruiting Coordinator
reponx@noctrl.edu

Congratulations Coach Stuedemann

Congratulations to Coach Stuedemann as he accepted a position as an assistant strength coach and position coach on Mississippi State's coaching staff. As he continues his coaching career in the SEC, the North Central Football program would like to wish him the best of luck and thank him for everything that he has done for the school and football team.

Switzerland Calls to alums

Calling nights for Switzerland will be March 5, 9, 10, 11-taking place in the alumni office on the 4th floor of Old Main from 5:30 pm-8:30 pm. Pizza and refreshments will be provided. Sign up in Coach Spencer's office asap.

Count-down to Switzerland

108 Days Until We Leave for Swiss Country!

Player Perspectives: Nick Swanson

This weeks edition of Player Perspectives features Senior Defensive Back and Team Captain Nick Swanson. Swanson was a three year starter in the Cardinals defensive backfield where his very productive career culiminated in 165 tackles, 6 interceptions, 15 pass breakups and 4 sacks. During his time at North Central, Nick was apart of four playoff qualifying teams and three CCIW conference champion teams, all of which he played an instrumental part in. Swanson and his teammates posted the best record over a four year span in North Central football history (38-9) and recently capped off the first undefeated regular season and 11 win season in school history. In his piece, Swanson reflects back on his four year playing career at North Central College, where the program has gone in his time with the school and what he feels it means to be a Cardinal football player. Swanson, who will graduate in the Spring with a degree in chemisty, is a 2005 graduate of Sandburg High School.

What does North Central College Football mean to me? After four years of playing football here, that is the question I started asking myself more and more frequently as my final season drew to a close. I guess the best way to go about answering this is to start from the beginning. When I first came to camp my freshman year I remember very well being intimidated by the older guys. It had nothing to do with the way the older guys treated me, I have no complaints about the seniors they were amazing to me. It was something else that intimidated me about those guys. Players like Tennerelli, Lenny and Bellz were different. The thing that set them apart from just another big guy playing football was the confidence they carried everywhere. That was what I wanted, that swagger, the confidence that comes with playing North Central Football. As an underclassman I didn’t know how to get that “chip on my shoulder” as Coach Wienke calls it, but over time and through training, I finally earned that swagger I saw in those guys 4 years ago.

When I was asked to write this I was asked to pick out the funniest thing that I remember from my football career, honestly, I couldn’t pick out just one story. I’ve had a lot of great times on the field as well as off. My favorite times of the day during the football season (except the games) have to be the times when everyone is sitting around just hanging out. For example, before practice when everyone is listening to music in the locker room, usually the worst dancers on the team try to impress everyone despite their lack of ability. Another perfect example would be after practice when everyone is tired and beat up and the feeling of just being around guys that you know that are working for the same goals as you are.

What is the largest change in NCC football in my four years? Coach Thorne got a TV show, evidence that North Central’s football program is rapidly becoming elite in Division III football. When people would ask what school I go to, and I would reply NCC, people would usually just nod and pretend like they knew where I was talking about. Recently, it seems like more of the people I meet have heard of the school. How do I feel about my success as a North Central College Football? Since being at NCC we have won 38 games, in my senior year we went 11-1 going undefeated in the regular season for the first time in the schools history. Needless to say, my four years have been surreal. These numbers have come from one place, the work ethic of the players. Enduring a season of Coach Wienke’s lifting packet reminds you that you need a special sort of drive or you will not make it here. I could not be happier about where I have been with this team or the records that we have completely shattered along the way.

What will I miss most? I will miss being close to all of these guys, after football is over everything changes. Everyone gets jobs, they have separate lives, they live in different places, and you really need to make an effort to see the people you want to see or before you know it you won’t even know those people anymore. Even in a school this size it is difficult to see everyone that you saw everyday for 4+ hours during football. I will miss preparing for a game; I loved studying the other team, looking for different tendencies that will give you the mental edge. Any meathead can lift weights and run and hit someone, but the truly good players study the game. I really loved the mental part of the game; I felt like that really made football special.

Highlight Tape

The season highlight DVD is now available. Orders must be placed with Mr. Iossi. The forms were all emailed. If you need one contact Coach Spencer.

Count-down to Switzerland

Only 115 days until we depart for Switzerland!

Player Perspectives: Kane Thompson

This edition of Player Perspectives features sophomore linebacker Kane Thompson. In his piece, Kane discusses the transition between freshman and sophomore year at North Central as well as the importance of academics and his experiences playing for back to back conference champion teams. This past season Kane recorded 17 tackles and 2 pass breakups, as well as a blocked kick. Kane is a 2007 graduate of Aledo High School in Aledo, Illinois.

Football at North Central College has been as fun as it has been challenging. Starting off as a freshman last year proved to be a major transition period in my life; I had to maintain my schedule, football, class work, etc. My freshman year did, however, serve as one of the more enjoyable times of my life. My conversion from freshman to sophomore has since been even more pleasant. I’ve participated in North Central’s first undefeated season, enjoyed another conference championship, had another postseason run, and experienced a senior class unlike any other. I believe the team chemistry at North Central College has built our program into a winning one.

A major difference between freshman and sophomore year is the understanding of personal expectations. Coming into the 2007 season at North Central, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. As a sophomore, I am able to fully understand the expectations of coaches on and off the field. I know where I stand in order to play, and I know what I need to do in order to find myself on the field.

Academics are essential at North Central College. I am currently majoring in Athletic Training and Pre-Physical Therapy. I’ve experienced a major transition from the classes I was taking last year to the classes I’m in this year. The classes I took were mainly general education requirements. Conversely, this year I’ve had a stronger focus of classes in my major. These classes are far more challenging, but they are also more enjoyable. I’ve learned that there are more things at North Central College other than to play football and meet new people. Academics should come first because we’ll all be out in the real world someday. Football at North Central College has helped me to focus on serious goals within my life.