Staff writers Brad Thompson & Mitch Reid give a report on the great season the North Central College football, soccer, volleyball, and cross-country teams all had.
VOLLEYBALL
With six seniors and a sophomore class with potential for success, the North Central College women’s volleyball team proved competitive on the court and finished the season with a 22-13 overall record.
Sophomores Kelly McGovern (’18), Julie Laugel (’18), Olivia Hanley (’18) and Cara Howell (’18) all emerged as key players in their second seasons. The heart and soul of this team ran through three seniors however, Jill Galovic (’16), Amanda Walker (’16) and Laura Kluk (’16).
Photo by Jess Murphy
Kluk finished her career with an all-time school record of 3,831 assists. The captain also finished her career tied for fourth in career service aces with 144 and ranks ninth on the career blocks list with 184.
“I really wanted to focus on this season and I didn’t even realize I had broken the record until my mom came up to me after the game” said Kluk. Her coaches and teammates showed their congratulations by waiting until she walked on the team bus to celebrate with her.
Kluk found her love for volleyball at a young age. “My dad influenced me the most, having played himself. Both of my parents are my biggest supporters,” said Kluk.
With her senior year coming to a close, Kluk has big plans following an internship this spring to go into the physical therapy field.
“I plan on enjoying the rest of senior year with my friends,” she said. ”I will take away all the friendships I made with teammates and the relationships with my coaches is team was very close”.
FOOTBALL
Going into week nine of the regular season, the North Central College Cardinal football team has an overall record of 5-3 and a College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) record of 4-1 with two conference games left to play against Augustana College and Elmhurst College.
As well as finding success on offense Cardinals were a force to be reckoned with defensively. Coming up with 22 sacks, taking nine fumble recoveries and eight interceptions in the first eight games of the season they worked well to keep their offense in scoring position.
Photo by Jess Murphy
Senior defensive back Richard Zirngibl (’16) was all over the field on defense with 36 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss including one sack, while also breaking up three passes and intercepting opposing quarterbacks twice, returning each for 43 yards a piece.
At 6-foot-tall and 191 pounds, Zirngibl, who is a product of Buffalo Grove High School, played on varsity all four years as a Cardinal earning Academic All-CCIW every year.
“I’m going to miss all of the relationships I’ve made with this team. I’ve grown to know the coaches, all of the young guys, and I’ll miss messing around in the locker room on the field day in and day out,” said Zirngibl on his last season. “If I could get one game back it would be to play [this year’s]Wheaton game one more time and come out with that win to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
“I know the young guys here have a good future to keep carrying on the program’s tradition.”
SOCCER
The North Central women’s soccer team saw tremendous improvement in 2015 after a dismal two-win season in 2013. This season, the Cardinals finished 7-9-1 overall.
Upperclassmen Jessica DeJong (’17) led the offense in scoring and junior goalkeeper Nicki Seiton (’17) recorded five shutouts and held a 1.38 goal against average.
Seniors Amy Gerald (’16) and Caitlyn Orawiec (’16) led the Cardinals in the midfield.
Photo by Steve Woltman
Orawiec bounced back from two ACL surgeries to finish her career with two healthy seasons.
“The best part about senior year is being blessed with the opportunity to play soccer competitively for the last time,” said Orawiec. “I am just so grateful.
Coming back after an ACL injury requires months of physical rehab and the emotional stress is an overwhelming factor.
“I truly believed that I would never overcome a second knee surgery,” said Orawiec. “I experienced a lot of anger and hatred because I was unable to play soccer for a second collegiate season in a row. I was in desperate need of a support group and my friends and family really stepped up to play that role.
“Without (their) love and support, I never would have surpassed the challenging obstacles I experienced.”
The senior midfielder wouldn’t change a single thing that happened because of the lasting impact North Central has had on her with one slight exception. “I wish I could attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry or maybe be a dolphin because they are able to use 20 percent of their brain,” Orawiec joked.
“Attending North Central College provided me with many opportunities that will positively affect me in my future,” she said. “This school has truly prepared me for the next chapter in my life and I’m forever appreciative.”
CROSS COUNTRY
The North Central College men’s cross-country team began the season as the unanimous favorite to win the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) Championship. On Oct. 31, the Cardinals did just that, running their way into a 42nd straight conference title and dominating the meet with 10 of the top 17 athletes.
Junior Zach Plank (’17) won the individual championship with a time just over 25 minutes, cruising to a 23-second victory. The Cardinals then relied on a mix of youth and experience to complete the top three.
Freshman Al Baldonado (’19) and senior Ken Hoffman (’16) finished side by side for second and third place respectively. Baldonado was named the CCIW Freshman of the year after the race.
Photo by Jess Murphy
“We had a couple of setbacks early in the year, but it was cool to see everyone buy in right away,” Hoffman said.
“The freshman class has really bought in and we are going to need them down the stretch,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman’s motivation comes from his teammates and running with them over the last four years has kept him focused. Running for head coach Al Carius has also shaped Hoffman as an athlete and a person.
“He’s (incredibly positive) like that all the time,” said Hoffman. “Having someone like that that as your coach is really motivational. The culture stays the same year in and year out and the tradition is just passed down.”
Hoffman and the rest of the cross-country team are eyeing yet another National Championship this season. “I’ve enjoyed just being part of this team and every step along the way. There is nothing stopping us from another national title, we just have to put it all together on November 21st.”
