North Central College is a place where students go to learn, play sports, join clubs, thrive and, most of all, “Be Central.” Never known for being a college with a lot of space, North Central is still fortunate enough to have a very unique campus. Ever since its creation in 1861, North Central has been intertwined into Downtown Naperville, leading to a rich unity between the students on the campus and the fellow residents and shoppers around the area. While this unity is strong in all aspects, it’s especially evident in the dynamic between North Central athletics and Naperville locals.
A prime example of this is Naperville Running Company (NRC), which has been a great resource to many of the cross-country and track and field athletes in town. Owner Kris Hartner has made it a habit to hire past NCC athletes who in turn bring their experience of the sport in and add it to Kris’ own vast knowledge. The result: a perfect connection of mutual appreciation and respect from both the store and the school.
“We have a very good relationship with the track team,” said NRC employee and former North Central track and field national champion Kyle Brady. “Obviously, with the school being so close to the store, there’s not a day that one of them isn’t stopping by to either say ‘hi’ or purchase some shoes or equipment. We also do a lot through Grammy (Frank Gramarosso, North Central College head track and field coach) with ordering shoes and apparel for the team.”
The coaching staff gets their National Championship gear for their athletes at NRC, as well as all student athletes receiving 15 percent discounts.
While some other sports might not have a setup quite like this, the town more than compensates with the lack of sports specialty stores by packing the stadium full on just about every basketball and football game. No matter what season or how cold it is outside, it’s normal to see many of the townsfolk huddled out in the parking lot in front of Merner, tailgating and talking about the upcoming game.
On top of this, fans also go above and beyond the call of pure “fandom,” with some fans completely painting themselves so that they can create a red and white mob in the stands. They ride the highs and lows of the game, reveling in the schools wins and providing positive support during their losses. The fans range from all ages and act as the ultimate support system for the college.
As for the rest of the students who exercise or play club sports outside of an official team, Downtown Naperville has benefits. Many of the restaurants like bd’s Mongolian Grill and Giordano’s offer student discounts, since North Central students also live in nearby houses and in Naper Place.
“I think the whole town is very supportive of NCC athletics and students in general,” said Brady. “It makes a big difference for the economy of the downtown area to have the school so close to all the shops and restaurants. It’s got a small-school feel, and talking to people around town , almost everyone knows someone who has attended NCC or has a connection to it in someway. It makes it a really cool feeling with having so much support for the school and the sports.”
