Category: Sports

The time has come for intramural playoffs, and it’s my job to offer some insight on the intense teams that are fighting their way to the Super Bowl. It’s pretty hard to predict anything when it comes to intramural football, so I’m forced to use my elite analyst skills on this one. This past Saturday was “upset week”, as three of the top four seeds got knocked out of the playoff picture. Four East Carlson beat 5 West Carlson, 3 West Carlson beat MOE, and 2 West Phillipps beat 2 East Phillipps. The only non-upset was 4 West Carlson defeating 2 East Carlson.

Greg Hayton is the new associate professor in the education department. He is also the faculty athletic representative and an active supporter of the North Central cross-country team. Hayton grew up in Illinois and received a bachelor’s degree from Eureka College. His degree was in physical education along with a psychology minor. He received his master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in outdoor teaching education and physical science. Greg spent many years as a middle and high school teacher, as well as a coach before coming to North Central. He spoke of seeing many amazing things on the athletic field.

After his first year as Director of Athletic Operations and the men’s basketball coach, Coach High has decided to step up and become the Athletic Director, but will remain the head coach for men’s basketball team. “This is what I enjoy doing. This is my twentieth year working in the athletic administration,” said Coach High.

In the sports world, each season brings something new to the table. The dynamics change as seniors graduate and freshmen arrive. For the runners at North Central, another season is underway, bringing new records, personal bests and as always, some taped ankles.

Henry Ford said, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.” The men’s and women’s soccer teams hope to achieve great things this season. The women’s team hopes to get to Nationals again and to get beyond the first round.

Have you ever thought about why the baseball team is practicing early?
The baseball team is getting ready for the spring season by holding fall practices in which the new and returning players can get to know each other and also learn from each other. When asked how they felt about fall practice, the players all said that they loved it.

If you’ve stepped onto the floor of Two West Phillipps this year, you might have noticed a picture on the wall showcasing a strapping blonde youth playing quarterback for the former 1 West Men’s Intramural Football team. Who is this young man? None other than North Central’s own Dean Goodwin. And while he might be a decent quarterback, the sport where the sophomore Sports Management major really shines at North Central is Golf.

The Northerner recently caught up with Scott Baker and Kevin Slowey of the Minnesota Twins, and former Twin, Adam Everett, of the Detroit Tigers. The three professional athletes talked openly about their families, their lives on and off the baseball field, and their Christian faith.