UNDER THE LIGHTS Installation of new LED lighting is underway at Zimmerman Stadium (pictured) and Shanower Family Field. Without lighting, North Central College has not be able to host post-season conference and NCAA competition in baseball and softball. In addition, the lighting at Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium was converted to more efficient LED fixtures, an improvement that will result in significant utility savings and an enhanced practice and competition environment for the nine athletic teams that use the facility.
NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH Brad Spencer ’04 was promoted to head football coach, replacing Jeff Thorne who is joining the coaching staff of Western Michigan University. A member of the North Central coaching staff since his graduation, Spencer has served as the team’s assistant head coach and offensive coordinator since 2015, playing a key role in the program’s rise to national prominence in NCAA Division III. “Brad possesses all the important leadership and visionary qualities needed to carry on and elevate the traditions of Cardinal football,” said Athletic Director Jim Miller. “He’s been integral to establishing a winning culture and setting a high standard of excellence in academics as well as athletics.
want to recognize and thank him for his leadership and role in elevating the program to a place of national respect.” Spencer began his new position in January. The rest of the full-time coaching staff returns to prepare for a third straight Stagg Bowl in 2022. “I’m honored and humbled to be following in the footsteps of John Thorne and Jeff Thorne,” said Spencer, who was a junior on the first North Central team coached by John Thorne. “They’ve been great coaching mentors for me and have built the program into what it is today. Our mission will continue to be the development of our young men, while giving them a first-class experience on and off the field.”
“Our football program will benefit from Coach Thorne’s time here for many years to come,” Miller added. “We all
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