FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Louis Groce, Sports Information Graduate Assistant, 630-637-5302

Sept. 13, 2012 - The North Central College Athletics Department hosted the eighth annual Huddle on Sept. 13 at the Residence Hall/Recreation Center, with President Harold Wilde providing an inspirational message to student-athletes. 

The Huddle is North Central College's annual fall term celebration, bringing together all Cardinal student-athletes, athletics staff members and faculty mentors. It's also an opportunity for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and Student-Athlete Mentors (SAMs) to directly address student-athletes.

President Wilde told the nearly 700 student-athletes what he felt it meant to be a Cardinal and shared some of his unforgettable memories of North Central athletics in the 21-plus years he has served as president. 

“The Cardinal way is lifting everyone. Not just one, but everyone,” Wilde said. “It's all about team. It's all about reaching deeper, not just for yourself, but for your team and comrades.”

Not only does The Huddle kick off the athletic year, it's also the first seminar for the Varsity Course. Started in fall 2006, the Varsity Course is a seminar for all first-year student-athletes to help ease their transition to North Central College and its athletics program. Its focus is to build community among the student-athletes and demonstrate a connection to a “bigger team.” 

At year's end, Wilde will retire as president. However, that won't keep him from being a Cardinal forever. 

“I will always be a Cardinal,” said Wilde. “I bleed Cardinal red, and I'm never going to give that up! May your pride in being a Cardinal be as great as my pride in all of you.”