FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Clark Teuscher, Sports Information Director, 630-637-5302
(article posted by Claire Norfleet, Student Sports Information Assistant)

Nov. 19, 2014 - The legacy of North Central College football that has been built by head coach John Thorne plays a big part in recruiting future members of the team. For junior Eric Knaperek, it was more than just the success of the program that swayed his decision to become a Cardinal.

"I met a lot of great people on my visits here and I really enjoyed what the school was about," he said. "Great education and great people are two characteristics of the school that made me buy in."

As the only junior of the team's seven captains this season, Knaperek has been able to act as a role model and is clearly someone who is trusted by his teammates and coaches.

"I want them to see me as someone they can turn to in bad situations or even be there cheering with them in good situations," he said.

The Cardinals' offensive line was honored as the D3football.com Team of the Week for games played from Sept. 18-21, with Knaperek maintaining his presence at the right guard position. He was also recently named to the All-College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) Team for the second straight year, earning First Team All-CCIW honors for the first time.

The leadership and motivational mentalities that are consistently present on the field, carry over into his academic success. Since the spring of 2014, Knaperek has been training and attending meetings to become a mentor in the North Central Athletic Mentoring Program where he is currently completing his first term with the program.

Athletic Mentors should act as a positive influence and role model as well as motivating younger student-athletes to work hard both on and off the field.

"I don't want the mentees coming to meetings dreading them and wanting them to be over with," he said. "My goal is to help put them in positions to be successful in any way possible."

Although a majority of his time is spent either on the field, in the weight room or in the classroom, Knaperek is dedicated to helping others in any way he can, both athletically and academically. As an accounting major, a lot of hours will be spent preparing for the Certified Public Accountant Examination that he hopes to one day complete and be one step closer to his future career.

"Following graduation, I would like to have a job opportunity and then take advantage of it," he said.

The Cardinals recently completed the 2014 season with an overall record of 8-2 and a 6-1 finish in College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin (CCIW) play.

"No matter the outcome, I am proud to be a Cardinal and I would not want to play for any other program in the country," he said.