Physical Education | North Central College

Tennis courts ready for action this fall

The College’s five new tennis courts are ready for action. Relocated from their former space where the Res/Rec Center now sits, the courts are adjacent to softball’s Shanower Family Field. The women’s tennis team kicks off its fall season Sept. 3 with its first home match set for Sept. 6 on the new courts.

Chris Ranallo

Chris had discovered a passion for working with children and a love for teaching before his arrival at North Central. He found the physical education department was the ideal environment to nurture his passion and develop his skills in preparation for a teaching career. “At a small school like North Central, you have the opportunity to really get to know the faculty and staff. They create a warm and welcoming environment and want to create those personal relationships with students.”

In addition to his academic work and internships with the boys’ and girls’ swimming programs at nearby Naperville North High School, Chris was also the College’s student body president as a senior. “There are so many activities that any student in any major can become involved with. I would recommend to anyone to get involved and stay involved throughout all four years.”

Gems is chosen associate editor of international publication

Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education, was named an honorary member and associate editor of the International Journal of Sport Sciences and Physical Education.

Gems gives talk at sport, race, ethnicity conference

Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education, delivered a presentation titled “Immigration, Sport, and the Italian Quest for Identity” July 17 at the Sport, Race, and Ethnicity conference at the University of the West Indies in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Biology major wraps up stellar academic, athletic career at North Central

Alex Knobloch becomes both the College's 2010 Outstanding Major in Biology and the 2010 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Man of the Year.

Alex Knobloch of East Moline made the most of his experience at North Central College, excelling in both academics and athletics.

Among other honors, the Alleman High School graduate and son of Craig and Barb Knobloch was named the College’s 2010 Outstanding Major in Biology and the 2010 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Man of the Year, an award that recognizes the conference’s top male student-athlete.

Gems teaches in China and Turkey, joins editorial board

Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education, was offered a position as consultant on curriculum and instruction matters during his visiting professorship at Beijing Sports University in June. He also traveled to Antalya, Turkey, where he gave a presentation titled “Sport and the Social Construction of American Masculinity” at the 15th annual Congress of the European College of Sport Science June 23-26. In addition, he was asked to join the editorial board of the Indian Journal of Sport Science and Physical Education.

Cardinals 25th in Final Directors’ Cup Standings

North Central finished 25th among all NCAA Division III athletics programs in the final Learfield Sports Directors’ Cup all-sports standings for the 2009-2010 academic year, released June 23 by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. The College’s 25th-place finish is its third highest Directors’ Cup placing ever and is its highest since finishing 22nd in the final standings in 1998-99. North Central finished 30th last year.

Chicago Fire to hold free soccer clinic at North Central

Young soccer players are welcome to a free Chicago Fire soccer clinic.

Young soccer players are invited to meet Chicago Fire soccer players Sean Johnson and Steven Kinney on June 24 at North Central College.

As part of its Community Soccer Series, the Fire—Chicago’s Major League Soccer club—will hold a skills clinic from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at North Central College’s Benedetti-Wehrli Stadium, 455 S. Brainard St., Naperville.

Gems is teaching history of sport in China

Gerald Gems, professor of health and physical education, is serving as a visiting professor at Beijing Sport University in China from June 8 to 22.

Jim Miller receives First Citizen of the College Award

Director of Athletics Jim Miller received the Harold and Eva White First Citizen of the College Award during the College’s Commencement exercises June 12. In presenting the award to Miller, President Harold R. Wilde said, “Jim has helped shape this institution in many important ways. … His energy and passion for North Central have helped inspire our recent successes in football, baseball and wrestling and our national championships in cross country and track and field.