North Central Cardinals Look to Repeat as Division III Champions with Skokna and Sullivan Leading the Charge
The road to a sixth consecutive Division III title game has been paved by a duo of dynamic players - Thomas Skokna, a electrifying wide receiver from Hinsdale Central, and John Sullivan, an imposing defensive lineman from Lakes. Both teammates have defied expectations, earning themselves All-American honors despite not being heavily recruited out of high school.
Skokna's remarkable journey began after he was overlooked by college scouts, but his senior season at North Central changed everything. The diminutive 5-9, 170-pounder has blossomed into one of the nation's top small-college receivers, reaping career highs in catches (81), yards (1,226) and touchdowns (23). His meteoric rise to stardom is a testament to the coaching staff and culture at North Central, which has nurtured his growth from JV player to All-American.
Sullivan's story is equally inspiring. The 6-2 defensive lineman was initially told he needed to slim down after playing at 290 pounds in his sophomore season. He took that as an opportunity to reinvigorate his game, shedding weight and transforming into a force to be reckoned with on the field. This season, Sullivan has racked up career-highs in tackles (69), sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (21), cementing his status as one of the nation's elite defensive players.
The dynamic duo will lead North Central against Wisconsin-River Falls in the Division III title game on Sunday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The Cardinals' sixth consecutive appearance in the championship game has become a staple under coach Mike Ekman-Green, who has instilled a culture of brotherhood and excellence that has propelled his team to unprecedented heights.
Skokna and Sullivan's individual success is well-documented, with both players sweeping all four Division III All-American awards. However, their greatest achievement may be the role they've played in guiding North Central to six consecutive title games - a feat that speaks volumes about the strength of their team and the quality of its leadership.
As graduation looms, both players will embark on new journeys, with Skokna and Sullivan poised to take their talents to the professional ranks. With their college careers coming full circle, one thing is certain: these two talented athletes have left an indelible mark on North Central's storied program, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Cardinals.
The road to a sixth consecutive Division III title game has been paved by a duo of dynamic players - Thomas Skokna, a electrifying wide receiver from Hinsdale Central, and John Sullivan, an imposing defensive lineman from Lakes. Both teammates have defied expectations, earning themselves All-American honors despite not being heavily recruited out of high school.
Skokna's remarkable journey began after he was overlooked by college scouts, but his senior season at North Central changed everything. The diminutive 5-9, 170-pounder has blossomed into one of the nation's top small-college receivers, reaping career highs in catches (81), yards (1,226) and touchdowns (23). His meteoric rise to stardom is a testament to the coaching staff and culture at North Central, which has nurtured his growth from JV player to All-American.
Sullivan's story is equally inspiring. The 6-2 defensive lineman was initially told he needed to slim down after playing at 290 pounds in his sophomore season. He took that as an opportunity to reinvigorate his game, shedding weight and transforming into a force to be reckoned with on the field. This season, Sullivan has racked up career-highs in tackles (69), sacks (7.5) and tackles for loss (21), cementing his status as one of the nation's elite defensive players.
The dynamic duo will lead North Central against Wisconsin-River Falls in the Division III title game on Sunday at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. The Cardinals' sixth consecutive appearance in the championship game has become a staple under coach Mike Ekman-Green, who has instilled a culture of brotherhood and excellence that has propelled his team to unprecedented heights.
Skokna and Sullivan's individual success is well-documented, with both players sweeping all four Division III All-American awards. However, their greatest achievement may be the role they've played in guiding North Central to six consecutive title games - a feat that speaks volumes about the strength of their team and the quality of its leadership.
As graduation looms, both players will embark on new journeys, with Skokna and Sullivan poised to take their talents to the professional ranks. With their college careers coming full circle, one thing is certain: these two talented athletes have left an indelible mark on North Central's storied program, and their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Cardinals.
It's not like they've been playing in a vacuum or anything. Wisconsin-River Falls has some legit talent too, and coach Ekman-Green might have gotten them all pumped up with that "culture of brotherhood and excellence" nonsense 
. And don't even get me started on how they're both going pro - it's like they're abandoning ship just as the Cardinals are about to make history 
. I'm rooting for a major upset, TBH 
! They've worked so hard to get to this point and it's amazing to see their dedication paying off. Coach Ekman-Green has done an incredible job building a culture of brotherhood and excellence that's really made a difference in the team's success. The fact that they're going for six consecutive title games is insane! 
It just goes to show how good the coaching staff is at nurturing talent and bringing out the best in their players.
. And now, they'll be taking on Wisconsin-River Falls in the title game - bring it on! 
they've been playing amazing all season and it's not just about skokna and sullivan tho - the whole team has been on fire 
coach ekman-green is doing an awesome job as usual 
and can you believe they're going to the title game for the 6th time in a row? that's insane 
i'm rooting for them all the way, especially skokna and sullivan - those guys are literally my spirit animals 
wish me luck if i get tickets to watch the game live 
. I mean, who wouldn't want to see a 5'9" receiver dominating on the field? 
North Central's got an amazing culture going on, and it's awesome to see their dedication paying off in such a big way 
North Central's got some serious bragging rights with their coach Mike Ekman-Green leading the charge. He must have done something right to get those guys to gel like they do! 
The fact that Skokna was overlooked in high school and still managed to become an All-American is just incredible. And Sullivan's transformation from 290 pounds to a beast on the field? 
Skokna and Sullivan are more than just stars, though - they're the embodiment of what it means to be part of something bigger than yourself. They're leaders, teammates, and role models all rolled into one 