MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. -- With the arrival of new athletic director, Travis Whipple, the Rams became focused on living out the values of an athletic department that are summed up in one word, GRIT (Greatness, Respect, Innovation, and Tradition). These values point towards the ever-present mission of the campus athletic department that centers around developing passionate champions. These mission centered values have taken the department by storm as student-athletes, coaches, and staff have taken the initiative to apply them towards serving the North Central University (NCU) community regardless of the circumstances.

It would be very easy for NCU student-athletes to let outside circumstances dictate the attitudes that they approach each day with. In the midst of a two consecutive semesters of athletic contests being either canceled or postponed, few would blame the Rams for feeling discouragement. Yet the Blue and Gold's student-athletes and coaches have made a concerted effort to take the situations that they are dealt and provide service opportunities for the NCU community as a whole. Teams have made concerted efforts to not only serve one another, but to literally serve the entire school. Every day this semester, coaches and their teams have made the decision to deliver meals to those who are unable to make it to the cafeteria. 

When asked to describe the opportunity to serve the NCU community, sophomore men's basketball player Seth Fuqua stated, "I think it is important for us to serve meals because it shows the power of bringing community together. This has been a great opportunity for us to demonstrate action during a time when our NCU family needs it the most." Fuqua's sentiment was echoed by senior cross-country runner, Susie Heinrichs, who added, "At North Central, we are a family, and families take care of each other. I love having the opportunity to serve alongside my teammates. It's really encouraging to help serve our fellow classmates." 

North Central's softball coach, Joseph Waalk, has played a key role in helping to organize the efforts through day-to-day meal reporting to coaches of each team volunteering. Waalk stated, "The task is constantly chasing after a moving target, but we will continue to do our very best to provide for these students." Waalk's leadership reflects the general sentiment felt by all within the athletic department. NCU athletic communication graduate assistants Devon Snelgrove and Cory Kukkola, both of whom have volunteered for multiple shifts delivering meals, stated that the opportunity to serve is a "no-brainer" and "is something we are glad to be able to help with."

When athletes are recruited to North Central University, each one is promised by their head coach to be pushed to develop into the best versions of themselves. Though Covid-19 may have taken some things away from Ram's athletes, the development of the whole person continues to be a staple that only seems to deepen when faced with adversity. Perhaps head men's basketball coach Dan DeWitt says it best when he tells his team to simply "do the right thing." As a department, it is inspiring to see so many stepping directly into those words.

North Central family, we are here with you, and we will keep serving no matter what!