The North Central College community and the wider world of collegiate athletics are grieving the loss of Allen B. “Al” Carius H’06, the iconic cross country and track & field coach who passed away at the age of 83 following a courageous battle with cancer. Over more than five decades, Carius built a legacy unmatched in NCAA Division III history—measured not only in championships, but in his enduring philosophy of “Run for Fun and Personal Bests.”
A Hallmark Career
Carius arrived at North Central College in 1966 to lead its growing cross country and track programs. What followed was a career that transformed the Cardinals into perennial national contenders. His cross country teams went on to secure 19 NCAA Division III national titles, finish as runners-up 16 times, and place in the top four in 42 of 47 national meets—a record unparalleled at any level of collegiate athletics. His runners earned 127 All-America honors and celebrated eight individual national championships in cross country alone.
On the track, working both as head coach and alongside longtime colleague Frank Gramarosso, Carius helped guide North Central to 12 NCAA national championships—six indoor and six outdoor. Under his leadership, athletes collected 536 All-America awards and 63 national titles in individual and relay events.
Yet for all the wins, those closest to him note that his greatest focus was never the scoreboard. “Al was motivated not by accolades, but by the opportunity to teach life lessons,” said Jim Miller ’86, senior director of athletics. “He taught values that transcended sport and always placed people above results.”
More Than a Coach
Beyond competition, Carius left an immeasurable impact as a mentor, educator, and leader. He served as North Central’s athletic director from 1971–1977 and again from 1980–1993, while also teaching in the areas of health, physical education, and leadership. His work in the classroom reflected the same belief he carried onto the track: that athletics should help students prepare for life beyond sport.
North Central College President Abiodun Goke-Pariola shared, “While his success as a coach was unparalleled, it was never trophies or recognition that drove him. Al believed deeply in the Division III student-athlete experience and the role athletics plays in shaping character.”
Known for his wisdom, humility, and compassion, Carius often referred to coaching as a calling rather than a career. His guiding motto, “Run for Fun and Personal Bests,” became both his life’s mantra and the title of his 2021 book.
National Recognition
Carius’ influence reached well beyond Naperville. In 2000, the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) honored him as “Coach of the Century.” The organization later named its Division III men’s Program of the Year Award after him—an award North Central would claim four times.
His long list of honors includes inductions into the North Central College Athletics Hall of Fame (2004), the Illinois Track and Cross Country Coaches Hall of Fame (1988), the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame (2006), the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame (2013), and several others.
A Living Legacy
For Coach Carius, his true legacy lay in the lives he touched. Hundreds of former athletes have gone on to careers in coaching, teaching, and leadership—carrying with them the values and lessons he instilled. His influence continues to ripple across the country through the people he mentored.
Reflecting on his career, Carius once wrote:
“I’m so proud to have had so many young men and women pass through our North Central College athletic program and go on to spread our message of ‘Run for Fun and Personal Bests.’ I pray that I have set a good example for them of how to be a coach and a guide to young people entrusted to their care.”
Coach Al Carius will forever be remembered as the heart of North Central College athletics—a coach of champions, but more importantly, a champion of people. His name and philosophy will live on in every athlete, colleague, and friend he inspired.