The Cause of Death and Obituary of Al Carius, Illinois's Naperville: Al Carius, the famous and beloved coach at North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, passed away at the age of 83 following a long and heroic battle with cancer. His demise marks the end of an amazing chapter for collegiate athletics in general as well as for North Central in particular.
Over the course of more than 50 years, Al Carius established a legacy in NCAA Division III athletics that is nearly unrivaled. He began his career at North Central in 1966. When Carius officially departed in 2020, he had guided the Cardinals to:
19 NCAA Division III Cross Country National Championships
Twelve Track and Field NCAA Division III National Championships
Six Indoor Championships
Six Outdoor Titles
His athletes have achieved 663 All-American honors in track and cross-country.
These numbers alone are remarkable. But anyone who knew Al, or who only happened to meet him once, knows that his story is more than just numbers.
Al Carius was more than a coach; he was a mentor, philosopher, listener, and defender of the human spirit. The straightforward tenet of his coaching philosophy, "Run for fun and personal bests," encouraged athletes to focus more on the joy of the journey and the sincerity of their effort than on the timer or the medal stand. He believed that the true test of success was not triumph but rather personal growth, and that excellence came from inside.
His athletes were champions, but they also became better people. Many of them became coaches, teachers, leaders, and mentors themselves, carrying on Al's values of humility, consistency, discipline, and heart. As a result, his influence continues to extend well beyond the confines of the North Central College campus.
Carius' unique and deeply private leadership style won him a lot of admiration. His popular course on values, ethics, and leadership had a significant impact on students from a wide range of academic disciplines. Many former students, even those who did not play on his teams, recall his guidance years later and credit it with affecting their behavior in their personal lives, with their families, and at work.
Observing Al from the sidelines was an experience of silent grandeur because he never had to yell. His calm demeanor, his unwavering smile, and his genuine interest in each individual set him apart in a ruthless culture that often overlooks the human element.
Tonight, thousands of people—from new acquaintances to old friends—are donning their shoes and running in his honor. He only met with several of them once. He shaped others for years. But everyone remembers the same man: a coach who led with love, believed in people, and left the world in a better shape than when he found it.
May you rest in peace, Al Carius. Even when your race is over, your legacy lives on.
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