The North Central College community is mourning the loss of Allen B. “Al” Carius H’06, a beloved coach who passed away at the age of 83 following a courageous battle with cancer. Carius, known for his remarkable leadership in cross country and track & field, built one of the most successful programs in collegiate athletics, influencing the lives of countless student-athletes throughout his more than five-decade career.
What Happened
Born in Morton, Illinois, and a graduate of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Al Carius took the helm of North Central College’s cross country and track programs in 1966. Over the span of his career, he created a legacy of excellence that extended well beyond his numerous titles and accolades.
Carius led his cross country teams to an astounding 19 NCAA Division III national championships, securing 16 runner-up finishes and 42 top-four national finishes across 47 championship appearances. His track & field teams achieved similar success, with 12 NCAA Division III team titles and hundreds of individual accolades. In total, his athletes earned 127 All-America honors, 8 individual national championships in cross country, and 63 individual and relay national championships on the track.
Despite his success, Carius measured his achievements not by the trophies and titles but by the growth and character development of his athletes. His guiding philosophy, “Run for Fun and Personal Bests,” emphasized the importance of teamwork, personal development, and the joy found in competition, fostering a supportive and empowering environment for all involved.
Reactions
Al Carius’ impact on the North Central College community and beyond is immeasurable. His long-time colleague and friend, Jim Miller ’86, Senior Director of Athletics at North Central, reflected on Carius’ legacy, stating, “What motivated Al was not records or titles, but the chance to teach life lessons through sport. His gift was his ability to inspire athletes to commit to one another and to values that transcend competition.”
Carius’ influence extended beyond athletics. He served as the Director of Athletics at North Central College in two separate tenures, taught health and physical education courses, and was selected by students to deliver the College’s “Last Lecture” in 2013. Even in his later years, he continued to inspire, addressing first-generation graduates during the College’s Commencement Weekend in 2024.
What’s Next
Carius’ legacy will continue to resonate through the generations of athletes and coaches he mentored. His dedication to his athletes’ personal growth and development was immortalized in his 2021 book Run for Fun and Personal Bests and a 2022 documentary by North Central College. In 2000, he was named “Coach of the Century,” a fitting recognition for a coach whose impact on collegiate athletics extended far beyond the competitive field. His numerous accolades include 14 USTFCCCA National Coach of the Year awards and induction into multiple halls of fame, including North Central’s inaugural class in 2004 and the USTFCCCA Hall of Fame in 2006.
The USTFCCCA’s decision to name its annual Program of the Year award after him is a testament to his lasting influence on the sport.
Carius leaves behind a profound legacy, one that will continue to shape generations of athletes and coaches who strive to live by the values he championed—personal growth, teamwork, and the joy of competition.
Closing Line
This is a developing story. We will update this article as more information becomes available.
The post Al Carius, Legendary Coach and Mentor, Passes Away at 83 first appeared on Trusted and Verified USA News.
