Two years ago, coming off a second-place finish at the NCAA Division III Indoor National Championships, North Central College’s Dhruvil Patel had high hopes for the outdoor national meet.
Things did not go as planned in Geneva, Ohio, however, as he took 10th in the 5,000 meters.
“I absolutely bombed in that race,” Patel said. “It was about a 6 1/2-hour bus ride home. I told (assistant coach Al Carius) I never wanted to feel like that again.”
This season, the outdoor national meet was held in Geneva, Ohio. And this time, Patel capped his historic career in style.
He won both the 5,000 and 10,000 meters, his fifth and sixth career national titles. He was named the meet’s outstanding performer and eventually the 2019 National Track Athlete of the Year.
“To come back to that track and take two titles was very satisfying,” Patel said.
Patel also won National Athlete of the Year following the cross country season in the fall and this spring’s indoor season. He’s the only men’s athlete to win all three awards in the same academic year.
Patel goes down as one of the best athletes in school history. He was a three-time All-American in cross country and a 10-time All-American in indoor and outdoor track.
His time of 13:51.40 in the 5,000 meters at Stanford in April is the best in Division III history.
“To come to such a prestigious program and be recognized as one of the best ever is a great accomplishment,” Patel said. “I couldn’t have done it without the team culture the last few years.
“Going to practice was fun. It was the best part of my day, hanging out with my friends.”
Patel now looks to join NCC graduates John Crain and Patrick Rizzo in the professional ranks.
“Just to get into that world, I’ve talked to Patrick and Johnny, who are doing pretty well,” Patel said. “Any advice I can get from them is good.”
Baseball honor roll: Sophomore catcher Rob Marinec has been racking up awards.
The CCIW Player of the Year was also recognized on the national level. D3baseball.com named him the Central Region Player of the Year and a third team All-American. ABCA/Rawlings named him a second team All-American.
Marinec led the Cardinals with 11 homers, four triples, 53 RBIs and a .644 slugging percentage. He stole as many bases — 15 — as he allowed behind the plate.
“For me, the offensive stuff is easy to see, but what stands out is the way he impacts the game on the defensive side of the ball,” NCC coach Ed Mathey said. “He takes charge of the game behind the plate.”
Next spring, Marinec could be the latest player targeted by MLB teams.
Michael Mateja, who graduated last week, was drafted last year by the Atlanta Braves. He’s currently in extended spring training making a transition to center field.
“They’re aware of him,” Mathey said of Marinec. “The draft is a funny thing. You never know how things will happen. You have to be good all year, especially being a small school guy.
“I’d hate to lose him. It would be bittersweet, as it was with Mike, but it’s a great thing.”
Looking ahead: NCC is popping up on Division III preseason rankings lists for football.
Lindy’s has the Cardinals, who went 10-2 last season, pegged at No. 7. Street & Smith’s put the Cardinals at No. 8.
Junior offensive guard Sharmore Clarke and junior defensive tackle Tommy Hyland have been placed on preseason watch lists. Both are among 50 players to appear on Lindy’s All-Division III teams.
Clarke is one of 24 players featured on Street & Smith’s preseason All-American team. The Cardinals open the season on Sept. 7 at Christopher Newport in Virginia.
Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.