D3 Football: North Central Kicker’s Championship Mindset

An Unexpected Path to D3 Football

Growing up in Downers Grove, a Chicago-area suburb, Ryniec didn’t initially envision himself playing college football. His older sister played Division I softball at the University of Illinois, and he expected to pursue baseball at a larger school.

The summer leading into his senior year of high school, Ryniec tore the labrum in his throwing shoulder. A cortisone shot kept him on the diamond that spring, but the injury derailed his hopes of continuing at the next level.

“I decided, well, I can’t really use my arms anymore,” he said. “So let’s play football.”

Ryniec was kicking since sixth grade, though baseball remained his primary focus. He stepped away from football as a sophomore during the COVID-19 pandemic, then returned a year later when the team needed another body. That experience opened a door he hadn’t seriously considered.

His baseball coach, Cardinals alum Carlos Barba, connected him with NCC head coach Brad Spencer. After exploring options at UW-Whitewater and Carthage, Ryniec found his way to Naperville, Ill. His background on the mound proved useful. Pitching taught him to anticipate what might happen next and remain composed when the outcome rested on one play.

As a pitcher, you’re five steps ahead of every single batter. It’s kind of like kicking as well. I’m looking at the wind, where I have to kick this ball from, and where you think we’ll be. I’m just getting in the right mindset.

As a freshman, Ryniec stepped onto the national stage and, in the third quarter, his 24-yard field goal knotted the score against Cortland. North Central ultimately lost by a point, but a year later, Ryniec helped the Cardinals finish the job against Mount Union and set a new D3 football benchmark for kickers.

A Teammate’s Influence

North Central returned to the Stagg Bowl in 2025 but fell to UW-River Falls, 24-14. The season also brought a change for Ryniec with Ellison’s arrival.

Rather than letting competition divide them, they embraced the challenge. Ryniec credited the experience with helping him mature both on and off the field. It exemplified head coach Brad Spencer’s mantra: “Do your one-eleventh,” fulfilling their roles for the team’s benefit.

Ellison, meanwhile, delivered a standout season, converting 13 of 14 field-goal attempts and setting a program record with a 57-yarder.

His play earned him the 2025 Fred Mitchell Award, named for the longtime Chicago Tribune sportswriter who set the NCAA College Division career scoring record as a kicker at Division III Wittenberg.

The honor recognizes kicking achievement and community involvement, reflected in Ellison’s work with Bike Bald, Hesed House and Feed My Starving Children. With the latter, he and his teammates packed more than 46,000 meals for children worldwide.

“There was always talking down about guys that decided to transfer [from Arkansas State],” Ellison said. “The guys work just as hard at the Division III level, maybe even harder. Coaches don’t have to say much. The players hold each other accountable.”

Chasing More D3 Football Success

Ryniec used the offseason to build strength and expand his range, determined to give North Central’s offense a dependable long-distance weapon.

That mindset paid off in the season opener against Bethel, drilling a 56-yard field goal in the Cardinals’ 44-21 win, matching the second-longest kick in program history. The performance propelled him to D3football.com Team of the Week honors and, eventually, a spot on the 2026 Fred Mitchell Award midseason watch list.

“I was feeling really good in warmups,” he said. “I moved it back to around 58 yards, so it was definitely in range for me.”

Ryniec hasn’t missed a kick this season, putting him among D3 football’s leaders in field goal percentage.

He’s also preparing for his next chapter. An entrepreneurship and marketing major, he made the NCC Dean’s List last spring with a GPA of at least 3.6. After graduation, he plans to join civil engineering firm HR Green, where he’ll work in corporate growth.

Although Ryniec’s career lies ahead, he knows his ties to the Cardinals won’t end. The team’s mantra, BEEF, or “beat everyone every day forever,” reflects the bond he’s formed with the program.

That’s why I love North Central. I wouldn’t ever want to go somewhere else, and I’m here for life.