After tying the school record with 22 wins and making the school’s deepest postseason run in the NCAA tournament, the North Central College men’s basketball team took their talent to Italy for a chance to compete internationally and see some of the great history that the country has to offer.

The Cardinals enjoyed guided tours throughout their cross-country journey through Italy. Their trip took them to multiple cities including Rome, Siena, Lucca, Florence, Venice and Pisa.
The country’s history was highlighted throughout the trip by visits to many of the country’s beautiful cathedrals and other historic structures.
The team took bus tours around Rome, stopping at the Colosseum and took another day to visit Vatican City. While in Vatican City, they were able to view the world famous Sistine Chapel and, while in Pisa, to marvel at the Leaning Tower.
“There was a lot of history and the cathedrals were certainly amazing. Overall, it was really a great trip,” said 2011-12 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin Coach of the Year Todd Raridon.
On the basketball court, the reigning CCIW champions had a mid-afternoon matinee with the Ostia Sharks in Rome.
The Cardinals pulled away from the Sharks, 98-72, in a competitive game. All-CCIW First Team selection Landon Gamble led five players in double figures with 20 points. Vince Kmiec added 19 and Aaron Tiknis chipped in 15.
After the game, the players cooled off on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea and ate some traditional Italian pizza provided by the host Sharks.
One of the few question marks for the upcoming season for Raridon and the Cardinals will be the point guard position after losing last year’s starter Kevin Gillespie to graduation.
The trip to Italy, and extra practice before the trip, gave the returners a chance to audition for the position.
“When you have to replace your point guard those practices really help out,” said Raridon. “It was nice especially in the summer. You are kind of back together before the school season starts and before we start our season in October.”
Unfortunately, the team’s second game that was scheduled in Florence was cancelled.
“It was nice that our team was afforded the opportunity to go over there,” said Raridon.
“I don’t know if they will ever get back there but North Central provided them that opportunity to visit another country. It was a great trip for our players and coaches.”