College of DuPage Commits to Football Program

Celebrating the College of DuPage football team's recent 42-29 victory over the Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Norsemen in the Citizens Bank Bowl, COD President Robert L. Breuder announced Thursday that the College will continue its football program.

Click here to see photos from the COD football reception.

“We're incredibly proud of our athletes, and their performance throughout the season helped solidify the decision to continue the football program at College of DuPage for at least the next two years,” Dr. Breuder said. “Our players have distinguished themselves among their peers both on and off the field and I am pleased future players will have the same opportunity to play and study at this institution.”

Questions over the future of COD football arose last year following decisions by Harper College and Joliet Junior College to eliminate their programs. As a non-scholarship school, COD football is a cost-recovery program, meaning that the College recoups costs through student athlete tuition.

Next season, College of DuPage will travel to competitors in Iowa and Minnesota. The Midwest Football Conference teams will play each other twice, once at home and once away, to help each institution lessen travel expenses, Athletic Director Paul Zakowski said.

“The College's continued support of our student-athletes allows these young men an opportunity to further their academic and sport careers,” he said. “Our coaching staff focuses not only on the skills needed for success on the field, but the academic strength necessary to achieve a four-year degree and, ultimately, a career. The COD Athletic Department is grateful to this administration and proud to offer future athletes the opportunity to compete as a Chaparral.”

An average of 24 COD players sign with four-year schools each year. This year, 32 COD players are expected to transfer to four-year schools. Four players were designated All American.

The Chaparrals finished their season 9-2 and ranked eighth in the country in the National Junior College Athletic Association. The team ranked first among non-scholarship schools nationally.

For more information on Chaparral Football, call (630) 942-2364 or visit: www.cod.edu/dept/athletic/teams/football.htm.