College of DuPage Chaparrals Best Central Lakes College in Inaugural Red Grange Bowl

In an outstanding overtime win, the College of DuPage Chaparrals defeated the top-ranked Central Lake College Raiders 25-22 at the inaugural Red Grange Bowl held on Dec. 3 at COD's Bjarne Ullsvik Stadium. A 21-yard field goal by Chaparral kicker Casey Bednarski clinched COD's win over the Raiders, who were an impressive 11-0 coming into the game.

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The Red Grange Bowl was the first bowl game hosted by COD in 20 years and the first featuring non-scholarship schools among the National Junior College Athletic Association's other national bowl games. The Red Grange Bowl was the culminating event of a weekend-long celebration of the legacy of Harold Edward "Red" Grange, which began with a banquet featuring guest speaker Chicago Bears Board Member Patrick McCaskey, grandson of George "Pappa Bear" Halas. Click here to view Patrick McCaskey's comments and click here to view remarks from College of DuPage President Dr. Ann Rondeau at Friday's event.

Red Grange spent most of his childhood in Wheaton and attended Wheaton High School, where he played football, baseball, basketball and ran track. He earned 16 varsity letters during his tenure and as a high school junior scored 36 touchdowns and led the school to an undefeated season. The two-time NFL champion football halfback played for the University of Illinois, the Chicago Bears and, for a short-time, the New York Yankees.

Click here to view a documentary on Red Grange's life and career that speaks of the "honor and integrity" he brought to football and to those around him.

All proceeds from the inaugural Red Grange Bowl game and banquet will benefit the Ronald McDonald House at Central DuPage Hospital.