North Park Vikings Basketball Tickets

The North Park Vikings basketball team is a prominent NCAA Division III college basketball program located in Chicago, Illinois, USA. The team has a rich history and tradition of success, which has helped build a strong reputation among college basketball fans across the country.

North Park University, where the Vikings play their home games, has long been recognized for its athletic programs. In addition to men's basketball, the university also fields teams in football, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer, and cross-country among other sports. However, it is the men's basketball team that has become synonymous with North Park athletics.

The Vikings first came to prominence in the 1960s, when they made regular appearances in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) national tournament. During this era, the Vikings were led by legendary head coach Dan McCarrell, who led the team from 1960 to 1973. McCarrell's tenure was marked by stunning success, as he guided the Vikings to three NAIA runner-up finishes, including one in 1970 where they lost to Vennard College, and four additional top ten finishes.

In 1974, North Park University joined the NCAA Division III ranks, where the Vikings would continue to thrive. The team continued to compete at a high level, winning seven conference championships and reaching the NCAA DIII Final Four in 1986. The team's most recent conference championship came in 2017, under the leadership of current head coach Tom Slyder.

While there have been many standout players throughout North Park's history, few can match the accomplishments of Michael Harper. Harper, who played for the Vikings in the 1980s, was an incredible scorer, setting multiple records during his time at North Park. He is still the all-time leading scorer in the team's history, with 2,787 total points.

Despite their success, the North Park Vikings basketball team hasn't always been in the spotlight of national media. Division III programs like North Park receive a fraction of the attention devoted to Division I programs, but the Vikings have still managed to cultivate a passionate fanbase. The program's success over the years has helped keep North Park's fans and alumni engaged with the school’s athletics department.

At a time when college basketball is often defined by scandal and controversy, the North Park Vikings serve as a refreshing reminder of what good sportsmanship and teamwork can accomplish. Their dedication and commitment to excellence have made them one of the top programs in the country, and their presence helps make college basketball the thrilling experience that it is today.