Schuck on a Truck: Lavery brothers discuss winning NCAA Division III national title with North Central College

QUINCY — Calvin and Charlie Lavery find themselves among a small group of Quincy athletes who can call themselves collegiate national champions.

The Quincy Notre Dame graduates helped the North Central College football team win the NCAA Division III national championship with last Sunday’s 41-25 victory over Mount Union in the Alonzo Stagg Bowl. It is the Cardinals’ second national championship in the past three seasons, both of which Calvin Lavery has enjoyed.

A redshirt sophomore quarterback, Calvin Lavery served as the backup this season to starting quarterback Luke Lehnen, the Chatham Glenwood product who was named the D-III national player of the year for the second straight season. The 6-foot-5 Lavery played in nine games, completing 32 of 49 passes for 328 yards and three touchdowns.

Meanwhile, Charlie Lavery, a sophomore defensive back, played in two games and made two tackles, but he had a pivotal role in practice going against Lehnen and the Cardinals’ offense.

After winning the national title, there was no chance for a break for either brother. Classes resumed on the North Central College campus Monday, and it won’t be long until they are back in weight room and the indoor workout facility preparing for their title defense.

The Laverys did find time to join Muddy River Sports Editor Matt Schuckman via Zoom to discuss the national championship, the season they enjoyed and what lies ahead for this episode of “Schuck on a Truck,” brought to you by Shottenkirk Toyota.

Submitted photos