When his oldest son was four years old, he began playing soccer, and he wanted his dad to coach him. Greg said yes, and it didn’t take long before the joy of watching those kids run the field, laugh with their friends and grow more confident in their abilities stirred something in him. He realized that he wanted to make sports and recreation more than just a pastime; he wanted to make it his career. More than that, he wanted to set an example for his children about following their passions and striving for something bigger. 

Once he made the decision to go back to school, the search for the right program to fit his busy life began. That search led his wife to discover Northcentral Technical College’s (NTC) Sports and Recreation Management program.  

“I knew if I went back to school, that’s what I wanted to do,” Greg said. “Without my wife supporting of my career change and going back to school, I am not where I am today.”  

This associate degree offers a blend of business fundamentals and specialized knowledge in sports and wellness. Through coursework in leadership, finance, sales, risk management, marketing and event coordination, students gain a foundation in business operations. Combined with studies in recreation, sports, wellness and promotional management, this program prepares graduates to thrive in diverse role within the sports and recreation industry. They learn the skills needed to manage events, promote athletic programs, lead teams and oversee finances and operations.  

Because the Sports and Recreation Management program can be completed 100% online, Greg was able to stay home with his children while completing his classes. This flexibility allowed him to grow professionally without sacrificing his family’s needs.  

Matt Chitwood, an instructor in the program, has an assignment where students are required to interview people who work in the parks and recreation field. It was through this assignment that Greg learned about a potential job opportunity. He was interviewing the director of Lowell when she told him that a recreation position had recently opened up in Cedar Lake.  

Greg still had a semester of school left, but he decided to apply anyway. He was hired for the position in January 2024 and worked full time during his last six months of school.  

“Matt’s courses were very big on community involvement,” Greg said. “He always encouraged us to get with our community, see what they like.”  

The tools he learned helped him realize his passion for creating positive, community-based recreational opportunities. The courses on social media helped him know how to build up the digital presence, and courses on grant writing helped him when the city was working on its master plan.  

Now, in his role, Greg brings fresh energy and creative ideas to the town’s recreational offerings. Whether he’s organizing classes, running sports leagues, or planning community events, his focus is on bringing people together. 

“Parks and recreation is where a community can come together and try things out, “ Greg said. “My favorite part has to be soccer Saturdays, seeing the kids out there having fun.”  

His time at NTC transformed Greg’s future, and he hopes others find their passion here too.  

“I hope more people join your program,” he said. “You guys have changed my life for the better.”