Ask anyone who knew him, and they probably have an entertaining Carter Hill story to share. But ask Hill for a story, and he’s quick to share the spotlight with others. From a friend’s “strategic” campaign to influence the 1983 Homecoming King vote to trying to complete a donut in another friend’s front wheel drive Omega in the student parking lot after a snowfall, it’s clear that Carter Hill’s presence was as large as his home state of Texas but not quite as large as his list of high school accolades. A 3-year varsity letter winner and the class of 1984’s Male Athlete of the Year, Carter Hill’s high school football career began with quite a story: “I recall as a sophomore catching a ride with Coach JR Bishop, and he asked me if I was excited about seeing all of the schools coming in to look at Steve Bogdalek (Hall of Fame class of 2013). He looked at me and said, ‘The same can happen for you. Just keep working hard and everyone will come back when it's time.’ This was also before I had my first start at tackle against Wheaton North. The coaches informed me that the individual playing across from me was experienced and would most likely be the toughest player I would face all season. Who could have guessed that this guy, Jim Juriga, would go on to play in the NFL for 12 years. Afterwards, in our Monday team meeting, Coach Bishop informed the team that following my performance Friday night against Juriga, he was no longer viewed as an All-American. This made me feel really, really good about myself and that all of the hard work had paid off. Coach Bishop then continued to say that following my performance against Juriga, his status had reached ‘All World.’ Just goes to show that a pat on the back is only about 12 inches from a kick in rear. That was the beginning of a great ride.” Somehow the word “great” just doesn’t seem to do it all justice. The 1981 Redskin team that Hill started on as a sophomore had a fantastic season, toppling East Suburban Catholic Conference champion Niles Notre Dame by a score of 31-17, outgaining them in total yardage, 384 to 31, and completing 25 first downs in the IHSA playoffs. The Redskins returned to the playoffs two years later during Hill’s senior season. In those three years, Hill grew into a monster on the football field and in the discus circle under the tutelage of coaches John Perry, Dave Dillon, and Steve Garrison. He also gives credit for his competitive drive to his brother, Bart, a 1982 Central graduate. A bronze medal finisher at the Illinois high school state track & field meet, Hill was named All-Conference, All-Area, 1st team All-State, and 1st team All-America by both the USA Today & Adidas in football. It was a USA Today All-American team featuring future NFL Hall of Fame players Chris Carter and Thurmon Thomas. All of the recognition for his tenacity on the field led to a recruiting process which Hill himself documented for the Sun Times. When he narrowed his choices to Illinois, Notre Dame, and Texas, the competition for his services reached a fevered pitch. Hill recalls his favorite high school memory being inviting good friend Mike King over to his house for a few minutes. King was a huge Notre Dame fan, and little did he know that Irish head coach Gerry Faust was standing in Hill’s family room, ready for a handshake and a “buddy hug” with King. Hill recalls the great feeling of being able to share memorable experiences like these with friends. He even received a phone call from Tim McCarthy, the Secret Service bodyguard who was shot during the assassination attempt on Ronald Reagan; McCarthy had played football at Illinois and thought Hill would look good in orange and blue. But it was the burnt orange of Texas that won out, and following a recruiting trip where Hill remembers “eating $51 worth of ribs,” Longhorn coach Fed Akers’ blend of Faust’s “father image” and Illinois coach Mike White’s “buddy buddy image” drew him to Austin. While at Texas, Hill earned three varsity letters, playing each position on the line but ultimately starting at offensive center. Never afraid to mix it up with an opponent, during his redshirt sophomore campaign, Hill was tasked with defending the blitz of Oklahoma All-American linebacker Brian Bosworth. Undaunted, Hill remarked, “You don’t let [him] intimidate you at all. That’s always a key, especially this one. You don’t let them hit you, you hit them. [Bosworth is] a great player, but we realize he puts his pants on one leg at a time like everyone else.” While a neck injury would cut short his college career, Carter Hill graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Advertising in 1989. These days Carter Hill can be found captaining a different team- a family that gives him a lot to be proud of in his post-collegiate life. Hill and his wife, Bobbi, are entrepreneurs who have owned and operated nine businesses. Hill’s children have also carved out their own distinguished paths: son Tommy, a member of the Peace Corps; son Jackson, the starting center for the Texas State University Bobcats; and daughter Bailey, already an accomplished volleyball player. It’s clear that his children have modeled the advice that Hill shares with today’s student-athletes: “To truly become the best you must never settle for mediocrity. Be confident, not arrogant. Give everything you have to give today, and give even more tomorrow. Never forget that you are entitled to nothing and that the opportunity to excel in academics and athletics is a great privilege. [And most importantly], be nice!” Carter Hill is a man with a lot of great stories from his time in the hallways of Naperville Central. As both storyteller and story subject, Hill’s life narrative is compelling. While those closest to him may chuckle and dispute a detail here and there, there’s certainly no denying Hill’s place in the storied history of Redskin athletics.