National Awards Day - 2021 Winners
18 Honored at NAIA National Awards Day
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced its 18 honorees in addition to over 11,000 Daktronics NAIA Scholar-Athletes and over 2,000 NAIA Scholar Teams as a part of its annual NAIA National Awards Day on Wednesday. The day recognizes the association’s highest individual honors and achievements of NAIA student-athletes, administrators and coaches. Additionally, the association announced the three-member class of the 2021-22 NAIA Hall of Fame.
2020-21 NAIA National Award Winners:
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award – Allison Wakeland, St. Louis College of Pharmacy (Mo.); Jeffrey Schuch, Dakota Wesleyan University (S.D.)
Named in honor of the NAIA's former executive secretary who served the association for 26 years, the A.O. Duer Scholarship Award has been annually presented since 1967 to a male and female junior student-athlete in any sport who has excelled in scholarship, character, and citizenship.
Allison Wakeland, from Hillsboro, Missouri, is a member of the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy cross country and track and field teams. An All-Conference honoree in both track and cross country, she was also a national championship qualifier in cross country last season. Wakeland is an exemplary leader, stepping up to help wherever needed, whether helping with new students, organizing team meals, or taking on other tasks needed to help her team. Wakeland not only excels as a leader on the course and the track, but is also a resident assistant, president of her fraternity, student ambassador, and secretary on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council. Standing out as a student at such a rigorous academic institution is no small feat and she does it in spades. Wakeland has already graduated with her undergraduate degree and is currently pursuing her Pharm.D. degree. She has been described as mature, insightful, caring, inquisitive and fun.
Wakeland has also found a way to volunteer her time, helping with Food Outreach, preparing meals for HIG patients, and working at a greenhouse in Forest Park. She also participates in St. Louis University’s adult clinic providing meals to indigent adults. Lois McDill Hunsaker, an oncology pharmacist at Washington University Siteman Canter Center, states, “Upon the completion of her graduate degree, after acquiring more knowledge, skills and life experiences while maintaining a servant’s heart, makes me optimistic for her future and the future of our chosen profession. She is and will continue to be an excellent role model for others. Her current and future patients will be in good hands.”
Jeff Schuch, from Dell Rapids, South Dakota, is a stalwart on the Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball team, but it is his contributions off the hardwood that really shine. He has been named to the Dean’s list every semester at DWU, earning a 3.9 cumulative GPA while majoring in biochemistry and minoring in psychology. He also serves as an officer for the DWU Chemistry, Health and Other Sciences (CHAOS) Club, is a member of the NAIA Association of Student-Athletes, and is a tutor on campus. Schuch has also been awarded the Homer Carhart Prize in Science, the St. Joseph Hospital Health Scholarship, and the Sigma Zeta Honor Society. He has also dedicated numerous hours to local community service projects throughout his hometown as well as serving on mission trips to Haiti and local American Indian reservations in South Dakota.
Schuch is described as the ultimate team player, one who worked his way from the junior varsity squad to being a starter for the nationally acclaimed Dakota Wesleyan men’s basketball team. He treats his teammates and classmates with respect and understanding and is loved by both equally. Schuch plans on going to medical school upon graduation where he can continue to serve.
Emil S. Liston Award – Makenzie Schierding, St. Louis College of Pharmacy (Mo.); Isaac Davis, Vanguard University (Calif.)
Presented by Daktronics, the Emil S. Liston award recognizes both academic and athletic excellence by junior student-athletes in men’s and women’s basketball. The scholarship is named in honor of the NAIA’s first executive secretary who was also a prime mover behind the men’s basketball tournament. This award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men’s and one junior women’s basketball student-athlete. Each student is awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Makenzie Schierding, a three-year starter on the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy women’s basketball team, is a tenacious defender who helped her team to a school record number of wins last season. The St. Charles, Missouri, native has maintained a 3.89 GPA at one of the most demanding academic institutions in the NAIA. In addition to her contributions on the hardwood, she has also been a three-time Academic All-American and is a constant on the Dean’s List. Schierding also finds time to serve as the staff advisor for the Student-Athlete Advisory Council, while also holding the role as treasurer. In this role she has helped run meetings, organize food drives and plan social events. She also has made time to read to kindergarteners, deliver food to local shelters, and fundraise for various causes. Schierding has been described as persistent, dedicated, devoted, responsible, empathetic and a leader. In addition to her excellence in the classroom, community, and on the court, Makenzie also works in the Pharmacy at St. Luke’s Hospital. She has made it abundantly clear to those around her that it is her passion to serve others. Her Athletics Director, Jill Jokerst-Harter, might have said it best, “In summary, simply meeting the high academic standards of our school is a feat. To also excel at basketball makes her extraordinary.”
Isaac Davis, from Valencia, California, has been an outstanding student-athlete on the Vanguard University men’s basketball team, helping lead the Vanguard Lions to a Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) West Division Championship and an NAIA National Championship appearance in the 2020-21 season. For his efforts he was awarded All-Conference and All-American honors all while maintaining a 3.62 GPA in his Kinesiology program. Despite last year being his first season at Vanguard, Davis had an immediate impact and was chosen as a team captain by his teammates. He not only excels on the court and in the locker room, but is also a true Champion of Character® on campus and in the community. He has volunteered as a local youth coach, as a camp counselor, served on Mariners Church Serve Day and the Vanguard Giving Day. Additionally, he traveled to Alaska last summer to work with young Alaskan indigenous people through the game of basketball and became an essential worker for a meal delivery company that distributed meals to those in need. Davis was described as “a light in a time when a light was so greatly needed.” Throughout the difficulty of COVID, he maintained a positive, servant-forward attitude that was recognized by all those who were privileged enough to be around him.
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character® Award – Payton Alexander, Loyola University New Orleans (La.)
Named in honor of Dr. LeRoy Walker, former NAIA president and president emeritus of the United States Olympic Committee, this award recognizes a junior or senior student-athlete who displays the NAIA Champions of Character® Five Core Values, demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and models excellence in campus and community leadership.
Payton Alexander, baseball student-athlete at Loyola University, has displayed incredible character, integrity and grit through various challenges in his NAIA experience. His passion for others is evident through his natural mentorship of his peers and his philanthropic efforts abroad. Alexander believes that sportsmanship has not only enabled him to navigate the world honorably and fairly, but it has allowed him to show grace and humility in the face of obstacles. While Alexander is no stranger to vocal leadership, he often leads by example, doing things to improve his environment even when someone may not be watching. As an NAIA All-American Honorable Mention and Honors Program baseball player, his work ethic is unmatched. Alexander is a tremendous example of the five core values. He is recognized as a man of character because he will always push himself to give as much as he requires from someone else.
Alexander has maintained a 3.82 GPA while majoring in Biological Sciences with a minor in Psychology. He has been a dedicated leader not only on the field but also in the classroom, and this scholastic commitment has earned him academic recognition both on campus and in his conference for multiple years. Alexander has stepped into leading his Student-Athlete Advisory Committee as President for the upcoming year after serving as the Secretary and then the Vice President in previous terms. His aim to leave a lasting impression on the landscape of Loyola athletics can be highlighted in a multitude of ways.
2020-21 Administrators
NAIA Coach of Character Award – Jeff Bowen, Arizona Christian University
The NAIA Coach of Character Award is presented annually to an NAIA head coach who is dedicated to teaching character through sport.
Jeff Bowen, head football coach at Arizona Christian University, has been selected as this year’s NAIA Coach of Character. Bowen is in his sixth season at Arizona Christian and has compiled an overall record of 36-14, tallying a winning record each year as a head coach. He relentlessly implements character through leadership and spiritual development for his team and professional development for his staff.
Former student-athletes describe him as “a father to the fatherless, a counselor to the hurt, and a role-model to all of us.” His steadfast leadership remains a source of wisdom, direction and strength for those in his program. One of his customs is to integrate their team’s core values, “The XII…The Uncommon Storm,” at the beginning of each practice. This activity teaches student-athletes to create a culture where their individuality and spirituality can connect to practice, the team, and their daily lives. Bowen believes this helps his student-athletes learn that their faith should not be compartmentalized, but rather a part of them as the individual.
Bowen has impacted the lives of hundreds of young men he has coached and mentored. Bowen has implemented a peer mentoring program, co-facilitated a weekly leadership council, and held regular Bible studies for his coaches on staff. His colleagues have stated that they have never experienced a coach or program do more to develop the entire person than Coach Bowen.
Bowen is a proud husband and father of three children and three grandchildren.
Athletics Director of the Year – Bill Popp, Reinhardt University (Ga.)
Reinhardt University’s Bill Popp has been selected as the 2021 NAIA Athletics Director of the Year for his contributions and achievements within his institution’s athletics department and at a national level. This prestigious honor is awarded to an athletics director for their success and development within all facets of athletics administration over the course of the previous academic year.
In 18 years as the athletics director at Reinhardt, Popp has proven to be a steadfast leader to his university, coaches, administration, student-athletes and the NAIA membership. Under Popp’s leadership the Eagles earned the 2020-21 Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) Duard Walker All-Sports trophy, which recognizes the AAC’s most successful all-around sports program each year. Reinhardt took home 11 regular-season or conference championships, sent 14 programs to NAIA national championships, and took home their fourth consecutive Men’s Lacrosse red banner. Even more impressive, Reinhardt produced 162 AAC All-Academic student-athletes during the 2020-21 academic year.
Off the field, Popp was instrumental in guiding his conference and the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC) through a challenging year. Popp serves as the Vice President for the AAC, is the conference representative on the NAIA’s Athletics Directors Association Board of Directors and also served as the chair of the NAC during the 2020-21 academic year. Popp completed his most crucial work as NAC chair, helping to lead the NAIA and its membership though numerous rule changes due to COVID-19 and mapping out a course on how to navigate a severely condensed national championship calendar.
Beyond his leadership roles, Popp launched the #finishRUStrong scholarship fund for returning fifth year seniors. In addition, Popp led the charge to upgrade Reinhardt’s athletic facilities, as the university just replaced the turf at Ken White Field, built a new baseball press box and added a new state of the art sound system to Brown Gymnasium. Popp also oversaw locker room renovations for Reinhardt’s wrestling and baseball programs.
For his leadership, Popp has been named the Appalachian Athletic Director of the Year four times (2013, 2016, 2018 and 2021). Additionally, Popp was named the NACDA Athletics Director of the Year in 2016-17 and the NAIA Athletics Director of the Year in 2017-18. On top of all of his responsibilities leading Reinhardt University’s athletics, Popp recently earned a master’s degree in Sports Administration and Leadership during the pandemic and works as a consultant for small private institutions.
Charles Morris Administrator of the Year – Steve Jones, Carroll College (Mont.)
The 2021 Charles Morris Administrator of the Year award winner is Steve Jones of Carroll College. This honor, which was created in memory of the former NAIA Associate Executive Director Charles Morris, recognizes an NAIA member who has made significant contributions as an administrator of intercollegiate athletics, while also exemplifying the loyalty and enthusiasm that Mr. Morris had for the association.
Jones loyally served as the backbone of the Carroll College Fighting Saints for over 36 years, most recently as the Director of Athletic Operations and Facilities where he managed Carroll’s athletic events and oversaw the upkeep of facilities, before retiring in June of 2021. His Saints’ career began back in 1985 when he started out as a strength coach and athletic trainer, while also serving as an assistant football coach, helping Carroll to win three national championships.
His contributions have gone far beyond event management, facilities and working directly with student-athletes, as Jones was a board member and president of the Century Club, the premier fundraiser for Carroll College athletics, from 1992 – 2000. Jones helped launched the first Carroll athletics auction, which helps support Saints’ athletic scholarships, and helped generate over a million dollars for student-athletes during his tenure.
Jones helped open one of the premier and most distinguishable NAIA football facilities in Nelson Stadium in 2001, as he was a part of the conceptualization and planning of the stadium and also served as its chief of maintenance over the years. He coordinated the new seating in the Carroll College PE Center and oversaw the replacement of two basketball floors in the venue. Jones always took pride in finding ways to improve the experience for Carroll College student-athletes and made a career of it by dedicating himself to that cause.
Jones has received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Carroll College Nelson Award, which is the highest honor bestowed by Carroll College athletics, recognizing an individual who demonstrates unselfish goodness in the promotion and support of Carroll athletics. Jones has also received the Frontier Conference Service Award, the Helena Chamber of Commerce Service Award and the Carroll College Athletics Servant Leadership Award.
Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year – Craig Dyer, Indiana Institute of Technology
Craig Dyer of Indiana Institution of Technology is the 2021 Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year. This prestigious award, in honor of the past vice president of NAIA Legislative Services and NAIA Hall of Famer Wally Schwartz, looks to recognize a faculty athletics representative who exemplifies the loyalty, enthusiasm and honesty that Mr. Schwartz showed on behalf of the NAIA.
Dyer serves as Indiana Tech’s Faculty Athletics Representative and has been a steadfast advocate for Warrior student-athletes as well as the NAIA. Dyer has been an active member of the NAIA Council for Faculty Athletic Representatives since 2016, served on the WHAC Eligibility Committee, as the Faculty Advisor to Indiana Tech’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes Chapter and the Sport Management Society student organization.
Dyer is known for being very giving of his time and willingness to serve on any committee or task force, both locally and at the national level. Others speak of Dyer’s ability to be a leader and provide valuable insight at his institution, conference and national level. His awareness of the long-term implications of policy proposals is humbly offered but greatly valued by his peers.
Dyer shares a common bond of loyalty, enthusiasm and honesty for working with student-athletes to ensure they enjoy the intercollegiate athletic experience, honoring the legacy of Wally Schwartz.
Sports Information Director of the Year – Donnie Smith, Southeastern University (Fla.)
The NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year is awarded annually to one SID based on accomplishments during the previous year in the areas of athletics communication, sports information, strategic communication and service to the NAIA.
The 2021 recipient of the NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year is Donnie Smith of Southeastern University (Fla.). With this honor, Smith becomes the first person in the history of the award to earn it twice. Smith has served in his role at Southeastern for the past eight years and has a highly decorated history serving both Fire Athletics and The Sun Conference.
Over the past year, Southeastern’s athletics website was ranked No. 6 in the NAIA by his peers across the country in the annual NAIA-SIDA Publications Contest.
Smith, no stranger to covering his student-athletes at a high level, has overseen several successful media campaigns that have landed multiple Southeastern student-athletes in Sports Illustrated’s Faces in the Crowd section. Additionally, Smith is a two-time recipient of The Sun Conference’s SID of the Year award, handed-out annually by the SID’s in the conference.
Smith currently serves as the NAIA-SIDA First Vice-President and is in rotation to become the association’s president in 2024. He has served on the board as an at-large member since 2017, prior to rising to First Vice-President.
In addition to his work at Southeastern, Smith was the pronouncer for the 2021 Central Florida Spelling Bee, which was a qualifier for the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Further, the IU South Bend (Ind.) graduate serves as the official scorer in the MiLB Florida Complex League.
“Donnie’s willingness to assist the conference is second to none. He is one that I, without hesitation, will call on for feedback, advice, and suggestions,” said Paul Dodson, The Sun Conference Director of Communications. “His past experiences in dealing with league matters make him a vital person within the conference and one who understands the “big picture” when promoting our student-athletes.”
Clarence "Ike" Pearson SID Award – Matthew Hicks, Southern States Athletic Conference
Given annually to a member of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA), the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award honors outstanding contributions to the profession. The award is named in honor of the former statistical crew chief of the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship in Kansas City, Mo.
The 2021 recipient of the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award is Matthew Hicks, whom has been with the Southern States Athletic Conference since 2016, and is currently serving as the Associate Commissioner. Additionally, Hicks served as the Assistant Commissioner for his first four years with the conference. Prior to his time in his current role, the Mississippi State graduate spent 10 years as the sports information director at Mobile (Ala.).
Over the course of his career, Hicks has filled a number of roles at NAIA national championships, including the media coordinator at the NAIA Tennis Championships from 2007 to 2016, and the same role at the NAIA Men’s Soccer and Softball National Championships. As one of the most trusted veterans of the field in the NAIA, Hicks regularly answers the call to assist in any number of roles at national championship final sites, opening rounds and within the conferences he has worked in prior to his time in the conference office.
Hicks was named the Southern States Athletic Conference’s Sports Information Director of the year in both 2014-15 and 2015-16, thanks in large part to his contributions to the field while at Mobile.
“Matthew is not a 40-hour per week person. His entire professional life and his time is committed to college athletics and anything he can do to promote student-athletes, coaches and teams,” said Mike Hall, Southern States Athletic Conference Commissioner. “I have been in college athletics since 1984, starting my 38th year. I was an athletic director for almost 20 years and now a commissioner in my ninth year. Matthew Hicks is without a doubt my best hire. He is selfless, always says yes and does everything with perfection.”
Athletic Trainer of the Year – BJ Geasa, Southeastern University (Fla.)
The NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year recognizes an athletic trainer at an NAIA institution who has distinguished themselves as a model of the profession in personal conduct and professional service to NAIA student-athletes.
BJ Geasa of Southeastern University has been named as the 2021 NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year. As the head athletic trainer for Fire athletics teams, Geasa provides oversite to the healthcare delivery for nearly 450 student-athletes. He was also recently named the 2021 Sun Conference Athletic Trainer of the Year.
Aside from the increased workload placed on athletic trainers this past academic year with all championship seasons being conducted in the spring, Geasa served on the NAIA-Athletic Trainers Association Board and as one of four NAIA Athletic Trainers on NATA’s Intercollegiate Sports Medicine Council.
Drew Watson, Southeastern Director of Athletics, says of Geasa, “BJ kept our department running smoothly during this COVID season. The manner in which he conducts himself with co-workers and colleagues around the conference and the country should be a model for every ATC. Sacrifice, integrity, and a sense of humor have not only served to get him through the year, but have positively affected those around him, especially during a very trying and emotional time. He is an exceptional professional, an outstanding person, and well-deserving of this award.”
Larry Lady Officiating Award – Danny Harris, NAIA Football & Women’s Basketball National Coordinator of Officials
The Larry Lady Officiating Award, named in honor of the former NAIA Coordinator of Officials for basketball, football and baseball, recognizes officials of outstanding moral character, quality officiating ability and who are held in high esteem by their colleagues, administrators and athletes.
The 2021 Larry Lady Officiating Award is presented to Danny Harris of Joplin, Missouri. Harris has served as the NAIA National Coordinator of Football officials since 2016 and added the National Women’s Basketball coordinator position in 2020.
Currently, Harris’ additional administrative duties include serving as the Heart of America Athletic Conference football coordinator (eight years), Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference coordinator (2 years) and NCAA postseason game evaluator and film manager. Also, since 2006 Harris has been the Junior College Region 16 women’s basketball assignor.
Harris’ distinguished officiating career in football encompasses 23 years at the collegiate level working games in junior college through NCAA Division II. His postseason work includes five different bowl games and numerous playoff games.
Harris has been officiating NAIA basketball since 1993 in four different conferences and has worked in 20 conference championship games. From 2008 through 2011 he was selected to officiate the NAIA Women’s National Championship, working the title game three times. He was also tabbed to officiate in eight Junior College National Championships, including five championship games, plus 14 Regional Championships. Additionally, he currently officiates in two NCAA Division II conferences.
To give back to the world of officiating, Harris has conducted many clinics and seminars assisting officials on how to improve their ability and skills. He is tireless in his pursuit of helping officials be prepared to perform to the best of their ability. Harris is always willing to help officials work to reach the next level, with some mentees advancing to work games in the National Football League.
In supporting Harris for this award, Paul Troth, Missouri Valley College head football coach states, “What stands out is his passion. He has improved the officiating in our conference and is always looking to make it better each year. In my 35+ years, I believe him to be one of the best in the game.”
Grand View (Iowa) head football coach Joe Woodley adds, “We are extremely fortunate to have Danny. He is a guy that would never want all the credit, but he has earned this award.”
Heart of America Athletic Conference commissioner Lori Thomas sums up why Harris deserves this award. “Danny is an individual who adheres to the highest code of ethics in his personal and professional life and is attentive to detail while always displaying a high degree of professionalism. He exhibits great character and has the respect of officials, coaches and administrators in the conference.”
2020-21 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees
The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the association. Nominees must have outstanding character and leadership ability, and be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and athletes. The Hall of Fame consists of an athlete and coach category for each sport and a category for general meritorious service.
Hall of Fame – Tim Bauer, Siena Heights University (Mich.), Track & Field/Cross Country – Coach 
Tim Bauer has been a mainstay on the campus at Siena Heights University for over 40 years, graduating in 1982 after a standout running career as a student-athlete, and continuing on as the head coach of the Saints’ men’s cross country and track and field programs since 1984. In addition to his coaching duties, Bauer now also serves as the Director of Cross Country/Track and Field Operations at SHU.
Coach Bauer has led his Saints’ programs to win a combined 30 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) titles, while also earning two 4th-place team finishes at the NAIA Men’s Indoor Track and Field National Championships in both 2013 and 2016.
Bauer has coached over 160 NAIA All‐Americans, 102 honorable mention All‐Americans, 36 NAIA Scholar‐Athletes, 28 individual National Champions, three Olympic Trials qualifiers and one American Champion. He was also named the WHAC Coach of the Year 10 times in cross country and track and field.
Outside of his coaching accolades, Coach Bauer was named the Siena Heights Alumni of the Year in 1999‐2000. He has also served as the President of the NAIA Track and Field Coaches Association (2004-06) and as President of the NAIA Cross Country Coaches Association (2005-07). He currently has the pleasure of coaching his nephews, Bradley and Brandon Bauer, who are members of the SHU cross country and track and field teams.
Hall of Fame – Nelson Bolden, University of Findlay (Ohio), Football – Athlete
A native of Toledo, Ohio, Nelson Bolden was arguably the best fullback in the history of University of Findlay football. Bolden was a key component on the Oilers’ offense from 1977-1980, as he helped lead Findlay to become the 1978 NAIA Division II National Runners-Up and the 1979 NAIA Division II National Champions.
Bolden was a four-year starter at Findlay and still holds school records as the Oilers’ leader in career touchdowns (62) and scoring (378 points). He is also second all-time in Findlay football history in rushing yards (4,009), rush attempts in a season (322), and career rush attempts (958).
Bolden was named a two-time NAIA first team All-American (1979, 1980), a four-time NAIA District 22 selection, a three-time Hoosier-Buckeye Collegiate Conference (HBCC) All-Conference selection, and was a member of the 1980 Kodak All-American Division II Team. He also holds career HBCC records in rushing attempts, rushing yards, touchdowns and points scored, and was the first two-time 1,000-yard rusher in HBCC history.
Bolden earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Findlay and upon graduation he earned tryouts with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, and the USFL Boston Breakers and Pittsburgh Maulers.
He was inducted into the University of Findlay Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992, the Toledo St. Francis Hall of Fame (1994) and the Hancock County Hall of Fame (2007).
Bolden is currently a salesman at the Wyatt Johnson Kia in Clarksville, Tennessee. He and his wife, Juanita, have two children, Nelson III and Angelica Maria.
Hall of Fame – Scott Cummings, McKendree University (Ill.) – Meritorious Service
The late Scott Cummings of McKendree University was a highly respected member of the college athletics communications industry for many years, and was synonymous with the NAIA in the countless ways he served the association. Cummings spent his last 22 years as the Sports Information Director at McKendree, and also had an eight-year stint as the SID at his alma mater in Union College (Ky.) before his untimely passing in December 2020 after an 18-month battle with throat cancer.
His contributions to the NAIA over his 30-year career include serving as a media coordinator, a statistician and a mentor to new SIDs and many NAIA staff. Cummings served as the NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship media coordinator for 15 years (1997 – 2001) and also worked in the same capacity for the NAIA championships at Women’s Golf (2000), Men’s Wrestling (2000) and Outdoor Track & Field (2008-09). Additionally, he was the official statistician at the NAIA Football National Championship for 13 years (1999 – 2011).
Cummings also served as the Mid-South Conference Football Information Director (1993-99), NAIA Region V Information Director (1999-2000), Mid-South Conference Baseball/Softball Information Director (1998-99), American Midwest Conference Sports Information Director (2005-11) and basketball public address announcer at Washington University in St. Louis (Mo.) (2012-19).
He wrote thousands of press releases, traveled thousands of miles, mentored limitless individuals and called the play-by-play for hundreds of games, including a streak of 295 consecutive football games dating back to 1992 and his days at Union. Cummings also served as the Gateway Grizzlies' official scorer since 2012, and was the second-longest tenured member of the Grizzlies' press box staff.
Cummings received the NAIA’s Clarence "Ike" Pearson Award in 2005, the highest honor that can be given to an SID at the NAIA level, and was recognized in 2020 with the College Sports Information Directors of America (CoSIDA) 25-Year Award for his long-time commitment and service to the athletic communications profession. He was a winner of 57 NAIA-SIDA Publication Contest Awards, including 10 first-place awards, and was a two-time Mid-South Conference Sports Information Director of the Year (1996-97, 1997-98).
He was a member of CoSIDA and NAIA-SIDA for 30 years and served as president of the NAIA Sports Information Directors from 2003-05.
Following his passing, the American Midwest Conference (AMC) changed the naming of the Conference’s annual Sports Information Director (SID) of the Year award in honor of the late Cummings. He was also inducted into the McKendree Hall of Fame in 2021.
An avid New York Yankees, New York Giants, and New Jersey Devils fan, Cummings enjoyed spending time with his family and supporting his children while playing sports. Some of his favorite memories include getting to work with his daughter Hailey at the scorer's table at McKendree and son Ryan at McKendree and Gateway Grizzles games.
The impact Cummings had on the NAIA, the sports information industry and every individual he encountered will be felt and remembered for generations to come.
Conference Commissioners Association Champions of Character® Team Award
The Conference Commissioners Association (CCA) Champions of Character® Team Award is given annually to one men’s and one women’s team for their exemplary character on the field, on campus and in the community. This year’s award winners are Blue Mountain College baseball and Grand View University softball.
Blue Mountain College (Miss.) Baseball
The Toppers embraced the association’s core values of Integrity, Respective, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership despite a difficult 2020-21 academic year that included the death of a teammate – Christopher “Boomer” Maurin.
In early February, the Blue Mountain baseball team held a memorial service on campus honoring the life of Maurin. Numerous members of the campus community and Maurin’s family attended the event. The team dedicated the 2021 season to their teammate, and players from the Blue Mountain baseball team still regularly call and text the Maurin family.
Throughout the season, the Toppers rallied around the NAIA’s core values within the team and to their opponents. Blue Mountain’s approach to the season is summarized in this excerpt from its award nomination:
“Our young men spent the season displaying sportsmanship through outreach before and after games with opponents. They spent more time learning about their opposition by talking and sharing interests with student-athletes from other states, building bonds that will last a lifetime.”
Grand View University (Iowa) Softball
The Grand View University softball team, led by head coach Lou Yacinich, exemplified the NAIA’s core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership through a number of different service activities.
One of the many ways that they make an impact is through community involvement. During the 2020-21 academic year, the Vikings adopted a parking lot and maintenance projects within their community. The team devoted their time to removing trash and debris to make the lot usable to the greater area.
Additionally, the Vikings ran a softball equipment drive for a local high school in need. The players gathered gloves, bats, catchers gear, and shoes, and delivered the items to the team in need. One of Grand View’s players even heard one of the high school students say, “this is my first pair of new shoes.”
Yacinich, who has been the head coach at Grand View for 20 years, keeps the core values in the forefront of his player’s minds with a “Thought of the Day.” This is a daily message intended to engage the group beyond the field.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized throughout the year at their respective NAIA National Championships, national coaches’ association meetings or at the 81st NAIA National Convention. More detailed information about each inductee will be released prior to these ceremonies. View the complete list of NAIA Hall of Famers.
