National Awards Day - 2022 Winners
Honorees announced for NAIA National Awards Day
KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced 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.
2021-22 NAIA National Award Winners:
A.O. Duer Scholarship Award – Claire Buckley, Arizona Christian; Peyton Anderson, Graceland (Iowa)
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.
Claire Buckley from Clovis, Calif. is the shortstop for Arizona Christian University’s softball team. While her stats tell part of the story, it is her contagious positive attitude that also helps to propel ACU’s softball team. She leads by example on the field, encourages her teammates, demonstrates a tireless work ethic, and shows strength and power in her position.
In the classroom, Buckley also leads by example. She demonstrates what it means to be a student-athlete through organized time management and a commitment to excelling academically. She has done well in a variety of academic disciplines, studying in a unique program that includes a combination of secondary education, Christian studies, and sport management. In each area, her professors speak highly of her engagement and class participation. Her 3.88 GPA demonstrates her excellent performance as a student at ACU.
Off the field, she thrives on leadership, service, and spiritual development. Buckley is part of the Athletics Leadership Chapels for Firestorm leaders that takes place regularly throughout the year. She also actively participates in the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes huddle, which includes regular meetings, peer encouragement, and speaking engagements with local schools.
On the softball team, Buckley serves on the team leadership council and participates in service projects throughout the year, including multiple team builds with Habitat for Humanity where she assisted in building a home for two families. Additionally, Claire participated in the Coloring for Kids service project and Operation Christmas Child in the past year. When she's out of season, Buckley coaches youth softball in her hometown. Buckley represents the very best of the NAIA student experience, with an unwavering pursuit of excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in the community.
Peyton Anderson from Lee’s Summit, Mo. and is a track and field student-athlete for Graceland University (Iowa). Peyton displays leadership both in his sports and academics, and many who nominated Peyton echo the strong character, incredible work ethic, and leadership he has displayed in his short time at Graceland.
Anderson has continually challenged himself academically by taking a full course load, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while working on a major in Economics, with minors in both Data Science and Sport Management. Peyton is involved in house leadership roles, helps tutor students on campus, and continues to be incredibly committed to both his studies and his athletic career. These mentor positions are usually reserved for juniors and seniors, but the combination of Anderson’s strong grasp of the material, good communication skills, and leadership ability made him a great choice even as a sophomore. It is this same level-headed leadership and respect from his peers that allowed for Anderson to be voted to be the next house president for his hall next year which requires several trials to achieve and is a privilege to hold that position.
Anderson displays all five NAIA core values in his everyday life and is the perfect candidate for this award.
Emil S. Liston Award – Grace Beyer, University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy (Mo.); Eric Klekas, Ave Maria University (Fla.)
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.
Grace Beyer is a Junior at the University of Health Sciences & Pharmacy. Beyer, a native of Eagle, Wis., had quite the resume in 2021-22 in both the classroom and on the court. Athletically, she led the NAIA in points per game, total points, field goals made, free throws made. Additionally, she was the AMC Player of the Year, All-AMC First-Team, NAIA All-American First-Team, and Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) All-America First-Team. She was also named NAIA Player of the Week twice and AMC Player of the Week ten times.
In the classroom, Beyer had a 3.94 GPA while majoring in Pharmacy. She earned a spot on the CoSIDA Academic All-District First-Team, CoSIDA Academic All-America First-Team, and was named CoSIDA Academic All-America of the Year.
On-campus, Beyer is class president and founder of the UHSP Outdoor Adventure's Club, which engages the campus community in outdoor activities. She also serves as a campus tutor and is active in many organizations that advance the profession of pharmacy, including the Student Pharmacist's Association, where she was appointed as treasurer.
Beyer has excellent leadership skills. She does not fear making difficult decisions and takes responsibility for her actions. She also believes that teamwork is an integral part of her life and enjoys working with her peers in various settings.
Eric Klekas is a former basketball player for Ave Maria University (Fla.). Klekas’ nominators attest that he portrays the best combination of leader, worker, competitor, player, student, and ambassador of the Ave Maria University men’s basketball program. Klekas graduated this past May with a 3.9 GPA while majoring in Political Science and minoring in Theology, as well as being team captain his entire career. He was on the Campus Ministry leadership team in which he organized and spoke at multiple campus events as well as served on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. His leadership and character are also very apparent to opposing coaches, as they honored him with the Sun Conference Champions of Character award this past season.
Klekas’ impact has been much greater than simply his contributions to the basketball team. He was a true ambassador for the entire athletic department. Klekas helped lead service projects and community‐building initiatives, and he set an example as a tremendous student. His testimonials connected with an audience hungry for direction during uncertain times. He was one of the lead speakers at various campus events, and his comments—based on humility and truth—resonated well.
Dr. LeRoy Walker Champions of Character® Award – Samantha Silver, Bushnell University (Ore.)
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.
Samantha Silver, a softball student-athlete at Bushnell University (Ore.), demonstrates integrity in her daily tasks; responsibility for self, community, and family; servant leadership in problem-solving to address community needs; and sportsmanship through demonstrating advocacy. And she does all of this is in the context of being an active student-athlete, managing academics, multiple jobs, family, relationships, and leadership roles on campus.
This past academic year, Silver wrote her capstone on student-athlete wellness. This opened the door for her to be selected for a Graduate Assistant Vision and Call grant, where she’ll have the opportunity to build additional programs to support student-athlete wellness by removing barriers to care and acting as a liaison between athletics and the counseling department.
Silver graduated with high honors this year and won the Gardepiey-Peloquin Outstanding Speaker Award, the biggest honor awarded by Bushnell’s Communication department. Silver will be Bushnell’s first student-athlete to tackle the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program while also competing as she begins her graduate school studies this fall.
Silver’s character speaks for itself. She lives a life of integrity and responsibility. She leads through a servant’s heart and displays sportsmanship in competition. She respects those around her and has earned the respect of her coaches, teammates, and opponents.
NAIA-ATA Al Ortolani Athletic Training Scholarship – Alexis Dominguez, University of Saint Mary (Kan.)
Named in honor of the late Al Ortolani, head athletic trainer at Pittsburg State University from 1955 to 1995 and is awarded to NAIA students who are pursuing an entry-level degree in athletic training.
Alexis Dominguez, from Kansas City, Kan., is currently pursuing her master’s degree at the University of Saint Mary (Kan.). Dominguez’s professional goals include graduating with a master’s degree in Athletic Training, passing the Board of Certification (BOC), and receiving her first job as a certified athletic trainer. Her long-term professional goals include working in a sports medicine rehabilitation/sports performance center or clinic, helping to restore the whole person (mind, body, and soul).
Dominguez sets herself apart from other students with her ability to apply her skills and leadership talents. Dominguez has excelled in all areas of her coursework and has maintained a 4.0 GPA. She is passionate about the rehabilitation process of the entire athlete and not just the injury-diagnosed.
Dominguez has also found a way to volunteer her time, helping her local parish prepare liturgical seasons, building bunk beds for families in need at Sleep In Heavenly Peace, and working to help coordinate the Guadalupe Center’s Cinco de Mayo Fiesta. She also participates in the Health and Sport Sciences Club, which helps to educate and inform undergraduate students about exercise science, athletic training, and other career opportunities in the health and science field.
2021-22 Administrators
NAIA Coach of Character Award – Albert Martins, University of California, Merced (Calif.)
The NAIA Coach of Character Award is presented annually to an NAIA head coach who is dedicated to teaching character through sport.
Albert Martins, head men’s soccer coach at UC Merced (Calif.), has been chosen as this year’s NAIA Coach of Character. To Coach Martins, the teaching of character is what he does each day with his student-athletes. From recruiting to coaching to teaching, the importance of building character is ingrained in all of Coach Martins’ interactions.
Martins is committed to reaching out to student-athletes in the Central Valley of California for whom college has not been a priority, much less to play soccer at the collegiate level. It is this commitment to providing access to higher education, with a focus on developing character, that is the starting point for Martins to begin building the family spirit of his team. Current student-athletes say coach Martins “serves as a father figure and role model when they need it the most.” Martins genuinely loves giving back to the community and being an example for young people.
Martins’ commitment to the development of character with his student-athletes is unparalleled. Helping develop young men into great members of society is just as important as wins and losses to Coach Martins.
Athletics Director of the Year – Reagan Rossi, The College of Idaho
The College of Idaho’s Reagan Rossi has been selected as the 2022 NAIA Athletics Director of the Year for her contributions and achievements within her 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 6 years as the athletics director at The College of Idaho, Rossi has proven to be a strong leader to her university, coaches, administration, student-athletes and the NAIA membership. Under her leadership this past year, the Yotes’ had 10 athletic programs appear in postseason play. Off the field, Reagan’s athletic programs had 146 NAIA Scholar-Athletes, 156 Academic All-Conference honors, 6 Academic All-Americans, and all 18 teams were named NAIA Scholar Teams.
Over the last year Rossi has been successful in fundraising and development. She worked with her development team on the first ever Athletics Give Day “Clash of the Coyotes” event and lead the Go Purple Steak Feed fundraising efforts to a record $200,000. Additionally, she worked with Training the Whole Athlete to assist coaches, athletic department staff, and student-athletes to address mental health concern, building necessary strengths and skills for help with the growing pandemic.
Rossi’s serving and leadership doesn’t stop at the campus level. She serves on the conference ratings oversight committee, is an at-large member on the NAIA National Administrative Council and serves on both the NAIA Women’s Volleyball and NAIA Women’s Basketball Selection Committees.
For her leadership, Rossi has been named the Cascade Collegiate Conference Athletic Director of the Year two times (2019 and 2021).
A native of Mukwonago, Wis., Rossi is a 1994 graduate of Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, where she played four years of basketball for the Queen Bees. She received her Master's in Sports Administration at Morehead State in 2000. In 2006, she was inducted into the Mukwonago High School Hall of Fame. Rossi and her husband, Rudy, live in Caldwell with their twin daughters, Maggie and Darby.
Charles Morris Administrator of the Year – Steve Waldeck, The Master’s University (Calif.)
The 2021 Charles Morris Administrator of the Year award winner is Steve Waldeck from The Master’s University. 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.
A Master’s University alum, Steve Waldeck just completed his 11th year as an athletic administrator. His peers see his hard work and dedication to the university and his accolades reflect that. Waldeck was selected as the Golden State Athletic Conference (GSAC) Athletic Director of the Year in both 2015-16 and 2016-17. He currently represents the GSAC on the National Administrative Council (NAC), which establishes policies and procedures for the NAIA. His other involvement includes serving on the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship selection committee.
The Master’s University has continued a tradition of quality athletics under Waldeck’s leadership. In 2015-16, the Mustangs achieved their program’s best Director’s Cup standing by finishing 24th, garnering a position in the top 10% of NAIA athletic programs. The Mustangs' five best years of Director’s Cup finishes have each occurred during Waldeck’s tenure.
During the last year, he took on an increased role with compliance and eligibility, with the change to a brand-new faculty athletic representative and a new registrar on campus in the same year. He was very involved in the training and partnering with the FAR to bring him up to speed. At TMU, he is involved in every aspect of athletics, including but not limited to gameday operations, budget, eligibility, team travel, hotel reservations, facility management, scheduling, and hospitality.
For 25 years, Steve’s professional experiences and personal interests have included a variety of athletic, sporting, and recreational administration within the setting of higher education. Throughout his career, Waldeck has fostered an environment for teamwork, communication, and leadership development, while recognizing that an organization’s strength is found when a team of people partner and share both the responsibility and accomplishments.
Steve is married to his wife, Glory, and together they have been blessed with four sons, Riley, Derek, Caleb, and Bodey. Each of their sons is involved in athletics, as two played college soccer, one is currently playing college basketball, while the youngest is a two-sport athlete with the Special Olympics of Southern California.
Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year – Elfie Farchmin, Webber International University (Fla.)
This illustrious award, initiated in honor of past NAIA Vice President of Legislative Services and NAIA Hall of Famer Wally Schwartz, recognizes a Faculty Athletics Representative who exemplifies the loyalty, enthusiasm, and honesty Schwartz showed on behalf of the NAIA.
Dr. Elfie Farchmin of Webber International University (Fla.) is the 2022 winner of the Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year. Dr. Farchmin continues to put forth dedicated service and guidance on the many committees she serves both on campus and at the national NAIA level. Her expertise is shared on many curriculum and standards committees at Webber, as well as currently serving eight years on the National Eligibility Committee and Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the NAIA. Dr. Farchmin has also served The Sun Conference as eligibility chair since 2008.
Many who work with Dr. Farchmin espouse her dedication, caring, and selflessness in helping both student-athletes and fellow FARs across the country. Other conferences’ FARs look up to Dr. Farchmin as the “go-to person” for the cases of the most challenging rules.
For her long-term service as FAR and contributions to The Sun Conference and national association, we recognize Dr. Elfie Farchmin with the Wally Schwartz Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year Award.
Sports Information Director of the Year – Camal Petro, Loyola (La.)
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 2022 recipient of the NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year is Camal Petro of Loyola University of New Orleans (La.). A graduate of Ole Miss in 2013, Petro has quickly made his mark on the NAIA. During Hurricane Ida, after just one volleyball match, the team had to evacuate to Montgomery, Ala., and away from New Orleans for two weeks. His work publicizing Loyola’s determination and unwavering resilience, with so much going on around the team and in the south, garnered attention from ABC’s Good Morning America which produced a feature about the team.
Petro’s work was also on display during the men’s basketball season as the Wolfpack captured the red banner in Kansas City. His constant contact with media in a saturated sports market in New Orleans helped the team to break through with multiple stories and interviews, both inside and outside the market.
In addition to all the excellent coverage of his teams, Petro was also critical in the negotiation of a radio deal to have all home men’s and women’s basketball games broadcast on Catholic Community Radio.
“Camal came to us without any previous experience in sports information,” said Brett Simpson, Loyola (La.) Director of Athletics. “He was able to leverage his previous experience as a sports journalist and adapt to the role of generating publicity. Like much of the University Sports Complex, Camal’s office sustained significant damage in the hurricane (Ida) and was displaced across campus the entire academic year. There were many times that Camal took the “show on the road” to facilities across New Orleans. He and his team did so flawlessly. He did so without any complaint, only a willingness to provide our student-athletes and staff with a first-class experience.”
Clarence "Ike" Pearson SID Award – Dawn Harmon, Wolverine-Hoosier 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 2022 recipient of the Clarence “Ike” Pearson Award is Dawn Harmon, who has been a constant in the NAIA in her 23 years as a Sports Information Director. The graduate of Friends University (Kan.) not only has experience at the conference level but was a guiding force at the NAIA National Office early in her career.
Harmon worked closely with the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association in her time with the national office, setting the association down a path of success. Much of NAIA SIDA’s growth and influence can be traced directly back to Harmon.
Harmon’s strength is of a quiet nature, but her light toughness in the engagement of others has set her apart as one of the best the profession has ever produced in the NAIA. She quickly became a leader in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference and is looked on by her peers as the go-to person with any number of questions with her years of dedicated service and experience.
“I have seen her succeed and I have seen her fail, but I have always seen her give her best while always putting others’ needs ahead of her own needs and interests,” said Rob Miller, former commissioner of the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference. “Understanding what this award is about, this is Dawn. She has given so much to the NAIA, the profession, and the people. It is time to honor that commitment.”
Athletic Trainer of the Year – Tracy Collins, Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho)
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.
Tracy Collins of Lewis-Clark State College has been named the 2022 NAIA Athletic Trainer of the Year. As the head athletic trainer for Warrior athletics teams, Collins provides oversite to the healthcare delivery for over 200 student-athletes. Tracy has served LC State for over 20 years and over the course of the past three years, she has been at the forefront of the institution’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition to her regular work duties, Collins has been a part of the LC State institutional team that determined protocols for athletics, students, faculty, and staff. She helps coordinate with local health facilities and professionals with hands-on, in-person response to all individuals in need of direction and advice relating to the pandemic response.
Collins is responsible for all medical coverage at the NAIA Baseball World Series, which also included hosting additional tournaments this year. This speaks volumes on her ability to handle the ever-changing demands of the profession. Collins is often the first person that people come to with their injuries and illnesses for advice and referrals. This says a lot about the respect and high regard people have for her and her commitment to her profession and helping others.
2021-22 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 – Ramon Miller, Dickinson State University (N.D.), Track & Field – Athlete
A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Ramon Miller did nothing but win on the track at Dickinson State University (N.D.). Signed at DSU in 2006, he was a part of the Outdoor National Championship team that year and then followed it up with three straight runner-up finishes in 2007, 2008, and 2009. A part of the team's success, Miller excelled individually as well capturing 12 National Championships in individual or relay events. Miller was the anchor leg for the indoor/outdoor 4x400 relay that won six national championships and two runner-up finishes.
Miller also was the National Championship in the 400 five times and the 200m National Champion in 2009. For his exceptional effort in 2009, winning five national championships that year, he was named the NAIA National Most Outstanding Performer at both the indoor and outdoor championships.
Outside of his dominance on the track at Dickinson State, Miller made the Bahamas National Team as a member of the 4x400 relay in 2008 and won silver at the Beijing Olympic Games. He participated in the Commonwealth Games in 2010 and 2018, and the World Championships in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015. In 2012, Miller became an Olympic Gold Medalist in London as the anchor leg for the 4x400 meter relay, the first men’s gold medal for the Bahamas.
Miller is currently back home in the Bahamas where he is a police officer. He still finds time to stay close to the sport by training athletes in his home country.
Hall of Fame – Trevor Barry, Dickinson State University (N.D.), Track & Field – Athlete
A native of Nassau, Bahamas, Trevor Barry enrolled at Dickinson State University (N.D.) in the spring of 2002 and helped transform the Blue Hawk track program. While there he helped the program bring home the Red Banner in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
Barry was an All-American high jumper in 2002 before redshirting in 2003. In 2004 he was a national champion in the long jump, the first of five indoor and outdoor individual titles. He finished in the high jump with five national runner-up and one national title. He also ran on the DSU national record 4x400 team in the 2006 National Indoor meet.
Barry was an honors student as well. He was on the Dean’s list and finished with a double major in Biology and Spanish. After college, he competed professionally and represented the Bahamas in World and Olympic Competitions for several years. He was the bronze medalist in the 2015 World Championships and competed in the 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games.
Since retirement from competing Barry has been very successful as a coach. He coached at North Dakota State before becoming the jumps coach at Moorehead State in Minnesota. He has recruited top-notch athletes to his program and also teaches at the school.
Hall of Fame – Bobby Lashley, Missouri Valley College, Men’s Wrestling – Athlete
Born in Junction City, Kan. the son of a U.S. Army Drill Sergeant, Bobby Lashley joined the Missouri Valley men’s wrestling program in 2005. Throughout his time there, he would go 144-26 and set a program record with 520 career takedowns.
Lashley was a four-time NAIA All-American (1995-1998) and a three-time individual National Champion at 177 lbs from 1996-1998. His success helped the MVC program win back-to-back team National Championships in 1996 and 1997. Lashley was also recognized as the 1998 Kansas Collegiate Wrestler of the Year.
Lashley graduated with a degree in human-service agency management and recreation administration in 1999. He entered the U.S. Army after graduation was on a course to be a member of Team USA wrestling at the 2004 Olympic Games, but suffered a knee injury that required surgery.
Bobby began his career as a professional wrestler in 2005, first for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and later the Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), winning several national championships. From 2008-2016, Lashley moved to other wrestling organizations and became a mixed martial artist. During the eight years, Lashley finished with a 15-2 record, which included six wins by knockout and six wins by submission. After more than a decade away from the organization, Bobby returned to WWE in 2018, where he currently performs. Bobby has also been involved in five movies, and two television shows and has been featured in six video games during his professional career.
Lashley has three children. He has been active in returning to his alma mater over the years to help the men’s wrestling program.
Hall of Fame – Kirk Walker, Oklahoma City University, Baseball – Athlete
Kirk Walker, a four-year starter at shortstop for Oklahoma City University Baseball team quickly became an anchor for the Stars defense. While at OCU, Walker helped the team reach the NAIA World Series each year, finishing third twice. Walker played in 256 career games and ended his career with a .416 batting average. In his career, he set OCU program records with 897 at-bats, 289 runs scored, 373 hits, and 77 doubles. In 2011, his senior season, was named the NAIA Baseball Player of the Year. Other honors for Walker include the 2011 NAIA Gold Glove team, 2010 NAIA World Series Gold Glove (best defensive player at the World Series), and numerous Sooner Athlete Conference awards as well.
Following graduation, Walker was drafted by the Atlanta Braves with the 806th selection in the 2011 Major League Baseball first-year player draft. Walker currently resides in Fort Worth, Texas working as an electrical design engineer for Oncor Electric Delivery.
Hall of Fame – Steve Ryan, Morningside University (Iowa), Football – Coach
Steve Ryan has guided the Mustangs to a 208-41 record for an 83.5 winning percentage in 20 seasons for the most football coaching victories and the highest victory rate in Morningside (Iowa) history. Ryan has led the Mustangs to 18 consecutive post-season appearances in the NAIA National Championship Series, where the team has advanced to at least the semifinals nine times in the last 10 years and gathered three national championships. He has led the Mustangs to 12 Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) championships, including their current run of 11 consecutive league titles.
Ryan is a four-time NAIA/American Football Coaches Association National Coach of the Year. He earned his first such accolade in 2012 when the Mustangs went 13-1 and appeared in the national championship for the first time. His second occurred in 2018 as the Maroon rolled through an unbeaten campaign in route to the school’s first national title. His third was earned in 2019 following Morningside's second successive unbeaten campaign and national championship. And his fourth was gained following an unbeaten 2021 and third national championship. He's also a member of the AFCA's Board of Directors.
Ryan’s success on the field has earned him numerous honors including being named the GPAC Coach of the Year 10 times, AFCA NAIA Region Coach of the Year four times, and was the 2004 NAIA Football.net National Coach of the Year.
Ryan is a 1989 graduate of Wheaton College in Illinois, where he was a four-year letter winner and a three-year starter as a linebacker. He received his master’s degree from National-Louis University in 1997.
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 Loyola University Men’s Basketball and St. Thomas University Women’s Tennis.
Loyola University (La.) Men’s Basketball
When considering the five core values of this award and the idea of “champions,” the Loyola (La.) Wolf Pack men’s basketball program is the perfect example. Led by Head Coach Stacy Hollowell, the Wolf Pack has had numerous obstacles to overcome this past year. After Hurricane Ida came and went, it was clear that the devastation that affected an entire community left the basketball program with a lot of questions as well. Damage to the facility caused the program to completely overhaul the structure of its season. This included holding practices in Dallas, Texas for two weeks after the hurricane. The Wolf Pack would not play a true home game until January due to the destruction of the storm.
Despite all the obstacles, the Wolf Pack still found a way to start the season 16-0, which is a program record. After suffering their first loss, which came after the team had a bout with COVID, they won the next 21 games en route to an SSAC Regular-Season title, SSAC tournament title, and an NAIA National Championship.
St. Thomas University (Fla.) Women’s Tennis
The St. Thomas University (Fla.) Women’s Tennis team, led by Head Coach Matt Roche, finished the year not only by making school history with their first birth to the NAIA National Tournament, but also by winning their opening round in a resounding upset. They also succeeded off the court, exemplifying the Champions of Character pillars of responsibility, integrity, respect, sportsmanship, and servant leadership throughout the year.
While the team competed hard in every match, they did so with dignity and respect for their opponents, having no issues with other teams during dual matches and allowing for the integrity of the game to be the shining light. The team faced early season adversity by playing several top NCAA Division II teams and then difficult NAIA opponents, which resulted in a 1-8 start to the season. But instead of folding, the team continued to fight, work together, build team chemistry, and compete every day. Their hard work and determination led to their success on the court.
However, more impressive was their work off the court. The team successfully launched Aceing Autism on campus, having 12 sessions where they taught autistic children how to play tennis. Each of the 16 players individually completed at least 10 service hours throughout the season. The team also ran concession stands at every home game for football, and men’s and women’s basketball to increase the fan experience at sporting events on campus. At NAIA nationals, the team served as one of seven volunteer teams to provide a community clinic to local Mobile, Ala. youth. In the classroom, the team carried a 3.49 cumulative GPA, earning them both ITA and NAIA All Scholar Team honors.
The Hall of Fame inductees will be recognized throughout the year at their respective NAIA National Championships, national coaches’ association meetings or at the 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.
