Awards
NCCAA National Awards Program
The National Awards Program is conducted under the guidance of the Director of Membership & Compliance. The Director of Membership & Compliance is empowered to appoint members, including the chair, of the committees needed to conduct the selection of recipients for the association awards. The Board of Directors is sensitive to the desire of the sponsoring foundations, sports groups, or other individuals or bodies with a genuine interest in the awards process. Thus, deference is practiced in all committee selections. The approved NCCAA National Awards include the following:
Sports Ministries Award
Meritorious Service Award
John and Jody Wheeler Ministry Scholarship
Terry & Connie Metzger Ministry Scholarship
Bob McCloskey Memorial Ministry Scholarship
Wilhelmi-Haskell Stewardship Award
Hall of Fame Award
All-American Awards
Coach of the Year Award
Heart of Courage Award
Presidential Award
Student-Athlete of the Week Awards
Individual Sport Awards:
M Soccer I & II – NCCAA Kyle Rote Jr. National Player of the Year Award
W Soccer I & II – NCCAA Michelle Akers Award
Soccer – Frank Jewell Award
M Basketball I & II – Pete Maravich Memorial Award
W Basketball I & II – Kathy Freese Award
W Volleyball I – Susan R. Hellings Award
Baseball – Hank Burbridge Award
M Cross Country I & II – Wheeler Cross Country Award
W Cross Country I & II – Ray Bullock Cross Country Award
M & W Indoor & Outdoor Track & Field – Wheeler Track & Field Award
M & W Golf – Dan & Kelly Wood Awards
Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award
NCCAA Approved Awards
Superlative Award Naming Nomination Form
NCCAA Award History
Sports Ministries Award
The NCCAA has established the Sports Ministries Award for the purpose of recognizing member institutions having significant spiritual outreach through the utilization of athletic ministries. All institutions wishing to be considered for this award should send a detailed summary of their outreach ministries program to the Director of Membership & Compliance by March 1 of each year. The Director of Membership & Compliance shall choose the recipient of this award. The award is given to a representative of the institution at the Annual Convention. See Appendix A.
Meritorious Service Award
Individuals who, over a period of years, exhibit a dedication and special service to the NCCAA shall be considered for the Meritorious Service Award. Their effort must have made a significant contribution to the welfare of the association and be so recognized by the participating institutions as a whole. Examples of persons qualifying for the Meritorious Service Award are:
Board of Directors, National Sport Chairs, Regional Sport Chairs, and others whose service to the NCCAA is exceptional. This award is presented at the Annual Convention.
John and Jody Wheeler Ministry Scholarship
Named for the founder of the NCCAA Pro-Am, John Wheeler and his wife, Jody, this award was established through the fund raising endeavors of the Pro-Am. Each foursome in the college tournament round at the NCCAA Pro-Am represents an NCCAA member institution. The institution that is represented by the overall winning foursome is the recipient of a $3,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student-athlete for the next school year who is a Christian ministries or missions major. Criteria for choosing a student-athlete to receive this scholarship include: participation in athletics; participation in ministry in church, school, community, and the world;
academic proficiency; and financial need.
Terry & Connie Metzger Ministry Scholarship
This award was named for the former co-chairs of the NCCAA Pro-Am, Terry & Connie Metzger. The institution that is represented by the overall second place foursome in the college tournament round is the recipient of a $2,000 scholarship to be awarded to a student-athlete for the next school year who is a Christian ministries or missions major. Criteria for choosing a student-athlete to receive this scholarship include: participation in athletics; participation in ministry in church, school, community, and the world; academic proficiency; and financial need.
Bob McCloskey Memorial Ministry Scholarship
This award was named for Bob McCloskey, NCCAA catastrophic insurance preferred vendor since 2007, who attended the NCCAA Pro-Am from 2009-2015. From 2013-2015, McCloskey Agency served as the sponsor of the NCCAA Victory Bowl and, upon Bob’s death on February 3, 2016, that sponsorship was reallocated to fund additional Ministry/Mission scholarships via the NCCAA Pro-Am. Criteria for choosing a student-athlete to receive this scholarship include: participation in athletics; participation in ministry in church, school, community, and the world; academic proficiency; and financial need.
Wilhelmi-Haskell Stewardship Award
Named for NCCAA founders, Norm Wilhelmi and E.C. Haskell, the Wilhelmi-Haskell Stewardship Award is awarded to individuals who, over a period of years, have exhibited dedicated work and loyal support of the NCCAA program and ministry. The recipient is recommended by the Executive Director, Director of Membership & Compliance or Director of Community Relations. This award is presented at the Annual Convention.
Hall of Fame Award
The purpose of the Hall of Fame Award is to recognize individuals who have given outstanding leadership and/or service
to the NCCAA. The criteria for selection are as follows:
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An individual with at least five years of involvement with the NCCAA.
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An individual of high moral character and Christian integrity.
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An individual presently making a positive contribution by serving the Lord and society.
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An individual maintaining a continued interest in Christian higher education and intercollegiate athletics.
The selection committee is comprised of the Executive Director and the Administration Committee.
Nomination forms shall be emailed to the membership on November 15 of each year (see Appendix B).
Nomination form, letters of support, and biographic sketch are to be returned to the National Office no later than a date named each year. The selection committee shall select inductees annually. No more than three inductees shall be selected each year. Inductees shall be notified of their selection via telephone and letter. Those who are selected shall be inducted at the Annual Convention.
(See Forms & Procedures Section, Item 42 for reimbursement policy.)
All-American Award
The NCCAA grants All-American status to deserving student-athletes who participate in sports sponsored by the association. Criteria, procedure and method of selection shall rest with the selection committee of the sport. Approval of each program rests with the officers of each sport. See individual sport sections for more information. All teams that pay their stats fees may be considered for All-American honors.
Coach of the Year Award
All sports that conduct a National Championship have the opportunity of selecting a Coach of the Year. Criteria and method of selection shall be recommended by the coaches within each sport. See individual sport sections for more information. All teams that pay their stats fees may nominate their coach for Coach of the Year.
Heart of Courage Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize a Christian athlete who has also shown courage in the midst of difficult circumstances, while at the same time inspiring others to live out their faith. Nominations are due to the National Office by March 1. This award shall be presented at the Annual Convention. See Appendix C.
Presidential Award
The NCCAA presents an annual All-Sports Award to one Division I and one Division II member institution. Points are earned based upon a team’s finish in an NCCAA National Championship. At least 33% of the division’s membership must sponsor that sport in order for it to be eligible for the point system. An award shall be presented to the institution with the most points in each Division at the Annual Convention. See Appendix D.
Student-Athlete of the Week Awards
The NCCAA Student-Athlete of the Week award shall be given to one male and one female athlete in both Division I and Division II, chosen from the list of nominees submitted by all recognized sports each week. See Forms & Procedures Section.
NCCAA Kyle Rote Jr. National Player of the Year Award
This award was established to enhance the Christian purpose of athletics, excellence in Christian athletic competition, and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith in the NCCAA institutions across the nation. It is presented to the outstanding Division I & II NCCAA Christian men’s soccer players of the nation, who meet the established criteria, during the National Men’s Soccer I & II Championships. See Men’s Soccer I & Men’s Soccer II Sections.
Kyle Rote, Jr. simply excelled in every area of life. He played every available sport but soccer grabbed his allegiance in his teen years and he was an All-American selection during his days at the University of the South. He rose to worldwide fame as the first US professional player to be viewed as a superstar during the days of the North American Soccer League. Throughout his career in sports, and today as a representative for professional athletes, Kyle Rote, Jr. simply let his faith in Christ drive him to be excellent as a husband, father and community leader.
Frank Jewell Award
This award is presented annually to an individual who has displayed Christian character and integrity while coaching soccer within the NCCAA. The award is presented by the National Intercollegiate Soccer Official’s Association (NISOA) in memory of Frank Jewell, NISOA liaison with the NCCAA from 1983-2010. It is selected by the NCCAA Executive Director and a representative from NISOA.
Pete Maravich Memorial Award
This award was established to enhance the Christian purpose of athletic excellence in Christian athletic competition, and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith in evangelical Christian colleges and universities across our nation. It shall be presented to the outstanding Christian basketball player in the NCCAA for each of Divisions I and II. See Men’s Basketball I and Men’s Basketball II Sections. “Pistol Pete” Maravich was known for his ball handling, shooting abilities and creative passing. He was an NBA All-Star, named one of NBA’s 50 greatest players, and inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. He came to know Christ later in his life and spent the last years of his life pointing people to Christ.
Kathy Freese Award
The purpose of this award is to enhance the Christian purpose of athletic excellence in Christian athletic competition, and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith in evangelical Christian institutions across our nation. The recipient shall be the outstanding Christian women’s basketball player in the nation. See Women’s Basketball I and Women’s Basketball II Sections. Kathy Freese served as the Women’s Basketball Coach at Cedarville University from 1991-2001. She assisted with growing the sport of women’s basketball in the NCCAA during her tenure and served the association in a variety of roles.
Susan R. Hellings Award
The purpose of this award is to honor, each year, the outstanding women’s volleyball player selected from the NCCAA member institutions. See Women’s Volleyball Division I Section. Named for a Houghton College outstanding volleyball player from the mid-1970s, Susan R. Hellings exemplified Christian leadership on the court, not allowing anything to stand in the way of team unity.
Hank Burbridge Award
The purpose of this award, sponsored by Unlimited Potential Inc., is to honor the NCCAA’s Outstanding Christian Baseball Player of the Year with potential to Christian service through baseball. See Baseball Section.
Unlimited Potential, Inc. is an organization that ministers to baseball programs around the world serving Christ through baseball. Hank Burbridge was the long time baseball coach at Spring Arbor University. He was a mentor and leader in NCCAA and NAIA baseball.
Wheeler Cross Country Award for Men
The award was established in order to enhance excellence in Christian cross country competition and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith as exemplified through Christ-like cross country participation in NCCAA member institutions. See Cross Country I and Cross Country II Sections. The awards, for both men and women, are sponsored by John and Jody Wheeler who have been involved in athletic activities of Christian high schools and colleges throughout their lives. The Wheelers continue to actively participate in the area of Christian athletics.
Ray Bullock Cross Country Award for Women
The award was established in order to enhance excellence in Christian cross country competition and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith as exemplified through Christ-like cross country participation in NCCAA member institutions. See Cross Country I and Cross Country II Sections. This award was named in honor of Dr. Ray Bullock who for many years, dedicated himself to the development of cross country as a sport in general, but as a ministry within the NCCAA. He has impacted the lives of countless student-athletes and coaches through his efforts.
Wheeler Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field Awards
The awards were established in order to enhance excellence in Christian track and field competition and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith as exemplified through Christ-like track and field participation in NCCAA member institutions. See Men’s and Women’s Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Sections. The awards, for both men and women, are sponsored by John and Jody Wheeler who have been involved in athletic activities of Christian high schools and colleges throughout their lives. They Wheelers continue to actively participate in the area of Christian athletics.
Dan and Kelly Wood Awards
The awards were established in order to enhance excellence in Christian golf competition and to perpetuate the Christian philosophy and faith as exemplified through Christ-like golf participation in NCCAA member institutions. See Men’s Golf and Women’s Golf Sections. The awards are in honor of Dan and Kelly Wood and their long and faithful service to the NCCAA, particularly in the area of golf. Dan has served as the Executive Director since January of 2000 and Kelly has worked for the NCCAA since 1992, currently as the Director of Community Relations.
Game Plan 4 LIFE Sport Awards
In lieu of a named award, some sports honor their model NCCAA Christian student-athletes by using the Game Plan 4 LIFE Award. The sports that are using this title are:
DI & DII Women’s Soccer, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Softball, DII Women’s Basketball, and DII Volleyball.
Game Plan 4 LIFE Student-Athlete Character Award
The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character qualities of: Love: demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others (I Corinthians 13); Integrity: living out ethical principles in a clear consistent manner (Job 27:5); Faith: acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others (Hebrews 11); Excellence: striving to do all things at the highest standard (Philippians 4:8). Nominations are due to the National Office by March 1. See Appendix E. (See Forms & Procedures Section, Item 42 for reimbursement policy.)
Game Plan 4 LIFE Athletic Staff Character Award
The purpose of the Game Plan 4 LIFE Character Award is to recognize NCCAA athletic staff who epitomize the Christian character qualities of: Love: demonstrating a caring and consistent love for others (I Corinthians 13); Integrity: living out ethical principles in a clear consistent manner (Job 27:5); Faith: acknowledging a life of faith and sharing that faith with others (Hebrews 11); Excellence: striving to do all things at the highest standard (Philippians 4:8). Nominations are due to the National Office by March 1. See Appendix F. (See Forms & Procedures Section, Item 42 for reimbursement policy.)
NCCAA Approved Awards
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TEAM AWARDS SUPPLIED AND PAID FOR BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE
A. The following National Championship team awards are presented in Baseball, Men’s Basketball (I & II), Women’s Basketball (I & II), Men’s and Women’s Cross Country (I & II), Men’s and Women’s Golf, Men’s Soccer (I & II), Women’s Soccer (I & II), Men’s and Women’s Tennis, Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field, Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field, and Women’s Volleyball (I & II):
1. Championship Team Member Awards
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National Championship Banner (48” x 72”)
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National Second Place Plaque (14” x 10”)
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National Third Place Plaque (14” x 10”)
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National Fourth Place Plaque (14” x 10”)
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The following National Invitational awards are presented in Football: National Invitational Banner (48” x 72”)
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INDIVIDUAL AWARDS SUPPLIED AND PAID BY THE NATIONAL OFFICE
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Coach of the Year – plaque (8” x 10”)
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Outstanding Player of the National Championship – plaque or trophy as designated (10 ½ “ x 13”)
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All-American First Team – Plaques (8” x 10”)
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National Player of the Year – plaque (10 ½ “ x 13”)
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National Championship Team Members – medallions
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Student-Athlete of the Week – certificate and t-shirt for each recipient (Note: non-NCAA dually affiliated members)
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Model NCCAA Christian Character athlete award (some are named awards)—plaque (10 ½” x 13”)
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SPECIAL AWARDS SUPPLED BY REGION AND/OR HOST INSTITUTIONS
For each sanctioned sport, the following awards shall be ordered through the National Office by the Regional and/or National Sport Chair:
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Regional Champion – team banner, paid by Region and sent to Regional Chair
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All-Regional Team – individual certificates, provided by National Office and sent to Regional Chair
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Regional Coach of the Year – certificate, provided by National Office and sent to Regional Chair
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AWARDS SUPPLIED BY CHAMPIONSHIP HOST
All-Tournament Team – plaques. The number is approved by sport and the Board of Directors and must be ordered through the NCCAA licensed vendor.
SUPERLATIVE AWARD NAMING NOMINATION FORM
This form must be submitted for both new nominations and for repeat nominations.
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Nomination Form – Complete and submit to the NCCAA National Office for consideration.
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Nominee’s Resume – Include the nominee’s resume or biography, describing his/her background and contributions.
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Award Criteria Narrative – In no more than two typed pages, provide specific, concrete examples for the three criterion below (one of which must be fulfilled in order for the granting of Naming Rights in Recognition to be considered):
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Recognition of outstanding service to the NCCAA whilst serving in an academic, athletic, and/or administrative capacity; or outstanding service to the NCCAA.
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Recognition of achievements of distinguished alumni.
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Recognition of generous financial or other contribution from a donor (be it by way of donation, bequest, sponsorship, etc.), such contribution being voluntary and not rendered in consideration of the granting of naming rights.
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Articles and Letters – To present a comprehensive picture of the nominee, please include both:
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Up to five news or magazine articles written about the candidate; and
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No more than five letters of support from individuals, college/universities, and/or organizations.
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Complete Submission Package – In order to be considered, all of the above items must be received by the NCCAA National Office. The NCCAA National Office relies on the entire nomination package in selecting each Naming Rights in Recognition. Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Complete packages will be reviewed and voted on by members of the NCCAA Administration Committee of the Board of Directors.
NOTE: In sports where one gender is attached to both gender awards, the Administration Committee reserves the right to re-assign gender specific honorees if the case arises.
Please print or type
I wish to nominate
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City
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Email Address
Institution/Affiliation
Complete nomination submission package included (see above).
Name of Nominator
Address
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City
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Signature
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Appendix A
Sport Ministries Award Application
Due March 1
Name of Institution ____________________________________ Athletics Director ________________________
Date Submitted __________________________
Please summarize your institution’s spiritual outreach endeavors below (print or type). Use additional pages if needed.
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Description of ministries:
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Location of ministries:
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Dates of the ministries:
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Person(s) responsible:
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Person(s) involved in the ministries (student-athletes, coaches, etc.):
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Group(s) ministered to:
This application and any other supporting data are due to the National Office by March 1.
