2023 NAIA Awards Program

COREY WESTRA EMCEE

Corey Westra was named the second commissioner of the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) in April of 2003. Westra holds a B.A. in Communication from Dordt University (Iowa) and an M.A. in Management from Briar Cliff University (Iowa) with an emphasis in Leadership.

Westra has helped lead the GPAC onto the NAIA scene with active roles in various NAIA committees. He is the past chair of both the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC) and the NAIA Council of Conferences and Independents (CACI). He has also been an officer on the board of the NAIA Sports Information Directors Association (NAIA-SIDA). Currently he is a member of the NAIA National Administrative Council (NAC) and Chair of the NAIA Conference Commissioners Association (CCA). He also is a member of the NAIA Constitution and By-Laws Committee and served as parliamentarian for the 2018 NAIA National Convention.

Westra and his wife Anne live in Sioux City, Iowa, and are the proud parents of three children (Aiden, Meredith, and Mallory). They are active members in their church and community with coaching youth sports and serving on Children’s Museum Board of Directors among other activities.

THE LINE-UP

Welcome

Corey Westra, Commissioner Great Plains Athletic Conference

Janice Briggs, Account Executive Risk Strategies

A.O. Duer Scholarship Award Winners

Claire Buckley, Arizona Christian University

Peyton Anderson, Graceland University (Iowa)

Emil S. Liston Award Winners

Grace Beyer, Health Sciences and Pharmacy (Mo.)

Eric Klekas, Ave Maria University (Fla.)

Dr. Leroy Walker Champions of Character Award Winner

Samantha Silver, Bushnell University (Ore.)

Coach of Character Award Winner

Albert Martins, University of California, Merced

Athletic Trainer of the Year

Tracy Collins, Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho)

Sports Information Director of the Year

Camal Petro, Loyola University (La.)

Wally Schwartz Award

Elfie Farchmin, Webber International (Fla.)

Charles Morris Award Winner

Steve Waldeck, The Master’s University (Calif.)

NAIA-ADA Athletics Director of the Year

Reagan Rossi, The College of Idaho

Closing Remarks

Corey Westra

A.O. DUER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

CLAIRE BUCKLEY

Arizona Christian

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 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. Additionally, Claire participated in the Coloring for Kids service project and Operation Christmas Child, and 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.

A.O. DUER SCHOLARSHIP AWARD WINNER

PEYTON ANDERSON

Graceland University (Iowa)

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 WINNER

GRACE BEYER Health Sciences & Pharmacy (Mo.)

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.

EMIL S. LISTON AWARD WINNER

ERIC KLEKAS

Ave Maria University (Fla.).

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 WINNER

SAMANTHA SILVER

Bushnell University (Ore.)

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.

COACH OF CHARACTER AWARD WINNER

ALBERT MARTINS

University of California, Merced

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.

ATHLETIC TRAINER OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

TRACY COLLINS

Lewis-Clark State College (Idaho)

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.

SPORTS INFORMATION DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER CAMAL PETRO

Loyola University (La.)

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.”

WALLY SCHWARTZ FAR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

ELFIE FARCHMIN

Webber International (Fla.)

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

CHARLES MORRIS AWARD WINNER

STEVE WALDECK

The Master’s University (Calif.)

The 2022 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.

ATHLETICS DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNER

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.