NAIA ANNOUNCES 2010-11 HALL OF FAME CLASS
NAIA Hall of Fame honors 20 individuals, including Scottie Pippen and Bill Odell
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced today its 2010-11 Hall of Fame class. The honor is the highest bestowed by the NAIA. Individuals inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame must be persons of outstanding quality, high moral character, fine leadership ability and must be held in high esteem by colleagues, coaches and athletes.
"The NAIA Hall of Fame recognizes the remarkable contributions of student-athletes, coaches and athletic administrators," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "The individuals that make up the 2010-11 class have made a considerable impact on intercollegiate athletics. I applaud their achievements and congratulate them on this tremendous honor."
The Hall of Fame consists of a division for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the association and a division for general meritorious service to the NAIA. The NAIA Hall of Fame is divided into three categories: athlete, coach and meritorious service. All inductees will be recognized and honored at various NAIA events held throughout the year.
The 2010-11 NAIA Hall of Fame class includes:Royal Goheen (Meritorious Service); John Friend (Meritorious Service), James Wilson (Meritorious Service), Casey FitzSimmons (Football, Athlete); Shelley Howieson (Women's Soccer, Coach), David Moody (Volleyball, Coach), Bill Odell (Men's Basketball, Coach), Travis Grant (Men's Basketball, Athlete), Scottie Pippen (Men's Basketball, Athlete), Terry Porter (Men's Basketball, Athlete), Robin Hagen-Smith (Women's Basketball, Coach), Brian Taylor (Wrestling, Athlete), Bobby Cox (Baseball, Coach), Q.V. Lowe (Baseball, Coach), Cary Brock Ammons (Baseball, Athlete), Jeff Allen Maack (Baseball, Athlete), Ian Leggatt (Men's Golf, Athlete), Danny Mijovic (Men's Golf, Athlete), James McMahon (Track & Field, Coach), Rochelle Swanson (Track & Field, Athlete).
A brief bio on each honoree is listed below.
2010-11 NAIA Hall of Fame Inductees:
Royal Goheen, Sunrise Conference Commissioner, Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA National Convention (Kansas City, Mo., April 15-19, 2011)
Royal Goheen has had over 30 productive years of commitment to the NAIA. Goheen first served at University of Maine Presque Isle as a professor and chairperson (1969-1981), later became the athletics director (1986), and then served as the president of Northeast College Conference (1985-1988). In 1997, Goheen took on the role as the commissioner of the Maine Athletic Conference, and in 2002, became the commissioner of the Sunrise Conference where he currently continues to serve the NAIA. Goheen's commitment is steadfast, and he has a firm understanding of and support for the NAIA mission and philosophy. As the Sunrise Conference commissioner, he organizes events, monitors student eligibility, and provides faculty athletics representatives and athletics certifying officials at individual schools with accurate information, support and advice. Through Goheen's professionalism, tireless work ethic and unwavering commitment, the Sunrise Conference is a viable member of the NAIA and dedicated to the core values of the Champions of Character program. Goheen is devoted, dependable, loyal and dedicated to all he does, and lives out the philosophy, goals and mission of the NAIA everyday of his life.
John Friend, Athletics Director, Purdue University Calumet (Ind.) - Meritorious Service
To be inducted at theNAIA National Convention (Kansas City, Mo., April 15-19, 2011)
The integrity, work ethic, and commitment to Purdue University Calumet and the NAIA that John Friend has put forth in his 21 years as athletics director are legendary. Friend played an important role in the formation and tradition of the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Friend has served as Purdue University Calumet athletics director (1980-2001), a member of the District 21 executive committee (1981-1994), and as the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference commissioner (1996-1998). He was awarded the NAIA District 21 Administrator of the Year in 1994. Friend started off playing collegiate athletics at Lipscomb before he started coaching at schools like Pepperdine and Southern Illinois. He is well-respected, and a voice of athletic authority regionally, state-wide and nationally. His level-headedness, responsibility and servant leadership make him easy to work with. He helped introduce the innovative Total Fitness Center that is recognized nationally. Friend's efforts in athletics earned him recognition in the CCAC, Purdue University Calumet, Indiana Football, National College Football and American Football Coaches Hall of Fames. He also received the Purdue Calumet University's Administrator of the Year award along with its prestigious Bob Hayes award for service to athletics. Sportsmanship is at Friend's core, and he continuously puts others first. Friend has had a guiding hand in the maturation of many of the region's finest young citizens. He is highly respected in Northwest Indiana for his commitment to athletics as a path to character development and educational success.
James Wilson, Professor, Coach and Official, Huston-Tillotson University (Texas) - Meritorious Service
To be inducted at the NAIA National Convention (Kansas City, Mo., April 15-19, 2011)
James Wilson started his athletics career with the NAIA as an athlete lettering in four sports at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas. Wilson served as the athletics director at Huston-Tillotson for 44 years (1960-2004). During his tenure he grew the athletics department from three men's sports to eight and added seven women's athletic programs. Early in his career while serving as athletics director he also coached all sports. Wilson guided 26 All-Americans and won numerous championships. He is held in high esteem by alumni, parents and students and is a member of the Huston-Tillotson, Austin Sports Foundation, and the National Football Foundation Halls of Fame. Wilson is a well respected official, officiating Texas High School Championships, and Lone Star, Southwest and Big Twelve conference events. He conducted a program for athletes to learn about officiating in multi-sports and made arrangements for the students to officiate in summer programs and middle school and high school competitions. Wilson has a heart of service and he cares about his athletes on and off the field. Wilson was one of the first African American players during the troubles of segregation in the early fifties and he led the way as a coach at the Historically Black University. He was awarded the Shorty Alderson Award for outstanding contributions to football officials and high school football in 1993. Wilson has been married for 51 years and has raised two sons, who carry on the character of their father.
Casey FitzSimmons, Carroll College (Mont.) - Football, Athlete
To be inducted at the NAIA Football National Championship (Rome, Ga., December 17, 2010)
Casey FitzSimmons was part the football dynasty at Carroll College, a program that sets high expectations for athletes both on and off the field. FitzSimmons took his role as a student-athlete seriously, excelling in both the classroom and on the field. A four-year starter, FitzSimmons was named first-team All-Frontier Conference each season he played (1999-2002). FitzSimmons earned NAIA All-America accolades his final three seasons and led the Saints to three straight Frontier titles and three appearances in the NAIA's Football Championship Series. As a senior captain in 2002, he helped Carroll to the school's first NAIA National Football Championship. FitzSimmons played in the NFL for the Detroit Lions from 2003 to 2010. During his stint in the NFL he was one of the league's top special team players. Today, FitzSimmons continues to give back to the community of Helena, Montana in many ways with speaking engagements, autograph sessions and summer camp appearances. He created the Casey FitzSimmons Foundation which helps underprivileged youth in Montana with medical expenses. FitzSimmons is a humble, loyal and a true leader who continues to exhibit all the characteristics of the NAIA's Champions of Character program.
Shelley Howieson, Simon Fraser University (BC) - Women's Soccer, Coach
To be inducted at the 2010 NAIA Women's Soccer National Championship (Decatur, Ala., November 28, 2010)
Shelley Howieson has been the head coach of the women's soccer team at Simon Fraser University since its inception in 1988. Howieson has branded the women's soccer program with her own personal style, a highly competitive, well-rounded program that is recognized across North America as a collegiate powerhouse. With National Championships in 1996 and 2000, a string of three consecutive National Finals (1996-1998) and NAIA Championship appearances in ten of the past 13 years, Howieson has created a culture of champions on Burnaby Mountain. In 2008, Howieson guided the Clan to a 12-7-1 overall record, while the team reached the Sweet Sixteen round of the NAIA National Championships. During this time Howieson has been named NAIA Coach of the Year twice, as well as Coach of the Year by Sport BC and BC Soccer. Howieson's teams also excel in the classroom, demonstrated by the numerous athletes who have been recognized as Academic All-Americans.
David Moody, Dickinson State University (ND)-Volleyball Coach
To be inducted at the 2010 NAIA Volleyball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, November 29, 2010)
David Moody's personal and professional dedication to his profession and his keen focus on success guided him to 12 regular season conference championships while a coach at Dickinson State University. Moody's teams participated in seven NAIA National Championships finishing in the Elite Eight on five occasions and capturing the National Championship title in 2000, earning Moody Coach of the Year honors. Also in 2000, his team earned the Team Academic Award; this championship team is the only current NAIA school to earn both awards in the same year. Moody challenged his players to succeed in the classroom, as well as on the court, and as a result he led 18 NAIA All-American Scholar-Athletes, and 37 Dakota Athletic Conference Scholar-Athletes. During his tenure Moody's record was one of the most successful in the NAIA and Dickinson State was considered a volleyball powerhouse.
Bill Odell, Azusa Pacific University (Calif.) - Men's Division I Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the 2011 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 22, 2011)
Odell came to Azusa Pacific in 1991 with the task of rebuilding the Cougar men's basketball program. Five years later, he was asked to expand his duties and maintain the powerful athletic department. In both assignments, as a coach and as an administrator, the even-keeled Odell has flourished. His subsequent success and ever-growing reputation command respect on the campus, in the community and on the national scene. As a coach, Odell fashioned a 454-112 record in 16 seasons while leading Azusa Pacific to 14 NAIA Tournament appearances and a record 13 Golden State Athletic Conference championships including an unprecedented 9 straight conference titles from 1993 to 2001. In 2005 he put the Cougars in their first-ever NAIA national championship game, and for that effort he was named the NAIA Coach of the Year. He retired from coaching in the spring of 2007, walking away from a legacy as college basketball winningest men's coach from 1991 to 2007. During Odell's tenure, Azusa Pacific athletic success has been unparalleled in university history. In the prestigious Directors' Cup, a national award program that annually measures the over accomplishments of collegiate athletic programs, Azusa Pacific has won six consecutive Cups (2005-10). Odell graduated from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Calif. and went on to earn a master's degree in physical education administration from USC. While at Westmont, he lettered in basketball, receiving All-NAIA-District recognition for his play as a guard. He and his wife, Gayle, have 2 children, Dave, the current athletics director at Westmont College and Suzy, a former NAIA All-American volleyball player at Westmont.
Travis Grant, Kentucky State- Men's DI Basketball Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 22, 2011)
Travis Grant is one of the best college basketball players of all-time. Grant played for Kentucky State from 1968 to 1972, and led the team to three consecutive NAIA National Championships (1970-72). Grant finished his career as one of the most accomplished collegiate basketball players, at any level, of all-time. Grant walked out of Kentucky State as a three time National Champion, two-time tournament MVP, and the all-time leading scorer in the history of college basketball. He finished his career with 4,045 points. Grant still holds NAIA tournament records for points in a game (60), tournament (213), and career (518) and for field goals in a game (27), tournament (89) and career (223). No one has averaged more points per game in a tournament since Grant's showing in 1972. At the end of his senior year, Grant received the Lapchick Award as the Sporting News College Player of the Year. He is in the Kentucky State, the State of Kentucky and the College Basketball Halls of Fame. Grant was a first round pick of the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1972 and played professionally in the NBA and ABA from 1972-1976. His best season was in 1974 for the San Diego Conquistadors when he averaged 25.2 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, with a 54.4 field goal percentage. After playing in the NBA, Grant returned to Kentucky State University and finished his degree. He obtained his Masters degree from West Georgia and an additional degree in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State. He has been working in education for the past 29 years.
Scottie Pippen, University of Central Arkansas- Division I Men's Basketball, Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 22, 2011)
Scottie Pippen was a two-time NAIA All-American at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) and a six-time NBA champion with the Chicago Bulls. He was part of the original Dream Team that dominated the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, and also played on the Dream Team II in 1996 in Atlanta. Pippen, a walk-on manager from Hamburg, was "discovered" by former UCA head coach Don Dyer and turned into a two-time All-American and a dominant player in the Arkansas Intercollegiate Conference. Two stunning pre-draft camp performances made him the No. 5 player chosen in the 1987 NBA Draft. He was picked by the Seattle Supersonics, who immediately traded him to the Bulls. Teaming with legendary Michael Jordan, Pippen helped the Bulls win three consecutive NBA championships from 1991-1993, and three more from 1996-98. He was a seven-time NBA All-Star and was named one of the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all-time in 1997. Pippen is a member of the Naismith Basketball and the University of Central Arkansas Halls of Fame.
Terry Porter, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point - Division I Men's Basketball, Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship (Kansas City, Mo., March 22, 2011)
Terry Porter played four years of men's basketball at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (1981-1985) in which he was a four-time letter winner. Porter appeared in three NAIA national championship tournaments, was named NAIA First-Team All-American twice, and in 1984 was the Chuck Taylor Tournament MVP and NAIA Player of the Year honoree. Porter played in the NBA for 17 years. In those years he was selected to play in the All-Star game twice and played in a total of 124 NBA play-off games. From player to coach, Porter helped guide the Sacramento Kings and the Detroit Pistons, and was head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks and Phoenix Suns. He was inducted into the UW-Stevens Point Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988 as a member of the 1983-1984 basketball team and inducted as an individual in 1992. The Portland Trailblazers retired Porter's jersey in 2008. Not only was Porter a team player, but active in many charitable organizations. Porter is a recipient of the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award and is a member of the Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame. In 1994, he created a Milwaukee Scholars Fund and continues to make an impact in his local community.
Robin Hagen-Smith, Shawnee State University (Ohio) - Division II Women's Basketball, Coach
To be inducted at the 2011 NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship (Sioux City, Iowa, March 8, 2011)
In her 27 years (1983- present) as woman's head basketball coach at Shawnee State University, Robin Hagen-Smith has posted an overall record of 640-187. She is one of the all-time winningest active coaches and overall winningest coach ever in the NAIA. In 2010 she led the team to their first-ever NAIA Division II National Runner-up title, and during the 2008-09 season held a perfect record of 29-0. Hagen-Smith has led the Bears to 17 national tournament appearances, 10 conference championships, and a National Championship in 1999. Hagen-Smith has received many coaching awards that include MOC and AMC Coach of the Year (six times), 1997-98 WBCA IKON Coach of the Year, 1999 NAIA National Coach of the Year, 1999 Dispatch Women's Ohio Basketball Coach of the Year, and in 2008 was named the NAIA Region IX Coach of Character. Hagen-Smith played basketball for Shawnee State Community College from 1979-1981, and then transferred to the University of Rio Grande. In 1989 she was inducted into the Rio Grande Athlete Hall of Fame and in 1998 she was inducted into the South Webster Hall of Fame. Hagen-Smith received the Portsmouth Spirit of Leadership Award in 1999. She is also a member of the Shawnee State University Athletic Hall of Fame and in 2010 was inducted into the Ohio basketball Hall of Fame. She is a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, teacher and coach. She is active in her church and community and is a role model for young women throughout rural Appalachia.
Brian "Bubba" Taylor, University of Findlay (Ohio) - Wrestling, Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 NAIA Wrestling National Championship (Cedar Rapids, Iowa, March 2, 2011)
Brian "Bubba" Taylor ended his career as the most decorated wrestler in University of Findlay history winning three national championship titles (1995-97). While wrestling for Findlay, Taylor's team won the National Championship in 1995, and finished as runner-up two the following two years. He recorded 24 pins and claimed nine tournament titles during his collegiate career. Taylor, a two-time team captain, finished with an 86-16 record. Now the head coach at Findlay, Taylor has developed 28 All-Americans, six national champions, 30 academic All-Americans, and has had five top-ten team finishes at nationals. Taylor was a highly skilled wrester who also had a very strong work ethic making him virtually unbeatable. Taylor graduated with a degree in Hazardous Materials Management in 1997.
Bobby Cox, Oklahoma Baptist University - Baseball, Coach
To be inducted at the ABCA Rawlings-NAIA Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon (Nashville, Tenn., January 7, 2011)
Bobby Cox is Oklahoma Baptist University's all-time leader in coaching wins in all sports, having led the Bison baseball team to 934 wins as he enters his 26th season at the OBU helm. Cox is the only coach to take a Bison baseball team to the NAIA World Series. He has accomplished the feat twice, in 1989 and in 1996. His teams have never had a losing season. He has coached 15 All-Americans and a dozen major league draftees. Cox, who was inducted into OBU's Hall of Fame in 1996, was named Sooner Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 1986 and 1996; District 9 Coach of the Year in 1986, 1989 and 1991; Area 3 Coach of the Year in 1989 and Great Plain Region Coach of the Year (by the region and by the American Baseball Coaches Association) in 1996. As a player, Cox was an All-District performer for the Bison in 1979, leading his team with a .389 batting average while driving in a team-high 33 RBI in 34 games.
Q.V. Lowe, Auburn University Montgomery (Ala.) - Baseball Coach
To be inducted at the ABCA Rawlings-NAIA Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon (Nashville, Tenn., January 7, 2011)
Q.V. Lowe has been involved in collegiate baseball ever since he played at Auburn University Montgomery where he still holds the record for most complete games in a season (10) and the career earned run average (1.33). After playing for AUM, Lowe played eight seasons for the Chicago Cubs. He coached for the Yankees and Expos organizations until he started coaching Auburn University at Montgomery in 1987. In his 24 seasons at AUM he would capture 900 victories, win nine conference or independent region championships, and take four trips to the NAIA World Series. He built the Senator's baseball program from the ground up. In 1990, Lowe was awarded the NAIA National Coach of the Year and his team was runner up at the NAIA World Series. Lowe has coached 68 All-Conference Players and 35 NAIA All-Americans. He was inducted into the Auburn University Tiger Walk Hall of Fame in 1998 and into the Alabama Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2007, he was named the Alabama Baseball Coaches Collegiate Coach of the Year. His players have a reputation for attending class, fulfilling their obligations and graduating. Lowe is a caring person who strives to teach life lessons to his players in addition to teaching them baseball skills; they leave his program young men who are mature and well respected across campus.
Cary Brock Ammons, Southeastern Oklahoma State University - Baseball, Athlete
To be inducted at the ABCA Rawlings-NAIA Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon (Nashville, Tenn., January 7, 2011)
Cary Brock Ammons is the most outstanding pitcher in Southeastern Oklahoma State University history. In his three years playing at Southeastern Oklahoma, he posted win-loss records of 9-1, 16-1 and 14-0. He had 333 career strike outs and an earned run average of 2.45. In 1997, he helped guide his team to a third place finish in the NAIA World Series. Ammons was selected as Player of the Year for the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Conference and Great Plains Region. That same year he was also awarded the NAIA National Player of the Year. In 1998, Ammons was the Lonestar Conference Pitcher of the Year and the Southwest Region Player of the Year. He was also on the NAIA's First Team All-America list in 1997 and 1998. He played professional baseball from 1998 to 2002. Ammons graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2000 and would later return for his Masters of Education Degree in School Administration. He and his wife, Karla, have two children. They reside in Buffalo Valley where Ammons is the Superintendent of the Buffalo Valley Public Schools.
Jeff Allen Maack, Oklahoma City University - Baseball, Athlete
To be inducted at the ABCA Rawlings-NAIA Hall of Fame and Awards Luncheon (Nashville, Tenn., January 7, 2011)
Jeff Allen Maack helped build a tradition of success at Oklahoma City University (OCU). During his tenure at OCU (1985-1988) Maack was a two-time All-American and led OCU to their first-ever appearance in the NAIA World Series (1986, 1988). Maack set 12 individual season and career records during his time at OCU, four of which still stand today. He holds the NAIA record for career triples (27). He ended his career in 1988 with a .417 batting average, 45 home runs, 200 RBI's and 63 stolen bases. In 1994, Maack was inducted into the OCU Hall of Fame. His leadership skills on and off the field made him a great team captain and helped set a standard for the OCU baseball team that still resonates today. Maack graduated from OCU and is now co-owner of a successful Architecture and Engineering firm in Norman, Okla. He has been married to his wife Dawn for 16 years and has two children, Karsten and Addlynn.
Ian Leggatt, Texas Wesleyan University - Men's Golf, Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship (Silvia, Illinois, May 23, 2011)
Ian Leggatt played golf for Texas Wesleyan University from 1987-1989. During those years, Leggatt participated in two NAIA Men's Golf National Championships, finishing second individually in 1989. Leggatt was a two-time All-American and letterman. In 1990, Leggatt turned professional playing on the Canadian and Nationwide tours. His first professional win came at the Buy.com Dayton Open in 2000. In 2002, Leggatt earned his first PGA tour win at the Touchstone Energy Tucson Open. Off the course, Leggatt has made an impact as well. While in college, he served as the Athletic Director for the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He is actively involved with the Ronald McDonald Charities and through the Ian Leggatt & Friends Golf Classic for Charity; he has provided three million dollars for aid to disabled children. The Ian Leggatt Junior Golf Tour has 30 former players go on to play college golf. He is well respected all across the golf community. He and his wife, Lori, live in Chapel Hill, N.C. with their two children.
Danny Mijovic, Texas Wesleyan University - Golf Athlete
To be inducted at the 2011 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship (Silvia, Illinois, May 23, 2011)
Mijovic played in four NAIA Men's Golf National Championship tournaments from 1980 through 1983. Although his Texas Wesleyan University team placed second all four years, Mijovic has the distinction of being the only player in NAIA history to have won the medalist title four times. A four-time All-American, Mijovic graduated with a degree in Business Administration and continued to play golf. In 1984, he won the Mid-Atlantic and was a semi-finalist at the Western Amateur. His first professional win came at the 1984 Mexican Open. He went on to win the 1985 LaBlatt Open on the Canadian Tour. Mijovic has qualified and made the cut three times at the British Open. He is also the 1984 Porter Cup Champion, 1985 LaBlatt Open Champion, has had four second place finishes on the Asian tour and five top five finishes on the European Tour. A member of the Texas Wesleyan Hall of Fame, Mijovic is an extremely hard worker and continues to give back through the sport of golf.
James "Jim" McMahon, Midland Lutheran College (Neb.) - Track & Field, Coach
To be inducted at the Outdoor Track & Field National Championships (Marion, Indiana, May 25, 2011)
Jim McMahon is a dedicated, loyal and passionate supporter of the NAIA. Throughout his 32 years coaching (1978- present) at Midland Lutheran College, McMahon has won many championships. Coaching cross country and track, McMahon dedicates his life to his athletes. He has served on various NAIA committees, and on the NAIA coaches association. He has coached cross country and track teams to 50 Conference titles and 21 District Titles. He has been named Coach of the Year multiple times, and in 1989 led his women's indoor track and field team to the NAIA National Championship, the only national title in Midland's history. McMahon was the NAIA National Coach of the Year in 1989, as well as being named the Coach of the Year by the Omaha World Herald. McMahon has coached several All-Americans and Scholar All-Americans throughout his career. Sixteen of his former athletes and one team are inducted in the Midland Athletic Hall of Fame, and four of his former athletes are inducted in the NAIA Hall of Fame. In 1994, McMahon was inducted into the Midland Hall of Fame. McMahon has exhibited a quality of leadership that has influenced and inspired many. McMahon puts his heart in to all he does as a coach and a teacher. He continues to coach at Midland, as assistant track coach.
Rochelle (Schmidt) Swanson, Doane College (Neb.) - Track & Field, Athlete
To be inducted at the Outdoor Track & Field National Championships (Marion, Indiana, May 25, 2011)
Rochelle Swanson was a dominant athlete in the Great Plains Athletic Conference during her years at Doane College. Swanson won six national championships in the long jump and triple jump, and was also named an NAIA Scholar All-American sixteen times. She holds ten individual conference championships. In 2001 and 2002, Doane College was crowned National Champion in women's outdoor track & field, and it would not have been possible without Swanson's contributions. Swanson still holds conference and collegiate records for her jumping. Swanson also played Volleyball for Doane and earned a first or second team GPAC All Conference in each of her four years. Her senior year, she was recognized as 3rd Team NAIA All-American. She received the highest state level awards given to a collegiate female athlete in Nebraska by being named the Omaha World Herald Female Athlete of the Year (2003) and the Lincoln Journal Star Female Athlete of the Year (2004). Swanson has a drive and ability that enabled her to be one of the best jumpers at the conference and national levels. She was a great example for her teammates and worked hard in the classroom. After graduation she continued on to Nursing School, and now works as a nurse in Omaha, Neb.
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.
Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves. To learn more visit www.NAIA.org.
