Greenville, SC: The NCCAA is pleased to announce Sam Kiser of Campbellsville University as the 2021 Wheeler Award Recipient for Division I Men’s Cross Country.
 
Kiser, a native of Louisville, Kentucky, follows his parents’ footsteps who were former collegiate athletes and continue to be faithful followers of Christ. He has not only dedicated his time to being an outstanding student-athlete but also a Christlike servant on campus. He searches for opportunities to minister to students on campus, while also continually ministering to his team through leading Bible studies and expressing outstanding character. Kiser is an MBA graduate student and aspires to serve in missions.
 
Kiser also competes in track & field. He has numerous Mid-South Conference awards and has been an NCCAA All-American in both cross country and track. Kiser has had a career year, recording his best time (25:21) and finish (1^st) this year. Kiser displays leadership by serving as a team captain. In addition, he leads in FCA, the CU summer team, and as an RA on campus.
 
Head Coach Corbin Harris highlights that “Sam is a natural born leader who is bold and communicative.” Coach Harris added that Sam has made “intentional strides to become a Christlike servant leader and ultimately use his talents and opportunities to minister to students on our campus and athletes on our team.”

Other Finalist
Jacob Ropp, Bethel University
 
Award Description
The Wheeler Cross Country Award, for men, is sponsored by John and Jody Wheeler who have been involved in athletic activities of Christian high schools and colleges for many years. John continues to actively participate in the area of athletics and wishes to promote athletics in Christian colleges. This 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.
 

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Previous Winners