Greenville, SC: The NCCAA is pleased to recognize Winston Griffith of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) as the 2023 John and Jody Wheeler Award recipient for Men’s Indoor Track and Field.
 
Griffith arrived at Southwestern Assemblies of God University as a sophomore after spending time at a junior college near his hometown in Weatherford, Texas. Griffith transferred to SAGU to pursue ministry and walked on to the track team with little experience. As time progressed, he developed into a four-time national track and field qualifier, twice for the NCCAA and twice for the NAIA. He was the runner-up in the heptathlon at the 2022 NCCAA Indoor Track and Field National Championship, scoring 4,382 points, placing first in the shot put with a distance of 11.03m and first in the 1,000m with a time of 2:55.81.
 
Griffith is a graduate student pursuing a Master of Business Administration and holds a 4.0 GPA. He has earned NAIA Academic All-American honors, NCCAA Scholar-Athlete honors, and other academic honors from various honor societies and the Dean’s List. While completing his degree, Griffith works as a graduate assistant and assistant sports information director at SAGU. He has used his time with the Lions to serve as a resident assistant, minister at a local church, specifically in their young adults’ group, become involved in youth and student ministry, and even participated in a mission trip to Las Vegas last summer. Griffith’s desire to serve others gives him a platform to share the love of Christ to many.
 
Head Coach Jason Covarrubias stated, “Winston is a prime example of leadership and a student of the sport. His heart for ministry and work ethic has elevated his opportunities in sport exponentially.”
 
Other Finalists
Tyler Dechant, Southwestern Christian University
 
Award Description
John and Jody Wheeler have been involved in supporting athletic activities of Christian high schools and colleges throughout their lives. Jody passed in 2019 and John continues to actively participate in supporting Christian athletics via the NCCAA. He served on the NCCAA Board for 35 years and he and Jody founded the NCCAA Pro-Am event that has provided over $2,000,000 in support for the NCCAA since 1988. A Taylor University graduate who knows the benefit of a Christian worldview and a lifelong pursuit for God’s truth, John was inducted into the NCCAA Hall of Fame in 2002.
 

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