The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
John Carroll assistant AD to be honored
Three months ago, John Carroll’s Chris Wenzler was dealt a tough break, but he’s not slowing down.
In April, Wenzler revealed he is battling multiple myeloma, and has been receiving treatment since. Then in June, he ran a 5K race. About the same time, JCU’s longtime assistant athletic director for communications received the Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award, which is handed out during the annual College Sports Information Directors of America Convention every summer. Wenzler accepted the award June 30 in National Harbor, Md.
He received the award for his work accompanying groups of JCU students who travel to impoverished regions of developing countries, where they impact the lives of others through the campus ministry immersion program.
Another award is coming Wenzler’s way. On July 26 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he will receive the Bill Nichols Award at Ohio Athletic Conference Football Media Day.
The award was created to recognize a sports information professional or a member of the media who has demonstrated an understanding and passion for amateur athletics, while covering the students and programs of NCAA Division III and the OAC. It’s named for longtime Cleveland Plain Dealer sports writer and Baldwin Wallace alum Bill Nichols.
“To be honored by my colleagues in the Ohio Athletic Conference means the world to me, because this group is made up of outstanding people let alone professionals. I am privileged to work with them throughout the year and know of the hard work and dedication that goes into everything they do,” said Wenzler in a release.
“I also could not be more humbled than to receive an award with the name Bill Nichols attached. He was a tremendous mentor and a dear friend, and I am sure he is getting a kick out of this. It bears saying that this award would not be possible without a great support team at John Carroll and over 250 students and six graduate assistants in my 28 years who have made their way through my office that help me get things done. I will cherish this award always.”
The upcoming 2018-19 school year will be Wenzler’s 29th at JCU. He graduated from the school in 1990. In 2008, he was named the JCU’s first Assistant Athletic Director for Communications.