ST. LOUIS, Mo. - Adam Trausch of Lyon College (Ark.) has been named the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Coach of Character award winner.
The Coach of Character award is given annually to a head coach of an NAIA institution who has been outstanding in embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative by deliberately teaching character to his/her student-athletes though sport.
Criteria:
- Must be a head coach of the NAIA institution and been employed by the institution a minimum of five years.
- Must be clearly outstanding in:
- Embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative
- Methods to deliberately define, model, shape and reinforce character to his/her student-athletes within the coaching environment including any Live 5 program implementation.
Adam Trausch, Lyon
Trausch, a native of Grand Rapids, Mich., implements "The Shopping Cart Theory" every year to his teams at Lyon College. The shopping cart is the ultimate litmus test for whether a person capable of self-governing.
Coach Trausch talks to the team about "The Shopping Cart Theory" and about self-regulation and how you need to do the right thing when no one is looking. It is easy to cut corners, but I try to teach our team about doing the right thing and what you do represents you, your family, team, college, community, etc. It is bigger than yourself.
The Shopping Cart Theory hits many of the five core values most notably: integrity, doing the right thing. Respect, treat others how you want to be treated. Responsibility, an opportunity to contribute in a positive manner. Servant leadership, doing good for the people.
What they said:
"As a coach, I have influence over a team, but I do not control their every single move. I try to create an atmosphere of ownership as it is their college career. I need to be a positive role model and model good behaviors and that actions speak louder than words," said Adam Trausch, head men's and women's cross country and track & field coach.
"I have found him (coach Trausch) to be a man of integrity that is dedicated to working with young women and men helping to prepare them to be outstanding citizens and student athletes. He is very involved in the Batesville and Lyon communities. He has increased the awareness of the NAIA Five Core values in our athletic program, local community and nationally as he speaks to cross country and track & field programs at Lyon, but also strives to make a difference in all our sports programs here at Lyon," said Kevin Jenkins, Director of Athletics.
"He (coach Trausch) encourages his athletes to embrace the NAIA's Five Core Values of respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership, through his coaching while also demonstrating the values himself. Coach Trausch uses unique but memorable wats to teach the importance of character such as "The Shopping Cart Theory" which heavily weighs on the value of responsibility, along with the other character values," said Alexis Herman, Lyon track & field and cross country runner.
"Adam is well respected among his colleagues in the athletic department and around the Lyon College campus. He is involved with staff council and staff assembly as an athletic representative to those groups on campus. He is also a strong supporter of our other athletic teams and can be seen at other events throughout the year even though his plate is certainly overflowing with the multiple teams he coaches. He is not only a great person, but also a great coach," said Julie Church, Champions of Character Liaison/Assistant Women's Basketball Coach.
Trausch is now eligible for the NAIA Coach of Character award, which will be announced publicly during the NAIA National Awards Day in September. The winner will be presented with a certificate and recognized at an annual function in conjunction with the NAIA National Convention. |
