WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) and Commissioner Ted Breidenthal are pleased to announce the Game One "Game Changers of the Month" for the month of April.
The Game Changer of the Month recognition celebrates and highlights KCAC student-athletes and staff members in a wide variety of categories and is intended for those who fit the definition of a "Game Changer" in the eye of the athletic department and institution. Any KCAC student-athlete or staff member who fits their definition of a Game Changer is eligible to be nominated by an athletic staff member from any KCAC member institution. KCAC athletic staff are encouraged to identify and nominate Game Changers for consideration who are then reviewed and selected through a voting process. These individuals embody the spirit of the KCAC and have separated themselves by making a distinct and noticeable difference and impact on their campus, in the KCAC and beyond. This award celebrates individuals in the KCAC, in our athletic departments, and on our campuses for their impact. As described, this recognition is not restricted to statistics and objective measures.
Peyton Propps
Kansas Wesleyan University
Women's Soccer Team Manager
Propps was nominated by Meagan Contreras, Assistant Athletic Director for Developmental Programs and Senior Woman Leader at Kansas Wesleyan University.
This fall, due to recurring injuries, Propps decided not to continue as a women's soccer student-athlete at KWU. However, she has transitioned to the role of team manager this spring and has been impactful in maintaining the team's culture, and doing whatever it takes to ensure that the team is successful. Although she is no longer a student-athlete, she exemplifies what it means to be a team player. She also has worked as a peer mentor for incoming freshmen, helping them adjust to life in college.
"Peyton is a hard-working, dedicated, caring and motivated student who is constantly putting others over herself," Contreras said of Propps. "Kansas Wesleyan University and the KWU soccer team are better because of her. From leading freshman courses to help them adjust to college life, to managing the Women's soccer team after career-ending injuries, she is a motivation to all and a perfect example of service leadership."
Joe Belden
Friends University
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Belden was nominated by Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion af Friends University.
Belden has served as the Head Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Friends University athletic department for over five years, and has become the "backbone" of the Falcons' athletic department. Belden and his staff aim to shape the culture on campus with consistent positivity, high energy, and meaningful daily interactions with student-athletes.
Student-athletes are asked to give Belden performance reviews at the end of each year. One question asks if the athletes feel that they have been treated with dignity and respect in the weight room, and Belden achieves near-perfect marks in that category. One example of how he fosters that culture and respect in the weight room is by having athletes share "gratitudes" or "put-ups" at the end of each session, affirming one another or sharing what they are grateful for.
“Joe Belden is the heartbeat of our athletic department," Ramseyer remarked. "His ability to connect with every student-athlete, while creating a culture of positivity, discipline, and respect, is unmatched. He’s not just a strength coach—he’s a transformational leader who elevates everyone around him.”
Brandon Staley
Evangel University
Head Track & Field Coach/Assistant Athletic Director
Staley was nominated by Scott Metcalf, Assistant Director of Athletics for Compliance, Student Success, and Alumni Engagement at Evangel University.
Brandon was appointed as an Assistant Athletics Director on Evangel's Administrative Team back in January, and during this time, has continued to coach his track teams at a high level, with the Evangel men's track team finishing at fourth place at the conference indoor track & field championships and taking home the conference title at outdoor, and the women's team finishing second and third at the indoor and outdoor championships, respectively.
Several of his student-athletes have broken school records and qualified for Nationals during this time. He has also prioritized community service opportunities for his team that allow them to grow in the area of servant leadership, one of the core values promoted by the NAIA Champions of Character program.
Taking on the role of Assistant Athletic Director has allowed Brandon to implement his leadership strategies and tactics on a larger scale, as he has developed an effective and efficient system for Evangel's Athletic Facilities management (including usage and maintenance). He has also played a key role in the Athletic Budget process, and has presented some ideas that will go into effect in the upcoming year.
"Brandon is a 5-Star Game Changer who gets the most out of his student-athletes, leading them with integrity,
and enhances our Athletic Department with his organization and attention to detail," Metcalf said of Staley.
Mitch Houghton
Bethany College
Head Men's Wrestling Coach
Houghton was nominated by Laura Moreno, Dean of Athletics at Bethany College.
This semester, Houghton stepped up to provide support for a sport other than his own, serving in a variety of roles for the Bethany men's and women's tennis teams. He drove the second vehicle for their travel squad for a majority of the year, and developed into a support staff member who positively impacted the student experience for that team.
He also served at several KCAC championship events, working as a live scorer and site manager at the KCAC Tennis Championships in April, and also serving as a site manager at one of the sites at the Tennis Fall Individual Championships in September.
"Coach Houghton is the epitome of a team player, who is always willing to help where needed," Moreno said. "From tennis site manager, live scorer, and driver, to a game manager for countless home events over the past few years, he never hesitates to help our staff or support our Swedes!"
KCAC Game Changers will also be recognized and celebrated at a designated event to be determined.
ABOUT GAME ONE
- Game One is one of the largest and fastest growing sports equipment and apparel suppliers in the country, serving a loyal customer base of more than 125 colleges, universities, and conferences nationwide.
- They are currently the largest team supplier of adidas in the country.
- Game One is a one-stop shop for premium intercollegiate athletic uniforms, apparel and more. Its mission is to inspire and elevate the spirit and identity of teams.
ABOUT THE KANSAS COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC CONFERENCE
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) is a member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and sponsors 28 varsity sports. Founded in 1890, the KCAC is the second oldest intercollegiate athletic conference in the country. As the conference home to 14 member institutions, the KCAC emphasizes commitment, cooperation, high achievement, and working towards a common goal in the act of competition. To keep up with the latest conference news, follow the KCAC on Facebook, Twitter/X, and Instagram using the handle @kcacsports.
—KCAC—