KANSAS — Ricky Alexander of Bethany College has been named the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director (SID) of the Year, an honor voted on by his peers, the conference office announced Friday.

The name of the KCAC Sports Information Director of the Year award was changed to the Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director (SID) of the Year award in Spring 2024 to honor two long-time and award-winning SIDs in the conference's history: A. John Pearson and Carol R. Swenson.

"I am extremely grateful to be named the 2025-26 KCAC Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director of the Year," Alexander remarked. "Who knew making the switch to athletics from accounting would turn into this? To have my name entered into the storied history of this award is truly an honor in itself. Although it may be my name announced as an award-winner, this doesn’t happen without all of the support around me starting with the Bethany College Athletics department spearheaded by Dean of Athletics, Laura Moreno. From the student-workers, volunteers, and graduate assistants, you all are a significant part of this recognition. I can’t help but thank all of my fellow SIDs in the KCAC as we have built bonds that go beyond your typical work relationship. We have become somewhat of a small family that can lean on each other whenever we need help as well as learn from each other. Lastly, to my wife Mackenzie, thank you for all that you do; for your encouragement, love, and support throughout this busy lifestyle."

Alexander began serving as the interim sports information director for Bethany College in 2021, before being promoted and the "interim" tag being dropped in July 2022. He had ties to Bethany long before that, though, competing as a dual sport athlete for the Swedes in football and track & field. He received a bachelor's degree in accounting and business management from Bethany. He worked as a tax accountant briefly, before returning to his alma mater and becoming an accountant for Bethany College from June 2018 to October 2021.

Alexander also holds an M.B.A. from Kansas Wesleyan University.

“I am excited for Ricky Alexander to be named the KCAC Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director of the Year!", Moreno said. "So many things that Ricky coordinates and manages may not be easily seen by many, but the impact is immeasurably felt by our students, staff, department, and institution. His positivity, care for students, and his inclusion for all are evident daily; we are thrilled for this honor for Ricky." 

Alexander's ability to juggle many responsibilities was noted in his nomination materials, both by the fellow Sports Information Director in the conference that nominated him and by Bethany College Dean of Athletics Laura Moreno in her recommendation letter. Ricky is tasked with not only handling sports information responsibilities, but also coordinating event staffing, guiding and mentoring student workers, and ensuring execution of game-day operations for multiple sports, often with overlapping schedules. 

His work in the sports information industry outside of Bethany College was also noted. Ricky works at several conference championships throughout the year, including not only the ones taking place at Bethany College but those at neutral sites/other institutions. He also represents Bethany College and the KCAC on the national level within his industry, as he is heavily involved in College Sports Communicators (CSC), an organization designed to support athletic communications staff across many different levels.

He was named to the CSC "30 Under 30" Class of 2024, and has been a part of panels at CSC conventions in the past. He is also currently serving on the "CSC U" committee, which is responsible for educating college students in the field of sports communications. In addition, it assists educators in learning about the profession for potential speaking opportunities from the sports communications professional on campus.

"Ricky is certainly a worthy recipient of the KCAC Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director of the Year Award," Mark Hoffhines, KCAC Assistant Commissioner, mentioned. "He acts with a spirit of servant leadership in everything he does at Bethany College, at KCAC events, and when representing both Bethany and the KCAC at College Sports Communicators events. He is often the first to volunteer to help, goes out of his way to make new sports information directors in the conference feel welcome, and is more than willing to share his expertise. We at the KCAC conference join Ricky's peers in recognizing his hard work and dedication, and are happy to present him with this honor."
 

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Previous KCAC Sports Information Director of the Year Winners

2024-25: Levi Convirs, Friends University

2023-24: Tim Hackett, Avila University

2022-23: David Toelle, Kansas Wesleyan University

2021-22: Katie Tooley, Ottawa University

2020-21: Trent Hinton, York College

2019-20: David Toelle, Kansas Wesleyan University

2018-19: Josh Booth, Bethel College

2017-18: Nick Morris, Oklahoma Wesleyan University

2016-17: Katie Tooley, Ottawa University

2015-16: Scott Nuss, Southwestern College

2014-15: Scott Nuss, Southwestern College

2013-14: Katie Tooley, Ottawa University

2012-13: Scott Nuss, Southwestern College

2011-12: David Toelle, Kansas Wesleyan University

2010-11: Alan Grosbach, McPherson College

2009-10: Katie Tooley, Ottawa University

2008-09: Carol Swenson, McPherson College

 

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ABOUT A. JOHN PEARSON

Mr. Pearson was hired at Bethany College to first work as the Director of Public Relations and Alumni Affairs, under the Dr. Arvin W. Hahn presidency during a very challenging and, yet, a very rewarding era in college history. He continued in that position until 1992 when he became the Director of the Archives and Heritage Center and of Sports Information until 2004, when he retired. He served as the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC) statistician, and was inducted into the Bethany Athletics Hall of Honor in 2004 and received the 2007 Clarence "Ike" Pearson Award from the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Sports Information Directors Association. In 2011, he was honored by receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the College Sports Information Directors Association. Pearson also served as NAIA Great Plains, later Region IV, Information Director. Sadly, Pearson passed away in 2023.

ABOUT CAROL R. SWENSON

Mr. Swenson served as sports information director at McPherson College from 2000 to 2009, following a 30-year career in the McPherson school district. When an individual thinks of track and field in the state of Kansas, Swenson is one of the most notable names to come up. A virtual encyclopedia of cross country and track and field, Swenson as served as public address announcer at the KSHSAA Track and Field Championships since 1974, the Big 12 Outdoor Track Championships three times and the Indoor Championships once, and serves as PA Announcer at the KCAC Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He also served several times as the USA Track and Field Press Officer for USA National Teams at a myriad of competitions worldwide.
 

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