KCAC

[Football] McKenzie Named KCAC Male Student-Athlete Champion of Character

WICHITA, Kan. – Friends University junior defensive lineman Kevin McKenzie (JR/Keota, Okla.) has received the prestigious distinction of being selected as the KCAC Male Student-Athlete Champion of Character, the league announced today (June 29).This isn't the first major character award that McKenzie has garnered, as he was also named the Friends University Man of the Year for the 2019-20 year, given to the person that best exemplifies the RISE values of Friends University."This is an amazing and meaningful award for Kevin since it aligns the Champion of Character core values with the RISE values at Friends University: Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence," said Dr. Amy Bragg Carey, Friends University's president. "We congratulate Kevin on this recognition of his outstanding character and accomplishments." The Falcons' starting nose guard for the past two seasons, McKenzie recorded 2.5 sacks in the 2019 season, good for fourth on the team.  He also recorded 33 tackles along with four stops for loss. In 2018, McKenzie had one sack, one tackle for loss along with 14 stops overall."We are very proud of Kevin," said Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Friends University Athletic Director.  "This is an outstanding honor.  We are grateful for the positive impact Kevin has had on so many at Friends University."A two-time KCAC Scholar Athlete recipient, McKenzie has served as a Resident Assistant on campus the past two years.From 2017-19, McKenzie volunteered with youth engagement activities and supervised Bible School outdoor activities at Unity Baptist Church.He also worked with a local church to create quilts for refugees and has mentored residents in freshman housing."We are so proud of Kevin," Friends football head coach Dion Meneley said. "He is an incredible member of our team and has a genuine love for life. He has been a great example on campus, in the classroom and on the field of what it means to be good to people and work hard for what you want.""Kevin will be the first to give the credit for this award to his teammates and will enjoy the back and forth it creates with the guys. I think it would be hard to find someone that doesn't think the world of Kevin."McKenzie was the Salutatorian at Keota (Okla.) High School and is on track to graduate from Friends University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Finance in December of 2020.