Bryan athletics: winning vs. character
Josiah Newport
Triangle Reporter
When Charles Barkley coined the famous phrase, “I am not paid to be a role model. I am paid to wreak havoc on the basketball court,” he echoed the thoughts and actions of other athletes, professional and collegiate. However, Karl Malone, another NBA great, scolded Barkley in a Sports Illustrated column, “Charles . . . I don’t think it’s your decision to make. We don’t choose to be role models, we are chosen. Our only choice is whether to be a good role model or a bad one.”
At Bryan College, a two time NAIA Champions of Character Institution, Athletic Director Dr. Sandy Zensen believes that strong character on and off the field makes for a winning program. More importantly he is looking for coaches of character who buy into the mission and motto of Bryan College: “Christ Above All.”
In his 22 years as head men’s soccer coach and even now as athletic director, Zensen has never stopped striving for excellence, good sportsmanship and winning programs. For that reason, the coaches of the AAC decided in November 2011 (after Zensen’s last season as head coach) to create an award given annually in Zensen’s honor. The award will be presented to the AAC male soccer player who best represents the five core values of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program- integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership – principles Coach Zensen has exemplified throughout his coaching career. Read full story »





