ORSA AWARDS

“In recognition of their unselfish dedication, exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to the promotion, growth and development of the recreational sports profession.”

Honor Award

  • The ORSA Honor Award was created as a way of recognizing the outstanding contributions of current or former individual members of the Ohio Recreational Sports Association. The award is presented a maximum of every year to a professional, “in recognition of their unselfish dedication, exceptional leadership and outstanding contributions to the promotion, growth and development of the recreational sports profession.”

  • The Nomination Packet should include:

    • Current resume or vita of nominee including number of years as an ORSA member.

    • Letter of recommendation from nominator (ORSA professional member) including name, institution, email address, phone number, fax number, and number of years as an ORSA member.

    • List of accomplishments that relate directly to the criteria listed below.

    Please note: Nominations will be carried over for four years and then released unless re-nominated.

    Nominations for the 2025 ORSA Honor Award have closed. Nominations will open again in 2026.

  • Criteria:

    1. Significant involvement in and contribution to the Ohio Recreational Sports Association - 70%

    Examples include:

    • Minimum five years active membership and involvement in ORSA.

    • Innovative or strategic leadership within the state association (i.e, serving on ORSA Executive Committee).

    • Extraordinary dedication or creativity exhibited as a member of an ORSA committee.

    • Significant contribution in developing, coordinating, and/or hosting an ORSA conference, workshop or tournament.

    • Conducting presentations at ORSA workshops.

    • Significant contribution to ORSA publications (i.e., writing articles for newsletter), media presentations, special projects, or fundraising.

    • Significant contribution to the promotion and growth of ORSA through the cultivation of individual or institutional ORSA membership.

    • Personal commitment to attending ORSA workshops as well as encouraging professional and student staff to attend and become active in ORSA.

    • Signification contribution in the development of students and young professionals on campus and within ORSA.

    2. Involvement and contribution to NIRSA on a national and regional level as well as local campus impact - 30%

    Examples include:

    • Active involvement in NIRSA.

    • Innovative or strategic leadership within NIRSA (i.e, serving on Executive Committee).

    • Extraordinary dedication or creativity exhibited as a member of a NIRSA committee.

    • Significant contribution in developing, coordinating, and/or hosting a regional or national conference or tournament.

    • Conducting presentations at regional or national conferences.

    • Significant contribution to NIRSA publications, media presentations or special projects (i.e., writing articles).

    • Significant contribution to the promotion and growth of NIRSA through the cultivation of individual or institutional membership.

    • Personal commitment to attending regional and national workshops as well as encouraging professional and student staff to attend and become active in NIRSA.

    • Signification contribution in the development of students and young professionals on campus and within NIRSA.

    • 2025 Rob Becker, Baldwin Wallace University

    • 2023 Greg Ross, CENTERS

    • 2021 Nick Froelich, Cleveland State University

    • 2019 Rob Jech, The Ohio State University

    • 2017 Jim Jamriska, Indiana University Bloomington

    • 2015 Kendra Violet, University of Cincinnati

    • 2013 Doug Curry, Miami University

    • 2011 Joy Polkabla-Byers, Youngstown State University

    • 2009 Sean Ries, Cleveland State University

    • 2007 Dave DeAngelo, The Ohio State University

    • 2005 Thad Long, Bowling Green State University

    • 2004 Kim Schmidt, University of Cincinnati

    • 2003 Award not presented

    • 2002 Greg Jordan, Oakland University

    • 2001 Greg Sferra, Slippery Rock University

    • 2000 Pat Besner, University of Toledo

    • 1999 Paul Milton, Kent State University

    • 1998 Pat Kennedy, Case Western Reserve University

    • 1997 Bills Sells, Ohio University

    • 1996 Patti Holmes, Holmes Training and Dev.

    • 1995 Sally Myers, Miami University

    • 1994 Larry Spencer, University of Toledo

    • 1993 Ken Kaiser, The Ohio State University

    • 1992 Dr. Tim Miller, Baldwin Wallace College

    • 1991 Winona Vannoy, Kent State University

    • 1990 Steve Kintigh, Texas Christian University

Impact Award

  • The ORSA Impact Award recognizes individuals whose longstanding commitment, steadfast support, and meaningful contributions have strengthened the Ohio Recreational Sports Association and advanced its mission. This recognition honors individuals whose sustained and meaningful contributions have strengthened a culture of support, connection, and excellence within our association.

  • The nomination packet should include:

    • A letter of recommendation from the nominator describing the nominee’s qualifications and contributions as they relate to the Impact Award criteria. The nominator’s name, institution or organization, email address, phone number, and relationship to the nominee.

    • Detailed list or narrative of the nominee’s accomplishments that directly addresses the Impact Award criteria.

    • Supporting documentation, examples, or testimonials that demonstrate the significance and impact of the nominee’s contributions, when applicable.

    • An optional current résumé or curriculum vitae for the nominee, including the number of years associated with or involved in ORSA, when applicable.

    Please note: Nominations will be carried over for four years and then released unless re-nominated.

    Nominations for the 2025 ORSA Impact Award have closed. Nominations will open again in 2026.

  • 1. Sustained commitment and engagement with the Ohio Recreational Sports Association – 30%

    Examples include:

    • A sustained history of consistent and dedicated support of ORSA over multiple years.

    • Active involvement in ORSA conferences, workshops, programs, initiatives, committees, tournaments, or other association activities.

    • A demonstrated willingness to contribute time, expertise, resources, or professional support to advance ORSA and its mission.

    • Continued engagement that reflects a meaningful and enduring relationship with the association.

    • Reliable support that extends beyond a single event, project, contribution, or term of service.

    2. Meaningful impact and contributions to the Ohio Recreational Sports Association – 50%

    Examples include:

    • Contributions that have produced a meaningful and measurable impact on ORSA, its members, programs, services, or organizational advancement.

    • Significant contribution to the development, coordination, sponsorship, hosting, or delivery of ORSA conferences, workshops, tournaments, programs, or special initiatives.

    • Financial, in-kind, technical, professional, or organizational support that has strengthened ORSA’s capacity to serve its members.

    • Significant contribution to the development, mentorship, or support of students, young professionals, professional staff, or ORSA leaders.

    • Advocacy efforts that have increased awareness of ORSA, strengthened its reputation, cultivated membership, or advanced the recreational sports profession.

    • Development of partnerships, resources, services, or opportunities that have contributed to ORSA’s growth, sustainability, or long-term success.

    • Contributions that have strengthened connections among ORSA members, institutions, partners, and the broader recreational sports community.

    3. Alignment with ORSA values and inspiration to others – 20%

    Examples include:

    • Actions and contributions that reflect ORSA’s commitment to excellence, service, collaboration, connection, and professional development.

    • Demonstrating integrity, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting ORSA and its members.

    • Serving as a role model or source of inspiration within the ORSA community and the recreational sports profession.

    • Encouraging others to become involved in ORSA programs, initiatives, leadership opportunities, and professional development experiences.

    • Demonstrating how sustained dedication, partnership, and service can foster positive change and organizational growth.

    • Helping cultivate a culture of appreciation, support, connection, and excellence throughout the association.

    • 2025 Kelly Naylor, Design2Wellness