Stevens and Kleppe Honored As 2021 Cliff Hamlow Champions of Character
Irvine, Calif.- On Monday evening in a virtual presentation, the Golden State Athletic Conference recognized 20 student-athletes- a male and female athlete from each GSAC school- with the Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award. The Arizona Christian recipients are Emma Stevens (Women’s Swimming) and Zak Kleppe (Men’s Track & Field).
To watch the awards ceremony (Starts at 6:30 pm on Monday, March 29)- Click Here.
Per the GSAC website:
The Cliff Hamlow Champion of Character Award is given to one male and one female student-athlete on each GSAC campus who demonstrates outstanding athletic achievement, campus and community leadership, future ambition and embraces the five core character values of the NAIA Champions of Character program (Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership). Student-athletes must be at least a junior academically and carry a 3.0 GPA. The award is named after former Commissioner Cliff Hamlow who served the conference from its inception in 1986 to 2012. Dr. Hamlow was also a key leader in the creation of the NAIA’s Champions of Character program.
The bios submitted for Stevens and Kleppe to the GSAC read:
Emma Stevens (Women’s Swimming)
Emma is a senior captain of the ACU women’s swim team. A native of Green Valley, Arizona, Emma has modeled the NAIA Champions of Character values as a leader on campus and in the community. As a competitor, Emma is a three-time NAIA All-American national qualifier in multiple events, including the 50 free, 100 free and in various relay events. Her positive attitude and work ethic has had a significant impact on ACU and the swim team. Emma has also been very active in serving others on campus and in the community. As a youth leader at Scottsdale Bible Church, Emma served at weekly gatherings and youth camp events throughout her years as a student-athlete at ACU. Additionally, Emma is a chemistry tutor on campus and consistently serves in a variety of community service projects through institutional ministry partners. She maintains a 4.0 GPA as a biology major at ACU and has earned recognition as an NAIA Scholar-Athlete and earned a place on the CoSIDA NAIA District 4 Academic All-District team. ACU Head Swim Coach Brad Hering comments that Emma “is one of the most gifted student-athlete leaders I have coached in 25 years! She has a generous servant’s heart and is constantly helping others on their journey in life.” Upon earning her degree from Arizona Christian, Emma looks forward to helping people live healthy lives while pursuing a career in healthcare and nutrition.
Shout out to both of ACU’s Hamlow Award winners, senior swimmer Emma Stevens & senior hurdler Zak Kleppe. They were selected for their excellence on and off the field, and have been integral members on campus, in their communities, and in their athletic programs! #RollStorm pic.twitter.com/fk5lGE8EG7
— Arizona Christian Athletics (@ACUFirestorm) March 29, 2021
Zak Kleppe (Men’s Track & Field)
Kleppe is in his fourth season as a leader on the Arizona Christian University track and field team. Zak’s leadership and commitment to the NAIA’s Five Core Values are consistently modeled throughout his time on campus, in the community, and in competition. Originally from Vista, California, Zak has had a stellar career on the track for the Firestorm. In each of his four seasons Zak has qualified for NAIA nationals with his marks in the 60, 110, 400-meter hurdles as well as the 4×400 relay team. As an NAIA All-American, Zak has consistently displayed an excellent work ethic and Christian mindset. His commitment to serving others is evidenced by the time he commits to teaching kids about the Bible through the children’s ministry at his church. Zak is a leader for the AWANA ministries each summer at Southwestern Leadership Camp and served weekly as an AWANA leader. He has been involved in many service projects around the Phoenix Valley through ACU’s Project 032 and served in the high school youth group at Calvary Chapel. His heart for serving youth has impacted his studies and future ambition. Zak earned a 3.82 GPA as a Behavioral Health major with an emphasis in Counseling and a minor in Biblical and Theological studies. He looks forward to impacting the next generation of leaders by working as a high school counselor and coaching track and field.
Congratulations on a well-deserved recognition- Emma Stevens and Zak Kleppe!
