Friends University

06/13/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/13/2025 09:37

Convirs Named 2024-25 KCAC Pearson-Swenson Sports Information Director of the Year

Wichita, KS- Levi Convirs of Friends University 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.

"The SID position is so strong in the KCAC that anyone in the league could win this award and deserve it, I'm just blessed my number came up this year," Convirs said. "I work for the best university and athletic director in the country. Dr. Rob Ramseyer has an innate ability to foster a system that gets the best out of everyone, me included. I'm also grateful for the support President Dr. Amy Bragg Carey consistently shows myself and our athletic department."

"SID life can be a challenge, I wouldn't have lasted in this business without the support and encouragement of a strong family, from my mom and dad to my wife Michelle and three sons (Matthew, Luke & Peyton)," Convirs continued. "I also want to thank my graduation assistant Melissa Juhnke for all her support, she's been so loyal to me over the last five seasons that I feel like part of this award is hers. I'm blessed to work at a Christ-centered institution, and I never take for granted the opportunity I've been given to tell the story of Friends University athletics every day."

Nominated by a fellow Sports Information Director in the conference, Convirs' dedication to Friends University Athletics and expanding the amount of content related to the Falcons were highlighted. The following is an example of what Convirs does/has done to promote Friends Athletics and the KCAC as a whole:

  • Working with local and state news outlets to highlight the Falcons.
  • Facilitating podcasts with Friends head coaches.
  • Elevating the amount of social media content and the quality of said content.
  • Working with SIDEARM (the website provider for Friends University Athletics) to come up with new and engaging ways to promote the Falcons.
  • Working at many KCAC championship events.

"This award is well deserved," Dr. Rob Ramseyer, Vice President of Athletics and Strategic Expansion at Friends University, remarked. "Levi is a great person who is always willing to serve and works incredibly hard. He is dependable, mission-aligned, and humble, and I am grateful to be working with him at Friends."

"Levi has most certainly earned this honor," Mark Hoffhines, KCAC Assistant Commissioner for Sports Information and Communications, said of Convirs. "He does whatever it takes to highlight Friends student-athletes, and has expanded his reach into long-form storytelling this year. Levi is also one of the first to offer up his services at KCAC championship events, and is willing to serve in any role that is needed. He truly wants to provide a quality game experience for KCAC student-athletes, coaches, and fans. His hard work and dedication is an example to others in the KCAC."

Previous KCAC Sports Information Director of the Year Winners

  • 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

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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Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives. Friends University offers 60+ undergraduate degree options along with adult online, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. For more information, visit our site at https://www.friends.edu/

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