(Ann Arbor, MI) - Men's Basketball's Zackary Johnson is the 2021-22 Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) winner of the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award. The Liston award is named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime mover behind the men's basketball tournament. The Emil Liston Scholarship Award has been presented annually since 1950 to one junior men's and one junior women's basketball student-athlete who has shown high athletic and scholastic achievement. Johnson will now be forwarded to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) for national consideration.
Johnson's career as a member of CUAA's men's basketball hasn't exactly gone as planned. With two season-ending injuries in three years, it's easy to see how he could have a not-so-bright outlook, but that isn't his style. He is the type who fulfills his commitments no matter the adversity and has maintained a positive attitude throughout his journey.
While attending rehab for his injuries, Johnson continued to be a resident assistant and a group leader in the Athletes in Action ministry on campus. He has been actively engaged in campus ministry and has become one of CUAA's strongest servant leaders. "His infectious personality has a positive effect on all he meets and he consistently displays integrity, character, and self-discipline," CUAA's Campus Pastor Randy Duncan said.
In addition to schoolwork, Johnson is active in outreach programs through his church and in basketball camps. This isn't surprising as working with people seems to be a strong calling for him. Most recently, he volunteered with the Noblesville Police Department where he offered support to the police department as well as to the community. This summer he will be interning with the Noblesville Police Department as he continues to make impressive strides in preparing for his career.
Professor Frank Rubino reflected on Johnson's character when he said, "The observations that Zackary makes in class shows where his thoughts and feelings live and his Christian faith can't help but shine through."
Johnson always reflects his faith in what he says and what he does. His fearless reflection of his faith is openly on display and he shares how he sees Christ in areas of life where it can be difficult to see. He has been able to connect his faith and Christian vision in a way that is only possible when one lives their faith.
Johnson is the third Cardinal to receive the Liston Award, as he follows Connor Phee and Joe Ramstad, who won the award in back-to-back seasons in 2015 and 2016. He joins Aquinas' Brighton Miller as the WHAC's 2021-22 Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award winners.
"Zackary is the type of student-athlete who fulfills his commitments no matter what it takes," said Athletic Director Lonnie Pries. "He is a tremendous example for all of our student-athletes here at Concordia and is a fantastic representative for the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award."
