Six-Member Hall of Fame Highlights CoSIDA's 2021 Special Award Honorees
Chris Wenzler, who had a storied SID career at his alma mater John Carroll and was a beloved figure in the community, is being honored posthumously.
Just four months after his graduation in 1990 from John Carroll, Wenzler was named the athletic department's sports information director. He stayed at his alma mater throughout his illustrious and impactful career.
In August 2008, Wenzler was given additional responsibilities as John Carroll's first Assistant Athletic Director for Communications. In his 20 years at JCU, he built an office that boasted over 30 student employees, a graduate assistant and the latest in multimedia and technological equipment. John Carroll hosted numerous NCAA DIII Championships during his tenure.
Wenzler passed away on June 23, 2020 following a two-and-a-half-year battle with multiple myeloma.
For his extraordinary efforts on behalf of JCU Athletics and his service to John Carroll and its students, he was elected to the JCU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
He earned a CoSIDA 25-Year Award in 2016. CoSIDA's 2018 Bob Kenworthy Community Service Award recipient, Wenzler was known for his extensive community service, internationally and locally. He was involved with on-campus service days and numerous community charitable events. Wenzler joined nine immersion trips as a staff member at John Carroll including Jamaica (five times), Ecuador (three times), and Guatemala. On campus, he spearheaded Streaks to the Max, in partnership with Max Cure Foundation. Each year, the events bring together the creative efforts of student-athletes to raise money for families affected by pediatric cancer.
The CoSIDA Hall of Fame Class of 2021 was honored virtually during the 2021 Virtual Convention.
Watch the original awards show here. Wenzler was represented by his wife, Melissa Wenzler.
Updated June, 2021