Chris McKelvie Named Recipient of 2022 John Olver Character Coach Award by Fellowship of Christian Athletes

4/18/2022 2:15:00 PM

Story provided by Fellowship of Christian Athletes

KANSAS CITY, Mo.— Bethel University Head Coach Chris McKelvie has been selected by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA, www.fca.org) as the recipient of the 2022 John Olver Character Coach Award. This award will be presented on April 22, 2022, at the American Hockey Coaches Association’s (AHCA) annual national convention in Naples, Florida. The award is sponsored by Albers Aerospace, a leading Aerospace company that provides services and products to both government and private sector companies.

FCA Northland Region Vice President Brian Conklin said, “On behalf of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Northland Region, we would like to congratulate Chris and his family on being named the John Olver Character Coach for 2022. We are extremely blessed to have you as part of the FCA family and coaching at Bethel University. A coach today plays one of the most meaningful roles in the life of a young student athlete. Thanks for being faithful to the calling of disciple making through coaching.”

Chris McKelvie began his coaching career in 2016-17 when he served as an assistant coach with Army West Point before moving to Bethel University in 2018 to become their head hockey coach. The Royals concluded the 2021-22 season with an overall record of 15-11-1, and posted a winning percentage of .574, their best winning mark since 2007-08. More importantly, McKelvie is a transformational leader who encourages and motivates his players to live sacrificial, Christ-centered lives.

Chris McKelvie talks to players on bench

I am thrilled that the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has chosen Chris as the second recipient of the John Olver Character Coach Award. In his 4 years at Bethel, Chris has made such an impact on our men’s hockey program. The on-ice improvement speaks for itself, but the significant impact he has made on his student-athletes is profound. I am so grateful for Chris’ heart for his players and his influence on their faith journey.

Greg Peterson, Director of Athletics Bethel University.

The John Olver Character Coach Award is presented annually to a hockey coach who exemplifies the Christian principles of Service, Excellence, Dedication, and Love—both on and off the ice. In 2021, Coach John Olver himself was honored as the inaugural recipient of the award.

FCA’s theme for 2022 is Every, based on Ephesians 1:3: “All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” FCA reminds Christian coaches and athletes that they already have everything they need in Christ and encourages them to seek Him both on and off the field.

After extensive growth, FCA has reached millions of people with the Gospel. View a timeline of FCA’s 68-year history here, including videos, quotes, articles, leader profiles, Camp themes, photos and more.

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