Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is honored to announce Jonah Kiess of Ohio Christian University as the 2026 Elvin and Joyce King Award Recipient for Division I Men's Cross Country.

Junior Jonah Kiess implements his faith as a constant part of his life, including his efforts on the cross country course. As he has grown in his faith and his cross country career, Kiess has recognized the importance of approaching God in all aspects of his life. On the course, he does this through prayer. Kiess prays prayers of gratitude while running, prays with teammates and opponents prior to each race, and prays for safety and strength for all athletes involved. 
 
Through Kiess' reliance on God in his sport, he has seen significant growth as an athlete. He is a three-time NCCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship qualifier, and with track included he has competed in six NCCAA National Championship events. He holds a career best 8,000-meter time of 27:52.4, recorded in 2025 at Wright State University. In the 2025 NCCAA Division I Cross Country National Championship, Kiess finished 36^th overall with a time of 28:08.4 and he is hoping to improve on that time in his 2026 campaign. 
 
Outside of cross country, Kiess has participated in several Christian service and outreach projects. He was a Life Changer at Geneva Hills Christian Camp where he worked with elementary and middle school students to teach them about Christ and help them grow in their faith. Kiess has also volunteered at Vacation Bible School for the past several years within his home church assisting with activities and teaching middle school classes. On campus, Kiess also works for the university's conference services, where he helps facilitate Ohio Christian's weekly chapel services through media and live streams.
 
Kiess loves athletics and is majoring in business sports management, where he holds a 3.56 GPA. He is a four-time Athletic Director's Honor Roll member, and he plans to continue a career in athletics after college. 
 
"In the three years that I have known Jonah, I have seen him grow into a strong leader both within his team and throughout the athletic department," stated Ohio Christian Head Cross Country Coach Monica Caldwell. "He consistently takes initiative, works to get things done, and leads by example while keeping Christ at the forefront of everything he does. Jonah demonstrates that leadership is not just about his own accomplishments, but about how he can serve, encourage, and positively influence those around him. Throughout his time at OCU, he has grown into a tremendous leader and has made a meaningful impact on the younger students on campus."

Award Description
Elvin and Joyce King were instrumental in the development and growth of both cross country and track & field within the NCCAA. Elvin served as meet director and National Sport Chair in each sport for many years, while Joyce was the point person administratively for the championship meets. Elvin's teams won nine NCCAA Cross Country National Championships and he was named NCCAA Coach of the Year eight times. Elvin and Joyce served alongside each other for over 40 years at Cedarville and worked tirelessly to make an impact for Christ. The NCCAA is proud to present this award in recognition of Elvin and Joyce King's legacy of service.