April 1, 2010

Contact: Brian McCann

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Fourth-year Cleveland State head coach Gary Waters, who is passionate not only about winning games but also about teaching his athletes lessons with biblical principles, will be presented with the 2010 John Lotz "Barnabas" Award by the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. The award presentation will be made Saturday, April 3, during the FCA Coaches Luncheon at the NCAA Men's Final Four in Indianapolis.

Waters has guided Cleveland State to a 75-62 record in his four seasons, including a Horizon League Championship and NCAA tournament appearance in 2009 when CSU won 26 games, the second highest single season total in school's history. He has a 14-year head coaching record of 246-197 at CSU, Kent State and Rutgers.

"This award represents to me all of the things that should be good about the game of basketball and how you should carry yourself as a Man of God," Waters said. "One of the facets of coaching that I truly enjoy has nothing to do with winning games, but it allows me to help shape the lives in a good way of the many young men who have played for me over the years.

"I have always been a supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes because I believe in its mission and I appreciate being selected to receive this award. John Lotz represents to me all that is good about basketball. He coached with the characyer and integrity that each and very coach should live by." Waters added.

In his 35 years as a head and assistant coach, Waters has mentored countless young men from a Christian perspective. His impact has gone beyond the basketball court and into the lives of student-athletes who have strived to model Waters' lifestyle of integrity.

Waters is the eighth winner of the annual award, named after former University of Florida Head Coach John Lotz and presented by FCA to honor a basketball coach who best exhibits a commitment to Christ, integrity, encouragement to others and lives a balanced life. Since its launch by FCA in 2003, the award has honored a stellar lineup of coaches who have made an impact both on and off the basketball court: Homer Drew (2003), John Wooden (2004), Dale Clayton (2005), Steve Alford (2006), Dale Layer (2007), Willis Wilson (2008) and Ritchie McKay (2009).

The John Lotz Barnabas Award is awarded annually to a person who is "A committed follower of Christ, a man full of integrity, a true encourager of others and lives a life of balance."

Fellowship of Christian Athletes President and CEO Les Steckel said of Gary Waters in presenting this award, "Coach Waters has said that the key to success is to have `a vision, a plan and quality people.' He's had considerable success himself on and off the court as he has followed his own council. Coach Waters' strong emphasis on developing character and discipline has guided and encouraged his players and makes him truly deserving of this special honor."

A Detroit native, Waters was a standout player at both Oakland (Mich.) Community College and Ferris State where he is a member of the Ferris State University Hall of Fame. He is a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches and the Black Coaches Association and is involved with many charitable organizations, including Coaches vs. Cancer. He and his wife, Bernadette, have two grown children, son Sean and daughter Seena, and four grandchildren.

Previous Winners:
2003 - Homer Drew, Valparaiso
2004 - John Wooden, UCLA
2005 - Dale Clayton, Carson-Newman
2006 - Steve Alford, Iowa
2007 - Dale Layer, Colorado State
2008 - Willis Wilson, Rice
2009 - Ritchie McKay, Liberty