Roy Pickerill, who retired as the longest-tenured Sports Information Director in KWC history after 29.5 years in December 2016, is set to receive another prestigious sports recognition. He will receive the NCAA Division II Conference Commissioners Meritorious Service Award at the DII Men’s Basketball Championship on March 25 in Evansville.
The Meritorious Service Award is the highest honor presented by the D2 CCA and is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the entire NCAA Division II membership and the Division II student-athlete experience.
Pickerill is the first SID to earn the honor.
“Being the first SID to ever be given this award is unbelievably amazing,” Pickerill said. “They started handing out this award around 2013. It usually goes to retiring commissioners, retiring athletic directors, or retiring athletic administrators. To be thought of in the same vein as them, in a lot of ways I can’t believe it.”
Pickerill is currently serving as Sports Information Director Emeritus and Special Assistant for College Relations at KWC. He also spent 11 years as the assistant SID, meaning altogether he’s been with KWC for 54 years.
Pickerill is a member of five Halls of Fame: the Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, the College Sports Information Directors of America Hall of Fame, the Great Lakes Valley Conference Hall of Fame, the Kentucky Wesleyan Athletics Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Wesleyan Alumni Hall of Fame.
“Each award is very special in its own category,” Pickerill said. “Each honor I have gotten over the years has a special place in my heart because I was given them for different aspects of my athletic career.”
Pickerill said his head has been swirling after seeing all of the emails and social media posts congratulating him.
“When I started out 54 years ago, I never thought I would have the career I have had,” Pickerill said. “It’s been a stellar career and I have been so blessed to be able to do what I do. I have never worked a day in my life here at Kentucky Wesleyan. I love it too much.”
