ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Crowley’s Ridge men’s basketball player Josh Lazzarino has been selected as the American Midwest Conference (AMC) A.O. Duer Scholarship nominee for male athletes.

The A.O. Duer Scholarship is awarded as part of the NAIA National Awards Program. The award is presented to one male and one female student-athlete in any sport who has attained junior academic standing and excels in scholarship, character and citizenship. The Scholarship is named in honor of the NAIA’s former executive secretary for his 26 years of service to the Association.

Criteria:

• Must be certified by the registrar as having an overall GPA of at least 3.75 (on a 400 scale) and must have attained junior standing academically.
• Selection shall be based on scholarship, character, citizenship, and playing ability.

Josh Lazzarino, Crowley’s Ridge:
Lazzarino, a native of Wolcottville, Ind., is a junior guard on the Pioneers’ men’s basketball team. On the court, he embraced a role that consistently benefited the team. Whether contributing during games or leading the scout team in practice, he demonstrated selflessness and a strong understanding of his role, making him the ultimate team player.

A biblical studies major with an emphasis in Christian Leadership & Management and Youth & Family Ministry, Lazzarino holds a cumulative GPA of 3.93. He was honored with the 2025 Scholar-Athlete Award after earning a perfect 4.0 GPA over the past academic year. He also received the 2025 Mr. CRC Award, the most prestigious honor at his institution, recognizing excellence in academics, campus involvement, character, and Christian living.

Off the court, Lazzarino exemplifies servant leadership. His impact reaches beyond campus as he works with local congregations and leads college-age Bible studies—an effort that has drawn many of his teammates and classmates to engage more deeply, grow spiritually, and find purpose both at Crowley’s Ridge and in their lives.

What They’re Saying:
“Josh is a leader to follow because he serves others first. We at CRC are thrilled to have Josh back for one more year at the College, where he will step into a new chapter of his story, becoming CRC’s third campus minister. I firmly believe great things are about to unfold this coming school year, and I know Josh will play a significant role in them.” - Wil Teague, Sports Information Director/Resident Life Director at Crowley’s Ridge College

“Josh has grown into a leader on and off the court by being a teammate and student leader who other people look up to and want to be around. His high character is one of love, genuineness, and determination. If you find yourself in the same room as Josh, you cannot help but be drawn to his positive presence. He sets high standards for himself and makes those around him want to be better, as well. When CRC hosts service projects and community outreach events, Josh is always one of the first to step up and volunteer with a positive attitude.” - Erica Richardson, Dean of Students at Crowley’s Ridge College

“During his time as a member of the Pioneer men’s basketball team, he has taken on a leadership role both in the locker room and outside the confines of the basketball arena. He has been the spiritual leader for his team and the campus. I have seen Josh leading group and individual Bible studies on campus, on the bus trips to away games, and in several hotel lobbies during the basketball season. The best of those moments came on a road trip where our entire team was able to witness Josh baptize a teammate in a hotel swimming pool following a post-practice Bible study.” - Chris Perkins, Athletic Director/Men’s Basketball Head Coach at Crowley’s Ridge College

“He comes from a family of high moral character that was no doubt raised the right way. He is one of those students who is generational to us. We would love to have more like him.” - Paul McFadden, Vice President for Student Affairs at Crowley’s Ridge College

Up Next:
Lazzarino is now eligible for the NAIA A.O. Duer Scholarship; the winner will be announced during the NAIA National Awards Day on September 15 and recognized at the 2025 NAIA Convention Awards Luncheon.