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Kyle Kelly and Noah Tylutki Selected for the OAC's Inaugural Wenzler Award

| By: JCUSID
Kelly (left) and Tylutki (right) were 4-year members of the JCU Sports Information Department. 
UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Just over a year ago, Chris Wenzler '90 passed away after a lengthy battle with multiple myeloma. The 30-year Sports Information Director at John Carroll University built an incredible sports information office, but more importantly, created a sports info family. 

Wenzler, a 2021 CoSIDA Hall of Famer, left behind quite a legacy of excellence known to many within the JCU, OAC, and NCAA communities. Despite his passing, ever present are the "Wenzler's Warriors," a community of Blue Streaks who owe so much to him. These Wenzler's Warriors keep his memory alive by the way they live and lead their lives for others.

Two such Wenzler's Warriors are the first-ever recipients of the Wenzler Award, a distinction bestowed by the OAC upon student sports information assistant(s) who embody the values Wenzler lived during his time at John Carroll. 

Kyle Kelly '21 and Noah Tylutki '21 are the first winners of the Wenzler Award.

 "Without a doubt, Chris is smiling down on them," said JCU Sports Information Director Joe Ginley '16. "I could not be more proud of Kyle and Noah. I know Chris loved having Kyle and Noah in the office, and I have enjoyed them, too. I don't think I could have survived this crazy spring season without these two; I am very thankful for them. Kyle and Noah are an incredible duo. They have very bright futures ahead of them." 

Kyle and Noah worked four years for the JCU Sports Information Department, three years under the legendary Wenzler. Both loved Wenzler dearly and call him a hugely important mentor in their professional careers and lives.

Tylutki is a Grosse Ile, Michigan native who got involved with JCU Sports Info not long after arriving in University Heights. Tylutki quickly found his place behind the microphone.

Tylutki earned his stripes as a play-by-play and color commentator on a wide number of sports, including wrestling, swimming & diving, and soccer. The University of Detroit Jesuit grad also felt at home behind the Public Address mic, serving often as the PA announcer.

The Michigander also became heavily involved in WJCU 88.7 FM, broadcasting football and basketball games while serving as Sports Director and Production Director. Tylutki grew into an indispensable asset for the office, covering everything and leading in many ways, including game notes and historical research. 

"I'm very humbled to win this award," Tylutki said. "Chris has left behind quite a legacy, and he's shaped who I am. I am committed to continuing his legacy and the tradition of the office, including the family atmosphere. Chris is my inspiration. Everything I do in the office, from the big things to the little things, are for him. He was a true Man for Others, and that's how I want to live." 

Kelly also didn't take long in getting involved at JCU. From day one, Kelly became a devoted member of the sports info office. The Toledo St. John's Jesuit alum quickly became a sport captain and a leader with the office. Kelly utilized his skills in a wide number of ways.

Kelly lent his communication skills as a writer, broadcaster, and PA announcer. He covered many of the most memorable games in recent memory for the Blue Streaks, including OAC Championships in women's basketball, men's soccer, swimming & diving, and lacrosse. 

Always working, Kelly became involved with The Carroll News as a writer and later Sports Editor, and with WJCU as the Sports Director and a broadcaster. He wrote about all sports and broadcasted football and basketball, all while helping Wenzler with remote coverage. 

"It's truly humbling to receive this award," said Kelly. "Chris gave me an opportunity to pursue my passion and the best way I could ever repay him is by being a man for others. This honor is reflective of the John Carroll athletics community. It's been rewarding to work with selfless coaches, athletes and administrators. Most of all, it's a reflection of the entire sports information department and the dedication of every member of our department. Especially our seniors that strived to stick by Chris during the entirety of his battle with multiple myeloma. We wanted to set the standard for the rising sports information workers at John Carroll." 

After earning a double major in communications and sports studies, Kelly is planning to attend Medill School of Graduate Journalism at Northwestern University to pursue his Master's in journalism. After graduating with his bachelor's in communications, Tylutki will remain in sports information as the graduate assistant while pursuing his Master's in Theology and Religious Studies with a concentration in Theological Education. 

"Kyle and Noah are perfect choices for the OAC's inaugural Wenzler Award," said Melissa Wenzler, Chris' wife and Assistant Director of Enrollment at JCU. "They work very hard, perfect their craft, accept constructive feedback, and understand that making a mistake brings growth and improvement. They want to learn and grow, and never stopped learning, a value Chris embodied over his 30 years. By being in Chris' office, Noah and Kyle understood that they were there to cover sports, but that there is a world bigger than themselves, which made them well-rounded adults. Kyle and Noah will go forward and make a difference in the world."
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