by Malcolm Butler
Former Cedar Creek School star and current LSU-Shreveport Pilot Jack Parks earned more than just a national championship ring this past week.
In advance of his team putting the cap on a next-to-impossible undefeated season (59-0) — while setting the college baseball record for consecutive wins — Parks picked up a little hardware as he received the NAIA’s Champions of Character Award at the banquet leading up to the double elimination tournament.
One member from each of the 10 teams competing last week was recognized with the award as Parks was the Pilots selection.
“First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for blessing me with the opportunity to play at this incredible university for the past three years,” said Parks. “I’m also deeply grateful to Coach (Brad) Neffendorf for believing in me and giving me a second chance through the transfer portal after my first season.
“Receiving the Champions of Character Award is an honor I could never have achieved without the unwavering support of my teammates, coaches, and the entire support staff.
“It’s truly humbling that those around me see these qualities in me. The opening banquet for the World Series was an unforgettable experience. Standing in front of hundreds of people to accept this award was surreal — a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
The NAIA program’s mission is to provide training to instill the values that build character, so students, coaches and parents know, do, and value the right thing on and off the field. The program helps participants find balance by keeping the five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience.
Students learn to understand how the values play out in both practice and competition. Coaches are taught how to intentionally define, model, shape, and reinforce these values through their coaching and mentoring. Parents learn how their behavior is key to supporting athletics.
Parks and the Pilots completed their national championship run Friday with a 13-7 win over Southeastern (Fla.) in Lewiston, Idaho.
The top-ranked Pilots (59-0) became the first team in college baseball history to finish a season undefeated while also sweeping through the national tournament. Their 59-game win streak is now the longest in college baseball history, marking a crowning achievement under sixth-year head coach Brad Neffendorf.
