2026 OCLA Recipients Named
Recipients Will Be Recognized on March 8, 2026
Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes Announces the Recipients of its 2026 Christian Leader Awards
COLUMBUS, OH – Jan 20, 2026 – The Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) is pleased to announce the recipients of its 2026 Ohio Christian Leader Awards (OCLA). These awards recognize individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to impacting the community through Christian faith and athletics.
This year, the Central Ohio FCA is honored to name the Lehman Family as the FCA Coaches of the Year. The family's multi-generational impact on student-athletes is profound. The recipients include Dave Lehman, retired Head Track Coach at Otterbein College after 44 years and current Assistant Coach for Big Walnut Cross Country & Track; Ron Lehman, Head Volleyball Coach at Big Walnut High School; Mark Lehman, Assistant Volleyball/JV Coach at Big Walnut High School; Chuck Lehman, Assistant Volleyball/9th Grade Coach at Big Walnut High School; and Janet Lehman, Assistant Volleyball/JV Coach at Big Walnut High School. This is the first time in the history of the OCLA that an entire family of coaches has been named.
The Huddle Advisors of the Year are Katy Leonard from Olentangy Shanahan Middle School and Anthony Forrest of Westerville Central High School, recognized for their exceptional dedication and commitment to mentoring student-athletes. Huddle Advisors serve a critical role in campus huddles by supporting and mentoring the student leaders that run the weekly prayer huddles throughout the school year.
Josh Ashwill (South Side) has been named Volunteer of the Year for his selfless contributions to his community and involvement in FCA. Additionally, Bright City Church in Sunbury has been named as the Church Partner of the Year for its steadfast support of the FCA mission.
An awards ceremony to celebrate these recipients, alongside many student-leaders from middle and high schools throughout central Ohio, will be held on March 8th at Grace Polaris Church. The event will highlight the positive influence these adult leaders have on young athletes, fostering environments of integrity, service, and excellence while also celebrating the student-athletes that promote and lead peer-to-peer Christian bible studies at their schools and within their sports teams.
About Central Ohio Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA):
The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a global not-for-profit headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri working to see the world transformed by Jesus Christ through the influence of coaches and athletes. The Central Ohio chapter engages, equips, and empowers coaches and athletes to unite, inspire, and change the world through the Gospel. Chapter staff is supported through the generosity of the business community, individual and family donors.
Media Contact:
Suzanne Carawan
571.423.6387
scarawan@fca.org
