NORTHBROOK, Ill. – For the first time in program history,
Clayton Mosher of the Indiana Wesleyan football team is one of a 22 student-athletes named to the 2024 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team®. Mosher has been a two-time nominee, but this marks the first time being selected as a member of this prestigious group.
Established in 1992, the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team recognizes college football athletes for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field. This year's Allstate AFCA Good Works Team was selected from a record 178 nominees, representing players and coaches from colleges and universities across the country for their unwavering commitment to community service and their "good works" off the field.
The 23 award recipients bring together:
- 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS)
- 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II, III and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA)
- 1 honorary head coach
"We are so proud of Clayton for being named to the Allstate Good Works Team," said
Andrew Rode, Head Football Coach. "It is a prestigious award and no one could be more deserving than Clayton. He leads our team well and lives his life in service of others."
Mosher's displayed elite athletic achievements this season, while only playing in eight games due to injury. He earned Mid-States Football Association (MSFA) All-Conference First Team honors for the second-straight season, a testament to his exceptional skills on the field. He was third on the team with 63 total tackles led the team. However, his commitment to academic excellence is equally remarkable, as evidenced by being a two-time recipient of both NAIA Scholar-Athlete and MSFA All-Academic honors. Mosher was also named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-District Team in 2022 and narrowly missed the criteria of games played for 2023 due to injury.
Beyond his individual accomplishments, Clayton has demonstrated a genuine passion for serving others. This was most prominently displayed this year during a mission trip he led to the Dominican Republic. This trip, which involved a group of football players, was organized through his church. The mission took them to various locales, including Jarabacoa and communities in Santo Domingo. The team's activities were diverse and impactful; they engaged in door-to-door ministry, offering support and spiritual guidance to local residents. They also participated in practical tasks such as cleaning and painting houses, significantly improving living conditions for several families. Furthermore, Clayton and his team spent hours each day interacting with local children, playing with them and creating joyful experiences amidst their daily challenges.
One of the cornerstones of Clayton's community service in the Marion area has been his involvement at Saint Martin's community center. Here, he has spent considerable volunteer time serving meals to those in need, providing not just sustenance but also a sense of hope and human connection to the community's most vulnerable members. The consistent time spent at the center underscores his dedication to supporting those who are struggling, and his work has been a vital part of the center's mission to aid the needy. He has participated in clean-up initiatives alongside the Wildcat football team, ensuring the streets of Marion remain beautiful and welcoming. Moreover, Mosher has worked with IWU Facility Services to clean up campus during the summer, showcasing his commitment to maintaining a clean and safe environment for all.
In addition to his efforts at Saint Martin's, Clayton has been actively serving at his church, The River, also located in Marion. His role at the church extends beyond typical volunteer work; he is entrusted with the care and teaching of children during services. This responsibility involves not only looking after the children's physical well-being but also engaging them in activities and sharing the Word with them. Clayton's ability to connect with the younger members of the congregation highlights his leadership and nurturing spirit, making him a valued member of the church community.
Mosher's generosity knows no bounds, as he has made a significant impact on local Grant County Elementary schools by filling and distributing over 1,000 boxes of household supplies to families in need. Additionally, his commitment to the well-being of the community is reflected in his initiative to teach local school children the art of fishing, providing them with valuable skills and memorable experiences.
He has selflessly dedicated his time to assist in moving IWU professors into their new houses, showcasing his willingness to support the IWU community beyond the confines of the football field. Clayton's involvement in IWU sport camps and his commitment to training a high school student in football exemplify his desire to help young athletes grow and succeed. His dedication to this endeavor is further demonstrated through his successful business that aids athletes in their recovery from training and injury, allowing them to reach their full potential.
Mosher's commitment to his faith and his desire to positively impact the lives of others are evident through his leadership roles and involvement in various organizations. As the president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Indiana Wesleyan, Clayton has provided a nurturing environment for athletes to explore and develop their faith. His contributions extend beyond the campus, as he has spent his time during spring break with his fellow IWU football teammates serving at Kanakuk in Missouri, prepared their facilities for kids to come to camp during the summer.
Lastly, Clayton has consistently gone out of his way to help incoming freshmen and their families by assisting them with their move into the dorms for the past two years. His warm and welcoming demeanor makes the transition to college life smoother for these students, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere on campus.
Mosher's commitment to service, leadership, and community engagement is nothing short of remarkable. Through his exceptional achievements on the football field, his involvement in various community service initiatives, and his unwavering dedication to his faith, Mosher has proven himself to be an exemplary individual deserving of one of the 136 nominations for the Allstate AFCA Good Works Team. His selflessness, compassion, and determination to make a difference in the lives of others truly set him apart for this prestigious recognition.
To view the full release from the AFCA, click
HERE.