KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), associated with the Cliff Harris Award, announced that Tristin Waugh of Grand View (Iowa) was named the 2023 Cliff Harris Award recipient. Waugh, a defensive end for the Vikings, was selected for the award as the top defensive player in the NAIA in an announcement made on Monday at halftime of the 2023 NAIA Football National Championship, live on the ESPN3 broadcast.

Tristin Waugh is the first to receive the Cliff Harris Award in a program that has seen many named to the Defensive All-American Team. 

Waugh is ranked No. 1 in the NAIA in sacks with 15 on the year, leading a Grand View defensive front that led the NAIA, allowing just 7.3 points per game. The senior accounted for nearly half of the 37 sacks on the year for the Vikings, leading the nation in total yards lost off sacks with 100.

The Heart of America Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Year is a former two-time NJCAA All-America selection and was an honorable mention to the NAIA All-America team a season ago.

Twice in 2023, Waugh recorded three sacks in a game, beginning with the season's first game in a 24-7 win over conference foe MidAmerica Nazarene. Then, he repeated that performance on October 28 against Peru State (Neb.). Over the year, he registered 48 total tackles, 15 sacks, 23 tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.

MESSAGE FROM COACH JOE: 
"Tristin was one of the most dominant defensive players we have ever had in the history of this storied program, and we have had some special players on that side of the ball. We will certainly miss his play on the field, but what we will miss most is the example he set and the leadership he provided for his teammates. His name will be used as a reference for how the game should be played for years to come in this program. Congratulations to T Waugh on this incredible and well-deserved accomplishment!" 


 

The Cliff Harris Award is awarded annually to the top defensive player in small college athletics, including NCAA Divisions II and III, and the NAIA recipient. Named after NFL Hall of Famer Cliff Harris, the Little Rock Touchdown Club presents the award in coordination with a selection committee from each division or association. The NAIA recipient was selected by the NAIA All-America Selection Committee, which is made up of head coaches throughout the nation.