SILVER SPRING, MD (Monday, November 17, 2025) – The CKA SAVE Project, Inc., the National Leader in Holistic Student-Athlete Development, today announced a strategic partnership with the Opendorse Bowl Series. This collaboration will amplify the core values of Division III athletics across its four partnering conferences: the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference (HCAC), the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC), the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC), and the Presidents Athletic Conference (PAC).

The central element of this partnership is the introduction of the CKA SAVE Project Balanced Student-Athlete Award. This prestigious award will be presented to one pre-selected player from each of the four participating teams in the Opendorse Bowl Series, recognizing individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment and success in both academic and athletic excellence.

The Opendorse Bowl Series, featuring the ForeverLawn Bowl and the Extra Points Bowl, will take place on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at the historic Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio.

Dr. Keith Adams, Ed.D, CMAA, President and Founder of the CKA SAVE Project, stated, "Our mission is to move the conversation 'Beyond the Scholarship' and ensure every student-athlete is fully prepared for a meaningful life after sports. This partnership is the perfect platform to celebrate that commitment. The Balanced Student-Athlete Award recognizes those who truly embody the DIII spirit—excelling in the classroom and on the field. We are excited to collaborate with these premier conferences to reinforce that 'Experience Matters' when their future is on the line."

Keri Alexander Luchowski, Executive Director North Coast Athletic Conference; Organizing Committee, Opendorse Bowl Series (Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference, North Coast Athletic Conference, Ohio Athletic Conference, Presidents' Athletic Conference), added, "We are thrilled to partner with Dr. Adams and the CKA Save Project. We share the goals of empowering students through rigorous academics and outstanding athletics. Developing the whole student to become a productive and successful citizen is also the Division III goal and we're proud to partner with an organization that has been highlighting the same power of sport. The CKA Save Project Balanced Student-Athlete Award is a fantastic way to shine a light on deserving student-athletes from our four conferences, and also to elevate their experience at the Opendorse Bowl Series. And knowing that research opportunities exist with CKA Save Project are an added bonus opportunity for our students. This is a fantastic partnership!"

Partnership Activation and Impact

Beyond in-venue branding and digital promotion, the CKA SAVE Project's activation includes several key components designed to support student-athlete success:

• Educational Resources: Providing copies of Dr. Adams' book, Finding the Balance, to all four conferences.
• Professional Development: Offering complimentary student-athlete consulting sessions.
• Media Recognition: Featuring digital recognition on The Odd Coaches Podcast.
• Advancing Research: Conducting three independent research studies with participating student-athletes to further advance the field of holistic student-athlete development.

The CKA SAVE Project has empowered student-athletes nationwide for over 16 years, providing essential academic, athletic, and life-skills support. Their flagship offering, the CKA SAVE Project Virtual Internship Program, is one of the nation's first flexible, NCAA-compliant programs designed to bridge the professional development gap for busy student-athletes.

About the CKA SAVE Project

The CKA SAVE Project is a financially stable, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to empowering student-athletes across the nation. Positioned as the National Leader in Holistic Student-Athlete Development, the organization moves the conversation "Beyond the Scholarship" to ensure student-athletes are prepared for enduring post-graduate success.

Opendorse Bowl Series Event Details

The series will be played on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. Early bird tickets are currently available online via Ticketmaster until November 1st at 11:59 p.m. ET. The ForeverLawn Bowl will kick off the day's events with a 1 p.m. start.

Contact: Dr. Keith Adams, President, CKA SAVE Project, [email protected]

Follow Dr. Adams on Social Media: @ckasaveproject

Follow The Odd Coaches Podcast on X: @oddcoaches