Men Basketball's Cole Nichols Chosen as AMC's Emil S. Liston Scholarship Nominee

Wil Teague, Sports Information Director | June 30, 2026

PARAGOULD, Ark. – Each year, the NAIA accepts nominations for several prestigious national awards, with conferences selecting outstanding student-athletes to represent them on the national stage. For the 2025-26 academic year, Crowley's Ridge College men's basketball student-athlete Cole Nichols has been selected by the American Midwest Conference as its nominee for the Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award.

The Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award is one of the NAIA's most prestigious honors, recognizing junior men's and women's basketball student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. To be eligible, nominees must maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 and demonstrate outstanding character, citizenship, leadership, and a positive impact on their team and campus community.

Named in honor of the NAIA's first executive secretary and the prime driving force behind the NAIA Men's Basketball National Tournament, the Emil S. Liston Scholarship has been awarded annually since 1950 to one male and one female junior basketball student-athlete who exemplify excellence in both the classroom and on the court.

A native of Dexter, Missouri, Nichols was selected by the American Midwest Conference to represent the league as its male nominee, as Nichols embodies the qualities the award was created to recognize.

Nichols currently carries a 3.88 GPA while pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Known as a natural leader both on and off the court, he has consistently set the standard in the classroom by leading group projects, mentoring classmates, and serving as a positive example for his peers.

On the court, Nichols played a key role in helping the Pioneers earn their second consecutive postseason appearance. He averaged 10.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shooting 39.2 percent from three-point range. Following the 2025-26 season, Nichols earned AMC Third Team All-Conference and AMC Academic All-Conference honors.

The recipient of the 2026 Emil S. Liston Scholarship Award will be announced during NAIA National Awards Day on September 15, 2026.

Pioneer Athletics is proud to have Cole Nichols represent both Crowley's Ridge College and the American Midwest Conference on the national stage.

Congratulations, Cole! #GOPIONEERS

Check out the official release here: https://amcsportsonline.com/general/2025-26/releases/20260630fxm2x5