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Lindsey Wilson University Student Services Deans Compete at International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation Championship

Assistant Dean of Students Abe Cross earns bronze medal in his class.

by Duane Bonifer

COLUMBIA, Ky. (09/03/2025) — Two Lindsey Wilson University administrators are proof that some college athletes never stop competing, they simply find new ways to compete.

Dean of Students Chris Schmidt and Assistant Dean of Students Abe Cross, who serve in the university's student services office, were among the thousands of people from around the world who competed at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Masters Championship, held Aug. 28-30 in Las Vegas.

Brazilian jiu-jitsu, developed in the 1920's from an ancient Japanese martial art, is a submission grappling sport where competitors attempt to control their opponents with joint manipulation locks and other techniques.

All of the competitors at the Las Vegas event were at least 30 years old, and individuals competed according to their rank, age and weight class.

"It was an awesome event, it was incredible," said Schmidt. "It's one of those things where Abe and I have been training with our coach for almost seven years, and the idea of competing against people your own age and division from around the world was challenging and exciting."

Schmidt bowed out in the first round, losing to the eventual winner, who had won multiple world titles, of his bracket. But Cross went 3-1, ending up on the podium with the bronze medal in his class -- 35- to 40-year olds with a purple belt (the third rank of six rankings) who are in the ultra-heavyweight class (a minimum weight of 222 pounds).

"Even though it's very competitive, everyone you meet there is very friendly. It's a real family-type atmosphere," said Schmidt.

Schmidt played basketball in college, coached basketball and cycling at Lindsey Wilson, and he has competed in iron man events for more than 12 years. Cross was a wrestler in college, and he coached wrestling at Lindsey Wilson.

"I started jujitsu because I needed a hobby that was going to keep me healthy," said Cross. "It was an easy transition from wrestling to jujitsu because I already had that mat-sport base. And the fellowship with friends was also great."

Schmidt was introduced to jujitsu by his son, Cole, who took it up when he was a college student.

"You grow up tossing the ball around in the backyard with your son, so we got into jujitsu," said Schmidt. "It was a great way to spend more time with him. But then I realized it was more than that. I'm always looking for new things to challenge me because I think there are an infinite amount of things that we can learn."

Schmidt, who took up jujitsu when he was in his 40s, said the sport is also a great way to relax.

"You want to talk about the ultimate stress-reliever," he said.

And Cross said the strong sense of community and camaraderie among jujitsu practitioners adds to the sport's fun.

"There's a oneness from going through the same struggle together that helps you bond with other people," he said.

Lindsey Wilson University is a vibrant liberal arts university in Columbia, Kentucky. Founded in 1903 and affiliated with The United Methodist Church, the mission of Lindsey Wilson is to serve the educational needs of students by providing a living-learning environment within an atmosphere of active caring and Christian concern where every student, every day, learns and grows and feels like a real human being. Lindsey Wilson offers 28 undergraduate majors, five graduate programs and a doctoral program. The university's 29 intercollegiate varsity athletic teams have won more than 120 team and individual national championships.

Media Attachments

Lindsey Wilson University Assistant Dean of Students Abe Cross, center, is joined by Dean of Students Chris Schmidt, right, and their coach, Patches Childers, at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation World Masters Championship, held Aug. 28-30 in Las Vegas.

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