The Missouri Valley College athletic department has earned the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award for its conduct in competition, in the classroom and in the community during the 2018-19 athletic year. In addition to the award, the athletic department was recognized as a Champions of Character Gold Institution, the highest honor for NAIA schools.
A news release says the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award was established to recognize NAIA institutions that focus on character, academics and positive conduct in competition. Schools earn points based on their involvement in those areas, including overall GPA, community service and outreach projects, character training and conduct during competitions.
Missouri Valley finished the 2018-19 school year with a score of 95 out of a possible 100 points. Highlights from the NAIA Champions of Character scorecard include the “Kans-4-Kids” food donation drive held on Halloween by the men’s wrestling program; Champions of Character outreach during National championship events by various athletic programs; community service projects; and a Leadership Dinner with Missouri Valley President Dr. Bonnie Humphrey.
“We are very excited to be one of the few NAIA institutions to earn the Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Award,” said Executive Vice President Tom Fifer. “This award was made possible by our coaches focusing on the five-core values the NAIA embraces. We are extremely proud of our student-athletes, and their hard work in the classroom and in competition. We are also proud of how our athletic programs give back to the community, and strive to represent the college in a positive manner.”
Missouri Valley was one of 63 NAIA institutions and one of seven from the Heart of America Athletic Conference to earn the Gold award. Missouri Valley also helped the Heart earn the Five-Star Conference Award.