KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Tabor College has once again been named an NAIA Champions of Character Five Star institution for its pursuit in promoting the highest character in its intercollegiate athletics. Throughout their competitive seasons, coaches and athletes focus on the five core values of the Champions of Character program: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
“Character in competition is an important value for the Tabor Athletic Department,” said Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Rusty Allen. “I appreciate the way our coaches and athletes work at maintaining high standards. We are honored to have achieved the NAIA Champion of Character Gold status.”
According to the NAIA, every institution and conference has their progress in pursuing character education tracked and recognized annually for achievements in training, promotion and conduct in competition. The Champions of Character Scorecard measures commitment in five key areas and has a possible 100 points. There are three levels that are awarded: Gold (90-100 points), Silver (75-89 points) and Bronze (60-74 points).
Tabor was one of 29 schools across the country to receive Gold status after it finished the 2014-15 year receiving 96 of a possible 100 points on its scorecard. The 96 points placed Tabor eighth overall and first in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Tabor and the University of Saint Mary were the only schools in the KCAC to receive Gold status.
The five key areas for earning Champions of Character status include: training the coaching staff, completing the Learn to Live 5 online student-athlete training course, engaging in Live 5 training/activities, being involved in outreach activities and completing community service projects.
“It is an honor to be named a Five Star Champions of Charter institution,” said Karol Hunt, Tabor’s Champions of Character liaison and chair of the KCAC Champions of Character Committee. “To reach the Gold status is a reflection of the support of Tabor’s coaches and athletes in living the five core values, not only during competition, but also on campus and in outreach programs in the community.”