KANSAS CITY, Mo. – For the sixth time in seven years, Northwestern College has been recognized as a gold level Champions of Character Five-Star award winner by the NAIA. Northwestern was one of 120 institutions to receive a perfect score.
“The NAIA Champions of Character continues to remain a point of emphasis within our athletic department,” Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops said. “The core components of the program directly align with our mission of Honoring Christ Through Excellence in Athletics. Being a Five-Star gold standard school is a staple for Red Raider Athletics made possible by the incredible student athletes and athletic staff who are committed to the Right Way to Play in collegiate athletics today.”
To achieve a gold distinction, a school must score 90 or above on the Champions of Character scorecard. The NAIA measures institutions on character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Institutions also earn points for exceptional grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition.
Northwestern saw 12 programs appear at national championship events, accumulated 10 NAIA All-Americans, had two NAIA Players of the Year (Zavyr Metzger, Jesse Van Kalsbeek), and finished as national runners-up in volleyball.
