Buffalo Funds Five Star Award Recipients Announced for NAIA Winter Sports (2007-08)

Coaches and student-athletes recognized for exhibiting exceptional character values

Posted 04.01.08

For a complete list of 2007-08 award recipients click here.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Champions of Character founding partner Buffalo Funds present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. Doane College (Neb.), Cornerstone University (Mich.), Union University (Tenn.), Lindenwood University (Mo.), Stephens College (Mo.), Berry College (Ga.), Menlo College (Calif.) and Morningside College (Iowa) received the honor for the 2007-08 winter sports season. These institutions and athletic programs strive for excellence in and out of competition and are part of communities throughout the country dedicated to character-driven intercollegiate athletics.

The NAIA Champions of Character program is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport, and provide student-athletes, coaches and parents the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. The program is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is about reaching potential and making good decisions consistently in daily life.

The mission of Champions of Character is to restore character values and raise a generation of students who understand and demonstrate in everyday decisions respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

Buffalo Funds Five Star Award Recipients – Winter Sports (2007-08)
Doane College (Neb.) – Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field
Cornerstone University (Mich.) – Division II Women’s Basketball
Union University (Tenn.) – Division I Women’s Basketball
Lindenwood University (Mo.) – Men’s Swimming and Diving
Stephens College (Mo.) – Women’s Swimming and Diving
Berry College (Ga.) – Division I Men’s Basketball
Menlo College (Calif.) – Division II Men’s Basketball
Morningside College (Iowa) – Wrestling

“We build chemistry by stressing the word team. We do not run our program as a men’s or women’s team. We have one team, Doane College Track and Field. Our coaches stress to our athletes that each member can contribute to the team. Doane athletes know that if their talent is not developed enough to score points, they are still contribute by cheering, supporting and being a role model.” – Doane Men’s and Women’s Indoor Track and Field Coach Ed Fye

“When players are doing the right thing on and off the court there are so many distractions that are removed from the team environment. By removing these distractions the individuals come together. Our team chemistry has been outstanding this year and in return they have been successful.” – Cornerstone Women’s Basketball Coach Carla Fles

"When the emphasis of success is focused on character, amazing things happen. We learn to trust our teammates, give our best effort to stay accountable and push ourselves beyond limits. Character is important in team dynamics because it creates a strong relationship off the court that carries over to the hardwood. Throughout this season, character has been our focus. Without character, all we would have is wins, but never the meaning and purpose behind them.” – Cornerstone senior guard Jill Peterson

"We have defined character as being moral and being strong both mentally and physically. Morality is thinking of others before ourselves and making the right decision. Every person and team faces uncomfortable situations and character shows through during those times. In every situation we have encountered this year, whether in a game, relationship or tornado, our team has found a way to draw closer to one another and mentally and physically compete on and off the court.” – Union Women’s Basketball Coach Mark Campbell

“Character is the foundation of what Lindenwood is all about.” – Lindenwood Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Coach Craig Penrose

“Character allows you to grow into a better person, something our coach challenged us to be from the very beginning.” – Lindenwood senior Jon Lau

“Character is an important part of team chemistry because self respect is a basic ingredient in a person’s ability to get along with others. In building character through community service activities, our team members have increase their own self value which then allows them to feel more qualified to reach out to others. In working together on projects, the team has increased their respect for each other. An increased self image and better team chemistry allows the team to perform with confidence, which can only lead to success.” – Stephens Swimming and Diving Coach Laura Wacker

“We know in recruiting that it is so important to add players of high character and mold into our program. It is the first trait that we look for in anyone joining our team. We strive to find student-athletes that are selfless and give to the program, versus seeing what they can get out of it for themselves.” – Berry Men’s Basketball Coach Jeff Haarlow

“It is important to incorporate character into team dynamics because it provides an unsaid accountability. Each person working and representing our team in the community gives our team character. The team would not function to its potential if players and coaches were not taking initiative to improve. Character has been beneficial to our team in tough situations. In making decisions on and off the court, players know that their experiences that have shaped their character will aid them in choosing the right path for life.” – Berry senior Jess Mullens

“Character is not only a vital part of our team chemistry it is the key component of our team’s success on the court, in the classroom, throughout campus and within the community. Our team has established a very specific philosophy that incorporates and emphasizes the five core values. We hold each other accountable to maintain an environment that supports Champions of Character. Not only do we believe these core values will help contribute to our success on the court, but more importantly, these characteristics will help our student-athletes develop into well-rounded young men as they graduate from our program and move onto the next phase of their lives.” – Menlo Men’s Basketball Coach Brandon Laird

“Coach Laird has stressed character in every part of our team dynamics. Not just in practice and in games, but in every part of our life. This has created a culture of highly motivated student-athletes. More importantly, it has created incredible friendships and lifelong memories. No matter what the situation or circumstance, as an individual or as a team, I know that our character will propel us to victory.” – Menlo senior Bryon Wesley

To learn more about character-driven intercollegiate athletics and the Champions of Character program visit www.naia.org or www.championsofcharacter.org. For additional information on Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.

NAIA

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

Buffalo Funds

Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Men’s Division I Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.