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Biola University (Calif.) Men's and Women's Swimming & Diving Program Receives Buffalo Funds Five Star Award
Coaches and student-athletes recognized for exhibiting exceptional character values
Posted 3.30.07
For a complete list of 2006-07 award recipients click here.
OLATHE, Kan. – 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. The Biola University (Calif.) swimming program was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for its dedication and implementation of the Champions of Character program’s five core values: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and  sportsmanship. The Eagles, who compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference, are led by head coach Eddie Shepard.
”The athletes, through good character, maintain care and concern for one another. They have a bond that has grown to be strong and unending,” said Shepard. “This closeness has allowed the team to work hard together and maintain positive attitudes. I am so thankful for the opportunity to coach such a close group of student-athletes.”
The Biola Eagles, with seven seniors on the team, are passionate about their sport and about representing the university well in and out of competition. The NAIA defines servant leadership when a student-athlete puts the team first in every decision. In the pool of student-athletes competing at Biola the word teammate means family. Each team member has a different personality and each member is valued for what they individually offer to the entire group.
”Strong character is something that defines who you are as a team and individual. It is  about having respect for those who you meet in the pool and out, because each person has incredible value,” said junior swimmer Elena Fernandez. “The time our team has spent encouraging and investing in each other this season has carried us to where we are today. My character has been put to the test throughout this time and I am grateful that God has used the thousands of hours spent in the pool to make me into the person I am today.”
Shepard, Fernandez and the Biola Eagles are part of the community that is dedicated to intentionally teaching character in and out of sport. To learn more visit www.biola.edu.
NAIA
A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.
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 Division I Men's Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit www.buffalofunds.com.
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