Vanguard University (Calif.) Men's Indoor Track & Field 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 Vanguard University (Calif.) men’s indoor track & field 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 Lions, who compete in the Golden State Athletic Conference, are led by head coach Bryan Wilkins.

”When our athletes embrace the character qualities we promote and adopt them it creates an amazing camaraderie and a close knit bond among our team. Everyone is excited to be part of something positive and meaningful, a movement that is bigger than one’s individual self,” said Wilkins. “With a close knit team comes energy, passion, accountability, strengthened work ethic and a deep desire to contribute to the team’s success. Enhanced performance is a natural progression when all these forces are in play.”

Several track athletes serve in a leadership program at Vanguard called L.I.O.N.S. (Leaders Influencing Our National Sports). These students meet regularly to discuss leadership strategies and serving opportunities. Many of the athletes help with the Champions of Character Program Center on campus and are involved in an array of community outreach activities for Costa Mesa youth.

”It is important to incorporate character into team dynamics because without character it is impossible to have trust within the team. Character also builds the team up and keeps them together,” said junior Billy Smith. “Character has helped me and my team to stay unified because it helps each of us build a strong bond with one another on the basis of trust.”

Wilkins, Smith and the Vanguard University Lions are part of the community that is dedicated to intentionally teaching character in and out of sport. To learn more visit www.vanguard.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.