Nov. 29, 2007

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - At the conclusion of the 24th annual women's and 49th annual men's soccer national championship events the NAIA and Brine announced defender Kari Moore of Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) and forward Brian Loving of Graceland University (Iowa) recipients of the Brine Method Champions of Character scholarships. Brine Method is designed to help athletes discover, promote and achieve greatness while developing skills and character values on and off the field.   

In its second year, the scholarships recognize one female and one male student-athlete that best exemplify the Champions of Character and Brine Method ideal throughout the NAIA soccer national championship tournaments. The NAIA on behalf of Brine will contribute a $1,000 scholarship to the institutions represented by the two award winners.

"The NAIA Champions of Character program measures an athlete by actions and development both on and off the field. The desire for personal growth and achievement is echoed in the Brine Method Program," said Jon Brunell an Associate for Brand Marketing for Brine Corp.  "We are proud to partner with the NAIA and would like to congratulate both Kari and Brian on their tremendous seasons."

Moore is a sophomore nursing student-athlete with a 4.0 GPA from San Clemente, Calif. She led the Point Loma Sea Lions to its second national championship tournament appearance. Moore ended the season with three goals and four assists and was named the Champions of Character award winner for the Point Loma Nazarene women's soccer program.

Joining Moore is Brian Loving a sophomore from St. Joseph, Mo. Loving and Graceland entered the men's national championship tournament as reigning champions. He scored three goals and registered four assists on the season as was named the Champions of Character award winner for the Yellowjackets men's soccer program.

Brine Method Champions of Character scholarships are part of Brine's total commitment to the NAIA. Brine serves as the "Official Soccer Ball of the NAIA" and sponsors the NAIA Men's and Women's Coach of the Year awards. Brine officials are present at NAIA soccer national championships and showcase the partnership and official ball at the National Soccer Coaches Association of America annual conventions.

"Brine is a wonderful advocate for character-driven intercollegiate athletics and a fantastic partner of the NAIA. Brine's interest to tie Champions of Character and Brine Method into a scholarship component is a tremendous opportunity to recognize two outstanding individuals," said Mike Campbell, NAIA Vice President for Marketing and Corporate Partnerships. "I would like to thank Brine for its continued commitment to NAIA soccer programs and applaud student-athletes throughout the country that recognize and use the Champions of Character philosophy in competition."

For additional information on Brine visit www.brine.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.

-BRINE-
Brine, established in 1922, believes that inside every player is a better player. Brine's motto "Find Your Game", speaks to their almost century long support of players in their athletic pursuit of game improvement products and programs. Innovators of the OffsetTM lacrosse stick and the original round bladder soccer ball (official ball of the NAIA). Acquired by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. in August, 2006, Brine is a recognized industry leader in lacrosse, soccer, field hockey and volleyball. Headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts, Brine asks you to Find Your GameTM at Brine.com.