(Peru, Neb.) – Recently, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) released their Champions of Character Scorecard with the 2010-11 results showing how the association and its members are advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics. Among the top athletic programs in the NAIA listing was Peru State College (PSC), which tied for 18th out of 220 colleges and universities, which were recognized with the Champions of Character Five Star Award.PSC President Dr. Dan Hanson was very pleased with the recent announcement. Dr. Hanson said, “The College is very proud of our coaches and student-athletes and their strong commitment to the Champions of Character program.” Athletic Director Steve Schneider echoed Dr. Hanson's comments. Schneider added, “Our coaches and their student-athletes have supported this initiative. Through their actions, the values of the Champions of Character are being gained by our athletes and they continue to take ownership of the program, which is important.”

Peru State's Athletic Department Receives the Five Star Award for second year in a row!

The Association, which boasts a proud reputation as an arena that promotes competitive athletics, academic excellence and character values simultaneously, is recognizing 220 colleges and universities and 23 conferences with the Champions of Character Five Star Award. To receive the award members scored 60 or more points on the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard and conferences named to the list had at least 60% of its member schools making the grade with 60 or more points.

In terms of conferences, Peru State fared very well. With its old conference from last year, the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference (MCAC), Peru State was easily on top as the next closest school had 72 points. In their new conference, the Heart of America Athletic Conference (HAAC), only Benedictine College finished ahead of the PSC with 87 points. Peru State finished with 85 points.238

“In today's complex college athletic environments – where success is sometimes only measured by wins and losses – strengthening effective athletic departments and leadership is key to advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics,” said Kristin Gillette, NAIA Director of Champions of Character. “The Scorecard supports and recognizes member institutions and conferences using sport as a vehicle to teach life lessons. No doubt this is a point of differentiation in college athletics and making a huge impact on our 60,000 student-athletes.”

The Scorecard was crafted to convert the NAIA's vision and strategy into measurable goals and to monitor progress towards advancing character-driven intercollegiate athletics. The initiative supports performance-driven athletics while defining expectations and standards that drive successful teams and athletics departments.

Institutions were measured based on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earned points in each of the following categories: character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by obtaining zero ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

Lyndsay Drumm - SAAC President

Senior Bobcat softball player Lyndsay Drumm (Bennington) played a role in Peru State's overall success last year as she served as a member of the Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). Drumm said, “I am proud to be a member of a college that views character growth as an important part of being a student-athlete and look forward to continuing the growth and helping the college to become even better.” Drumm was recently elected to lead the SAAC group this year as its president. The group is planning on continuing to keep their teammates involved in various activities. Drumm added, “On Friday, Oct. 21, several members of SAAC are going to be helping with NADAA's Red Ribbon Festival in Auburn. In addition, we are having all teams participate in a drive to collect winter items in a competition recognizing the national 'Make A Difference Day.' All items collected will be donated to the Project Response which serves Johnson, Nemaha, Otoe, Pawnee and Richardson counties.”

Over 80% of member institutions and all member conferences were named to the Five Star list. Colleges and universities landing in the top five spots include Cornerstone (Mich.) with 103 points, Montana Tech of the University of Montana with 97 points, Shawnee State (Ohio) with 94 points, Biola (Calif.) and Xavier (La.) each with 91 points and Oklahoma City and Saint Thomas Houston (Texas) rounding out the top five with 89 points apiece. The Appalachian, Frontier, Gulf Coast and TranSouth Conferences landed in the top spot with 100% of its member schools making the grade.

Five Star Award recipients will be recognized on the NAIA Champions of Character website, and receive a special web banner and certificate noting the honor. Presidents, athletics directors and conference commissioners at award winning colleges, universities or conferences also will be recognized at the 71st Annual NAIA National Convention in April.

The Scorecard process is based on the NAIA's flagship program Champions of Character, which emphasizes the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. To learn more about the NAIA Champions of Character Scorecard and Five Star Award visit www.ChampionsofCharacter.org.