FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONCORDIA’S ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT NAMED CHAMPION OF CHARACTER
ANN ARBOR, Mich., January 7, 2008 – The athletic department of Concordia University – Ann Arbor was honored by being named a Champions of Character institution for the 2006-2007 school year. The current school year marks Concordia’s fourth year of involvement in the Champions of Character program.
Champions of Character is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) educational outreach initiative that was launched in 2000. All NAIA schools are encouraged to participate in the program. To be recognized as a Champions of Character institution, schools must incorporate the program’s five core values: Respect, Responsibility, Integrity, Servant Leadership, and Sportsmanship. Education on these values and the expectations of the program is provided to four key groups: student-athletes, coaches, parents, and the fans.
Ben Limback, Assistant Athletic Director and Head Men’s Basketball Coach, stated, “At Concordia, student-athletes are held to a higher standard. To help incorporate these values we hold regular student-athlete and coaches meetings, during which the expectations are laid out and discussed.” Concordia’s athletes are required to make a promise to their university by signing behavior pledges. In addition, a statement is read before each home game conveying the importance of sportsmanship and integrity as a player, coach, and fan. Limback continued, “These steps ensure that the message of the Champions of Character program is communicated to everyone involved.”
Student-athletes at Concordia are encouraged to become active in the community. By participating in campus-wide servant event days, student athletes and traditional students are exposed to activities that reach out to the Ann Arbor community. Limback added, “This program teaches student-athletes and our fans that there is more to sports than just winning.”
Concordia University - Ann Arbor is a liberal arts institution of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. With a Christian environment and an academic community dedicated to excellence, CUAA offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs. CUAA is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA) and by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). CUAA Family Life Program is certified by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR). CUAA’s Athletic Program is a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character institution. CUAA is listed as one of America's Best Private Colleges®. For more information on CUAA, visit: www.cuaa.edu.
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