NAIA names OLLU as a Champions of Character institution

SAN ANTONIO • The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) named 199 colleges and universities, including Our Lady of the Lake University, as Champions of Character (COC) institutions.
These institutions share the NAIA’s commitment to high standards and to the principle that participation in athletics serves as an integral part of the total education process.

OLLU, the only local university affiliated with the NAIA, joined the association in fall 2007 with women’s volleyball and men’s soccer.

In 2008, OLLU added tennis, golf and women’s soccer, and in 2009, it will add basketball, cross country and women’s softball.

“The COC program translated beautifully into the mission of OLLU by reinforcing core Catholic beliefs,” said Adrienne Rodriguez, director of campus recreation and associate athletic director; she directs the COC program at OLLU. “To embody the belief that ‘character is a choice and to become a champion one should not focus only on winning, but should make a commitment to making good and smart decisions consistently in daily life’ is a construct of student engagement and success.”

The core values not only provided a model of expectations for the student-athletes but formulated guidelines and standards for the coaches and the athletic department, resulting in a well-grounded program founded on values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.
 
“COC transcended divine providence at many different levels and we are very proud to be recognized for sharing the commitment of perusing higher standards of character, academics and athletics,” said Jack Hank, Our Lady of the Lake University vice president of student life/athletic director. 

To be considered a Champions of Character institution, schools must complete a form which is later reviewed by a team. These institutions must demonstrate how the campus incorporates the Champions of Character program in five specific areas: athletic contests, public service projects, established policies related to behavior in practice and game situations, athletic and academic environment and character education.