IU East Men's Basketball Team Honored by Champions of Character
Men's Basketball team receives national award
Richmond, Ind. - The Indiana University East men's basketball team has been recognized for their efforts in the community for the NAIA champions of character program. The Red Wolves received the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for NAIA Division II men's basketball.
The awards are presented by the NAIA and the champions of character funding partner Buffalo Funds.
"I could not be prouder of our guys giving what this award represents," Athletic Director and Head Men's Basketball Coach Mark Hester said. "It has nothing to do with their physical abilities and everything to do with their character as people, and that is why it is so special. We do our best to teach our players how to be part of something much bigger than themselves and by giving back to the community that supports them, they have done that."
The IU East men's basketball team participated in a variety of activities throughout the 2008-09 school year, including visiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Wayne County to discuss the importance of staying in school, going to Twin Valley South Elementary School to read to kindergartners, and visiting local senior centers to invite senior citizens to home Red Wolves basketball games.
"I'm proud of the kids for winning this award, but I am even more proud of the way they embraced the champions of character mission this year," Assistant Athletic Director and champions of character coordinator Jim Aller said. "The IU East athletic program is committed to being an active, involved member of the Richmond community. Our student-athletes learned and grew from their experience with the program and we look forward to participating again next year."
The award honors teams committed to the champions of character program's five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship. The NAIA's flagship character initiative is designed to instill an understanding of character values in sport and provide student-athletes and coaches the training to help them know and do the right things, inside and outside the sports setting. Champions of character is dedicated to the principle that character is a choice and that being a champion is about reaching your potential and making good decisions consistently in daily life.