General | 7/14/2026 12:00:00 PM

OXFORD, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of the baseball team at Shawnee State University as the 2025-26 recipient of the River States Conference Men's Team of Character Award. The Bears were selected after a vote from the athletic directors of the River States Conference.

The RSC Team of Character awards honor one men's and one women's team each year for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community. A deserving team demonstrates the NAIA's five core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. The award is patterned after the national team of character award presented by the NAIA.

The Shawnee State baseball team exemplified the NAIA's five core values throughout the season by consistently demonstrating integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The Bears competed with honesty and accountability, representing Shawnee State with integrity both on and off the field. The baseball team completed its 54-game season without single ejection, suspension or any other disciplinary action taken on a player or coach. They showed respect for teammates, coaches, opponents and game officials while embracing the challenges of competition. 

The team accepted responsibility for its actions and commitments, maintaining high standards in the classroom, community and at Branch Rickey Park. Through their conduct during games, the Bears displayed outstanding sportsmanship, competing with passion while honoring the spirit of the game. 

Additionally, the team embraced servant leadership by supporting one another, contributing to the campus and local community, and serving as positive role models for future student-athletes. The Shawnee State baseball team regularly made up the large majority of the student-section at fall and winter sports home events.