UPIKE Athletics prides itself on excellence on and off the playing surface, and was honored with the NAIA’s highest off-the-field distinction on Wednesday by being named a gold-level Champions of Character Five-Star Institution.
Pikeville earned a perfect 100-point score for the first time in program history. It was a gold-level winner last year and this is the fourth consecutive year UPIKE has won a Five-Star award.
“I challenged our coaching staff to strive for the perfect score this year after earning gold last year, and I’m ecstatic that we accomplished exactly that,” Director of Athletics Kelly Wells said.
The Champions of Character program helps participants find the balance by keeping five core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience, from student-athletes to coaches to administration. Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion.
“Being an outstanding representation of our university and community at all times everywhere we go is one of my top priorities for this department, so it’s a great beacon of pride to know that we’re accomplishing that,” Wells said. “This isn’t an award just for me and our administration, it’s for every coach, staff member, and student-athlete we have.”
Pikeville was one of eight schools to earn the gold-level award in the Mid-South Conference, which was also named a Five-Star Conference as well.
- Source: UPIKE athletics