(KIWA Staff Photo)Kansas City, Missouri and Orange City, Iowa — Northwestern College has earned a gold-level Champions of Character Five-Star Award from the NAIA, marking the program’s sixth gold recognition in seven years.
Northwestern was one of 120 institutions to receive a perfect score on the NAIA’s Champions of Character scorecard.
Vice President for Athletics Tony Hoops says the Champions of Character program remains a major focus for the department and reflects Northwestern’s mission to honoring Christ through excellence. He credited student‑athletes and staff for maintaining a culture committed to what the NAIA calls the Right Way to Play in college athletics.
To achieve gold distinction, schools must score 90 or above on the NAIA scorecard, which evaluates character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Institutions also earn points for exceptional grade-point averages and for having few or no ejections during competition.
Northwestern’s year included 12 national championship appearances, 10 NAIA All-Americans, and two NAIA Players of the Year — Zavyr Metzger and Jesse Van Kalsbeek. The Red Raiders also finished as the national runner-up in volleyball.
