by Dori Rapinchuk, CofO SID
College of the Ozarks has once again been named as a Five-Star Institution by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Every year, each NAIA institution and conference demonstrates their progress in pursuing character-driven athletics. The Champions of Character Scorecard measures growth in training, promotion, conduct in competition and commitment in five key areas.
The coaching staff at College of the Ozarks is committed to promoting the NAIA’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership with each of their student athletes. Both on and off the court, field, track and/or course, the College’s student athletes are held accountable to high standards. They are expected to attend classes and stay abreast of required coursework in the midst of practices, competition, and travel schedules. Every student athlete is responsible for working at his or her assigned College work station 15 hours per week.
In addition, the coaches provide their teams with opportunities for community service and spiritual growth. Last season, student athletes participated in team Bible studies as well as numerous outreach programs, which included a basketball clinic hosting Champion Athletes of the Ozarks, sponsorship of a Compassion International child through personal player donations, all teams filling Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes, sponsoring summer camps, reading to children in the local elementary schools, and similar activities.
“Our institution in committed to promoting Christ-like character in all aspects of college life,” stated Mark Rapinchuk, the College’s NAIA Champions of Character liaison. “It is obvious that our coaching staff does not recruit on performance alone, but on the character of the individual as well. I am continually impressed by our coaches’ commitment to the success of their team members–within their sport, studies, day-to-day life, and faith—as well as our athletes who choose to embrace these core values in all aspects of their lives.”
College of the Ozarks is proud to be one of the 171 NAIA institutions to earn the Five-Star Institution Award.
