WICHITA, Kan. — The University of Saint Mary men's wrestling team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2022-23 season. Champions of Character award winners from each institution have also been chosen. The KCAC Team of Character and Champions of Character awards are sponsored by IMA Financial Group and Dissinger Reed, and both were based on the NAIA Champions of Character award. A team is recognized in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.
The Spires have participated in a variety of service projects, which include, but are not limited to:
- "Feed the Need" - a project that fed food-insecure families in the Leavenworth community.
- Backpack Buddies - the team filled backpacks full of school supplies and Spire gear for underprivileged elementary age students.
- Shoveling snow for those who live near the wrestling facility.
- Cleaned up a property for a local US Army veteran - built and repaired fence line, other yard work.
Photo Credit: University of Saint Mary Athletics
Committed to advancing character-driven athletics, the NAIA Champions of Character program aims to inspire student-athletes, coaches, officials, and fans to hold high standards and embody what character truly means in a competitive arena. By keeping the five core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership at the heart of the athletics experience, the Champions of Character program empowers participants to change the culture of sport.
The Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference Champions of Character awards are presented by IMA Financial Group and Dissinger Reed, and are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.
Your 2022-23 Men's Wrestling Champions of Character Student-Athletes are:
Photo Credit: University of Saint Mary Athletics
| NAME |
INSTITUTION |
CLASS |
HOMETOWN |
| Jake Callahan |
Avila University |
So. |
Lee's Summit, Mo. |
| Chase Pywell |
Bethany College |
Sr. |
Lindsborg, Kan. |
| Treyton Rusher |
Friends University |
So. |
Derby, Kan. |
| Jaden Welden |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University |
So. |
Mannford, Okla. |
| Parker Wright |
Ottawa University |
Sr. |
Edmond, Okla. |
| Gabe Chesbro |
University of Saint Mary |
So. |
Tulsa, Okla. |
| Drew Lugafet |
York University |
Fr. |
Hutchinson, Kan. |
About IMA Financial Group
IMA Financial Group is the 3rd largest independently owned broker in the United States: IMA Financial Group, Inc. is an integrated financial services company focused on protecting the assets of its widely varied client base through insurance and wealth management solutions. Because IMA is employee owned, the company's 1,700+ associates are empowered to provide customized solutions for their clients' unique needs. IMA currently works with over 200 educational institutions.
About Dissinger Reed - The Most Trusted Name in Athletic Insurance
Dissinger Reed is a special risk agency that focuses specifically on the unique insurance needs of collegiate athletic departments and state high school associations. The comprehensive coverage, market expertise and peace of mind we provide our clientele are the bedrock of our success. Since 1982, Dissinger Reed has been responding to the rising costs of premiums and medical expenses on behalf of our clients. Dissinger Reed is always proactive in securing the most comprehensive insurance coverage for any risk within your college/university/junior college athletic department, including insurance for camps and clinics, international students and more.