WICHITA, Kan. — The Bethel College men's cross country team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024 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 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 Threshers have participated in a variety of service projects throughout the year, including, but not limited to:
- Taking part in a service day on campus
- Volunteering at the Bluestem Communities Gala fundraiser, which helps provide funds for residents of Bluesteam Communities facilities that are unable to cover the full cost of care.
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 are awarded to the student-athletes and team who best represent the mission of the Champions of Character Program.
Your 2024 Men's Cross Country Champions of Character Student-Athletes are:
| NAME |
INSTITUTION |
CLASS |
HOMETOWN |
| Tristen Dye |
Bethany College |
So. |
Marion, Kan. |
| Tobin Wise |
Bethel College |
Sr. |
Pleasant Hill, Mo. |
| Eric Patterson |
Evangel University |
Sr. |
Altoona, Iowa |
| Graham Bells |
Friends University |
So. |
Osborne, Kan. |
| Jake Cruz |
Kansas Wesleyan University |
Jr. |
Pasadena, Texas |
| Cody Kuss |
McPherson College |
Jr. |
Bremerton, Wash. |
| Carlos Lopez |
Oklahoma Wesleyan University |
Sr. |
Caracus, Venezuela |
| Brayden Moore |
Ottawa University |
So. |
Fort Scott, Kan. |
| Jamell Sanchez |
Southwestern College |
Jr. |
San Felipe Pueblo, N.M. |
| Dawson Urwiller |
Sterling College |
Sr. |
Hutchinson, Kan. |
| Matthew Veloz |
Tabor College |
Sr. |
Kyle, Texas |
| Kevin Flannigan |
University of Saint Mary |
Sr. |
Leavenworth, Kan. |
| Drew Lugafet |
York University |
Jr. |
Hutchinson, Kan. |
About IMA Financial Group
IMA Financial Group is the 10th largest independently owned retail insurance broker in the U.S., offering risk management and insurance services. Founded in 1974, IMA has nearly 650 employees in offices throughout the central U.S.
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