WICHITA, Kan. — The University of Saint Mary men's bowling team has been awarded the KCAC Champions of Character Team of the Year honor for their sport in the 2024-25 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 Saint Mary men's bowling program participated in a variety of service projects throughout the year, including, but not limited to:
- Volunteering at Berkel Bash - a community event where people can interact with different teams from Saint Mary.
- Feed the Need - boxing up food to give to those in need.
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 2024-25 Men's Bowling Champions of Character Student-Athletes are:
| NAME |
INSTITUTION |
CLASS |
HOMETOWN |
| Josh Oldham |
Avila University |
So. |
Excelsior Springs, Mo. |
| Landon Jones |
Kansas Wesleyan University |
Sr. |
Murphy, Texas |
| Justin Preston |
Ottawa University |
So. |
Olathe, Kan. |
| Dantoine Ballard Jr. |
University of Saint Mary |
Jr. |
St. Louis, Mo |
| Brandon Ogden |
Midland University |
Fifth Year |
Lebanon, Ill. |
| Braden Huber |
Morningside University |
So. |
Akron, Iowa |
| Anthony Morella |
Hastings College |
So. |
Centennial, Colo. |
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.
—KCAC—