WICHITA, Kan. — The University of Saint Mary men's swimming & diving 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 Spires have accumulated over 200 hours of community service in the past year as a team. This service includes, but is not limited to:
- Volunteering to run high school swim meets (setup, timers, cleanup).
- Volunteering at the Leavenworth County Humane Society
- Feed the Need – pack food for hungry families
- Wednesday Wave – greet 4th and 5th graders at Lansing Intermediate School
- Volunteer at local hospitals and nursing homes
- Food delivery to Catholic Charities
Members of the Saint Mary men's swimming & diving team serve in leadership roles in organizations across their cumpus, including, but not limited to:
- Residential Hall Assistants
- Honors Executive Council
- STEM Club
- Student Nursing Association
- Theology Club
- Student Government Association
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 Swimming & Diving Champions of Character Student-Athletes are:
| NAME |
INSTITUTION |
CLASS |
HOMETOWN |
| Titus Smith |
Aquinas College |
So. |
Allegan, Mich. |
| Joe Sheets |
Bethel University |
Sr. |
Greenwood, Ind. |
| Paul Roscoe |
Dordt University |
Jr. |
Lyons, Neb. |
| Nicolas Ruth |
Midland University |
Sr. |
Mauer, Germany |
| Caden Morton |
Morningside University |
Sr. |
Gillette, Wyo. |
| Timothy Braun |
Olivet Nazarene University |
Sr. |
Sycamore, Ill. |
| Jared Price |
Sterling College |
Sr. |
Cheyenne, Wyo. |
| Luke Taylor |
University of Saint Mary |
Jr. |
Wichita, 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.
—KCAC—