KANSAS — The Oklahoma Wesleyan men's wrestling team has been named the 2024-25 KCAC Men's Team of Character, the conference office announced Friday. All KCAC Champions of Character Awards are presented by IMA Financial Group.
"This award is a reflection of the commitment to service learning that Oklahoma Wesleyan University has set as an emphasis of an OKWU degree," Tom Carr, head coach of the men's wrestling program at Oklahoma Wesleyan, remarked. "I am grateful to the administration for setting this goal and to the faculty and staff that model service every day. Most of all, I am proud of the wrestlers who took on these tasks and showed up to contribute to our community. The lessons that they have learned in the classroom, on the mat, and in the community will set them apart for their future."
The Eagles participated in a variety of service projects in 2024-25, including, but not limited to:
- Cleaning a local parking lot several times a year
- Hanging Christmas lights for the city of Bartlesville
- Working with Concern Cares, a resource center for disadvantaged residents of Bartlesville. The team delivered food to the Concern Cares Food Bank, as well as particiapted in a lip sync contest that raises money for the organization.
- Volunteer with local youth wrestling clubs
- Most of the team is part of the Big Brothers organization, and make a point to take their mentees to dinners, community events, and wrestling matches. They also try to assist in the area of academics and serve as positive role models for their mentees.
The Eagles were named the Team of Character for their sport in Februrary at the KCAC Men's Wrestling Championship. The team enjoyed success at the conference championship, with:
- Four wrestlers finishing in the Top 3 in their weight class.
- Hunter Hall winning the Gorriaran Award (awarded to the wrestler with the most falls in the least amount of time at the KCAC Conference Championship).
- A fourth place finish as a team.
- Two wrestlers qualifying for the national championship.
"It is exciting to see our wrestling program receive this award," Kirk Kelley, Athletic Director at Oklahoma Wesleyan University, said. "It symbolizes what the program stands for and what these wrestlers stand for. I am proud of our team and their commitment to others."
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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