SIOUX CITY, Iowa — The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has recognized Briar Cliff as a “Five-Star Champions of Character Institution” for the sixth straight year.

The distinction, which the University has earned every year since the Five-Star award’s inception in 2010, is given to schools which have excelled in the areas of character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. This year, the NAIA recognized 171 institutions nationwide.

“Character and sportsmanship are core values in each of our athletic programs, so to be named a five-star Champions of Character institution is an incredible achievement for BCU,” said athletic director Steve Gast. “The honor is a culmination of the effort of our student-athletes; and the commitment of our coaches, faculty, staff and administration to developing our students the right way — on and off the field of play.”

“We strive to include character messages in our practices and camps,” added Marian Pesky, director of BCU’s Champions of Character program. “We work with our coaches and student-athletes to instill the importance of being a person of character, as well as striving to be the best we can be in the playing arena and in the classroom.”

The award is the latest in a string of honors recognizing Briar Cliff student-athlete success during competition, in the classroom and beyond. Fifteen BCU athletic programs earned NAIA Scholar Team status in 2015-16, and the Charger men’s basketball team was recognized with a Team Academic Excellence Award from the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). Charger student-athletes also spend thousands of hours performing service projects in the community, at places like Camp High Hopes, the Siouxland Center for Active Generations, Boys and Girls Home and the Sioux City Miracle League, among others.

The Champions of Character program promotes five core values in student athletes — integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. The NAIA annually tracks the progress of every member institution through a Champions of Character scoring system. Institutions earn points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages, and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

With the school year barely started and Sachem North Student Government. which includes student-athletes, started its food drive donation drive during Labor Day weekend.

They got off to an excellent start by generating $1,600 in donations at Applebees. Keep up the great week and never stop making a difference!

(Photo credit: Sachem North Student Government)

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. (Sept. 12, 2016) – The Mercy College women’s lacrosse team volunteered with Volunteer New York! for their 9/11 tribute day on Friday, Sept. 9 at the Westchester County Center.

Volunteer New York!’s mission is to inspire, mobilize, and equip individuals and groups to take positive action to address pressing challenges, support nonprofits and strengthen the quality of life in our community.

The women’s lacrosse team took time to make cards that were attached to rice crispy treats for first responders. They also made holiday cards for meals on wheels and people who cannot medically leave their house. This is the second year in a row that they have participated in this event.

“It is a humbling experience for our student-athletes as they were very young when 9/11 happened,” said head coach Dawn Anselmin. “I want to make sure they know and understand that the lives lost on that terrible day will not be in vein and that we will work hard to help those helping others to be safe in our country.”

To learn more about Volunteer New York! And how you can contribute, please click the link below.

https://www.volunteernewyork.org/HOC__Affiliate_Home_Page

CHICAGO – Peter Ryckbosch came up with a novel way to spend part of his summer vacation.

He ironed 100 blankets.

What the senior men’s basketball player did was attach and iron on logos with a heart next to DePaul Blue Demons on blankets that were decorated on Tuesday by Blue Demon student-athletes during their annual community-service project. The blankets are donated to the children of the St. Vincent de Paul Center.

“I spent quite a few hours in the Athletics Academic Advising office ironing on the logos so the kids would know where the blankets are coming from,” said Ryckbosch whose blanket partner was volleyball senior Colleen Smith. “It was probably around 10 hours.

“At the time, I wasn’t doing very much because of an injury. I might as well do something productive to help people instead of watching Netflix or playing computer games.

“You get a sense of how much work you did when see how high the blankets are piled up. It feels good that I helped with each blanket. This is my fifth time making blankets, and it’s nice to see the impact this is going to have on all those kids. It’s important that along with your schoolwork and your athletics that you take time to help a lot of people.”

Did all that ironing turn Ryckbosch into a master of the task?

“I wouldn’t say this has changed my ironing skills very much” he said. “I’ll iron if something is really wrinkly. I very rarely iron pants.

“Actually, I’ve been looking to invest in a steamer for quite a while and I’m in the market for a good-priced one. The whole ironing board and warming up, that’s the big drawback for me. If I had a new system with a steamer, I’d be able to take my clothes to the next level.”

Cross country and track senior Paige Skorseth was making blankets for the fourth time in her career.

“What Peter did was awesome,” Skorseth said. “I tutor with him and have gotten to know him these last four years. He is a phenomenal student-athlete and a great role model for what we all aspire to become by embodying the university’s mission. I want to be a doctor and he’s going to be a nurse. It would be cool if worked together at the same hospital someday.”

Skorseth said the blankets project has provided her with new insight.

“I’ve learned what it means to help people after four years of community service,” she said. “You realize how this impacts your own life and it gives you a new perspective. Not everyone enjoys the same privileges we have and isn’t as fortunate as we are. All of Chicago has taught me so much.

“I’m from a small town where there aren’t homeless people walking around on the street. DePaul’s mission is that no matter what your status in life may be, you are fortunate to be a student-athlete at a great university, and it’s your responsibility to reach out and help others.

“All the community service I did here has impacted my career decision. I’m going into the medical field and want to give back to the community by helping people.”

Volleyball’s junior outside hitter Myah Reed had a good time at Tuesday’s event.

“I really enjoy this, and it’s quite an accomplishment to have the entire athletics department coming together to make blankets for the children of the St. Vincent de Paul Center,” Reed said. “It’s something that is unique to our school and makes you feel better doing something for somebody else.

“All the freshmen do an activity at the DePaul Center. My first year, I was part of the group that played games with the children in their gym. Another group of freshmen read books with the kids and the third group brought over the blankets. This instills within us the importance of community outreach.”

Reed said she has some experience with those less fortunate in life.

“I grew up in South Holland and went to a Chicago Public School on the South Side,” she said. “I grew up in a nice area but my high school was in a poorer environment. I could see the difference in lifestyles. Things I saw and all the news reports you hear, that part of the city is not the safest place.

“You hear about all the shootings, especially with little kids, and it’s so sad to see that. I’ve been blessed not to grow up like that. Now, I want to give back to them in any way I can. DePaul provides me with opportunities for community outreach, and I try to take advantage of it.”

Reed has worked in a soup kitchen, worked on Misericordia projects, did mulching on Service Day with the Chicago Park District, and walked the dogs for the Canine Rescue Unit.

“Whatever career I choose, I’m going to be involved with community service,” Reed said. “I’m going to make sure my own children become way more involved with that than I was as a child. I’m hoping to go into physical therapy or become an orthopedic nurse.”

Skorseth took a moment to reflect on the blanket-making experience.

“I remember as a freshman I was excited to get going, and this was a great way to get know your new teammates and other student-athletes,” Skorseth said. “It sets the stage for what being a DePaul student-athlete is all about with its emphasis on academics and community service. A project like this shows it really matters to them.

“As a senior, this is a nice way to cap off a career and to see how DePaul’s mission is embedded in you. There comes a time when you will carry on the mission into the real world.”

Source: http://www.depaulbluedemons.com/genrel/090816aaa.html

The St. Thomas Aquinas College Baseball Team made a big impact on opening day of the Touching Bases Fall 2016 Season. A baseball league for adults with mild to severe disabilities, Touching Bases of Rockland County has partnered with the Spartans over the last few seasons, to help enhance the lives of those in our community who love the game of baseball, but need additional assistance on the field.

All members of the 2016 STAC team were involved; from returners, to recruited freshmen and transfers, to walk-ons and those hoping to make the squad via tryout. The players helped park cars, sell apparel and food, and most importantly help participants hit, throw, catch and run. In all, 60 Spartan athletes served over 200 participants during 7 games. This is week one of a 9-week season.

Last year, the St. Thomas Aquinas College Baseball Team was honored as one of 22 national finalists for the NCAA Excellence in Community Service Award.