Southwestern College athletics welcomed over 450 elementary students from Whittier, Irving, Lowell, and Country View schools to Stewart Field House on October 13 for its annual NAIA Champions of Character event. This special program focused on the NAIA's five core values of respect, integrity, servant leadership, responsibility, and sportsmanship.

The event, part of the college’s ongoing commitment to fostering character in both athletics and the community, included interactive sessions with Southwestern’s cheerleading squad and a thrilling men's basketball dunk contest. Junior Isaiah Williams, from Texas, wowed the crowd and took home first place in the contest.

Southwestern College’s Men's Basketball Head Coach, Matt O'Brien, reflected on the impact of the event.

“Our team motto is ‘Team Above Self,’ and our players have truly embraced what that means,” O’Brien says.  “It’s about developing a mindset of servant leadership and understanding the importance of putting others first. Whether speaking to elementary students or participating in campus activities, our players recognize that their impact goes far beyond basketball. Our goal is to make not only our team better, but also our campus and the community around us.”

Logan Churchill, a senior from Moundridge, says that character is an important attribute.

“Character is a big part of Southwestern College basketball. It is the difference between winning and losing,” Churchill says.  “It was an honor to get to talk about the five core values to the elementary students. The Winfield community shows tons of support for our program and we are extremely thankful. We were glad we could give back to such a supportive community.”

The Champions of Character event is a prelude to the highly anticipated Champions of Character basketball game, set for Friday, Oct. 23, at noon, against Calvary University. The game will be standing-room only, with the elementary students filling Stewart Field House.