Ohio Christian Men's Soccer Named RSC Male Team of Character

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio- The River States Conference is pleased to announce the selection of the men's soccer team at Ohio Christian University as the 2023-24 recipient of the River States Conference Men's Team of Character Award. The Trailblazers were selected after a vote from the RSC Champions of Character Committee.

The RSC Team of Character awards honor one men's and one women's team each year for their exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus and in the community. A deserving team demonstrates the NAIA's five core character values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership. The award is patterned after the national team of character award presented by the NAIA.

The Trailblazers made it a priority this season to be active in the greater Circleville community, embodying the core character value of servant leadership. The program completed 12 service projects as a team, including but not limited to city cleanups, youth clinics, and assisting with move-in at the beginning of Ohio Christian's fall semester.

Ohio Christian's men's soccer team also welcomed guest speakers that could focus on one or more of the NAIA's core character values. The team welcomed referee assignor Kim Viera and team chaplain Dr. Larry Olson to speak on respect, as well as University president Ron Smith, who commented on integrity.

In the team's nomination materials, it was stated "The men showed the love of Christ by serving the community and campus. Off the field, the men had their highest team GPA, great rapport with professors, and sat in the front of the class for each class. We strived each day to represent ... the NAIA Core Values."

The Trailblazers will now be considered for the national Team of Character award, given out annually by the NAIA and sponsored by the NAIA's Conference Commissioners Association.