“Research indicates that athletics participation alone does not build character. Character must be taught,” according to www.naia.org. One of the unique characteristics of Biola’s athletic conference, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), is its push for champions in the playing field as well as in life. That’s why the NAIA promotes good character traits in its participants.

The Champions of Character Program is a major component of the association. Prior to competing for his or her respective school, each athlete must sign a form, promising to accept the five core character values of the NAIA. These values are as follows: respect, responsibility, integrity, servant-leadership, and sportsmanship. In addition, coaches must go through a two-hour online course designed to help them build their players’ characters.

At Biola, athletes do sign the five core values form, and each coach does take the online course; however, the Biola Athletics Department does not emphasize Champions of Character as much as other schools. Ken Crawford, associate athletic director and school representative of Champions of Character, said that, while the five core values are good, they are “just complementary to the faith Biola athletes have already laid claim to.”

Athletes attend Biola to develop strength on many fronts, but particularly strength in the race of life. Christ is ultimately the one behind the finish line: “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross” – Hebrews 12:1-2.