Buidling Bridges with Champions of Character

Houghton (N.Y.) College connects with local high school district, students in need

Posted 12.18.08

It started with a simple phone call to Houghton College Associate VP Skip Lord.  Chris Siebert, AD at nearby Salamanca City High, had heard that Skip spoke to coaches about their dealings with parents and wondered whether he might visit Chris’ high school coaches at their in-service day.

What unfolded over the next few weeks was a textbook example of how Champions of Character opens the minds of coaches, students and parents to a different picture of sport and, in the process, to the unique educational and athletic experience at an NAIA campus.

“I talked with the coaches for two hours the day after Labor Day,” Lord said, “about how to interact with parents and positively motivate student-athletes.  And I always talk about the NAIA, Champions of Character, and who we are as a character-driven organization.”

It turns out that, in addition to coaches, Salamanca District Superintendent Doug Hay was in the audience.  And at the end of the conversation, he was so impressed he addressed the group on the spot, with words to the effect that ‘This is not going to be a one-time thing.  If you want to coach in this district, you’re going to be part of more sessions to come.’

Since then, Lord introduced a small group of district leaders to the Houghton campus for lunch with Houghton’s certified Champions of Character instructors.  Further meetings are on tap and will include some of Salamanca’s athletes.

“This was a great chance to share the Houghton mission and outline special access programs available for Salamanca students,” Lord explained.  The district serves Native American families from the Seneca tribe, whose children have not attended college in large numbers.    The Champions of Character connection offered Houghton the chance to highlight special scholarships available locally. 

“We’re able to bring district leaders – and high school student leaders, just the type of young people we look for – to Houghton,” Lord said.  “There are a significant percentage of these students who don’t go on to college.  All of a sudden, they’re getting exposed to Houghton, its mission, service learning opportunities.  And the district gets a much better feel for our institution and the special niche we hold as a small liberal arts college.  It’s definitely a ‘win-win’ across the board.” 

“I am truly excited and am thankful to have met Coach Lord,” said Salamanca’s Siebert.  “The message and connection he’s brought is something needed not only in Salamanca, but in all schools.  I look forward to continuing to grow this relationship and help develop well-rounded student athletes.” 

In November, Lord and selected Houghton coaches and student-athletes worked with Salamanca coaches, athletes and parents in the first of a series of workshops.  Plans are underway for more sessions this winter and spring.  It started with just a phone call.  But because of Skip Lord’s dedication and preparation, Houghton’s commitment to quality education and the compelling message of Champions of Character, an enduring community connection is taking root.

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(Photo of Skip Lord (center), Houghton College Associate Vice President)