Columbia Kids Dig NAIA Vollebyall and Champions of Character

Posted 02.16.08
Story by Louie Novak, NAIA

Click here for event photo slide show.

Columbia, Mo. - Columbia (Mo.) College sophomore and co-captain Jessica Williams couldn’t help but notice the posters that decorated her locker as she sat down to prepare for the 2007 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Volleyball National Championship. The signs of encouragement weren’t made by family members or even friends, but rather her new fans from nearby Eugene Field Elementary School who took part in one of the unique Champions of Character community events that are rapidly becoming a mainstay of NAIA championship competition.

Nearly 300 NAIA student-athletes gathered for the Champions of Character festivities on Nov 27th at the Southwell Complex on the Columbia College campus. A total of 320 elementary school students and teachers attended the event. Championship tournament teams put their creativity to work in interactive skits, and several teams even took the initiative to join with other teams to bring the Champions of Character five core values to life. Team members also handed out Character certificates, demonstrated volleyball skills and passed out team posters to the youth participants.

“The whole experience is great for both the kids and the teams who take part,” said Columbia’s Williams. “It gives the students someone to look up to and allows the athletes to have a positive impact on them and serve as role models. I think we had just as much fun as they did.”

The event operates on a voluntary basis, however, the number of NAIA teams interested in playing a part in the programs success was so impressive tournament host Columbia College had to create new opportunities and activities to engage team participants.

“Everyone really looks forward to this,” said Columbia College head coach Melinda Wrye-Washington. “It puts Champions of Character in action.”

Washington added that she stresses the importance of such events to her players and the value of its effect on tomorrows’ athletes.

“I tell my girls they have a responsibility to set the right example for the community,” said Washington. “To see the kids interact with the teams is great. It isn’t everyday that they have the opportunity to get that close to a collegiate athlete and perhaps someone will be inspired to play at this level someday.”

Eugene Elementary principal Carol Garmen believes the memories will stay with her students long after their days at Eugene have past.

“The NAIA and its Champions of Character program reinforces the traits we try to teach our kids, said Garman. “To make that personal connection with the teams and the exposure to collegiate sports is a great experience that they will never forget.” 

Click here for event photo slide show.