(Peru, Neb.)—It was recently announced that the Peru State athletic department earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award at the Gold Level for the 2021-22 school year. This is the 13th year in a row earning Champion of Character Award and fourth year in a row earning the Gold Level for the Peru State athletic department.
 
"This year, 157 NAIA institutions earned the Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award," according to the NAIA press release.
 
There were 68 NAIA institutions who achieved gold level status for this year's Champions of Character award. Peru State was one of four athletic department in the state of Nebraska that earned gold level status.
 
Here is what the NAIA had to say about 157 NAIA institutions receiving the honor…
 
"Again, congratulations on earning the 2021-2022 Champions of Character Five-Star Institution Award," according to the NAIA press release. "Your focus on character-driven athletics is a key factor in continuing to elevate the NAIA student-athlete experience."
 
Here's what Peru Association of Student Athletes Director Brenda Lutz had to say about the award…
 
"Reaching these level four years in a row is such an achievement.  All of our student-athletes and staff should be proud," said Lutz. "Remaining a Gold Five Star institution doesn't come easily."
 
Lutz Continued…
 
 "All the hard work that they put in not only on the court, but in our community as well has paid off once again.  I know that our student-athletes live their lives valuing the Champions of Character core values – integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership."
 
Here's what Peru State Athletic Director Wayne Albury said about the honor…
 
"We are proud to have a culture of character driven athletics here at PSC and so much of that is due to the daily decisions of our student-athletes, coaches and campus community," said Albury. "Additionally we would like to give special thanks to our upper administration and PASA for their commitment, vision and hard work. "
 
Below is a look at the score card that the NAIA uses when determining Champions of Character:
                  

SCORECARD
67% Character Training NAIA Institutions earn up to 67 points for Champions of Character training and development on campus and through community outreach activities.
8% Academic Focus NAIA Institutions earn up to 8 points for overall student-athlete GPA.
17% Character Recognition NAIA Institutions earn up to 17 points by nominating deserving individuals, coaches and teams for national awards and having presidential participation in Champions of Character functions.
8% Character Promotion NAIA Institutions earn up to 6 points for having a webpage dedicated to Champions of Character on their athletic website and Champions of Character banners.
 100% Score 60% & above  All institutions scoring 60 or more total points will be named Five Star Champions of Character Institutions.
 40% Conduct in Competition NAIA Institutions keep points for demonstrating Champions of Character values on the field of competition as measured by the number of ejections specific to profanity, fighting, and dissent towards an official.  Points may also be deducted for institutions on probation or suspension status.

 
 
 
For the complete list of all 157 institutions, you can click here: https://bit.ly/3zFzh3L