Corban's Paul Martin (left) and Amy Thompson are the CCC's 2008-09 Champions of Character.
Corban Duo Named Champions of Character
PORTLAND, Ore. – Amy Thompson and Paul Martin of Corban College have been voted the 2008-09 recipients of the Cascade Collegiate Conference’s Champions of Character Award, the league office announced Wednesday.
The Champions of Character Awards, symbolic of the NAIA’s signature national program designed to promote character development in youth and change the culture of sport, are given annually to the male and female student-athletes in the CCC who best exemplify the core tenets of respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
Thompson, a senior setter on the Warriors’ volleyball team and the CCC’s 2009 nominee for the NAIA’s Dr. LeRoy Walker Champion of Character Award, distinguished herself in the areas of academics, athletics, and campus and community leadership.
A two-time NAIA Academic All-American and two-time member of the CCC’s All-Academic Team, Thompson earned her degree in elementary education this spring. Athletically, she ranks third on Corban’s single-match list for assists and fourth on the Warriors’ career list for assists. In the areas of campus and community leadership, Thompson has been involved in a wide range of activities, including time as a student teacher at Willamette Christian School, serving on the visitation team at a local elderly care home, volunteering as a high school youth group leader, and serving as an after-school program tutor and teacher.
“Amy is a woman of great integrity in the way she relates to all those around her,” said her volleyball coach at Corban, Heather Dunn. “She brings a humble attitude and willingness to serve others, which makes her a great teammate and coachable athlete.”
Martin, a senior point guard on the Corban College men’s basketball team, established himself as one of the most visible and wide-ranging leaders among all Corban student-athletes in his two years at the institution.
In addition to starting 29 games and leading the Warriors in assists in 2008-09, Martin served on Corban’s Associated Student Body Executive Board as treasurer and was actively involved in a number of initiatives to build on the productive relationship between the student body and Corban athletics. Martin, who graduated this spring with a degree in business management, was named to the CCC All-Academic Team this past winter.
“Paul’s level of responsibility is what sets him apart from many of the students and athletes,” said Corban men’s basketball coach Justin Sherwood. “In only two years on the Corban campus, I have seen Paul impact the lives of his teammates and even myself through his personal drive, motivation and determination.”
Said John Nelson, Corban’s athletic director: “It’s a great honor for Amy and Paul to receive the Cascade Collegiate Conference Champions of Character awards. Both are well-deserving because they have developed and modeled the admirable character that this award entails.”