CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Bushnell University women’s track and field team and the Oregon Tech baseball team were honored with the 2022-23 Cascade Collegiate Conference Teams of Character/Sportsmanship Award, announced Thursday morning by the conference office.
The award, which recognizes one male and one female team, is voted on by the conference athletic directors after schools submit their nominations.
The Bushnell women’s track & field team has a strong reputation of leadership on campus and in the community. This year the team participated in numerous service efforts including Bushnell’s “Embrace the Community Day” where members worked at a local park participating in cleanup efforts and helped with a large organization project at the Atkinson Food Room. The team was also a key contributor to a FOOD For Lane County canned food drive, which collected over 2000 pounds of non-perishables for the community. In addition, the Beacons women’s track & field team has one of the highest team GPAs on campus.
Other volunteer hours were logged with the following organizations and programs: River Road Parks and Recreation Couple’s Classic race, CAFA (Christians as Family Advocates) annual fundraiser, Eugene Marathon, Track & Field World Championships, Kellenberger Library Childrens Reading program, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Leadership Team, Bushnell Summer Mission Trips.
“Our women’s track & field team does a fantastic job of representing Bushnell University whether it’s on the field of competition or in the community. I appreciate Coach Boldon and Coach Walcott for organizing and providing the opportunities for our team to serve, but it is the student-athletes themselves that are being a true Beacon in their actions of helping others while contributing to community events and services.” – Corey Anderson (Bushnell AD)
Other Female Team Nominees: Corban University cross-country, Eastern Oregon University wrestling, Lewis-Clark State College basketball, Menlo College wrestling, Multnomah University soccer, Northwest University basketball, Oregon Tech softball, University of Providence softball, Southern Oregon soccer, Warner Pacific University basketball
The Oregon Tech baseball team built character from day one. They knew they had enough ability to win, but being focused on improving their character and making decisions based on principles took the team to another level. They began a pair of programs with Klamath Falls County Schools. One was a reading program, interacting with the elementary kids and the other was a welcome program where the players lined hallways in uniform to greet students when they arrived for school. In addition, OIT players served as honorary coaches for the fall community little league tournament.
The Owl baseball team finished with a 3.43 cumulative GPA and a regular season title for the first time in program history.
“I am thrilled that our baseball team is being recognized at the conference level for something we know to be true on our campus and within our community. Coach Garsez has created a culture of servant-leadership, integrity, and grit. The men are so fun to be around, and I couldn’t be more proud of how they represent Oregon Tech.” – John VanDyke (OIT AD)
Other Male Team Nominees: Bushnell University baseball, College of Idaho basketball, Corban track and field, Eastern Oregon University wrestling, Lewis-Clark State College baseball, Menlo College wrestling, Multnomah University golf