CORVALLIS, Ore. – The Cascade Collegiate Conference announced the recipients of the 2024-25 CCC Teams of Character/Sportsmanship Awards. Earning this year's honors are the Bushnell University Men's Track & Field team and the College of Idaho Softball team, both of which exemplify the NAIA Champions of Character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.
The award, honoring one men's and one women's team, is determined by a vote of the conference's athletic directors following nominations submitted by member schools.
Men's Team of Character, Bushnell University Men's Track & Field:
The Beacons have cultivated a campus wide reputation as men of integrity and action, consistently leading by example both athletically and in service to their community. Their 3.11 team GPA earned them NAIA Scholar Team recognition, highlighting their commitment to academic excellence and responsibility.
Volunteerism is a cornerstone of the Bushnell track & field program. Team members averaged more than 20 hours of community service each over the past year. Among their many initiatives were helping students move in on campus, supporting local shelters like Everyone Village, and volunteering in community gardens with Springfield Youth Gardens. They participated in a food drive for FOOD For Lane County that collected over 2,000 pounds of food, contributed to the department's Adopt-a-Family holiday program, and took part in outreach events distributing essentials to those experiencing homelessness in Eugene.
Their year-round efforts also included volunteering at major local races such as the Eugene Marathon and the Run to Stay Warm, and regular service with the Lane County Food Bank during the summer. Several student-athletes served as tutors and campus leaders, including six members on the Orientation team, with junior Sayer Pescosolido serving as Orientation Coordinator.
Their sportsmanship was particularly evident during the CCC Championships, where Bushnell's jumpers led group prayers before events, rallied crowd support for all competitors, and routinely expressed appreciation to officials and fellow athletes. Their actions set a standard for gracious competition and mutual respect.
Other Male Team Nominees: University of British Columbia track and field, College of Idaho basketball, Corban University track and field, Multnomah basketball, Oregon Tech basketball, Walla Walla soccer
Women's Team of Character, College of Idaho Softball:
The College of Idaho Softball Team is a shining example of what it means to be leaders of character and compassion, leaving a positive impact both on campus and across the Caldwell community. Known for stepping up whenever needed, the Yotes support campus operations by assisting with event setup, staffing, and groundskeeping, displaying a team first attitude and deep commitment to their institution.
In the community, the team's service runs wide and deep. They actively support youth programs through their work with local tournaments, GALS (Girls Athletic League Softball), and their signature Youth Softball Celebration Weekend. They extend this community connection through efforts like First Responders Appreciation Night and the Caldwell Police Department's Trunk-or-Treat event.
One of the highlights of their year was organizing a Special Olympics Field Day, where they fostered joy, inclusion, and athletic engagement for students with special needs. Their commitment to mental health advocacy was also on display during a dedicated weekend series promoting The Hidden Opponent, an organization focused on athlete mental health awareness.
In an inspiring effort to empower the next generation, the team hosted Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch for a youth clinic, providing scholarships to ensure broad community access. The event delivered not only elite instruction but also a powerful message of dreaming big and pursuing goals with confidence.
Other Female Team Nominees: University of British Columbia softball, Bushnell University track and field, Corban University basketball, Eastern Oregon University softball, Lewis-Clark State College basketball, Northwest University soccer, Southern Oregon University basketball, Walla Walla volleyball
These two programs embody the heart of the NAIA and CCC's Champions of Character initiative and serve as powerful examples of the right way to play.