The Northwestern wrestling team was named the NAIA Buffalo Funds "5-star" Champion of Character team last Saturday, March 7th, at the NAIA National Wrestling Meet. Northwestern finished 20th at the meet and had two wrestlers named All-Americans.
To receive the team award a team must be nominated by their institution and will be selected by their documented display of exemplary character and sportsmanship on the field, on campus, and in the community. Specifically, fulfillment of the Core Character Values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship are taken into consideration.
Head coach Rik Dahl said this about his Northwestern wrestling team; "Men of strong character is what we are about. What these guys have learned about wrestling is dwarfed by what they have learned about what it takes to be a man. This focus has sustained us throughout the year. Through this season our team has learned the value of commitment, work ethic, overcoming adversity, faith, and family."
Senior wrestler Levi Price said, "Character is the difference between teams which build each other up and teams that fall into petty bickering. Team members have come to hold one another accountable in the spiritual, academic and wrestling arena. We refuse to allow anyone to fall to the wayside. If he does, the team is there to pick him up. In this way the team has been able to stay united and strong in the face of adversity. Character does not come from the act of the solitary individual at Northwestern College, it comes from the solidarity of our community."
This is the first time Northwestern has won the Champion of Character team award.
