Cornerstone University

Champions of Character Fall Kick-Off Huge Success

Aug 17, 2009

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- On Wednesday, August 12, 2009 the Cornerstone University Champions of Character Program Center hosted it's 4th Annual Fall Kick-Off.

The event was held in the Hansen Athletic Center on the campus of Cornerstone University and hosted the freshmen, junior varsity and varsity soccer programs from the O-K Conference. Over 500 student-athletes, coaches and athletics directors were in attendance.

"I am very pleased with the turn out for this year's event", commented Mike Riemersma, Champions of Character Director, Cornerstone University . "Coach Bean did an outstanding job! His credentials are unmatched. He has the most wins in intercollegiate soccer history. He is an NSCAA Hall of Fame member and was the former chair of the NSCAA Ethics Committee. He is the definition of what a Champions of Character coach should be. He has a passion for character development in athletes."

In addition to the activities of Wednesday evening, Cornerstone hosted the first Champions of Character CTC (Coaches Training Certification) for WHAC Conference coaches on Tuesday. This certification is part of the NAIA's new curriculum aimed at helping coaches and administrators implement  character driven athletics on their campuses and in their communities. The training was conducted by members of the NAIA national faculty for Champions of Character; Rob Haworth, NAIA Vice President for Champions of Character, Bob Wilson, Vanguard University Athletics Director and Mike Riemersma, Cornerstone University Champions of Character Director.

"I'm happy that we had the opportunity to host the WHAC coaches on our campus. It is a privilege for me to serve as part of the NAIA national faculty and have the opportunity to be a resource for our conference ", Riemersma said. "It is my desire that Cornerstone continue to lead the way with Champions of Character on our campus, in the WHAC and in the Grand Rapids community."

The NAIA developed the Champions of Character program in response to the growing problem of deteriorating standards of integrity in sports and society. At a time when all of sport has experienced increasingly negative behavior by athletes, coaches, fans and parents, Champions of Character raises the standards for positive youth development in athletics and academics.