LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY - SHREVEPORT MEN'S BASKETBALL
April 04, 2006
Coaches and Players Recognized for Exhibiting Exceptional Character Values On and Off the Court
Olathe, Kan. – The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and Buffalo Funds will present Buffalo Funds Five Star Awards for each of the NAIA’s 23 championship sports. Louisiana State University-Shreveport (LSUS) was recently awarded the Buffalo Funds Five Star Award for their dedication and implementation of the five core character values on and off the court.
LSUS is one of 97 schools that sponsor NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball. The Pilots, led by Head Coach Chad McDowell, finished with a 28-4 record, achieved a No. 1 ranking in the NAIA poll, ended the season ranked No. 2 and was the highest scoring team in the nation. McDowell, in just his third year with the program, concluded the season with an invitation to the 2006 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship in Kansas City, Mo. The Pilots had season success both on and off the court and throughout the highs and lows always remained a team of character.
The Pilots understand what it means to be a gracious loser or humble winner. McDowell and the players respect all opponents at home and on the road and their competitive demeanor with character built in is often noticed by opposing fans.
“I was at the ballgame where your basketball team played against the Razorbacks. I was most impressed with your team’s sportsmanship. When one of our players was hurt, two of your players went over to pat him on the back as he was taken off the court. One of our players went up onto the scorer’s table. Three of your players and your coach went over to him to keep him from being hurt,” said Robin Webber. “LSUS was getting beat and yet their integrity was apparent which in my opinion is worth more than the score. Your school should be proud of the way they were represented in a basketball game.”
The Pilots are held responsible for their actions on and off the court and make it a point to be an active part of the Shreveport community. LSUS basketball players are well represented at local summer camps on campus and in turn are great role models for local children with hopes of playing collegiate basketball. The team follows the motto, doing things right when no one is looking, reinforces their commitment to integrity and character. The basketball team is committed to servant leadership through character, attitude, leadership and always performing their best no matter what the situation. The players have a team attitude rather than a me attitude. Following Hurricane Katrina the campus housed hurricane evacuees and the team was right there to assist the Red Cross during the days after the disaster. This season the Pilots received no technical fouls and that stat alone speaks volumes for team’s sportsmanship.
The NAIA and LSUS use the Champions of Character program as a base to teach character through sport. Both organizations understand that building great and competitive teams require character values on and off the court. McDowell and the Pilot basketball program carry out the meaning of the Champions of Character program and in doing so had a fantastic year with a long list of accolades. To learn more about LSUS basketball visit http://www.lsus.edu/.
NAIA
A leader in the development of student-athletes, the NAIA is committed to changing the culture of sport through Champions of Character. Founded in 1937, the NAIA continues to be a pioneer in implementing exceptional standards for academics, diversity, and character. Today, the NAIA sponsors 23 collegiate championships in 13 sports for its nearly 300 member institutions throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more about the NAIA visit http://www.naia.org/.
Buffalo Funds
Buffalo Funds is the Official Sponsor of the Champions of Character program. Buffalo Funds assists in the Champions of Character program growth and is the title sponsor of the NAIA Men’s Division I Basketball National Championship. To learn more about Buffalo Funds visit http://www.buffalofunds.com/.
