VU x-country men lauded

VU men’s XC laudedThe Vanguard University men’s cross country team recently received a national Team of Character Award from the NAIA and has also been named Lions of the Week by the school.

The Team of Character Award, associated with the NAIA Champions of Character program, is presented to one program in each of the 23 NAIA sports for its dedication and implementation of the five core character values in and outside competition.

Matt Meyer and Humberto Rojas joined Lions Coach Bryan Wilkins in accepting the award at a banquet prior to the NAIA Cross Country Championships last month in Louisville, Ky.

Wilkens said the Lions consistently exhibited the five core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership, and sportsmanship. In addition to teaching computer skills during Costa Mesa’s City Serve event, the Lions also assisted at a local soup kitchen and collected recyclables to donate the proceeds to nonprofit organizations.