XULA Athletics is NAIA COC 5-Star winner for 2016-17

NEW ORLEANS — Xavier University of Louisiana has received a silver rating — an improvement from the previous year — among the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics’ Champions of Character Five-Star Award winners for 2016-17.

NAIA members receive points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Points also are earned based on exceptional student-athlete grade-point averages throughout the course of the academic year.

XULA received a bronze rating for 2015-16.

“Xavier Athletics is excited to move up in the NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Award standings,” said Director of Athletics & Recreation Jason Horn. “Our coaches and student-athletes are striving to return to the gold level.”

Through the Champions of Character program, the NAIA seeks to create an environment in which every student-athlete, coach, official and spectator is committed to the true spirit of competition through five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.

XULA is one of four Gulf Coast Athletic Conference members to receive the Five-Star Award for 2016-17. The others are Dillard, Edward Waters and Talladega. The GCAC was one of 18 conferences to earn a Five-Star Award.