The Southwestern College men's golf team has received the 2012 Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award.  The award is issued to one college team in each sport that exemplifies character and sportsmanship during practice, competition, on campus, and in the community.  Southwestern is the recipient of the NAIA men's golf award.

"Southwestern College, as a campus and athletic department, make good character as well as campus and community service an emphasis," commented director of athletics Dave Denly.  "This is the second program in our athletic department to receive this award and this shows a very positive result of our emphasis on being champions of character both on and off the fields of play.  I am very excited for our men's golf program and we are all very proud that they have been chosen for this outstanding award."

The men's golf team participated in several community projects in the 2011-12 school year.  The team participated in a "Dance Night' which was put on to help the developmentally disabled community of Cowley County.  The golf team also hosted a golf clinic in Wichita along with the Special Olympics of Kansas.  The team also made an impact on campus by serving in a campus beautification project that helped with the landscaping in Richard L. Jantz stadium. 

"Character is important because it not only defines who you are, but how you are perceived as a team," commented All-American Raleigh Hughes. "Character is very important in team dynamics, it shows that no matter how we play, we will come out and try even harder the next week. Win or lose, we always keep our heads high.  It is easy to see that this year we have all improved as athletes and as people."

"Character is a reflection of individual commitment to honesty, integrity, and loyalty," commented head coach Brad Sexson.  "Team chemistry can't be achieved if individuals don't consistently demonstrate the above mentioned traits.  These traits are needed to form meaningful friendships.  By consistently teaching character first, individuals on our team have become better people.  There is no doubt that we are a better team because of it."