For the sixth consecutive athletic year, the OUAZ Athletic Department has been named a NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution. The Spirit have earned Gold status every season the programs have been a part of the NAIA.

Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earn points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Schools earn points based on exceptional student-athlete GPAs and by having minimal to no ejections during competition through the course of the year.

OUAZ athletes got it done in the classroom and on the playing surface, as academic and athletic awards rolled in for many Spirit programs. OUAZ athletes, coaches and staff stayed committed to the Five Core Values of the NAIA (Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership) during another successful year of competition.