For the third consecutive year, the University of Saint Francis athletics program has earned designation as a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Champions of Character Gold Five-Star Institution for 2015-16.

USF earned the highest category and is one of just 18 institutions to earn the Gold designation. USF tied for second in points awarded with three other institutions. Institutions are measured on a demonstrated commitment to Champions of Character and earned points in character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Institutions earned points based on exceptional student-athlete grade point averages and by having minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year. Out of 236 NAIA institutions, 169 earned Five-Star Awards.

“I am extremely proud of our coaches and student-athletes at USF,” said Athletic Director Mike McCaffrey, “To earn Gold back-to-back-to-back is a special achievement for our university.”

This year, 171 NAIA institutions earned the Five-Star Institution Award including 18 at the gold distinction level, 71 at the silver distinction level and 79 at the bronze distinction level.