KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Heart of America Athletic Conference is proud to announce Benedictine College football as the 2024-25 men's nominee for the Conference Commissioner Association (CCA) Champions of Character Team Award. 

This national honor recognizes one men's and one women's team from each participating conference for their commitment to character and sportsmanship—both on the field and within their campus and local communities. Nominees embody the NAIA's Five Core Values: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership. Final selections for the national award will be announced on September 15. 

Benedictine College football, under the leadership of Head Coach Joel Osborn, has consistently demonstrated excellence in character. The Ravens were previously recognized with the Heart's Musco Team of Character Award in both the 2022 and 2023 seasons, an accolade presented annually to one team per sport within the conference that best upholds the NAIA's core values. 

A conference official shared the following about the program: 

"Coach Osborn has been a class act since joining the Heart of America Athletic Conference. When he has a question or concern during a game, he communicates with officials in a respectful and reasonable manner. From an official's perspective, it's clear that Coach Osborn is deeply committed to developing his players into men of strong character. In my years as an official, he has consistently shown integrity in every interaction." 

The Heart congratulates Benedictine College football on this well-deserved recognition and for setting a standard of character-driven leadership within the conference and beyond. 

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