November 20, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:  Tom Flynn, Montreat College Sports Information

Cell – (828) 424-9366

E-mail – [email protected]

Men's Cross Country Wins 2017 NAIA Champions of Character Award

MONTREAT, N.C. – The NAIA announced on Friday at its 2017 National Championships in Vancouver, Washington that the Montreat College Cavaliers' men's cross country team has been designated as its 2017 Buffalo Funds Five Star Champions of Character Team Award winner.

The award is presented to a single program in each of the NAIA's championship-sponsored sports that exhibits the five tenets of the association's Champions of Character initiative: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

"I speak on behalf of our team when I say we are humbled and honored to receive this award," said Montreat College Director of Track & Field and Cross Country Jason Lewkowicz. "As a team we aim to use the sport of cross country to accomplish something greater than just running a race. Our utmost desire is to use our platform to bless others and bring honor to our amazing God, who gave us this opportunity."

Lewkowicz is assisted by coaches Britten Olinger and Jason Scott. In February of this year, Olinger was severely injured in a life-threatening auto accident in the nearby community of Black Mountain that left him paralyzed from the chest down.

Coach Olinger spent the next four months in hospitals and rehabilitation centers working to recover from his injuries. During this time, the team worked collectively to raise funds for Coach Olinger, including joining larger community efforts and collecting funds at Montreat's home track meets.

Over the summer and into the fall, the team – along with the women's cross country team and other community members – helped in the reconstruction of Coach Olinger's home, transforming both the inside and outside to be made wheelchair accessible.

The team continues to support Coach Olinger by serving as babysitters for his two young children and assisting with projects around his home as needed. Coach Olinger has returned to coaching on a part-time basis and has been an inspiration to the entire team.

"The team's willingness to love and support one of their coaches in these capacities has shown tremendous integrity, responsibility to help someone in need, and respect for someone who has helped pour into their lives. They have truly been servant leaders through this ordeal and have helped uplift the spirits of a family in transition," said Lewkowicz.

In addition, the team, in conjunction with the Montreat women's cross country team, has developed a relationship with the Black Mountain Home for Children, and has team members spend two hours each Thursday spending recreational time with the children at the home.

Pictured: Women's XC member and NAIA Nationals qualifier Lydia Wilson accepted the award with coaches Jason Lewkowicz and Jason Scott on Friday evening in Vancouver, Washington.