March 24, 2008

Emmanuel College (Ga.) didn't advance past the first round of the 2008 Buffalo Funds-NAIA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, but the team came away winners when coaches and players met with area students from Topping and Northview Elementary Schools at Municipal Auditorium on Thursday morning in what the NAIA calls a class act.   

 

The Lions who hail from Franklin Springs, Ga. lost on opening day to No. 1 seed Georgetown College 83-59. Rather then packing up and heading home, the team remained in Kansas City and made arrangements to meet with local elementary school children to talk about the NAIA's flagship program Champions of Character and the initiative's core values of respect, responsibility, integrity, servant leadership and sportsmanship.

"Coach Rosene constantly implements the Champions of Character values and we strive to show the five core characteristics on and off the court," said junior guard Micah Hayes. "It is important for us to be in Kansas City and give back to the community. It is important for kids to have someone to look up to."

Hayes, a Champions of Character scholarship recipient, and his teammates greeted the students individually, each offering different insight on basketball and academics. Hayes and teammate Shawn Courtney, whose hometown is Kansas City, introduced two drills for the slam dunk and jump shot.

After everyone perfected the jump shot and slam dunk "Emmanuel style" the youngsters settled back into their seats as the tone turned to Champions of Character. Coach Rosene led the chalk talk and each Lion played a role in the presentation. Junior forward Preston Jackson started things off with the respect value. Jackson discussed the importance of caring for others, treating others the way you want to be treated and respecting your teachers. Jackson stressed the importance of a teachable spirit before handing over center stage to Hayes.

Hayes, a team leader, visited with the children about responsibility. He stressed the importance of being accountable, consistent, disciplined, mentally tough and why one should approach each day with a sense of determination. Participants put their determination "game" face on before Hayes passed the ball to freshman teammate Tyler Thomas who touched on integrity. The event was rounded out with discussion on servant leadership and sportsmanship. 

Topping and Northview students not only learned about the game of basketball on Thursday but about being a Champion of  Character. The Emmanuel men's basketball team easily could have hit the road running but their integrity and commitment to give back allowed Kansas City youngsters a glimpse of college ball and more importantly an opportunity to meet the NAIA's Champions of Character.