At the
annual Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Hall of Fame and Awards Ceremony last
Friday, Colorado Christian University was awarded the 2011-12 RMAC
Sportsmanship Cup. Held in the Colorado Springs Marriot, the award was
presented to CCU Director of Athletics Darren Richie, and it marked the fourth
time he's hoisted the trophy over the last five years.
"It's
obviously an honor to bring this award back to our players, coaches, and fans,"
Richie said. "We very clearly represent CCU every time we step onto the field
or court, and we strive to exhibit the ideals that our University upholds such
as hard work, integrity, and respect. We seek to honor God whether it's the
national finals or an early morning practice."
Schools are judged on
four criteria -- players, fans, staff, and coaches -- and voted on by the head
coach and a Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) member for each of the 21
RMAC sponsored sports.
Colorado Christian University received a mean
score of 4.02 while also earning the highest ranking in each of the four
categories: Players (3.98), Fans (3.84), Staff (4.17), and Coaches (4.10).
In the six-year history of the RMAC Sportsmanship Cup, CCU has never
finished lower than second in the final standings. "It's a testament to the
type of players who choose CCU," said Richie, "and the work of the coaches and
staff to instill and develop not just athletes, but men and women of
character."