(From the KCAC)

WICHITA, Kan. – The Friends University men's cross country team has been awarded the 2017 KCAC Team of Character honor. The KCAC Team of Character award was based off of the NAIA Champions of Character award and recognizes a school in each sport, as voted on by their peer coaches.

The Friends men's cross country team has been busy in just a few months of being on campus this school year. The Falcons started the season by choosing a scripture verse next to the Live 5 values.

1.            Integrity- John 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

2.            Respect- Philippian 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

3.            Responsibility- Deuteronomy 31:6- Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

4.            Sportsmanship- 1 Corinthians 9:24 Do you know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

5.            Servant Leadership- James 4:10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

"I am so proud of how our team displays what integrity looks like," head coach Jason Parr said. "It's a very proud moment for me as a coach to see my team inviting others to be a part of the post-race prayer. I love the extra things my team does around the college campus and community to make it a better place."

The team traveled to Great Bend, Kan. to spend the day at the Dream Center, whose purpose is to reach hurting people, restore families, and realize dreams. The Falcons helped in the Hungry Heart Soup Kitchen, Daniel R Trickey Life Giving Center, Dream Center Youth Living, Lasting Life Ministries, Kingdom Kloset, and The Anchor, which are all housed in the Dream Center. The Falcons have also been going to the Open Door Ministry in Wichita to provide a Bible study with the homeless population of Wichita.

One of the bigger trips the cross country team made was to Houston, Texas, where they helped many families following the hurricane damage. A few of the projects included: cleaning up people's front yards, putting insulation in their houses, and deep cleaning/preparing an old parsonage for skilled workers to stay in as they came to help with relief efforts.

"I truly feel my team made an impact down in Houston," Parr stated. "We may not have been avle to help every person affected by the storm, but the fact that we were able to go down and serve in the first place is a reassurance we did make an impact. The families and individuals we were able to help now have one less thing to weigh them down as they work to recover and rebuild what was recently destroyed."

About IMA

IMA is the 10th largest independently owned retail insurance broker in the U.S., offering risk management and insurance services. Founded in 1974, IMA has nearly 650 employees in offices throughout the central U.S.

About Dissinger Reed - The Most Trusted Name in Athletic Insurance

Dissinger Reed is a special risk agency that focuses specifically on the unique insurance needs of collegiate athletic departments and state high school associations. The comprehensive coverage, market expertise and peace of mind we provide our clientele are the bedrock of our success.

Since 1982, Dissinger Reed has been responding to the rising costs of premiums and medical expenses on behalf of our clients. Dissinger Reed is always proactive in securing the most comprehensive insurance coverage for any risk within your college/university/junior college athletic department, including insurance for camps and clinics, international students and more.