LA MIRADA, Calif.Ìý--- Biola is named a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Champions of Character Five-Star Institution for the ninth straight season. For the first time in program history the Eagles have earned Gold Level distinction.
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The Eagles earned 94 of the 100-plus possible points on the NAIA Champions of Character scorecard in order to get named as one of the 171 NAIA institutions named five-star institutions.
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Biola's athletic department has been recognized as a five-star institution each year since the 2007-08 season. The 94 points accrued in the 2015-16 season is a 20-point improvement from 2014-15 when BU was recognized as a bronze level institution.
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"We are excited to be named a gold level NAIA Champions of Character Institution," said Director of Athletics Dr. Bethany Miller. "This is a direct reflection of the work and character of our coaches and student-athletes as we strive to become more like Christ and have an impact on the world through sport as representatives of Biola."

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This season was the third time the NAIA implemented a tiered system for honoring its five-star institutions. The NAIA recognized athletic programs as gold, silver or bronze five-star institutions based off of their point total. The Eagles earned gold level status and were the second highest scoring institution in the nation. There were 19 gold level institutions (90 or above), 73 silver level (75-90) and 79 bronze level institutions (60-74).
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Eight of the nine Golden State Athletic Conference teams earned recognition as five-star institutions. Biola led the conference with its 94 points. Hope International and William Jessup also earned gold level distinction.
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The GSAC was named a NAIA Champions of Character Five-Star Conference.
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Points are calculated off of a yearly scorecard that is created by the NAIA Champions of Character committee. The scorecard presents tangible, measurable goals in the categories of: character training, academic focus, character recognition, character promotion and conduct in competition.
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The Champions of Character program launched in the early-2000s and is continually refining to ensure the NAIA is always at the forefront of character promotion in collegiate athletics. The program serves to enhance NAIA institution administrators, staff and student-athletes in the areas of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership.
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More information on the program, and its application at Biola, can be found atÌý.
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