MIDWAY, Ky. - For the ninth year in a row and 16th time in school history, Midway University has been named a Champions of Character Five-Star Gold Institution by the NAIA.

Considered the highest honor of the Champions of Character program, Five-Star schools earn points during the school year based on character training, conduct in competition, academic focus, character recognition and character promotion. Additional points are also given to schools with strong student-athlete grade point averages who had minimal to no ejections during competition throughout the course of the academic year.

"It's a great honor to be recognized as a Gold Institution for the ninth year in a row," Vice President of Athletics and Student Affaris, Dr. Heath Morgan said. "It's a testament to all the hard work our coaches and student-athletes are putting in each and every year."

All told, 132 schools earned Gold Institution standing. An additional 60 teams were named Silver Institutions with 18 earning Bronze honors.

Midway was one of six Gold schools from the River States Conference. The RSC also earned Gold distinction as a conference.