It's the second year in a row that a Mount Mercy team has earned this prestigious award, which honors coaches and student-athletes who exhibit exceptional character values. Teams that receive this award demonstrate exemplary character values in and out of competition. The Mustang volleyball squad was honored in 2008.

"The Sisters of Mercy and their commitment to service embody the entire Mount Mercy community," said Athletic Director Scot Reisinger. "While we are proud of all of our teams that participate in service with the community, we are proud of our cross country teams for receiving this honor."

The Mustang cross country teams battled adversity on and off the field of competition throughout the 2009 season, but overcame it with great leadership and commitment from veterans and newcomers alike. Head Coach Ryan Scheckel '01 spearheaded restoration efforts within a Cedar Rapids community still recovering from the flood of 2008.

Just days after arriving on campus for preseason workouts, the teams volunteered on two separate occasions to repair two homes and a small business that had been damaged by flood waters. These student-athletes also came together to overcome individual tragedies, not only leaning on each other through training and competition, but also as they faced challenges in their personal lives.

"Character speaks to the core of this team and its athletes," said Scheckel '01. "That character is found in our teams' chemistry and starts with the captains and runs through the freshmen. Along with hard work and focus, character forms a bond that continues with our student-athletes as alumni and allows them to strive for excellence in all areas of life."