Excellence On and Off the Field: NAU Earns NAIA Five-Star Honor
Written by Rev. Justin C. Jackson, Sports Information Director
North American University — The Real NAU — continues to raise the standard, this time on the national stage. The Red River Athletic Conference (RRAC), under the steady leadership of Commissioner Tony Stigliano and the strategic communication of Conference SID Darrin David, has officially been recognized by the NAIA as a 2024-2025 Champions of Character Five-Star Conference.
But that's not all. In that elite company of 210 honored programs, North American University has been named a Five-Star Champions of Character Institution, cementing its place as a university not only defined by competition — but by conduct, class, and character.
The NAIA's Champions of Character® program is no ceremonial gesture. The five-star distinction is earned through demonstrated excellence in character training, academic integrity, sportsmanship, and conduct. Institutions are evaluated by their student-athlete GPA, their commitment to sportsmanship (with minimal to no ejections during the competitive season), and their engagement in character-based initiatives both on campus and in community impact.
For a conference to receive this honor, at least 60% of its institutions must also reach five-star status, in addition to maintaining an established Champions of Character Committee and Competition Conduct Oversight Committee with a minimum of three members. The RRAC has met — and exceeded — that standard.
What does this mean for NAU? It means our student-athletes aren't just competing — they're representing, and they're doing it the right way.
And now, as the echoes of achievement ring out, the new athletic year begins to roar.
Mark your calendars: Catch the Charge: Soccer, Hoops, and a Whole Lotta Heart From the Pitch to the Court, NAU is Playing with Purpose.
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Friday, August 8: The Lady Stallions Soccer team charges into action, facing off against Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) in a high-stakes season opener on The Hill in Prairie View, Texas. Kickoff is set for 6:00 PM.
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Saturday, August 9: The Men's Soccer team laces up for a showdown with Houston Christian University in a friendly yet fierce regional matchup that pits two of the top collegiate soccer programs in the Houston area against each other.
But Wait - Basketball Fans, The season is nearly upon us. You Know What Time It Is... Coach Davis and his Lady Stallions return with fire in their hearts and hoops in their sights, while the Men's squad is locked in and loaded for a deep run in the USCAA, aiming to move some furniture in the RRAC and claim their rightful seat at the table. October 3rd — go ahead and circle it, highlight it, set a reminder, and cancel everything else, because MIDNIGHT MADNESS IS BACK! The annual Midnight Basketball Showcase storms into the P.A.R.C. Gym for a night of high-flying action, electric energy, and all-out community fun. Tip-off starts at 7:00 PM, and trust us — this isn't just a game, it's a movement that goes all night. Here's what's on deck:
The Big 4 Fan Challenge — are YOU repping hard enough to win?
The legendary Stallion Alumni Streetball Game — where past meets present in a battle for bragging rights.
The Parent Shooting Contest — because moms and pops got game too!
And of course… the one and only George The Stallion will be in the building with raffles, photo ops, and surprise giveaways.
This is more than basketball — this is NAU Pride under the lights, where the crowd is live, the bleachers bounce, and the community shows out.
So bring your signs. Bring your voice. Bring your squad.
Because on October 3rd, the only place to be is The P.A.R.C. Gym —
and the only thing louder than the music… will be the STAMPEDE.
This isn't just a moment. It's a movement. This Ain't Hype — It's Five-Star Certified
Now go ahead — Get those 4-fingered hooves up and Goooo Stallionsssssss!!!!
Whether it's on the pitch, the court, or in the classroom — NAU rides with pride.
#NAIACofC #RRACPride #GoStallions #NAUFiveStar #ChampionsOfCharacter
