WICHITA, KS - Cameron Voth, a sophomore on the Bethel College Men's Golf Team has been selected as the 2009-2010 KCAC Champion of Character Male Student-Athlete of the Year announced Dr. Scott Crawford, KCAC Commissioner.  Voth is the first recipient of this new award established by the conference.

Voth will receive his award at the 4th Annual KCAC Sport Management Conference on Tuesday, August 10 in Salina on the campus of Kansas Wesleyan University.

"I am pleased to recognize Cameron for his efforts on the golf course and his commitment to service and academics.  This award was created specifically to recognize this type of all-around effort," stated Crawford.  He added, "In an era where athletic acheivement receives all too much recognition by itself, it is exciting to focus our KCAC commitment on the whole person and the various successes our student-athletes can have while enjoying the college experience,"

Voth, an undecided major from Goessel, KS, is a member of the men's music group Open Road, sings in the Bethel College Concert Choir, is active in his campus bible study group, and is involved in the Student Alumni Association.

One of his more noteworthy accomplishments is in service.  Over the past three years he has been involved with his team working at a summer camp program for inner city youth. 

"Servant leadership is shown by Cameron through the little things he does for others that many times go unnoticed and in his participation and excitement in the team service trip to Kids Across America camp the last three summers," commented his caoch, Gregg Dick.

Voth has made other lasting impressions on his coach. 

"This is a great honor for Cameron and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to work with him on our golf team and around the Bethel campus community.  He works hard at everything he does and uses his faith to strengthen his character and the character of those around him.  There are many athletes around the KCAC who are great Champions of Character and I am extremely proud of Cameron for being honored with this award," commented Dick.

Diane Flickner, Athletic Director at Bethel College made similar observations about Voth.

"Cameron interacts with others with grace, humility and respect.  He is a thoughtful human being and has demonstrated his positive qualities in all aspects of his life from the moment he arrived on campus. Cameron Voth is the type of student that defines Bethel College and we are very proud that he was selected for this outstanding conference award," stated Flickner.

The KCAC Champion of Character Student-Athlete of the Year Award was developed by the KCAC Champions of Character Committee to recognize signifcant contributions from a student-athlete who excels both in the classroom, in his sport, and in his community.

Each KCAC institution has one representative on the conference-level Champions of Character Committee.  The committee members voted on the award based on the pool of nominees.  Each KCAC institution is able to select one nominee from their institution to be considered for the award.  Representatives were not allowed to vote for the nominee from their institution.

Other nominees for the 2009-2010 KCAC Champion of Character Male Student-Athlete of the Year were:

Kendall Banning - Bethany College

Spencer Brown - Tabor College

Zach Conroy - Southwestern College

Ryley Greenbaum - Friends University

Noah Wooten - University of Saint Mary

The NAIA Champions of Character program was designed to remind athletes, coaches, and fans to act in relation to core values in all aspects of life.  The Champions of Character core values are: Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship, and Servant Leadership.