EUGENE, Ore.  – With Christ at the heart of the Tri-Athlete Model, Bushnell's commitment to service, and to modeling the characteristics of the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative remains the core facet of what makes being a Beacon special.
 
In 2022-2023, the Beacon athletic department set a new standard for themselves, truly emerging from the pandemic era as they committed over 4000 combined hours of service in the community, through non-profit internships, and in missions work.  
 
Signature Events
Each year the Bushnell athletic department participates in a number of community service traditions, including Embrace the Community Day, the Orientation service project for all new students, an Adopt-A-Family program at Christmas, and a food collection project to support FOOD For Lane County.
 
For the third year in a row, our very own Athletic Director Corey Anderson has lent his time and talents (and incredible beard), playing Santa Claus for the Eugene Family YMCA, River Road Parks and Rec department and other local charities.
 
Some teams go above and beyond these programs with additional service opportunities each year. Some examples include the cross country and track program volunteering at multiple community road races and events each year, and the baseball team serving with Bridgeway House.
 
Internships
As part of Bushnell's commitment to helping students find their calling, every traditional undergraduate student is required to complete an internship at some point during their final two years. For many athletes, this includes unpaid opportunities to work and serve at local non-profit organizations. This year, this included service at Willamalane Parks and Rec, Kidsports, Catholic Community Services, Christians as Family Advocates (CAFA), and Kidsports among many.
 
Missions
Bushnell's robust student missions program this year included sponsored trips to Puerto Rico, Cambodia, and Mexico. At least 12 student-athletes and coaches participated in those trips this year.
 
Honors and Awards
Bushnell athletes choose to be a light for Christ in the community and around the world, simply out of a natural calling to be part of something bigger than themselves, not for the recognition. It speaks volumes, however, about the impact of the Bushnell Tri-Athlete model, that once again multiple "Character" awards that are given out by the Cascade Collegiate Conference, and voted on by CCC Athletic Directors, went to Bushnell this season.
 
Not only did softball player Sam Silver repeat as the CCC Female Champion of Character, she was joined by track & field standout Jaron Carter as the CCC Male Champion of Character. In addition, the Women's Track & Field Team was recognized as the conference's Team of Character.

Top-Ten Stories of 2022-2023

#10 - Guillermo Torres-Sanchez Honored by Student Body
#9 - Corwin, Meadors Break Coaching Win Records
#8 - Muramoto, Hoffman Named NAIA National Players of the Week
#7 - Second-Year Programs Make Huge Strides
#6 - Record-Setting Year for Cross Country and Track
#5 - Stevie Schlabach Breaks NAIA-Era Scoring Record
#4 - Stubbs Wins CCC Championship
#3 - Beacons Honored for Academics
#2 - Beacons Shine Through Service and Missions
#1 - Sam Silver Wins NAIA Leroy Walker Award