Truman Student Named NAIA Champion of Character

Truman High School’s Mauricio Martinez was named a Champion of Character award winner by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).  Martinez, a senior, was one of 32 high school student-athletes honored during the NAIA’s third annual Champions of Character Foundation Luncheon inside the Kansas City Convention Center Grand Ballroom. He was recognized for exemplifying the association’s five core values of Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Sportsmanship and Servant Leadership.

“The NAIA exists to enhance character,” said Jim Carr, NAIA president and CEO. “These individuals embody the NAIA Champions of Character program.”

Nominated by Truman staff, Martinez, a two-sport athlete (football/track) for the Patriots, was chosen because he demonstrates the NAIA’s core values on a daily basis. Not only did he receive his award during the luncheon, Martinez and the other honorees met Dayton Moore, the senior vice president of baseball operations and general manager of the 2015 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals.