Bears CARE

    As an National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) institution, the University of Pikeville and UPIKE Athletics are proud to participate in the Champions of Character program. 

    The Champions of Character program helps participants find the balance by keeping five core values –integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership – at the heart of the athletics experience. UPIKE is proud to represent these five values on the field, in the classroom, and in our community.
 
Integrity - Knowing and doing what is right

BE COMMITTED: Set high standards for your behavior and stick to them even in difficult situations.

BE COURAGEOUS: Stand up for what you believe is just and good.

BE HONEST: Choose words and actions that are sincere, not misleading.

BE DISCIPLINED: Remain dedicated and self-controlled, even when challenged.

BE RESILIENT: Learn from mistakes and losses; seize the opportunity to improve.

Respect - Treat others the way you wish to be treated
 

BE ACCEPTING: Support everyone's worth and dignity, regardless of background, abilities or beliefs.

BE CONSIDERATE: Always be aware of and honor others' rights and feelings.

BE ATTENTIVE: Be ready to learn from coaches, officials and other contestants.

BE ENCOURAGING: Demonstrate concern for the growth and development of all others.

BE APPRECIATIVE: Value the guidance of supportive adult and student leaders.

Responsibility - Embrace opportunities to contribute
 

BE HELPFUL: Understand and advance the group's positive goals.

BE CONSCIENTIOUS: Be aware and careful of the choices you make.

BE ACCOUNTABLE: Accept that your actions impact everyone around you.

BE PERSEVERING: Work through difficulty and discouragement in pursuit of individual and team objectives.

BE RELIABLE: Prove that others can depend on you.

Sportsmanship - Bring your best to all competition
 

BE COOPERATIVE: Join teammates, opponents, coaches and officials in mutual quest for excellence.

BE FAIR: Compete skillfully, guided by the letter and spirit of the rules.

BE GRACIOUS: Savor the challenge of a tough competitor and meet it with your finest performance, win or lose.

BE HONORABLE: Respect the game and everyone's contributions.

BE HUMBLE: Take success in stride - share the credit.

Servant Leadership - Serve the common good
 

BE EMPOWERING: Inspire and help others to grow, succeed and lead.

BE VISIONARY: Raise expectations for yourself and the team.

BE INTERCONNECTED: Recognize the vital link between individual effort and group achievement.

BE GENEROUS: Freely contribute hard work and support to reach the team's goals.

BE ENERGETIC: Initiate action - do what needs to be done.