November 10, 2026

HELENA, Mont. — The Frontier Conference announced today the 22 student-athletes selected as recipients of the 2026-27 Champions of Character Award for men’s and women’s cross country, presented by WinWon Technologies.

Each member institution selected one male and one female cross-country student-athlete who best exemplifies the NAIA’s five core values of the Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship and servant leadership. Nominees represent excellence not only on the racecourse, but also in the classroom, campus community and daily life.

"The Champions of Character award is one of the highest honors our conference bestows," said Frontier Conference Commissioner Scott Crawford. "These 22 runners personify selflessness, work ethic and leadership. Whether battling through adversity, volunteering in their communities, or mentoring younger teammates, they embody what it truly means to be a student-athlete in the Frontier Conference. We are also deeply grateful to WinWon Technologies for their continued partnership in recognizing our student-athletes' character and dedication."

The 2026-27 Frontier Conference Cross Country Champions of Character honorees, listed by institution and sharing statements by their head coaches:

Bellevue University

• Jack Brown (Men’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Business Administration | Jefferson, S.D.
  Brown serves as a catalyst for Bruin cross country. In addition to being a leader at practice, in competition and in the classroom, Brown creates digital media graphics, volunteers for team initiatives, and actively supports every teammate.
• Wren Hofacket (Women’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Psychology | Las Cruces, N.M.
  Hofacket elevates her entire squad through an infectious positive attitude, disciplined work ethic and dedication to academic excellence.

Bismarck State College

• Xavier Bell (Men’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Finance/Accounting | New Town, N.D.
  Bell models consistent work ethic and coachability across every workout while maintaining top academic standing and cultivating respect across multiple event groups.
• Sundriana Shane (Women’s Cross Country) | Freshman | Finance | Mandan, N.D.
  Shane stepped into a team-first leadership role from day one, organizing team gatherings, welcoming peers and infusing training sessions with uplifting energy.

Carroll College

• Jack Jensen (Men’s Cross Country) | Junior | Psychology | Bigfork, Mont.
  Jensen models competitive drive, personal growth and genuine care for those around him, setting an energetic standard as both a runner and teammate.
• Jenna Castro (Women’s Cross Country) | Senior | Biochemistry/Molecular Biology (Pre-Dental) | Medical Lake, Wash.
  Castro has persevered through demanding athletic and academic schedules, providing steady, compassionate leadership and maintaining high standards for the Fighting Saints.

Dakota State University

• Jonah Thiele (Men’s Cross Country) | Senior | Computer Science | Olathe, Kan.
  Thiele is highly regarded for his humble, quiet character and willingness to support his teammates, pairing significant athletic strides with reliable leadership.
• Kierra Miller (Women’s Cross Country) | Graduate Student | Integrated Biology | Hemingford, Neb.
  A multi-year leader for the Trojan women's program, Miller actively assists team recruitment, steps forward for volunteer initiatives and serves as a role model across the campus.

Dickinson State University

• Thomas Oylear (Men’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Physical Education | Broadus, Mont.
  Known for his determination and work ethic, Oylear embraces challenges without complaint and has grown into a respected voice through daily dedication.
• Loli Jarrett (Women’s Cross Country) | Senior | International Business | Big Timber, Mont.
  Jarrett serves as team captain, setting a relentless standard of grit and accountability in both academic pursuits and championship competition.

Montana State University - Northern

• Noah Mitchell (Men’s Cross Country) | Junior | Biology & Integrated Health | Cody, Wyo.
  Mitchell leads by example with quiet consistency, showing an unwavering positive attitude and sincere concern for the well-being of his squad.
• Emerson Kinsella (Women’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Elementary Education | Havre, Mont.
  Kinsella displays selfless commitment to the Skylights, stepping forward whenever help is required and fostering a caring team environment.

Montana Technological University

• Derek Schultz (Men’s Cross Country) | Senior | Mechanical Engineering | Mountain Home, Idaho
  A culture anchor for the Orediggers, Schultz persevered through a year-long injury recovery to return stronger than ever, proactively upholding team traditions and mentoring younger runners.
• Paige Braseth (Women’s Cross Country) | Freshman | Biochemistry | Imbler, Ore.
  Braseth made an immediate competitive and cultural impression as a freshman, reinforcing the standard that positive daily preparation translates to team success.

Rocky Mountain College

• Stephen Stohl (Men’s Cross Country) | Freshman | Aeronautical Science | Shelley, Idaho
  Stohl demonstrates well-rounded excellence across high-demand flight training, rigorous classroom studies and championship cross country courses.
• Antoinette Adams (Women’s Cross Country) | Freshman | Environmental Science | Ronan, Mont.
  Adams brings a welcoming demeanor, rigorous academic discipline and collaborative spirit to the Battlin' Bears program.

University of Montana Western

• Cael Thilmony (Men’s Cross Country) | Junior | Psychology | Thompson Falls, Mont.
  Thilmony demonstrated exceptional off-season preparation and took the lead in integrating a large freshman class while maintaining honor-roll level academic performance.
• Kylee Wyatt (Women’s Cross Country) | Junior | Math Education | Omak, Wash.
  Wyatt showcases steady resilience by battling back from injuries while balancing a demanding education curriculum, campus employment and varsity training.

University of Providence

• Kyler Harris (Men’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Criminal Justice | Florence, Mont.
  Harris embodies daily servant leadership across campus and on the trail, leading by action, humility and accountability.
• Mia Clendennen (Women’s Cross Country) | Sophomore | Applied Mathematics | Durban, South Africa
  Clendennen exemplifies integrity and mutual respect in every dimension of athletic competition, campus interaction and academic pursuit.

Valley City State University

• Tate Minnihan (Men’s Cross Country) | Junior | Business Management | Valley City, N.D.
  Minnihan has developed into an influential veteran leader who sets the standard by working diligently to help every teammate achieve their maximum potential.
• Lorissa Thompson (Women’s Cross Country) | Freshman | Elementary Education | Galesville, Wis.
  Thompson exemplifies dedication by combining personal athletic growth with constant encouragement for her fellow Vikings.

About the Frontier Conference
The Frontier Conference is a premier collegiate athletic conference affiliated with the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA). Composed of member institutions spanning the Pacific Northwest and Upper Midwest, the conference fosters high academic and athletic achievement grounded in character-driven collegiate athletics.

About WinWon Technologies
WinWon Technologies is an innovative sports-technology software provider specializing in collegiate eligibility management, compliance tracking, and athletic department workflow solutions designed to streamline operations for administrators, coaches, and student-athletes.