May 12, 2026

HELENA, Mont. – The Frontier Conference presented the 2025-26 Champions of Character for baseball, presented by our partner WinWon Technologies.  They were recognized on the eve of the baseball conference tournament on April 29 in Dickinson, N.D.

Found in 2022, WinWon is a sports technology company revolutionizing the way sports organizations operate.  By building a custom platform to fit the needs of their partner schools and conferences, WinWon levels up athletic operations.  WinWon ensures operational efficiency by streamlining processes, integrating systems, and bridging connections between conference and campus leadership, coaches, staff, and student athletes.  WinWon is dedicated to supporting excellence in the world of athletics through modernization.  To learn more about them as a strategic conference partner, please visit winwontech.com.

Head coaches were asked to select one student athlete per team he or she coaches to receive this prestigious award.  The award recognizes student-athletes who best exemplify the five cores’ values of the NAIA Champions of Character initiative: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

On behalf of WinWon Technologies, the Frontier Conference is pleased to recognize six exceptional student athletes from Frontier Conference baseball members’ institution:

Bellevue (Neb.)

• Kenji Miller, a graduate student from Shoreline, Wash., majoring in biology and master’s in data science.  Head Coach Duane Monlux remarked: "Kenji has a been a model student and a phenomenal representative of Bellevue University and our baseball program in his time as a Bruin. He shows great personal accountability as a young man. He has a very strong work ethic and is never a student athlete that we ever have to worry about on or off the field".

Bismarck State (N.D.)

• Brayden Bunnell, a junior from Mandan, N.D., majoring in finance.  Head Coach Jaden Scott shared: "One of the most humble and selfless student athletes I have coached. Treats everyone he meets with the same level of respect. Embraces any task or challenge that comes his way and is a great teammate and positive role model for everyone around him".

Dakota State (S.D.)

• Cole Drumheller, a graduate student from Papillion, Neb., seeking a Master of Science in computer science.  Head Coach Derrion Hardie relayed: "Cole Drumheller exemplifies what it means to be a Champion of Character through his leadership and respect for others. A composed presence on the field, he leads by example and earns the trust of his teammates, who hold him in high regard. Off the field, Cole continues to make an impact by mentoring younger players and excelling academically, as he prepares to earn his Master of Science in Computer Science this May. His influence as an informal leader and role model has made a lasting, positive impact on our baseball program".

Dickinson State (N.D.)

• Cooper VanLuchene, a senior from Belgrade, Mont., majoring in exercise science.  Head Coach Michael Dahl offered this commendation: "Hardest working guy we have on the team. Does everything right both on and off the field. One of our captains".

Mayville State (N.D.)

• Jalen Denton, a senior from Pahrump, Nevada, majoring in university studies.  Kind words from Head Coach Billy Tomblin: "Jalen is the definition of a total team guy. He shows up every day with a smile on his face and truly brings out the best in people".

Valley City State (N.D.)

• Connor Hoyt, a junior from Jamestown, North Dakota, majoring in business.  Head Coach Alec DeMaria shared this perspective: "Connor experienced a significant injury after the first seven games of the spring season. After a season-ending injury in the 2025 season, Connor could have given up in many ways. Instead, he was one of our program's best leaders. He has made it his daily mission to help improve the culture within our program".