July 28, 2026

BUTTE, Mont. – Montana Tech women’s and men’s basketball teams were selected as the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Team Character awards, presented by WinWon Technologies.  The Orediggers has now been selected as the conference's nominee for the NAIA Female and Male Team Character Awards, one of the association's highest honors recognizing institutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative.

“Montana Tech not only meets the rigorous standards of a five-star institution, but they have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program through a culture that prioritizes both competitive excellence and holistic personal development," said Frontier Conference Commissioner Dr. Scott Crawford.

The NAIA Team Character Award recognizes member institutions that exemplify the five core values of the Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Montana Tech's consistent commitment to these principles has distinguished the university both within the Frontier Conference and across the NAIA.

Integrity remains a defining characteristic of Montana Tech student-athletes, who are held to the same demanding academic standards as the university's general student population. Competing while pursuing degrees in some of the state's most challenging academic programs reflects the dedication, discipline, and work ethic of Oredigger student-athletes.

Respect is demonstrated daily throughout Montana Tech athletics, fostering an environment where teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials are treated with dignity while encouraging diverse perspectives and positive relationships.

The university's commitment to responsibility extends well beyond athletic competition through meaningful community engagement. Student-athletes actively participate in initiatives such as "Walk to School with a Digger Day" and regularly support the Butte Emergency Food Bank, reinforcing Montana Tech's commitment to serving the Butte community.

Sportsmanship has become a hallmark of Montana Tech athletics, as the Orediggers compete with intensity while maintaining respect for opponents and the game. During the 2025-26 academic year, Montana Tech student-athletes completed an entire season without a single ejection, highlighting the program's emphasis on competing the right way.

Servant leadership is equally evident through the work of Montana Tech's student-athletes, who give back as leaders on campus and in the community. From organizing Student-Athlete Advisory Council blood drives to serving as research assistants, library employees, mentors, and volunteers, Oredigger student-athletes continue to make a positive impact beyond athletics.

The recognition of both basketball programs as Frontier Conference Teams of Character further reflects the culture established throughout Montana Tech athletics. The men's and women's programs have consistently demonstrated that success is measured not only by wins and championships, but also by the character displayed in competition, the classroom, and the community.

About WinWon
Founded 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 through 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, please visit winwontech.com.