INDIANAPOLIS — Cedarville University has been named the recipient of the inaugural Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC) Sportsmanship Award for the 2025-26 academic year, recognizing the Yellow Jackets' commitment to integrity, respect, and excellence in competition across all athletic programs.
The award, adopted by the G-MAC in May 2025, honors the conference institution whose teams collectively demonstrate the highest level of sportsmanship throughout the academic year as voted on by league coaches.

Cedarville distinguished itself across the conference, placing among the top three institutions in sportsmanship rankings in 13 different sports. The Yellow Jackets led the conference and captured sportsmanship titles in eight sports: volleyball, men's indoor track & field, women's indoor track & field, softball, baseball, men's outdoor track & field, women's outdoor track & field, and men's basketball.

“This award is especially meaningful because it affirms our commitment to honoring Christ through competition. Colossians 3:23 challenges us to ‘work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men.’  Said vice President for Athletics Chris Cross. “Our student-athletes compete passionately and pursue excellence, but they also understand that how we treat opponents, officials, and one another matters. Winning the G-MAC Sportsmanship Award is a testament to a culture that values character as much as competition, and I am incredibly proud of our teams for representing Cedarville University so well”

The G-MAC Sportsmanship Award evaluates institutions based on rankings submitted by head coaches during the conference's postseason voting process. Teams that finish first, second, or third in their respective sports receive recognition, with points accumulated throughout the academic year determining the overall institutional champion.
Cedarville's success across a broad spectrum of sports highlights the university's commitment to fostering a culture of respect, humility, and competitive excellence. The recognition adds to an outstanding year for the Yellow Jackets, whose student-athletes continued to represent the university with distinction both in competition and throughout their campus and
community involvement.

Hillsdale College came in second place, followed by Northwood. The Chargers earned the award in men’s and women’s cross country, football, and men’s tennis. The Timberwolves received points across eight sports.
 
More about the Great Midwest Sportsmanship Award can be found HERE.