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(Leavenworth, Kan.)—»¨½·Ö±²¥ Cross Country and Track and Field Head Coach Alstin Benton received the 2021-22 Coach of Character Award from the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference. Benton has been an integral part of building a winning philosophy at USM, along with upholding the core values of the institution and KCAC.

"Coach Benton continues to represent a gold standard in coaching," Vice President of Athletics Rob Miller said. "He leads his teams to truly achieve their best in everything they do while focusing on building an atmosphere of excellent character. Coach Benton is committed to the larger mission of the university, the conference, the NAIA, and of college athletics in general. He helps his student-athletes realize their God-given potential and prepare for life. I can't think of anyone more deserving of this award, and we congratulate Coach Benton." 

Benton has spent eight seasons as head coach of the university's cross country and track and field teams. He has a combined 23 conference championships between the programs. In the 2021-22 school year, both the cross country and outdoor track and field teams won KCAC Championships. The men's indoor team also won a conference title, almost earning the Spires a complete sweep of all six possible championships. 

"I am honored to receive this award. I believe any praise a coach receives is a reward that belongs to their athletes, and I have been fortunate to work with some unbelievable men and women in our program," Benton said. "They have helped me grow as a person and coach. I can only hope I have impacted their lives as much as they have affected mine. Thank you to Sister Diane, Rob Miller, and the administration for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the »¨½·Ö±²¥ family. Lastly, thank you to my wife Cecilia for understanding the life of a coach and allowing me to give my everything to this program."

All KCAC Champions of Character Awards were presented by IMA Financial Group and Dissinger Reed.

The »¨½·Ö±²¥ is a Catholic co-educational applied liberal arts university founded and sponsored by the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. The University of »¨½·Ö±²¥ main campus is located at 4100 South 4th Street, Leavenworth, Kan. USM's Overland Park Campus at 4500 College Boulevard offers evening accelerated graduate and undergraduate degree-completion programs. The university also offers online programs. Visit  for more information.