Jan. 6, 2010

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – At the conclusion of the 26th annual women’s and 51st annual men’s soccer national championship events the NAIA and Brine announced forward Amanda Rowand of Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) University and defender Cody Jenison of The Master’s (Calif.) College recipients of the Brine Method Champions of Character scholarships. Brine Method is designed to help athletes discover, promote and achieve greatness while developing skills and character values on and off the field. 

“The Brine Method Champions of Character scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for the NAIA and Brine to reward and recognize standout student-athletes,” said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO.  “Amanda and Cody are wonderful representatives of the more than 55,000 student-athletes that compete under the NAIA banner and I applaud their success both on and off the playing field. I would also like to thank Brine for its sponsorship and commitment to advance character-driven intercollegiate athletics.”

This is the third year for the NAIA and Brine to award scholarships and recognize one female and one male student-athlete that best exemplify the Champions of Character and Brine Method ideal throughout the NAIA soccer national championship tournaments. The NAIA on behalf of Brine will contribute a $1,000 scholarship to the institutions represented by the two award winners. Rowand and Jenison were selected by the tournament committees.

Rowand a senior from San Diego, Calif. scored the Sea Lions first-ever goal in nationals competition back in 2006. She was in uniform during the 2009 national championship campaign but did not compete due to injury. An all-conference selection her freshman year, in her year and a half on the pitch she tallied 13 goals and 12 assists for 38 points, sixth all-time for a PLNU player. In September 2007, Rowand suffered a concussion in a hard-fought match against Biola and then received a second concussion that later resulted in the end of her playing career. Rowand, despite her disappointment, was a huge asset to PNLU from the sideline and in the locker room. The team’s quest for the 2009 national title came up just short when the unseeded Sea Lions lost to second-seed Lee University, 2-0. Despite an incomplete career, Rowand found great strength and perseverance on and off the field. She plans to graduate with a degree in nursing.

Joining Rowand is Cody Jenison a senior captain from Quartz Hill, Calif. Jenison and The Master’s College entered the 2009 NAIA men’s soccer national championship as the No. 15 seed and made an impressive run for the national title. The Master’s semifinal loss (1-0) to Lindsey (Ky.) Wilson ended the Mustangs’ quest for the school’s first-ever title. Jenison ended his senior year campaign with eight starts and had one goal on the season. Jenison will graduate with a degree in Biblical Studies. 

Brine Method Champions of Character scholarships are part of Brine’s total commitment to the NAIA. Brine serves as the “Official Soccer Ball of the NAIA” and sponsors the NAIA Men’s and Women’s Coach and Player of the Year awards. To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org. For additional information on Brine visit www.brine.com.

-NAIA-
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association’s innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.

-BRINE-
Brine, established in 1922, believes that inside every player is a better player. Brine’s motto “Find Your Game”, speaks to their almost century long support of players in their athletic pursuit of game improvement products and programs. Innovators of the OffsetTM lacrosse stick and the original round bladder soccer ball (official ball of the NAIA). Acquired by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. in August, 2006, Brine is a recognized industry leader in lacrosse, soccer, field hockey and volleyball. Headquartered in Milford, Massachusetts, Brine asks you to Find Your GameTM at Brine.com.