JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - Ashford University track and field freshman thrower Spencer Touchie of Hometown, Ill., was honored by the NAIA for meeting the esteemed Champions of Character criteria. Touchie was nominated for the award by the Saints' coaching staff.

For Touchie to be eligible, a school must have qualified a minimum of five student-athletes at the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. Ashford sent seven participants to the national meet.

Touchie was presented with the award at the national level following the NAIA Indoor Track and Field Championships. He finished 15th in shot put and was the third best freshman in the nation in that event.

"Even as a freshman, Spencer has shown qualities representative of a Champion of Character," AU Head Coach Chris Adams said. "His attitude and level of accountability fall in line with the core values of our team, Ashford University and the NAIA."