Casallas Vega named Frontier Conference Champion of Character

HELENA, Mont. - Bellevue University senior Luis Casallas Vega, a native of Soacha, Colombia, has been selected as a 2026 Frontier Conference Champion of Character Award recipient for men's outdoor track and field, presented by WinWon Technologies. The announcement was made today by the Frontier Conference office following the conclusion of the regular season.

The Champion of Character Award is presented annually to a student-athlete who best exemplifies the NAIA's Champions of Character initiative and its five core values: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Each Frontier Conference head coach submits a nomination based on how their student-athletes demonstrate these values both in competition and throughout their campus and community involvement. 

"Luis is a kind and supportive member of our team," said head coach Craig Christians. "His teammates respect him for his hard effort and support he shows them." 

Casallas Vega capped a successful senior campaign by earning All-Frontier Conference honors in the 800 meters during the outdoor season. In the classroom, he was recognized as an Academic All-Frontier Conference selection for both the 2026 indoor and outdoor seasons.

The Champions of Character initiative aims to place the NAIA's five core values at the center of the student-athlete experience, helping participants find balance on and off the court. The program encourages student-athletes to value the right behaviors and uphold the NAIA's standard of being "The Right Way to Play."

With the conclusion of the regular season, a record five Bruins will head to Asheville, N.C., for the NAIA Outdoor Track and Field National Championships held from May 20-22. Ronald Kipyegon will represent BU in the 800 meters. The women's 4x800 relay team of Maggie Boley, Alicia Rivera Camargo, Grace Steinmetz, and Wren Hofacket will also compete, while Steinmetz qualified individually in the 5K and 10K.