Emily Zimmerman, Fairbury, Neb., and Kendall Banning, Longmont, Colo., were named Bethany College's Champions of Character Athletes of the Year.

Both are now nominated to be considered for KCAC Champions of Character Athletes of the Year.

Zimmerman, a catcher/outfielder for the softball team, graduated magna cum laude on May 23 with  a degree in sports management and management. During her time at Bethany, Zimmerman has been involved in Alpha Theta Chi Sorority and business club. She also has been active in art club and student congress two years and for one year was involved in Gold Key. She also served as a captain on the softball team her senior season. Zimmerman also was on the Dean's Honor Roll every semester except one and twice earned Daktronics/NAIA Scholar Athlete Honors.

On the softball field, Zimmerman was a starting player her senior year, earning KCAC first team honors for her efforts.

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Banning, a vital member of the men's basketball team, graduated summa cum laude on May 23 with a degree in biology. At Bethany, Banning served one year as a resident assistant and also was active in TriBeta and BioChem Club. Banning also was active in the "pen pal" program, which matches Bethany men's basketball players with a local elementary school student. He twice earned Daktronics/NAIA Scholar Athlete Honors, also being named to the Dean's Honor Roll every semester while at Bethany.

He also was awarded by his teammates the team Champions of Character Award.

On the basketball court, Banning served as a starting athlete and a team captain.