BUTTE -- Montana Tech women's and men's basketball teams were selected as the 2025-26 Frontier Conference Team of Character awards, presented by WinWon Technologies, the conference office announced Tuesday.

The Oredigger teams will become the conference's nominees for the NAIA's Bruce Brown CCA Team of Character Awards, one of the association's highest honors recognizing institutions that demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the NAIA Champions of Character initiative. The Conference Commissioners Association Champions of Character Team Award is given annually to one men's and one women's team for their exemplary character on the field, on campus, and in the community. The national winner will be announced on NAIA National Awards Day September 15.

"Montana Tech not only meets the rigorous standards of a five-star institution, but they have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to embracing the five core values of the NAIA Champions of Character program through a culture that prioritizes both competitive excellence and holistic personal development," Scott Crawford, the Frontier Conference commissioner, said.

The NAIA's Team of Character Award recognizes member institutions that exemplify the five core values of the Champions of Character program: integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Montana Tech's consistent commitment to these principles has distinguished the university both within the Frontier Conference and across the NAIA.

Integrity remains a defining characteristic of Montana Tech student-athletes, who are held to the same demanding academic standards as the university's general student population. Competing while pursuing degrees in some of the state's most challenging academic programs reflects the dedication, discipline, and work ethic of Oredigger student-athletes.

Respect is demonstrated daily throughout Montana Tech athletics, fostering an environment where teammates, coaches, opponents, and officials are treated with dignity while encouraging diverse perspectives and positive relationships.

The university's commitment to responsibility extends well beyond athletic competition through meaningful community engagement. Student-athletes actively participate in initiatives such as "Walk to School with a Digger Day" and regularly support the Butte Emergency Food Bank, reinforcing Montana Tech's commitment to serving the Butte community.

Sportsmanship has become a hallmark of Montana Tech athletics, as the Orediggers compete with intensity while maintaining respect for opponents and the game. During the 2025-26 academic year, Montana Tech student-athletes completed an entire season without a single ejection, highlighting the program's emphasis on competing the right way.

Servant leadership is equally evident through the work of Montana Tech's student-athletes, who give back as leaders on campus and in the community. From organizing Student-Athlete Advisory Council blood drives to serving as research assistants, library employees, mentors, and volunteers, Oredigger student-athletes continue to make a positive impact beyond athletics.

The teams have accomplished all of that while maintaining unprecedented success on the court. The Oredigger men reached the NAIA national tournament for a fifth-consecutive season in 2025-26, finishing with a 23-9 record. Tech's women won the Frontier Conference tournament for the first time since 1983 last season, compiling a 26-5 record (a program record for wins in a season) and winning a game in the national tournament for the first time ever.

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