Carroll Women's Basketball Hosts Annual Champions of Character Game

More than 2,200 elementary and middle school students will descend upon the PE Center this afternoon, turning the home court of the No. 24-ranked Carroll College Fighting Saints into one of the loudest venues in the Frontier Conference. The occasion is the annual Champions of Character Field Trip Game, a tradition presented by Delta Dental that moves beyond the stat sheet to highlight the principles of sportsmanship and leadership for the next generation.

The Fighting Saints, currently boasting an unblemished 4-0 record, face a familiar challenge in the NCAA Division II Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets. While the two programs have met three times over the past five years—with Carroll claiming two of those contests—today’s matchup carries a different weight. According to Carroll Athletics, the game is being played as an exhibition, meaning the final score will not reflect on the official standings for either team.

A Shift in Exhibition Strategy

The decision to hold the game as an exhibition is a notable tactical adjustment for both programs. For MSU Billings, the trip to Helena serves as a continuation of their early-season schedule against Frontier Conference opponents. The Yellowjackets have already logged an exhibition win against Rocky Mountain College and a countable victory over Montana Tech. Conversely, the Saints are riding a wave of momentum, having opened their season with one of the most successful starts in recent program history.

Despite the exhibition status, the intensity on the floor is expected to remain high. The Yellowjackets are looking to regain footing in the series after dropping their last two meetings with Carroll. The last time these two teams met, in the season opener last year in Billings, the Yellowjackets edged out a narrow three-point victory. That defensive battle set a competitive tone that both coaching staffs are likely to revisit today.

Recognizing Character Beyond the Scoreboard

The primary mission of the field trip event is the recognition of students from local schools, including Kessler, Rossiter, Four Georgians, Jefferson, C.R. Anderson, Helena Middle School, and East Valley Middle School. Teachers and administrators have hand-selected individual students to be honored during the game for their embodiment of the five core NAIA character values: Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Servant Leadership, and Sportsmanship.

While the lack of live statistics for this exhibition may frustrate those tracking season-long averages, the event serves a broader community function. By bringing thousands of students into the college environment, Carroll College provides a tangible connection between local youth and collegiate athletics. The event effectively bridges the gap between high-level competition and the developmental values taught in classrooms across the Helena valley.

Because this game is classified as an exhibition, no official live statistics will be tracked throughout the afternoon. However, fans unable to attend in person at the PE Center can follow the action via the live stream provided on the Carroll Athletics website. The game tips off at 12 p.m., marking a midday pause in the academic week for the thousands of young spectators in attendance.

The Saints’ current 4-0 start stands as a benchmark for the team’s trajectory, regardless of the outcome of this non-counting exhibition. As the program continues to navigate its season, the focus remains on sustaining the level of play that has defined their recent success while maintaining the community-focused traditions that define their presence on the Hilltop.