BOWLING GREEN, Ky. -- Cumberlands' (Ky.) men's archery student-athlete Joseph West has been named the 2025-26 Mid-South Conference Male Character First Award recipient, MSC officials announced on Monday.

West was selected for the honor by the conference's character committee. Each full-member institution is permitted to nominate one male and one female coach from their staff for the honor.

"I must first evaluate my character personally; character should exist consistently across all settings," West said. "There are five pillars in which true character is assessed: respect, responsibility, integrity, sportsmanship, and servant leadership."

West was Cumberlands' men's archery representative on the Mid-South Conference Champions of Character Team. He was selected as the 2025-26 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipient, presented annually to a graduating senior who exemplifies leadership, service, and outstanding spiritual values.

"Joseph has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership both on and off the field," Cumberlands' athletics director Chris Kraftick said. "He leads by example through his work ethic, accountability, and positive attitude, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and peers alike."

West volunteers at his church, is a member of the Mountain Outreach Program, and serves as a resident director at Cumberlands.

"What I admire most about Joseph is his servant’s heart," Cumberlands' archery head coach Kris Strebeck said. "He puts others before himself and approaches leadership with humility and compassion. In a world where leadership is often measured by titles or achievements, Joseph reminds us that the most impactful leaders are those who serve others with sincerity and character."

West helped Cumberlands capture the 2025-26 MSC Archery Regular-Season Championship. He is a two-time USA Archery All-American and a seven-time individual and team national champion.

West becomes the fourth Cumberlands student-athlete to earn the Mid-South Conference's Male Character First Award.