Story is courtesy of Mid-South Conference & Chris Wells

Georgetown (Ky.) senior Sam Heaton is the recipient of the 2014 Mid-South Conference Men's Cross Country Champions of Character award presented by Forcht Bank, MSC officials announced on Thursday.

The Cincinnati, Ohio native is the captain of the Tiger men's cross country team and on pace to graduate in December with a degree in religion. Heaton has a 3.8 grade point average and is a member of Theta Alpha Kappa Honor Society and the Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity where he serves as the chaplain.

Heaton has always stuck by one phrase that has helped him grow into the person he is today.

"Character is who you are when no one is watching," Heaton said. "I remember seeing it on a banner hanging at my elementary school. I have always tried to respect those in authority above me whether that is my coach, pastor, professor or team captain."