Omar Castro, a two-year captain for the men's soccer team, has been named the Orange Empire Conference Character Champion recipient for the 2013-14 athletic year.

The honor is awarded to a student-athlete that best exemplifies sportsmanship, respect, caring, fairness, civility, honesty, integrity and responsibility shown through specific action, ideally directed toward an opponent during competition. This person also puts the team and teammates ahead of oneself and acts as a positive role model.

On hand to present the award to Castro were Cypress College President, Dr. Bob Simpson, Dean of Student Services and Physical Education, Dr. Rick Rams, and men's soccer coach Ed Kephart.

During Castro's second year with the Chargers, he suffered a season-ending injury. Despite not being able to play, Castro continued to be a leader from the sideline, showing up to every practice, game and team event to show encouragement and be a vocal leader for his teammates. While carrying a full class load and playing on the soccer team, Castro also worked a full-time job to help support his family yet was still able to carry a 3.0 gpa.