WINONA, MN – Over 70 representatives from all 16 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference institutions took part in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Leadership Summit earlier this week.
From the campus of Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota, several activities were held to build camaraderie between the NSIC SAAC leadership, enhance communication skills and learn more about preparing for life after college.
Among the three days from Monday, May 21 – Wednesday, May 23 the inaugural NSIC SAAC Cup was awarded on Tuesday. Minnesota Duluth came in with the highest point total of 7,180 in the final standings and were acknowledged during a joint meeting between the NSIC SAAC Student-Athletes and the NSIC Board of Directors.
Wayne State College was close in second with 7,018 points as St. Cloud State rounded out the top three teams with 7,000 points.
According to a press release from the conference the NSIC SAAC Cup is a traveling trophy and will be awarded annually at the SAAC Summit. Institutions receive points throughout the year based on the criteria within six categories. The winner will be the institutional SAAC with the most points accumulated by the end of the academic year (September 1-May 1). The points must be achieved in each category to be eligible to win the NSIC SAAC Cup.
NSIC SAAC Cup Final Standings
| 1. | Minnesota Duluth | 7180 |
| 2. | Wayne State | 7018 |
| 3. | St. Cloud State | 7000 |
| 4. | Northern State | 6750 |
| 5. | Winona State | 6701 |
| 6. | Upper Iowa | 6666 |
| 7. | Sioux Falls | 5018 |
| 8. | SMSU | 4900 |
| 9. | Augustana | 4853 |
| 10. | Bemidji State | 4415 |
| 11. | Minnesota State | 4150 |
| 12. | MSU Moorhead | 4069 |
| 13. | Concordia-St. Paul | 3897 |
| 14. | University of Mary | 3500 |
| 15. | Minot State | 3386 |
| 16. | Minnesota Crookston | 2500 |
Categories and Criteria:
Make-A-Wish Participation. Receive ½ point for every dollar raised up to $1,499 and 1 point for every dollar raised thereafter ($1,500 and up) for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Funds shall be donated to the NCAA national office or local chapter via the required forms.
NSIC SAAC Meetings. Receive 250 points for each attendee (a maximum of three) at NSIC SAAC Summit. Receive 50 points for each participant (maximum of three) on SAAC conference calls.
Campus SAAC Meetings. Receive 100 points for campus SAAC meetings (a maximum of two per month). A formal agenda and/or minutes from each meeting should be kept on file with the SAAC advisor. Receive 50 additional points per meeting for engaging campus and/or community leaders.
SAAC Legislative Grid. Receive 250 points for completing the NCAA SAAC Legislative Grid and returning it to the NSIC Division II National SAAC representative by the required due date. Receive 250 additional points for meeting with institution President/Chancellor AND Faculty Athletic Representative to review proposed legislation.
NSIC SAAC Initiatives. Receive 500 points for NSIC SAAC organized initiatives. Initiatives include: Mental Health Awareness, It’s A Slam Dunk- Don’t Drive Drunk and It’s on Us. A description of all events and a list of participants should be kept on file with the campus SAAC advisor.
Other Community Service/Engagement Projects. Receive 250 points for SAAC-organized community service/engagement projects that occur during the academic year. A description of all events and a list of participants should be kept on file with the campus SAAC advisor.
