For Immediate Release
Saturday, February 24, 2018
NSIC Media Relations
NSIC Elite 18 Award
 
MANKATO, Minn,  – Zach Tuschen of Augustana University was named the 2017-18 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for men’s indoor track & field.  Tuschen was presented the award during the post championship ceremony at the NSIC Indoor Track & Field Championships, which were held the past two days at Myers Field House on the campus of Minnesota State University, Mankato. Tuschen becomes the is the first athlete from Augustana to earn the NSIC Elite 18 Award.

Tuschen is a senior majoring in biology and holds a 4.00 grade point average.  The Sioux Falls, South Dakota native was part of the record setting DMR team that ran an NSIC record time of 10:11.86, besting the 2013 UMD record of 10:14.37. He also finished second in the 1000m run at the NSIC Championships with a time of 2:30.12. Tuschen's personal best times are 51.95 in the 400m, 1:23.04 in the 600m, 1:54.81 in the 800 and 2:29.78 in the 1000m.

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC’s 18 Championships.

Selection Criteria
1. Academically the student-athlete has achieved at least a sophomore status as defined by his or her own institution.

2. Athletically the student-athlete is in his or her second year of competition at his or her current institution.

3. Athletically the student-athlete is an active member on the roster and a member of the designated squad size for the sport at the championship site.

4. A student-athlete may win the award only once per academic year even if she or he participates in more than one sport.

5. Grade point average is based on the cumulative grade point average at the time of nomination as calculated by each institution. Grade point average calculations will be based on a 4.00 scale and will be reported to two decimal places.

6. In the event of a tie based on grade point average, the award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest total number of credit hours earned.

7. If a tie still exists after looking at the total number of credit hours earned, all student-athletes who are tied shall be presented with the NSIC Elite 18 Award.