BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Mark Sybilrud of Minnesota State University, Mankato will be honored with the NSIC’s Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award during the annual NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, July 9 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington-Minneapolis South in Bloomington, Minnesota. Sybilrud is the first representative from MSU to be recognized with this award since the Mavericks rejoined the NSIC in 2008.

The Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes the singular commitment of former NSIC coach and Athletic Administrator Noel Olson and his advancement of NSIC visibility, credibility, and excellence throughout the nation during his tenure in the league.  The award is intended to honor individuals who, as volunteers, have made significant contributions to the NSIC as a whole. 

Olson was the men’s basketball coach at St. Cloud State University and was name NIC Coach of the Year during the 1969-70 and 1975-76 seasons after leading the Huskies to NIC Championships. In 1976 he became the athletic director at SCSU. Olson passed away in May of 2019 at the age of 87. 

On a periodic basis, one or more individuals receive the award in appreciation of efforts made to support the NSIC activities and/or athletic programs within any NSIC member institution(s) or the NSIC Office. The award recipients are nominated by each of the NSIC’s 15 institutions and selected by the NSIC Hall of Fame Committee. 

To attend the NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet go to www.NorthernSun.org/HOFBanquet and fill out the online form.  The price to attend the banquet (including meal) is $42.00 (plus processing) - please register by July 1 as space is limited. 

2023-24 Noel Olson Award Recipient
Mark Sybilrud  - Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mark Sybilrud has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to his community, his alma mater, and his family.  His legacy continues in the present as he embarks on his 21st year assisting the MSU program as an official and clerk for track and field meets.

For over 30 years Sybilrud has been teaching in the same school district, for 35 years he worked as a basketball official, and has over two decades of service with the MSU track & field teams.

Sybilrud’s involvement in the track & field program goes beyond the track. He spearheaded the current scholarship enhancement alumni group that oversees raising money to endow athlete scholarships for the men’s and women’s track and field/cross country teams at Minnesota State.  

Sybilrud contributes to the advancements of the NSIC visibility, credibility, and excellence throughout the Mankato community as he has worked hundreds of high school and college meets, including over 25 NSIC Track & Field Championships, and he officiated at the 2008 and 2012 NCAA National Championships hosted in Mankato.

From 1978-1982, Sybilrud cemented his name in the record books as a three-time All-American, two coming from cross country (both 1981) and one from track (1982). After 40 years, he still is a consistent presence, giving back to the program that he calls his own.  Sybilrud and his wife Kristy are often seen at a multitude of MSU events around campus supporting the Mavs. Back in 2009, Sybilrud was presented the Jim Schaffer Service Award from MSU and was inducted into the MSU Hall of Fame in the “builders’ category in 2016.

“I wholeheartedly believe that Mark is an exceptional candidate for the Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award. His selfless contributions, leadership qualities, and positive impact in our community make him a truly deserving recipient,” stated MSU Head Track & Field Coach Mike Turgeon.

PAST NOEL OLSON AWARD WINNERS
2008-09    Roger Haug - UMary, Rocco Ierino - UMD & Dr. Harry Jasinski - NSU
2009-10    Dale Haagenson - UMD
2010-11    Paul and Barb Halstenson - AUGIE & Ken Mukomela - SMSU
2011-12    Neal Kalberer - UMary
2012-13    Kevin and Karla Anundson  - SMSU
2013-14    David and Carol Drown - SMSU & Brice Wilkinson - WSU
2014-15    Dr. Keith Marek - BSU
2015-16    Marv Bachmeier - UMC
2016-17    Lee Storbeck & Sue Wahl Storbeck - SCSU
2017-18    Randy Bowen - BSU & Gene and Jan Casey - WSC
2018-19    Pete Roberts - AUGIE & Dawn Schenk - SCSU
2019-20    Not Awarded
2020-21    Not Awarded
2021-22    Don Williams - UMary
2022-23    Rita Vandeputte - SMSU
2023-24    Mark Sybilrud - MSU