ABERDEEN, South Dakota — Leah Seivert of Augustana University was named the 2018 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for women’s cross country. A Sibley Ocheyedan graduate, Seivert was presented the award during the post championship ceremony at the NSIC Cross Country Championships, which were held at Lee Park Golf Course in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Seivert is a two-time recipient of the Elite 18 Award as she also won it for women’s outdoor track & field last spring.
Seivert is a senior majoring in elementary education and holds a 4.00 grade point average. The Sibley, Iowa native is a four-time All-NSIC runner as she placed 18th at this year’s Cross Country Championships. Last season she finished 17th at the NSIC Championships to earn All-NSIC Second Team honors and in 2014 and 2015 she earned first team honors, with her best placing being second in 2015.
As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, 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.
