SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The Southwest Minnesota State University men's cross country team has been named the recipient of the NSIC Elite Team Award, presented by North Star Mutual Insurance after recording a team cumulative grade-point average of 3.7.
 
The Mustangs were presented the award during the post-championship awards ceremony at the NSIC Cross Country Championships, being held at Yankton Trails in Sioux Falls, S.D; hosted by Augustana University.
 
The NSIC Elite Team Award recognizes outstanding team academic achievement within the conference, honoring teams that have achieved success in the classroom and in competition. The award is presented to the team with the highest cumulative team GPA in each NSIC-sponsored sport based on established eligibility criteria. As part of the award criteria, all NSIC cross country programs are eligible for the NSIC Elite Team Award, recognizing the academic accomplishments of student-athletes across the conference.
 
The NSIC Elite Team Award builds on the conference's commitment to celebrating academic achievement alongside competitive success. Established during the NSIC's 25th Anniversary celebration in the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award recognizes the individual student-athlete competing at the championship level in each sport who holds the highest cumulative grade-point average among their peers.
 
The addition of the Elite Team Award expands that recognition to the collective academic accomplishments of NSIC teams, highlighting the dedication student-athletes demonstrate in pursuing excellence in both academics and athletics.
 
Northstar Mutual Insurance serves as the presenting sponsor of the NSIC Elite Team Award.