For Immediate Release
Saturday, March 15, 2017
NSIC Media Relations
NSIC Elite 18 Award
 
SMITHVILLE, Mo.  - Ben Skaar of Bemidji State University was named the 2017 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for men’s golf.  Skaar was presented the award during the post championship ceremony at the NSIC Men’s Golf Championship, which was held the past three days at Paradise Point Golf Course in Smithville, Missouri. Skaar is the first athlete from Bemidji State to earn the NSIC Elite 18 Award.

Skaar is a sophomore majoring in sports management and holds a 4.00 grade point average.  The Coleraine, Minnesota, native holds an 81.8 stroke average this season over 11 rounds. His low rounds this season was 76 during the NSIC Spring Preview on March 25 and in the final round of the NSIC Championship. Skaar finished 33rd at the NSIC Championship and helped the Beavers to a sixth place team finish. 
 

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.