UMAC announces 10-Year Service Award recipients

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ST. PAUL, Minn.---During the 2018-19 academic year, the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) has commemorated its first 10 years of NCAA Division III membership through the UMAC “10-Year Celebration.” The conference has highlighted outstanding milestones and achievements on the playing field as well as recognized all-decade teams and told stories of the individuals who make the conference unique within Division III.
 
Without dedicated coaches, staff and administrators, the UMAC would not have seen significant growth, development and success in its first decade of NCAA membership. Several individuals have stood out in ensuring the UMAC is moving forward as a thriving league in NCAA Division III, and those individuals have been selected as recipients of the UMAC 10-Year Service Awards, announced Tuesday.
 
The UMAC 10-Year Service Award honors individuals who have helped the UMAC achieve success and who have assisted in advancing the UMAC in its growth and development during its first 10 years as a NCAA Division III member conference.
 
Recipients of the 10-Year Service Awards include Corey Borchardt (UMAC), Dr. Alan Cureton (University of Northwestern), Dr. Matt Hill (Northwestern), Don Olson (College of St. Scholastica), Jim Unke (Martin Luther College) and Beth Wilmeth (Northwestern). Information about each recipient is listed in detail below.
 
"One of the special things about the UMAC is its depth and quality of talented individuals who have played a major part in advancing our conference to where it is today," said Greg Johnson, North Central University director of athletics and chair of the 10-Year Selection Committee. "These individuals, who were chosen from an outstanding group of nominations, each of whom is important and appreciated in their own right, have been influential at the conference, regional, and national levels. As someone who has worked for multiple member institutions and the conference during this 10-year period, I’m grateful for their efforts that have paved the way for the decade ahead."

A selection committee of staff members from UMAC member schools reviewed nominations submitted by conference institutions and selected the 10-Year Service Award recipients.
 
The UMAC 10-Year Service Award honorees will be recognized in person Monday, March 25 at Martin Luther College in conjunction with conference governance meetings.
 

Jump to: | Borchardt | Cuerton | Hill | Olson | Unke | Wilmeth |

Corey Borchardt, Upper Midwest Athletic Conference
Commissioner | VIDEO |
9006“Corey has demonstrated a commitment to leading the UMAC to excellence in Division III athletics. The UMAC is truly close to his heart, and his leadership goes beyond simply doing the job of commissioner. He is genuine and approachable to coaches and administrators alike. He is willing to listen to all concerns and approaches all issues with humility. I think Corey exemplifies a servant’s heart, and I definitely value his leadership.”
– Rebecca Cox, Senior Woman Administrator, Head Volleyball Coach, Martin Luther College
 
Corey Borchardt became the first full-time commissioner for the UMAC in 2008 and led the conference’s transition from NAIA membership to NCAA Division III membership. He successfully created and implemented new operating policies and procedures, developed conference schedules, initiated online film exchange, secured conference ball adoption agreements, launched officiating systems and job descriptions, as well as obtained 501 (c)(3) status and significant grants to assist in conference finances. During his tenure, the UMAC accepted two full member institutions and four associate members, added six conference-sponsored championship and secured automatic qualifying berths to the NCAA tournament in five sports. Borchardt directed the UMAC through development and enhancement of its mission, vision and core values and has overseen two complete strategic plans. Borchardt also obtained NCAA grant funding that aided the conference in adding a full-time Assistant Commissioner position to assist the UMAC in daily operations. Borchardt has worked tirelessly during his time with the UMAC to enhance the student-athlete experience through intentional and directed development of UMAC governance groups and committees, championship enhancement and strategic programming initiatives for conference coaches, staff and officials.
 
Beyond his dedicated efforts at the conference level, Borchardt has quickly raised the profile of the UMAC nationally through his stanch involvement with NCAA committees and national organizations. Borchardt served complete terms on the NCAA Division III Championships committee, Baseball Committee and Ethnic Minority and Women’s Internship Grant Selection Committee. He also spent time chairing two of these groups and served the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee through requirement of Championships Committee service. Borchardt has been an active member of the Division III Commissioner Association – serving two years on the Executive Committee and chairing sub-committees. His experience in these capacities has allowed him to champion UMAC administrators for committee service and professional development opportunities at the national level, which has continued to expand the UMAC brand and visibility. Borchardt leads the UMAC with unwavering passion and commitment to its values, dedicating an unprecedented amount of energy and effort to ensure all UMAC student-athletes, coaches, administrators, staff, faculty, officials and fans are positively impacted through their engagement with the conference.
 
Dr. Alan Cureton, University of Northwestern
President | VIDEO |
9004“His leadership as chair of the UMAC Presidents Council and chair of the Division III Presidents Council has given great visibility to the conference, and he brings a lot back to the conference about how Division III works – he’s very creative in that leadership. His commitment to excellence – both academic and athletic – epitomizes our mission statement of trying to bring together the student and athlete experiences.”
– Dr. Joel Wiggins, President, Crown College
 
In recent history, NCAA Division III has relied on presidential leadership to guide the membership in critical decision making. For six years, the UMAC boasted “a seat at the table” as Dr. Alan Cureton served on the NCAA Division III Presidents Council increasing the conference’s scope of influence and visibility. Through this role, Dr. Cureton provided a critical voice and led the Division III membership through challenging legislative and policy changes. He chaired the Division III Presidents Council for two years and spent three years on the NCAA Board of Governors (BOG) – the top decision-making body in the Association. During his time as chair of the Division III Presidents Council, Dr. Cureton facilitated Division III business sessions at NCAA Convention and contributed to several influential and critical Division III committees. As a BOG member, Dr. Cureton guided sub-committee work assessing the composition of the Board. Most critically, Dr. Cureton’s involvement in the NCAA provided UMAC members with in-depth knowledge about the Association and Division III during the conference’s first decade of membership. His work within the NCAA allowed him to welcome NCAA President Dr. Mark Emmert to Northwestern in 2016 – a first-ever campus visit by Dr. Emmert to a Division III institution. The visit allotted UMAC presidents and chancellors, administrators and student-athletes to engage with the NCAA’s leader on critical issues impacting the Association and intercollegiate athletics
 
Before Dr. Cureton helped bring the UMAC to prominence at the national level, he was a critical driver in the conference’s decision to pursue Division III membership and helped develop structures and policies across all levels of UMAC governance. After coming to Northwestern in 2002, it was clear that Dr. Cureton’s passion for and understanding of the value of collegiate athletics would be valuable in helping the UMAC grow. At the campus level, Dr. Cureton directed several campaigns and projects to enhance athletics at Northwestern. Under his leadership, Northwestern athletics has thrived within the UMAC and has seen great competitive success regionally and nationally. Dr. Cureton served several terms as the chair of the UMAC Council of Presidents where he influenced strategic growth of the UMAC membership both internally and through pursuit of new member institutions. Dr. Cureton is a true advocate and supporter for conference growth who works to ensure the UMAC keeps its values and the student-athlete experience at the core of its work.
 
Dr. Matt Hill, University of Northwestern
Director of Athletics | VIDEO |
9009“Matt Hill exemplifies every aspect of what we want the UMAC to stand for – a student-centered approach, strong academics, athletic integration into the campus culture, and success in competition. He has been critically helpful to other conference members with his vision, insight, and integrity as individual members have looked for his knowledge in opportunities to enhance their programs. The UMAC would not be where it is today without Matt’s involvement.”
– Don Westphal, Director of Athletics, Bethany Lutheran College
 
Dr. Matt Hill is completing his 20th year leading Northwestern athletics. As Director of Athletics, Hill has remained passionate and dedicated to growing athletics while staying true to the values of Northwestern and the UMAC. His leadership during his early years at Northwestern was critical in helping the UMAC transition from NAIA to NCAA Division III membership and charting a course for sustainable growth into the future. In the early 2000s, Dr. Hill spearheaded the recruitment efforts of additional conference members in preparation for the move to Division III. He served on numerous committees to establish governing documents, scheduling policies, fiscal strategies, and membership expansion and development initiatives. Dr. Hill utilized his experience and vision to direct future growth of the UMAC spending six years chairing the AD Council, Executive Committee and Finance Committees. Dr. Hill also guided the UMAC through changes in football membership as the AD football liaison – a role he still holds today – and served on the UMAC Strategic Planning Steering Committee for three strategic planning processes.
 
Not only has Dr. Hill set an example for leadership at the conference level, but his steadfast commitment to excellence has been displayed through the considerable success of Northwestern athletics under his direction. Northwestern athletics has grown from 14 varsity sports to 20 programs that have consistently won UMAC championships and own 24 NCAA national tournament appearances including three NCAA Division III Sweet Sixteen appearances (men’s basketball and volleyball) and a Division III Volleyball Final Four run in 2016. Dr. Hill oversaw Northwestern’s $11 million capital campaign to create the University’s state-of-the-art outdoor complex. The department has also adopted “Compete with Purpose” which has focused its athletics program culture around the institution’s faith-based values. Dr. Hill consistently displays hands-on leadership by example – he can often be seen fixing scoreboards or hanging banners in the Ericksen Center – and displays a passion that will continue to ensure Northwestern and the UMAC thrive for years to come. 
 
Don Olson, College of St. Scholastica
Director of Athletics (retired) | VIDEO |
9007 “Don Olson was a strong advocate for the growth of our conference and the competitive level in our sports and member institutions. He was, and still is, a prominent figure among his peers and conference administrators, even in retirement. He was an upstanding man, one we will always be grateful for with his work in laying a solid foundation to maximize the strength and imprint of the UMAC.”
– Danielle Hall, Assistant AD, Senior Woman Administrator, Head Volleyball Coach, Crown College
 
Don Olson retired as Director of Athletics at St. Scholastica in 2017 after 41 years working in college athletics as both a coach and administrator. While he spent just nine years leading the Saints, his impact on growth and development of the UMAC and St. Scholastica will carry well into the future. Olson took over at St. Scholastica in 2008 during the conference’s first year as a NCAA Division III member. His previous coaching and administrative experience at a Division III institution allowed him to immediately become immersed in strategic efforts to help the conference in its early years of progress and change. Along with other key UMAC administrators, Olson established key relationships to help recruit two new conference members and establish policies and procedures to strengthen current UMAC members as chair of the UMAC Membership Committee, vice-chair of the AD Council and member of the UMAC Executive Committee – roles he held for six years. Additionally, Olson was a critical adviser to UMAC Commissioner Borchardt on working through initial challenges that arose in growing the UMAC, and also served on the UMAC Strategic Planning Steering Committee to help establish future directions for conference growth for two different strategic plans.  Olson also served on the NCAA Division III Men’s Ice Hockey Committee, gaining additional national exposure for St. Scholastica and the UMAC.
 
During his tenure at St. Scholastica, Olson cultivated success and excellence across all Saint athletics programs within the conference as well as regionally and nationally. St. Scholastica won eight-consecutive UMAC Kruse Awards (All-Sports Trophy) during his nine seasons as AD. The Saints added three varsity sports to boast a conference-leading 22 program offerings. Under Olson’s leadership, the Saints made 41 NCAA Division III team tournament appearances and over 50 individuals qualified for NCAA Championship events including Chelsea Johnson who won the 2013 NCAA Division III Cross Country Championship. Olson’s passion and dedication to enhancing the student-athlete experience has left a lasting legacy of excellence that will continue to drive St. Scholastica and the UMAC forward well beyond his years in a formal leadership position.
 
Jim Unke, Martin Luther College
Director of Athletics | VIDEO |
9008“I've known Jim Unke for nearly two decades, and I deeply appreciate his warmth, kindness, and gracious demeanor. Jim always puts the conference first; I've seen that in his time as conference commissioner, basketball coach, and athletic director. When dealing with difficult issues, Jim always tries to build consensus; his responses are calm and measured, and he thinks carefully and listens well. Jim has a great sense of humor and truly exemplifies a servant leader.”
– Tim Grosz, Associate AD, Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Northwestern
 
Without Jim Unke, the UMAC would not be where it is today. Before the conference embarked on its journey to becoming a NCAA Division III member conference, Unke took on leadership of the UMAC when he volunteered his time as the conference’s Commissioner in addition to his responsibilities as Director of Athletics, head basketball coach and professor at Martin Luther. In conjunction with other UMAC administrators, Unke oversaw recruitment efforts of additional conference members in preparation for the move to Division III. Unke completed the lengthy application process and attended all NCAA Division III meetings that occurred during the transition period which helped lay the ground work for success and growth over the last 10 years. His ability to lead the conference through the challenges of new membership has been exemplified through his dedication to selfless service to the UMAC – Unke immediately became the first chair of the UMAC AD Council following the hiring of Corey Borchardt as Commissioner. During the last decade, Unke has twice chaired the AD Council, served terms on the UMAC Membership and Finance Committees, and has been on the UMAC Strategic Planning Steering Committee for each of the last three conference strategic plans. Unke’s hand print is also on UMAC scheduling policies and numerous bylaws, but his greatest impact on the conference is his unparalleled commitment to ensuring the conference and its members critically consider the UMAC core values and mission in all of its discussion and decision-making.
 
Unke has not only earned the respect of his colleagues for his committed leadership in the UMAC, but also for his dedication to instilling the values of Martin Luther into the athletics culture. Unke spent 19 years guiding the Martin Luther men’s basketball program before his retirement from coaching in 2016. He was three times named the UMAC Coach of the Year and won three conference regular season titles. During the last 22 years as Director of Athletics, Martin Luther has continued to embrace the Division III philosophy as the conference’s consistent leader in individual and team academic accolades and sportsmanship honors. Unke embodies UMAC values through his genuine disposition and care for his student-athletes, staff and coaches, which serves as a model for senior athletics leadership across the conference and Division III.   
 
Beth Wilmeth, University of Northwestern
Assistant AD, Senior Woman Administrator, Head Volleyball Coach | VIDEO |
9005“Beth Wilmeth's tenure in the UMAC includes many highlights and accolades, both as a coach and administrator. Among those is her selfless service to the conference office to help the UMAC continue to strive for growth, equality, and fulfillment of our core values. She has helped the SWA Committee define its role within the conference governance structure and has been a strong voice on the UMAC Executive Committee during a critical time of growth for the conference.”
– Nick Bursik, Director of Athletics, University of Wisconsin-Superior
 
Beth Wilmeth has successfully contributed to the visibility and growth of the UMAC through her historic coaching success, grounded leadership and gallant service to the conference. Wilmeth’s accomplishments in her 15 seasons leading Northwestern volleyball are unparalleled – she boasts 12 UMAC regular season titles including nine championships during the first 10 years as a Division III league. Wilmeth’s Eagles made eight-straight NCAA tournament appearances (2010-2017) and three-consecutive showings in the Round of 16 beginning in 2015. In 2016, Northwestern volleyball advanced to the national semifinal – the furthest tournament run by any UMAC team in any sport – after winning the NCAA Central Regional. The Eagles also hosted back-to-back NCAA regionals in 2016 and 2017 – another UMAC first. Wilmeth has been named the UMAC Coach of the Year seven times and was the 2016 AVCA/NCAA Division III Coach of the Year – that same season Lindsey Peterson was also named the 2016 AVCA?NCAA Division III Player of the Year during the Eagles’ postseason run. This year, Wilmeth was named the UMAC Volleyball Coach of the Decade.
 
Wilmeth’s legacy and impact on the UMAC is most recognized in her achievements beyond competitive excellence. Perhaps the most notable accolade for the Northwestern volleyball team shows the faith-based core covenants and values-centered culture Wilmeth has instilled in her program; driven by student-athletes, Northwestern volleyball implemented the practice of honor calls which earned national attention when it won the 2010 NCAA Sportsmanship Award. This practice, coupled with her program’s on-court success, led Wilmeth to multiple national speaking opportunities including the AVCA and NCAA Conventions, further enhancing the conference’s brand recognition and visibility. Additionally, Wilmeth has served as a member of the NCAA Division III Volleyball Committee. As Northwestern’s Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA), she has dedicated numerous hours to strengthening the SWA role within the conference as UMAC SWA Chair and Executive Committee member. Wilmeth also served on the UMAC Strategic Planning Steering Committee and has consistently gone above-and-beyond to contribute to initiatives within the UMAC to ensure equity for administrators and coaches while keeping the UMAC student-athlete experience at the forefront.
 

"10-Year Celebration" Page