ST. PAUL, Minn.— The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced the selection of Jim Unke from Martin Luther College as the inaugural inductee to the UMAC Hall of Fame. 

These annual awards will recognize former student-athletes, coaches, and administrators who competed or served (if coach/staff member) at least one year in the UMAC’s NCAA Division III era, which began in 2008-09 academic year.

In Spring 2025, the UMAC Administrative Council formally approved the creation of a UMAC Hall of Fame with the official launch of the inaugural class in the 2025-26 academic year. The formal induction ceremony will take place during the annual spring governance meetings as currently set in March 2026 with Jim Unke as the only charter member of the inaugural class.

Jim Unke (1958-2022) served as athletic director at Martin Luther College for 25 years from 1997-2022 and also served as the Knights' head men's basketball coach for 19 seasons from 1997-2016. He was an instrumental leader in the UMAC, serving as the league's first commissioner prior to the conference becoming an NCAA Division III member conference in 2008. In 2019, Unke was awarded a UMAC 10-Year Service Award for his contributions as part of the league's 10-year anniversary in NCAA Division III membership.

“It is hard to capture in words and truly articulate or quantify the impact Jim had on the UMAC,” said UMAC Commissioner Corey Borchardt. “As the current commissioner of the UMAC, there is rarely a day that goes by when I don't ask myself, ‘What would Jim have done?’ In so many situations, my first thought when facing a critical decision is often, ‘What would Jim’s position have been?’ Jim’s wisdom, his guidance, and his unwavering commitment to doing what was best for the conference have shaped the way we continue to make decisions to this day. His influence remains deeply felt in every corner of the UMAC.”

“Jim was a cornerstone of the UMAC’s growth and success, and this recognition is a testament to the countless hours he spent shaping the conference into what it is today,” said University of Northwestern Athletics Director, Dr. Matt Hill.

Each inductee will receive a commemorative trophy at the award ceremony and be recognized on their respective campus during the next calendar year.
___
The UMAC is an NCAA Division III member comprised of seven full-time member schools from Minnesota and Wisconsin: Bethany Lutheran College, Crown College, Martin Luther College, North Central University, University of Minnesota Morris, University of Northwestern, and University of Wisconsin-Superior.