WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Jan. 5, 2015 — West Liberty University has been named a finalist for the 2015 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.
“This is great news for West Liberty University and its athletic department and it’s evidence of our athletes’ hard work in the community. I’m proud and grateful for their efforts,” said Athletic Director James Watson.
West Liberty University Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), spearheaded an event that hosted local Miracle League athletes during the May 3, 2014 WLU Hilltoppers vs. archrival Wheeling Jesuit University baseball game.
“It was a meaningful and fun experience for everyone involved and showed the sportsmanship and willingness of both baseball teams to get involved in this important community outreach,” said Coach Kayla Fetsko, who is WLU’s SAAC advisor and joined the Hilltoppers as volleyball coach in 2012.
Before the game, the Hilltoppers distributed t-shirts to each child and spent time tossing balls, running bases and talking baseball with the Miracle League participants. The Miracle League participated in the singing of the National Anthem and also enjoyed pizza during the baseball game that followed.
“The game was a great learning opportunity for the Miracle League athletes and it also helped our athletes spend time with individuals who really appreciated it. We are proud to be a part of the Miracle League of Wheeling and always willing to assist them in their work,” said Fetsko. “It is very rewarding.”
According to the NCAA, each finalist is awarded $500 for the event or activity for which they are recognized. Examples of events the award seeks to recognize include activities associated with Division II partner Make-A-Wish®, Team IMPACT, military appreciation, community engagement, game environment, student-athlete leadership development and educational programming.
In addition, two runner-up recipients and the overall 2015 Division II Award of Excellence winner will emerge from the list of 25 finalists.
The national winner will receive a cash prize of $1,500 and a nationally televised football or basketball game during the 2015-16 season. The first runner-up will receive a $1,250 cash prize and the second-runner-up will receive $1,000, which should be used toward future community engagement initiatives.
The two runner-up recipients and the overall winner will be announced during the Division II Business Session at the 2015 NCAA Convention on Jan. 17, 2015 in Washington, D.C.
WLU is a member of the NCAA and Mountain East Conference (MEC) and offers a wide range of intercollegiate athletics at the NCAA Division II level, including men’s football, cross country, basketball, wrestling, track, tennis, baseball and golf; women’s softball, volleyball, cross country, basketball, track, tennis, golf and soccer. The Hilltoppers men’s basketball team are currently undefeated and ranked number one in Division II.
Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please call 1.866.WESTLIB.