Indiana Wesleyan University's Mark DeMichael has been named the 2019 Crossroads League Athletic Director of the Year. DeMichael receives the honor for the fourth time in his career.
The Indiana Wesleyan athletic department has continued to blossom under the leadership of DeMichael in 2019. On the field, IWU won the Crossroads League All-Sports Trophy and placed fifth in the Learfield NAIA Director’s Cup. Twelve teams qualified for NAIA National Championships with five teams placing in the top-10, led by a runner-up finish for men’s cross country. DeMichael also saw the first-year football program earn a 7-3 record during the inaugural season.
In the classroom, 17 of 18 teams were named NAIA Scholar Teams with 3.0 or higher GPAs. IWU student-athletes averaged a 3.32 GPA.
Spiritual growth and leadership development remain top priorities for Wildcat athletics under DeMichael. IWU continued to delve into Champion of Characters events such as the Montana Servant Leadership Summit, the Student-Athlete Commissioning Service and the Student-Athlete Champions of Character Orientation.
“I want to thank my fellow Crossroads League Athletic Directors for this special honor,” said DeMichael. “I believe that it is a departmental award more than an individual award as all of the factors that go into being considered for this honor are a reflection of the commitment of an institution’s administration, student-athletes and coaches. We are blessed at Indiana Wesleyan to have talented student-athletes that seek to grow spiritually, academically, and athletically; coaches that are committed to serving Christ by investing in our student-athletes through discipleship and excellence in their sport; and an administration that sees the value that a strong athletic department brings to the institution and its mission.”
DeMichael was also named Crossroads League Athletic Director of the Year in 2012, 2015 and 2016. He is now eligible for the NAIA AD of the Year honor.