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WAYNE, NEB. — Bemidji State was announced the winner of the NSIC Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) Cup, presented by ISG. Bemidji State SAAC was presented the award during the joint dinner of student-athletes and the NSIC Board of Directors at the NSIC SAAC Summit, which is taking place Sunday through Tuesday on the campus of Wayne State.

The NSIC SAAC Cup, a traveling trophy, has been awarded annually since 2017-18 at the NSIC SAAC Summit. Institutions receive points throughout the year based on the criteria within a multitude of categories. The winner is the institutional SAAC with the most points accumulated during the academic year (September 1 to May 1). The points must be achieved in each category to be eligible to win the NSIC SAAC Cup.

Bemidji State scored 25,429 points to win its first-ever NSIC SAAC Cup. The Beavers finished 179 points ahead of second-place Minnesota State Moorhead (25,250), who was last year's winner.

There are multiple categories and criteria that go into determining the winner of the cup.

A half point is awarded for every dollar raised up to $1,750, and one point for every dollar raised thereafter for Make-A-Wish participation. The same point criteria applies to the financial contributions to a worthy cause category.

For each attendee (max of three) at the SAAC Summit, schools are awarded 250 points. Fifty points are awarded to each participant (max of three) on NSIC SAAC Zoom meetings.

One hundred points are awarded for campus SAAC meetings (max of two per month). An additional 50 points are available per meeting for engaging with campus/community leaders.

In the SAAC Legislative Grid category, 250 points are awarded for completing/returning legislation on time. An additional 250 points are given for meeting with President/Chancellor and FAR to review the proposed legislation.

For organized initiatives (diversity, equity and includision, mental health awareness, Green Bandana Project, It's a Slam Dunk-Don't Drive Drunk and Life After College), 500 points are awarded.

Lastly, 250 points are awarded for SAAC-organized community service/engagement projects that occur during the academic year.

The SAAC serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within the conference and at the national level. For additional information, go to