Dewitt Earns NCAA Elite 89 Award

John Dewitt’s (Jr. • Oshkosh) exceptional performance in academic courses and on cross country courses has earned him the NCAA Division III Elite 89 award. The honor is presented annually to the student-athlete with the highest grade-point average among national championship competitors.

Dewitt, who owns a 4.0 cumulative GPA, is majoring in secondary education and mathematics. He finished eighth (25:08) at the WIAC Championship as UW-Oshkosh captured the team title. The Titans then placed third at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional, with Dewitt capturing ninth place (25:14) individually. Dewitt took 69th (25:05) at the national championship, while UW-Oshkosh came in fifth place as a team.

During the 2010 season, Dewitt was named an Academic All-American by the College Sports Information Directors of America. He posted finishes of 12th at the WIAC Cross Country Championship, 19th at the Midwest Regional and 83rd at the NCAA Division III Championship. Dewitt also competed in track & field, where he helped the Titans to a fourth-place finish at the NCAA Division III Indoor Championship.

Outside of athletics, Dewitt is a member of the University Honors Program, Segregated Fees Committee, Campus Crusade and Athletes in Action.

The Elite 89, an award founded by the NCAA, recognizes the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the national championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers.

Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years with their school. They must be an active member of the team, traveling and a designated member of the squad size at the championship. All ties are broken by the number of credits completed.

For more information on the award winners, go to NCAA.com/elite89.