NORTH CANTON, OH: The NCAA announced the 2024 Division II Award of Excellence finalists this afternoon. For the sixth consecutive year, Walsh University was named the finalist representing the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. 

In September, more than 1,100 Walsh Student-Athletes, coaches, faculty, parents, and community members walked in silence to bring awareness to human trafficking. The Athletic Department and University partnered with an Ohio-based organization, Not For Sale: One Step at a Time to participate in the event.

SAAC President and Cross Country/Track Student-Athlete, Anthony Toskin, said, "Having the opportunity to unite every athletic team on our campus to raise awareness against human trafficking gave our athletes a tremendous platform to use their voice." 

According to the NCAA release, the Award of Excellence is an accolade recognizing initiatives in the past year that exemplify the Division II philosophy, community engagement, and Student-Athlete leadership. 

The winner will be announced at the NCAA Convention in Phoenix, AZ on January 13th.