INDIANAPOLIS, IN: On Wednesday, the NCAA announced the finalists for the 2026 DII Award of Excellence. For the eighth straight year and ninth time overall, Walsh University Athletics has been named a finalist for the Cav Salute initiative. Walsh was the bid winner for the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. The Award of Excellence award highlights initiatives that exemplify the Division II philosophy of community engagement and student-athlete leadership. The list of finalists included 26 institutions and one conference. 

This year, Walsh Athletics participated in the Cav Salute. In coordination with the Office of Veteran Affairs, this initiative honored veterans, active duty service members, and local first responders in celebration of the United States of America's 250th birthday. Through wearing local military unit patches, to hosting a Patriots Day Home Run Derby, Veteran Suicide Awareness event, Salute to Service Football game, and a Veteran's Day reception, the Walsh community was able to honor and thank all those who protect our freedom. The initiative also raised over $1,600 to the SAM Center in Stark County. 

The overall finalists were chosen by a committee of athletics administrators and the Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, with the SAAC members ultimately selecting the top three finalists. Those honorees, including the winner, will be announced at the Division II business session this month at the 2026 NCAA Convention in the Washington, D.C., area.

To learn more about the Cav Salute, click the link below to watch our recap video
The Cav Salute Award of Excellence 2026