(LEBANON, Ill., May 24)—Kevin Witcik (Machesney Park, IL/Harlem), a senior at McKendree University, is the recipient of the Elite 90 Award for the 2017 NCAA Division II Men's Track and Field Championship.
 
Witcik, who is majoring in biology, currently carries a 3.993 grade-point average at McKendree. Witcik was presented with the award Wednesday evening during the banquet prior to the start of the championship in Bradenton, Fla. He is the first McKendree student-athlete to receive the Elite 90 Award.
 
The Elite 90, 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. The Elite 90 is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA's championships.
 
Eligible student-athletes are sophomores or above who have participated in their sport for at least two years at their institution. 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.
 
Witcik has been an active member of the McKendree men's track and field program for three years. He is part of the Bearcats' 4 x 100-meter relay team that has qualified for the NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. Witcik played a key role in helping McKendree win its first-ever Great Lakes Valley Conference Outdoor Track and Field title earlier this month. He helped the Bearcats to victory by running a leg in the 4 x 100-meter relay while placing second in the 100-meter dash and seventh in the 200-meter dash.
 
For more information on the Elite 90 award winners, log on to NCAA.com/elite-90.