SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Wrestler Ben Kelvington was named the 2019-20 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner Saturday, earning Augustana's fifth award for the prestigious academic honor from the NSIC.
 
Kelvington is a redshirt junior who owns a 3.99 GPA in biochemistry. The Jordan, Minnesota, native is a Second Team All-NSIC wrestler at 174 pounds while earning a 5-2 record in conference dual action this season. Ranked No. 9 in the nation, he is 12-4 overall and has totaled five major decisions and two tech falls.
 
Kelvington is an Academic All-NSIC and NWCA honoree and earned the Butch Raymond Scholarship for the 2019-20 school year.
 
As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 Championships.
 
Other Elite 18 Award winners from Augustana include Leah Seivert, a two-time winner, Hannah Hankinson and Zach Tuschen.