BURNSVILLE, Minn. - Augustana's Mitchell Goodbary was named the 2023 NSIC Elite 18 Award winner for football as he held the highest cumulative grade point average from student-athletes competing on an NSIC Championship football program. Goodbary also won the award in 2021. 

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, 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 their sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among their 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.

Goodbary is a senior majoring in exercise science and holds a 3.98 grade point average. The Sioux Falls, South Dakota, native played in all 11 games for the Vikings at tight end, catching 12 passes for 172 yards and three touchdowns. For his career he has played in 40 games with 48 receptions for 594 yards and seven touchdowns.  
 
Augustana won its second NSIC Championship in three years and will find out who and where they will play in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. The game will take place Saturday, Nov. 18 for the opening round.