BURNSVILLE, Minn. - James Narlin of Augustana University will be honored with the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award during the annual NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet on Tuesday, July 7, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington-Minneapolis South in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Narlin becomes the latest Augustana representative to receive the honor, joining Paul and Barb Halstenson and Pete Roberts as Noel Olson Award recipients from the university.
The Noel Olson Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes the singular commitment of former NSIC coach and Athletic Administrator Noel Olson and his advancement of NSIC visibility, credibility, and excellence throughout the nation during his tenure in the league.
The award is intended to honor individuals who, as volunteers, have made significant contributions to the NSIC as a whole.
Olson was the men's basketball coach at St. Cloud State University and was named NIC Coach of the Year during the 1969-70 and 1975-76 seasons after leading the Huskies to NIC Championships. In 1976 he became the athletic director at SCSU. Olson passed away in May of 2019 at the age of 87.
On a periodic basis, one or more individuals receive the award in appreciation of efforts made to support the NSIC activities and/or athletic programs within any NSIC member institution(s) or the NSIC Office. The award recipients are nominated by each of the NSIC's 15 institutions and selected by the NSIC Hall of Fame Committee.
To attend the NSIC Hall of Fame Banquet go to www.NorthernSun.org/HOFBanquet and fill out the online form. The price to attend the banquet (including meal) is $56.00 (plus processing) - please register by July 1 as space is limited.
2025-26 Noel Olson Award Recipient
James Narlin - Augustana University
Narlin has served as a cornerstone of Augustana athletics operations for more than 27 years, working extensively with football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling and acrobatics and tumbling programs. Known throughout the Sioux Falls sports community for his expertise with scoreboards, replay systems and game operations, Narlin has become a familiar presence at athletic venues across the region.
In addition to his longtime work at Augustana, Narlin has volunteered at the Sanford Pentagon and Denny Sanford PREMIER Center and has been a fixture at the scorer's table during the NSIC Basketball Tournament since the event moved to the Pentagon in 2014. He has also worked multiple NCAA championship events, including recent NCAA Division II Volleyball Elite Eight tournaments and NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships.
Narlin's commitment to Augustana athletics has extended beyond gameday operations. He purchased courtside tables at the Elmen Center as a gesture of support for the athletic department and has earned numerous recognitions for his service over the years.
In 2023, Narlin received Augustana's prestigious Lefty Olson Award for lifetime service and achievement in athletics and athletic administration. He was also honored with the men's basketball program's Sixth Man Spirit Award in 2012.
PAST NOEL OLSON AWARD WINNERS
2008-09 Roger Haug - UMary, Rocco Ierino - UMD & Dr. Harry Jasinski - NSU
2009-10 Dale Haagenson - UMD
2010-11 Paul and Barb Halstenson - AUGIE & Ken Mukomela - SMSU
2011-12 Neal Kalberer - UMary
2012-13 Kevin and Karla Anundson - SMSU
2013-14 David and Carol Drown - SMSU & Brice Wilkinson - WSU
2014-15 Dr. Keith Marek - BSU
2015-16 Marv Bachmeier - UMC
2016-17 Lee Storbeck & Sue Wahl Storbeck - SCSU
2017-18 Randy Bowen - BSU & Gene and Jan Casey - WSC
2018-19 Pete Roberts - AUGIE & Dawn Schenk - SCSU
2019-20 & 2020-21 Not Awarded
2021-22 Don Williams - UMary
2022-23 Rita Vandeputte - SMSU
2023-24 Mark Sybilrud - MSU
2024-25 Dave Bergstrom - MSUM
2025-26 James Narlin - AUGIE
