Courtesy of UMAC Athletics

ST. PAUL – The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) announced the launch of the Jim Unke UMAC Legacy Award on Friday. The annual award will recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to the UMAC in the previous year and/or an individual who has significantly advanced the mission of the conference. The inaugural award winner will be announced in March of 2026 as part of the UMAC spring governance meetings.

Jim Unke (1958-2022) served as athletic director at Martin Luther College for 25 years from 1997-2022 and also served as the Knights’ head men’s basketball coach for 19 seasons from 1997-2016. He was an instrumental leader in the UMAC, serving as the league’s first commissioner prior to the conference becoming an NCAA Division III member conference in 2008. In 2019, Unke was awarded a UMAC 10-Year Service Award for his contributions as part of the league’s 10-year anniversary in NCAA Division III membership.

“It is hard to capture in words and truly articulate or quantify the impact Jim had on the UMAC,” said UMAC Commissioner Corey Borchardt. “As the current commissioner of the UMAC, there is rarely a day that goes by when I don’t ask myself, ‘What would Jim have done?’ In so many situations, my first thought when facing a critical decision is often, ‘What would Jim’s position have been?’ Jim’s wisdom, his guidance, and his unwavering commitment to doing what was best for the conference have shaped the way we continue to make decisions to this day. His influence remains deeply felt in every corner of the UMAC.”

The UMAC Legacy Award will serve as a living tribute to Unke’s commitment to service, which is at the core of who he was. Unke gave selflessly to the conference and its mission for many years, and this award will honor individuals who embody that same spirit of leadership, service, and dedication to the UMAC.

Institutional administrators, coaches, staff members, or any individuals affiliated with the conference in another capacity are eligible for the award. The focus of the award will always be on service — service to the conference, to the student-athletes, and to the greater UMAC community. Family members of Jim Unke will be invited each spring to help present the award to the honoree in the March UMAC meetings, ensuring that Jim’s legacy is celebrated by his loved ones alongside the UMAC community.

“Jim lived a true life of service — a life dedicated not only to his family but also to the mission of Martin Luther College and the students at MLC who were so dear to him,” said Commissioner Borchardt. “His passion for service, whether in his role at MLC or in his tireless work for the UMAC, was evident in everything he did. Jim embodied what it means to put others first and to leave a lasting, positive impact wherever his feet were. My sincere hope is that this award will continue to remind us of the legacy and impact Jim had on our conference.”

“Honoring Jim with the naming of the Legacy Award is appropriate for what Jim meant to the UMAC,” said University of Northwestern Eagles Athletic Director Dr. Matt Hill. “He was a long time AD and coach, and left a legacy that will not ever be forgotten. His dedication to the UMAC and his institution were second to none. He loved the UMAC and was a proud member, supporting the efforts that made a difference in the future direction of the conference. As a longtime colleague of Jim, I’m very happy this award is being named after him.”

“Jim’s contributions to the UMAC are many – both in his leadership and service to our conference,” said University of Wisconsin-Superior Yellowjackets Athletic Director Nick Bursik. “I always admired Jim’s integrity in his decision-making, always striving to honor and uphold the values of our collective institutions, and his vision for prioritizing the student-athlete experience.”

The UMAC is an NCAA Division III member comprised of eight full-time member schools from Minnesota and Wisconsin: Bethany Lutheran College, Crown College, Martin Luther College, North Central University, Northland College, University of Minnesota Morris, University of Northwestern, and University of Wisconsin-Superior.