SPARTAN REPORT News from Aurora University Athletics | April 2016
Spartans boast winning tradition in intercollegiate athletics The formation of Aurora University athletics dates back more than a century to the institution’s early days as Mendota College. Since that time, AU athletics have flourished into a competitive NCAA Division III program with 24 varsity teams and built a strong tradition of excellence both on and off the playing field. And since 2006, the Spartans have been a dominant force among the 12 institutions in the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference (NACC). A growing number of AU programs are commanding national reputations as the Spartans climb into the top tier of Division III. AU seized the NACC Men’s All-Sport Championship six of the last nine years and won the Women’s All-Sport title four times during the same period. “I’m proud of the success we’ve had in such a competitive conference,” said athletic director Jim Hamad. “We are the most accomplished athletics department in the NACC, but it is often tougher to stay at the top than it is to ascend there.” The NACC currently sponsors 18 sports, and AU also is a member of single-sport conferences in hockey and lacrosse. Through its various affiliations, the Spartans pair off against a long list of outstanding college and university rivals across the Midwest. “We have assembled a staff that is relentless in their pursuit of excellence. And we remain focused on elevating all aspects of our programs to continue to succeed in the NACC and garner national attention,” Hamad said.
SINCE JOINING THE NACC FOR THE 2006–2007 SEASON, THE SPARTANS HAVE ACHIEVED THE FOLLOWING:
57
54
54
41
127
1
14
49
Academic All-Americans
Academic All-Region Players
1,353
71
36
Conference Championships
All-Americans
Conference Player of the Year Awards
3
NACC Woman of the Year
NCAA Appearances
All-Region Players
Conference Freshman of the Year Honors
3
NACC Man of the Year
Coach of the Year Awards
Academic All-American of the Year
Conference Scholar-Athletes
517
All-Conference Players
2
AFCA Good Works Team Members