Lou "The Photo Guy" Michaels

16 February 2009
St Paul - Story by Lou Michaels

While the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) has been in existence since 1972, the league and its commissioner, Corey Borchardt, have turned a new page in their book with the recent transition to full-fledged NCAA Division III membership in 2008. Borchardt, who is in his first year as the UMAC’s first full-time commissioner, has focused on laying the conference’s foundation in promoting the student-athlete’s experience.

Borchardt, a Rib Lake, Wis. native who played baseball at UMAC-member Northwestern College in St. Paul, has more knowledgeable about the conference than most, as his post-college career took the path of collegiate athletics. Borchardt worked for Northwestern’s athletics department as a student before transitioning into a full time position in sports information. The now-league commissioner added UMAC duties to his resume, concurrently serving as the conference sports information director for four years.

In his eight months as commissioner, Borchardt has made it a point to bring the UMAC to one central location, both figuratively and literally. Prior to his tenure, each of the league’s athletic directors, in addition to some assistant athletic directors, acted as associate commissioners for various sports, while Jim Unke, director of athletics and men’s basketball coach at Martin Luther College, served as the commissioner for ten years. Borchardt has also grounded the UMAC in terms of NCAA compliance, legislation, waivers, etc., while being proactive in gaining recognition within several organizations and conventions that the conference didn’t have in the past.

With the exception of its current five-sport football league, the UMAC is not looking to expand its membership beyond its existing eight full-time constituents. “We’d love to grow the number of UMAC schools that compete in football so that those student-athletes have the same opportunity as others do to participate in conference championships and to potentially advance in the NCAA postseason, said Borchardt.”

The commissioner noted that athletics is not the driving factor in expansion though, as academics and finances are two areas that are heavily focused on, yet at times are overlooked. “There are multiple minimum academic requirements and standards that would need to be looked at in prospective institutions if we were to lift our moratorium for additional membership,” said Borchardt. “Academics are the driving force of our league, while athletics is only one component of the student-athlete’s experience.”

Through their time together in graduate school and in Borchardt’s first few months as the UMAC commissioner, he and Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) executive director Dan McCane have developed a partnership that has been beneficial for both leagues. “Dan and I have a solid relationship,” said Borchardt. “In terms of history and growth, our conferences are in different places, but Dan has been a great reference for me in my position.”

Borchardt expanded on the relationship between the UMAC and MIAC, noting the uniqueness of the NCAA Division III philosophy. “Dan and I’s relationship is based on Division II. We share ideas and thoughts on a Division III level in regards to academics, legislation, etc.”

In closing, Borchardt noted that these are exciting times for the UMAC. “We’re on the right road, but we’re just pulling out of the driveway,” he said. “As we seek to enhance the student-athlete experience, the next three to five years will be exciting. I think you’ll really see the student-athletes have a more desirable experience through our conference tournaments, NCAA tournaments and so forth. The future of the UMAC is bright.”