Former SID Borchardt Selected as UMAC's First Full-Time Commissioner
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Corey Borchardt, the first Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Sports Information Director (SID), has been hired as the league’s first full time commissioner, effective July 1, 2008. Borchardt will replace Jim Unke, who served as the part-time UMAC commissioner for the past 10 years, while also holding the Director of Athletics position at Martin Luther College.
A former student-athlete in the UMAC, Borchardt was the league’s first ever SID, creating the policies and procedures that govern the league’s public relations efforts. Corey oversaw communication efforts for the conference for over four years, playing a pivotal role in the launching of a new website and increased media coverage.
Borchardt operated as the Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information at Northwestern College (Minn.), a member institution of the UMAC, from 2003 to 2007. Remaining at Northwestern after his time in sports information, Borchardt directed the Office of College Communications with the implementation of public relations and marketing strategies and most recently served as the Assistant Campaign Director for Northwestern’s $33 million capital campaign.
In addition to his undergraduate degree from Northwestern, Borchardt attained his Masters degree in Athletic Administration and Sports Management from the University of St. Thomas (Minn.).
“This is a very exciting time for the UMAC as we transition into active membership with the NCAA. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an emerging Division III conference that is committed to academic excellence, athletic competitiveness, and building identity both regionally and nationally,” said Borchardt. He continued, “I look forward to working with presidents, athletic directors, faculty athletic representatives and other staff members from member institutions in developing our position within NCAA Division III athletics.”
Responsible for promoting and upholding the mission of the UMAC through long-range strategic planning, Borchardt will serve as the league’s chief administrative officer, directing all of the league’s day-to-day operations, developing sports schedules, planning conference championships, and managing the conference budget. In addition, he will interpret and enforce UMAC and NCAA Division III rules and legislation, review eligibility reports, and serve as the primary liaison between the NCAA and UMAC institutions in regards to compliance and eligibility. Borchardt will also oversee the league’s public relations and sports information efforts.
The Upper Midwest Athletic Conference is comprised of eight academically rigorous institutions located in Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Originally formed in 1972 as the Twin Rivers Conference, the league was renamed in the early 1980’s. Currently, the UMAC is in process of becoming a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III conference, with full league membership expected for the 2008-2009 academic year as all schools complete their own provisional membership process. Several UMAC institutions already hold NCAA Division III status as independents. The UMAC recognizes conference championships in 18 sports.
Q&A with Corey Borchardt
What makes the UMAC special?
“One of the key characteristics of the UMAC is a strong camaraderie and desire of presidents and athletic directors to work together for the greater good of the league. Stating it in a different way – when decisions and changes are being considered, athletic administrators certainly voice the effect that will take place on their own individual program and represent their interests as needed. However, there also is true concern exhibited by the athletic administrators in terms of how decisions will affect other league members and the conference as a whole, not just their own program. Having been a student-athlete in the UMAC and participated in conference meetings for several years as the UMAC SID, I have seen a great synergy amongst athletic directors as the league has continued to develop and persevere through transition of league members and national affiliation.
Another characteristic that makes the UMAC special is its wide geographical base. While it obviously presents some difficulties in travel costs and missed class time, the three-state geographical area provides an opportunity to capitalize and build the identity of our league in several markets and across a greater area. Each of those markets has unique characteristics that we as a league can take advantage of in the future.”
What is the short term forecast for the UMAC?
“First and foremost, as we complete our transition into active membership with the NCAA, we as a league need to continue our positive relationship with the NCAA both on an institutional level and on the conference level. Our desire is to immediately begin adding value to the NCAA and in particular the Division III level, not only doing things right, but doing things well. Being the league’s first full time staff member and taking over most of the administrative and financial responsibilities, there will be a learning curve and time of transition as our operating structure changes to support the model now in place.”
What are some long term goals?
“In association with our presidents and athletic directors, I look forward to creating a unified long range strategic plan that sets the vision for our league. It is my desire to see a significant building of the UMAC’s identity both in local markets and on the national level. In addition, with becoming a recognized league and receiving an AQ (automatic qualifier for post-season championship tournaments), we are beginning to have the tools to strengthen our position within the Division III level. The securing of corporate sponsorships and advertising as well as development grants will also be on the horizon. However, it is important as we look to the future as a league, to make sure we stay true to our mission that states the fact that we want to be ‘recognized as institutions which are in the forefront of academic excellence and athletic competitiveness.’ This firmly aligns with the NCAA Division III Philosophy Statement which places highest priority on the overall quality of the educational experience for student athletes.”
What others are saying…
”As a conference, we are excited to have such a talented and enthusiastic young man as Corey leads the UMAC. I believe that he is a perfect fit for us. Based on his expertise and knowledge of our conference and its member-schools, I know he will be able to lead the UMAC as we work towards the next level.” – Jim Unke, current UMAC Commissioner and Director of Athletics at Martin Luther College
“Corey will be an outstanding commissioner for the UMAC. He understands the league very well and is a consummate professional. The UMAC is fortunate to have someone with Corey’s abilities as our first full-time commissioner.” – Steve Wammer, Director of Athletics at Northland College
“Corey Borchardt will be a tremendous asset to the UMAC. He is an intelligent and articulate professional who will provide great service and leadership to the UMAC schools and administrators. He understands the nature of Division III athletics and that the ‘student’ in ‘student-athlete’ holds the primary importance in our institutions. Clearly I hold him in very high regard and look forward to seeing him prosper in this new position.” – Travis Feezell, Director of Athletics at Macalester College