General | 6/4/2018 12:53:34 PM

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This evening at the MIAA Awards Celebration presented by Husch Blackwell, the conference will recognize the first recipients of the MIAA Officiating Award of Excellence.

The Officiating Award of Excellence is named after Dr. Bob Boerigter, the fourth-commissioner of the MIAA. Boerigter recognized the importance of officiating at all levels and emphasized the degree of commitment and integrity that today's officials must exhibit in order to be successful.

"Dr. Bob cared very deeply about officiating. As a result of his leadership, MIAA officiating in all sports is highly regarded throughout NCAA Division II. It is only fitting that this new award honors Dr. Bob's contributions in this area," said Mike Racy, Current MIAA Commissioner.

This evening's winners of the inaugural award are Dwight Neibling and Misty Overstreet. Neibling was selected as the referee for the 2017 NCAA Division II Football National Championship game. Overstreet was selected to officiate to the 2018 NCAA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship game as well.

Tune in to the MIAA Network or Facebook Live to watch the 2018 MIAA Awards Celebration at 7 p.m.