KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association recognized former Commissioner Ralph McFillen during the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships presented by Southern Bank.

Ralph McFillen was honored with the Division II Conference Commissioners Association’s (D2CCA) 2023 Meritorious Service Award. The award recognizes individuals in Division II who have made a significant contribution during their career to the success of NCAA Division II athletics and its student-athletes.

Ralph McFillen began his 40-year career in athletics as an assistant director of championships at the NCAA. Following 12 years with the NCAA, he became the commissioner for the Gulf South Conference and then the Metro Conference in Division I. 

In 1997, Ralph became the commissioner of the MIAA and moved the conference office to Kansas City. Ralph served as commissioner for more than 10 years, helping the MIAA expand membership and brought the basketball tournament at Municipal Auditorium.

Former Northwest Missouri Athletic Director Jim Redd accepted the award on Ralph’s behalf at the 2023 MIAA Basketball Championships on Semifinal Saturday, March 4.