NMU's Banerud gets NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

Tue, Jul  5, 2011 - By Calvin Larson

MARQUETTE, Mich. – Former Northern Michigan University Nordic skier Martin Stuge Banerud has been awarded a $7,500 scholarship from the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Committee.

Banerud graduated with a bachelor’s degree in construction management and is pursuing a master’s degree in business administration at NMU. He was the president of the student-athlete advisory committee and was recently awarded the Gildo Canale award as the outstanding senior male student-athlete. Banerud was a two-time All-American in classic skiing (2007 and 2008) and an All-American in freestyle skiing (2007).

“Martin is a good example of what our skiing program is all about,” head Nordic skiing coach Sten Fjeldheim said. “You could always count on him racing hard and finishing at the top. His hard work and leadership have led him to where he is academically and the scholarship is something he deserves.”

NMU XC Skier Martin Banerud (photo: NMU)

The NCAA awards up to 174 postgraduate scholarships annually, 87 for men and 87 for women. The scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who excel academically and athletically and who are at least in their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship was created in 1964 to promote and encourage postgraduate education by rewarding the Association's most accomplished student-athletes through their participation in NCAA championship and/or emerging sports. Athletics and academic achievements, as well as campus involvement, community service, volunteer activities and demonstrated leadership, are evaluated.