Grace College Sports Information Director Josh Neuhart was named the Crossroads League SID of the Year. (Photo provided)

HARTFORD CITY – The Crossroads League announced that Josh Neuhart of Grace College has been named the 2016 Sports Information Director of the Year.

The award is given annually and is voted upon by SIDs in the Crossroads League.

Neuhart wrapped up his fifth year as Grace’s SID. He oversees athletic communication, including: maintaining the athletic website, creating print publications, managing social media channels and releasing pertinent athletic information to the media and to the community.

“I feel humbled by this selection. We have an unbelievable group of SIDs in the league who push me to do better each day, so it’s an honor to be chosen by them for this award,” Neuhart said. “I have tremendous support from Chad Briscoe and the administration at Grace for which I’m thankful, and the wonderful local media members make my job enjoyable. It’s easy to be motivated when you’re working toward a greater mission, and that’s certainly the case at Grace College. It’s easy to come to work each day at Grace.”

Neuhart helped bolster awareness of the Lancers through various channels. On social media, he created a graphic featuring Grace volleyball player Kaitlin Kerrigan and her brother Ryan (NFL player). The piece appeared on both espnW.com and Redskins.com and it reached over 40,000 people on social media.

Grace’s sport teams were also referenced via twitter by NBA superstar Dwyane Wade and “The Bachelor” Ben Higgins.

“It’s exciting to see Josh be recognized for the excellent work he produces every day for the Grace Athletic Department. This award is a direct reflection on Josh’s incredible work ethic and commitment to Christian excellence,” said Grace A.D. Chad Briscoe. “We are blessed to have him lead our sports information office and are happy to have him honored in this way.”

Under Neuhart’s watch the live streaming of varsity home events grew tremendously, resulting in over 350,000 minutes of video watched on Grace’s YouTube page in 2015-16.

His department also brought in 10 national awards from the NAIA-SIDA Convention (LINK), including first place in the Infographic Contest.

Neuhart served as the SID for the NCCAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships and also for the NAIA Opening Round for Grace’s women’s soccer team.

“Josh does a terrific job balancing and distributing game information while also capturing the personal aspects of the athlete and team behind the story. He is an excellent writer,” said Grace Vice President for Academic and Student Services Jim Swanson. “We are proud of him and congratulate him for this award.”