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Concordia in Bronxville Named NCAA Division II Award of Excellence Winner

BRONXVILLE, N.Y. -- The men's basketball program at Concordia College in Bronxville has been recognized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association as recipients of the 2013 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.

The Concordia College's men's basketball program received the 2013 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.

The Concordia College's men's basketball program received the 2013 NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.

Photo Credit: Concordia Clippers
Eli, who is battling cancer, is honored by the team.

Eli, who is battling cancer, is honored by the team.

Photo Credit: Concordia Clippers

This award recognizes efforts by the team on and off the court, specifically in regard to community engagement.

Each Division II school and conference was eligible to submit its best activity or event that exemplifies excellence.

The Selection Committee announced the 24 conference winners, and Concordia was the overall winner from the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference.

During the 2014 NCAA Convention this January the top-three finalists and overall winner will be announced.

Each of the finalists are guaranteed a prize of at least $1,000 and the overall winner will have the privilege to host a nationally televised basketball or football game on the CBS Sports Network during the 2014-15 academic year.

In November, the team participated in the fourth Annual Jimmy Sayegh Game against Southern Connecticut State University. Sayegh was a former Concordia basketball player who died of cancer in 2010.

The evening honored Sayegh  as well as introduced the Clippers' newest player, Eli. Eli has been diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, the most common form of pediatric blood cancer.

Eli was given a #1 jersey as head coach Brian Sondey introduced him to the crowd. Team IMPACT, an organization that helps place children battling illness with college athletic programs, fostered a bond between Eli's family and the Clippers' program.

The Clippers support everyone who has been forced to deal with cancer. Donations can be made in Sayegh's name to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to help support the fight against cancer.

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