Sangamon Sun

Illinois College in Jacksonville, Illinois, marked a significant milestone with the induction of its first class of student-athletes into Chi Alpha Sigma, the National College Athlete Honor Society. This event was part of the college's Celebration of Excellence.

Chi Alpha Sigma is recognized as the only nonprofit organization that honors college student-athletes for their achievements both academically and athletically. Established in 1996 by Nick Mourouzis, a former head football coach at DePauw University, the society aims to connect outstanding student-athletes through a fraternal association that celebrates their dual successes.

Eligibility for Chi Alpha Sigma requires student-athletes to earn a varsity letter in their sport, achieve junior academic standing or higher after five full-time semesters, and maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.4 or above.

Director of Athletics Mike Snyder expressed his admiration for the inaugural class: "I would like to welcome this inaugural class into the Chi Chapter of Chi Alpha Sigma," he said. "It is incredibly difficult to excel both in the classroom and on the field or court, but these exceptional student-athletes have done so. I am impressed with their work ethic and dedication to their areas of study as well as their sport and I am proud of their accomplishments here at Illinois College."

The first group consists of 54 inductees who participated in various sports such as baseball, dance, esports, football, basketball (men's and women's), golf (men's and women's), soccer (men's and women's), swimming & diving (women's), tennis (men's and women's), track & field/cross country (men's and women's), softball, and volleyball.