DULUTH, Minn. -  Paul Lins of Minnesota State University, Mankato earned the NSIC Elite 18 Award for men's outdoor track & field. Lins was presented the award following the NSIC Outdoor Track & Field Championships, which concluded Saturday at James S. Malosky Stadium in Duluth, Minnesota. 

As part of the NSIC 25th Anniversary celebration during the 2016-17 academic year, the NSIC Elite 18 Award was instituted to recognize the true essence of the student-athlete by honoring the individual who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the NSIC Championship level in his or her sport, while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. The NSIC Elite 18 award is presented to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC's 18 Championships.

Lins is a sophomore majoring in computer science and holds a 4.00 grade point average. A native of Lodi, Wisconsin and graduate of Lodi High School, Lins competed in the 800m run at the 2025 NSIC Championships.  Lins personal best time in the 800m run is 1:52.65 from this year's indoor championship where he took first place earning All-NSIC honors.