The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has named Michael Jiskoot of Northwestern (Iowa) College and Whitni Tucker of Shorter (Ga.) College the 2009 recipients of the prestigious Emil S. Liston Award. The award presented annually by Daktronics recognizes a male and female junior basketball player based on scholarship, character and playing ability. Since 1950, the award has honored the memory of the NAIA's first executive director Emil S. Liston.

Mr. Liston was the founder of the National Association of Intercollegiate Basketball (NAIB) and played a fundamental role in the NAIA men's basketball tournament.

The NAIA is pleased to recognize Michael and Whitni with the Emil S. Liston Award," said Jim Carr, NAIA President and CEO. "Michael and Whitni's actions carry on the proud tradition of NAIA basketball. I commend their work ethic, ability to lead and commitment to athletic and academic excellence."

Jiskoot and Tucker were selected by the NAIA Council of Faculty Athletics Representatives from a field that included nominees from numerous NAIA member institutions. Northwestern and Shorter will each receive a $1,000 scholarship award from Daktronics in the name of the winner.

Jiskoot grew up in Orange City, Iowa, home to the Northwestern Raiders, and is recognized as a local favorite. As a freshman, Jiskoot entered an exceedingly successful program led by an NAIA All-American in his position. Jiskoot wasn't discouraged, instead was patient while waiting his turn. This year, he was given his chance. He participated in 21 of 23 games, starting 20 contests and averaging 10.8 points per game. The team finished the 2008-09 campaign with a winning record for an NAIA-record 14th straight season. Recognized by his coach as a leader and difference maker, Jiskoot is a role model for young people in the way he lives his life in all areas - academically, athletically, spiritually and socially.

"Michael is an excellent teammate and he looks forward to doing whatever he can as a player to help his team succeed," said Kris Korver, head coach at Northwestern. "Michael is teachable. He is open to suggestions and is willing to evaluate his life to take steps needed to improve as a student, athlete and person."

This past year, the economics and finance department awarded Jiskoot the Merlyn De Vries Accounting Scholarship which is given annually to an outstanding student in recognition of their integrity and personal conviction. Off campus, Jiskoot has made it a priority to serve others less fortunate then himself. Most recently he was involved in a service project in New Orleans and a summer work project in Iowa City.

Tucker has maintained a perfect academic record while not only being a member of the women's basketball team, but also a team leader and starting point guard. Her coach states, Tucker plays the "position" of point guard on the court and the "role" of the point guard off the court with great representation of the Lady Hawks and Shorter College.

"On the court, Whitni is our leader," said Vic Mitchell, head coach at Shorter College. "She understands her position, as well as everyone else's position, each and every play. She has very good anticipation skills and plays with great effort and intensity."

As a math major and president of the math club, Tucker demonstrates daily drive, time management skills and pure dedication to expanding her knowledge. A leader on campus and in the community, she finds time to work summer basketball camps for young girls, teach Spanish to area elementary school students and volunteers with the Special Olympics.

Jiskoot and Tucker's academic and athletic accomplishments paired with talent on the basketball court makes them ideal recipients of the Emil S. Liston Award. To learn more about the NAIA and other national and sport specific awards visit http://www.naia.org/.