DECORAH, Iowa - Three representations of Luther College attended the 2025 NCAA convention held in Nashville, Tenn. Tuesday, Jan. 14 through Friday, Jan. 17. Men's basketball player Gideon Armah-Amissah who currently serves on the National Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC), faculty athletic representative Rob Larson and athletic director Renae Hartl.
Armah-Amissah had this to say about attending the convention, "Throughout my tenure with Division III SAAC, I have learned the importance of articulating thoughts, working collaboratively, and taking comprehensive initiatives for lasting change. I am beyond grateful for the opportunity of representing the wonderful American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) and Luther College. As I roll off as Associate Member, I am excited to see what my good friend, Jack Bell will bring to the table for Division III SAAC. The future is bright for Division III and the A-R-C."
Larson has served as Luther's faculty athletic representative for approximately 20 years and currently serves as vice chairperson of the Division III National Management Council. He also chairs the committees on legislative relief and faculty athletic representatives and is a member of the President's Council and Administrative Committee.
The management council handles day-to-day affairs of Division III and reports directly to the President's Council and manages the implementation of policies adopted by the Association's Board of Governors and the Division III President's Council. "The NCAA, through student athletes, is a vital element of our colleges and universities and its governance structure is made of member representatives," Larson said. "It is a dynamic time for the NCAA and college athletics and an exciting challenge to be a member of the Management Council."
Hartl was in attendance to discuss legislation with conference and regional colleagues and placed official votes for Luther College on NCAA proposals for Division III.
The NCAA also approved women's wrestling as its 91st championship sport. Women's wrestling now advances from the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program to become a national championship, featuring female athletes from all three divisions competing against one another. The first women's wrestling championship will be in 2026 which Luther will be eligible for following the recent announcement of adding women's wrestling as the 10th varsity sport at Luther College.
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Left: Armah-Amissah and SAAC meeting with NCAA President Charlie Baker. Right: Armah-Amissah speaking at the NCAA Convention.
