Andy Stanko named CSC 30 Under 30

MILLIGAN, Tenn. (November 30, 2023) – Milligan University sports information director Andy Stanko was named to the College Sports Communicators (CSC) 30 Under 30 Class of 2023.

"It's an honor to represent all of the hardworking do-it-all young SIDs that are grinding every day, especially in the NAIA and in NCAA Division III," said Stanko. "I thank God for His goodness and mercy following me every day of my life."

Stanko was honored as the Willie Belcher Appalachian Athletic Conference (AAC) SID of the Year in his first year at Milligan in 2021-22 and was tabbed as the Milligan Support Staff Member of the Year in 2022-23 at the Buffys.

During his time at Milligan, Stanko has successfully promoted 29 CSC Academic All-Americans, including two Academic All-America Team Members of the year. He has provided statistics for the AAC volleyball, basketball and softball tournaments. Under his watch, @milliganbuffs has grown into the largest department-wide Instagram account in the AAC.

Stanko came to Milligan after serving as a sports information graduate assistant and assist at Frostburg State University and Washington & Jefferson College. He graduated from Waynesburg University in 2017 and earned an MBA from Frostburg State in 2019.

"I learned from two of the best, Noah Becker at Frostburg State and Aaron Thompson at W&J," said Stanko. "Thanks to Christian Pope for bringing me to Milligan and being an incredible boss and friend. I am beyond grateful for my wife Marissa and her support throughout this entire journey in small-college athletics. Excited for what's next. Go Buffs!"

Stanko is one of five NAIA honorees. The class also includes Milligan alumna Kassi Butcher ('19), now at UNC-Asheville, who began her athletic communications career as a sports information assistant at Milligan.