Dordt’s Mike Byker Named GPAC Sports Information Director of the Year

(Sioux City, Iowa) – Dordt University (Iowa) Director of Athletic Communications Mike Byker has been named the 2025-26 Dave Rebstock/Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Sports Information Director of the Year, presented by Hauff Mid-America Sports. This marks the second time Byker has received "The Rebby" award, having also earned the honor in 2016-17. The award is determined by a vote of the conference's sports information directors. 

As Dordt's Director of Athletic Communications, Byker is responsible for promoting and documenting the university's athletic programs. His responsibilities include writing game previews and recaps, maintaining athletic statistics and historical records, managing the athletics website and social media platforms, producing podcasts and interviews. He also mentors and supervises student workers, helping them develop skills in sports journalism, broadcasting, and digital media.

Byker also plays a central role in the Dordt Media Network, serving as the primary play-by-play announcer for Defender athletics on both the Dordt Media Network and KIHK Radio. The Dordt Media Network has become a leader in NAIA and GPAC broadcasting, producing more than 200 live events during the 2025-26 academic year and reaching more than 200,000 viewers across multiple streaming platforms.

Under Byker's direction, Dordt Athletics' social media presence has continued to grow. The department's X account has more than 7,800 followers, while their Instagram and Facebook accounts have more than 5,500 and 6,500 followers, respectively.  Dordt's athletic website, www.godordt.com, had over 2.1 million users and over 2.5 million page views this past season.

"We are proud to recognize Mike with this award for his outstanding work at Dordt University," said GPAC Commissioner Corey Westra. "Mike is widely recognized as the 'Voice of the Defenders,' but his work behind the scenes has helped position Dordt among the leaders in athletic communications and broadcasting in both the GPAC and the NAIA. He is very deserving of this recognition from his peers."

Byker is a 1992 graduate of Dordt University with a degree in Communication, with an emphasis in Radio/TV.

As the GPAC Sports Information Director of the Year, Byker will serve as the GPAC nominee for the NAIA Sports Information Director of the Year award.

About "The Rebby": 

"The Rebby" is named in honor of former Morningside Sports Information Director Dave Rebstock who passed away suddenly in the summer of 2018.  The award honors his dedication and contributions to the conference while at Morningside.  Affectionately known as "Rebby", Dave Rebstock left a legacy in the GPAC as a Sports Information Director and was a friend to all.