Steve Adams To Be Presented With MVC Most Courageous Award

NORMAL, Ill. – Longtime public address voice of Illinois State men's basketball, and Illinois State Athletics Percy Family Hall of Famer Steve Adams will be honored with the Missouri Valley Conference Most Courageous Award Sunday when the Redbird men's basketball team hosts Lewis in an exhibition game on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.

The Missouri Valley Conference presents the Most Courageous Award to a past or present student-athlete, coach or university administrator who demonstrates unusual courage in the face of personal illness, adversity or tragedy and whose behavior reflects honor on the institution or the Conference. Individuals receiving the award might also have performed heroic feats or otherwise inspired others. The award shall be presented once each year when warranted and this year was presented to several other deserving recipients.

"Steve Adams has been such a big part of Redbird Athletics and we want him to know that the Redbird family and the MVC are there for him and his family," Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons said. "His competitive spirit inspires us all and we look forward to hearing his voice in Redbird Arena in the future." 

Adams' voice has become synonymous with home basketball games, as he has volunteered as the public address announcer for Redbird men's basketball for 40 seasons, encompassing nearly 600 games. Adams also served as the PA announcer for football games until the renovation of Hancock Stadium, tallying over 200 games.
 
Adams spent his entire 35-year career in higher education at Illinois State University. He served in major administrative positions in Academic Affairs for nearly three decades (including Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management and Academic Services and Director of Admissions, as well as interim roles as Director of Financial Aid and Director of Enrollment Management). He was Vice President for Student Affairs for the final five years of his formal career at ISU, before retiring from the University on June 1, 2011.
 
In March 2017, Steve was presented with a new challenge: he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer.  He is currently undergoing treatment and is determined to hear the words, "You are cancer free!"

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