The times have changed. The sports have changed. But the heart and soul, the spirit and pride that it took to be a Redbird student-athlete two, three, four or more decades ago continues into the new millennium.
And thats just one of the reasons Redbird Athletics will award Varsity-I letters to pre-1989 female student-athletes in a special dinner celebrating the rich history and heritage of womens athletics at Illinois State. The dinner is at 6:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 in the Bone Student Center Ballroom.
As of early January, more than 400 former female student-athletes have responded and will be honored. In addition to the banquet, there will be special seating and recognition at the Feb. 8 mens basketball game vs. Indiana State and at the Feb. 9 womens basketball game vs. Bradley. Both games start at 2:05 p.m. in Redbird Arena.
With more than three decades invested in advancing womens athletics at Illinois State and across the nation, retired Redbird basketball coach Jill Hutchison views the event with pride.
I think it is one of the most exciting, rewarding things we have done in my 30-plus years with Redbird athletics, said Hutchison. Not only is this an opportunity to recognize the tradition and history of womens athletics at Illinois State, but seeing old friends and reliving fun memories will be fantastic experiences.
Tudy Schmied, who played basketball, field hockey and softball in the late 1960s, appreciates the acknowledgment of the student-athletes.
The fun of playing and the opportunities enjoyed as an Illinois State athlete were gifts in themselves, said Schmied. The letter plaque will be a beautiful reminder of the goodness of Illinois State University.
Director of Athletics Perk Weisenburger believes the event will be historic for Illinois State, which has been recognized for its long tradition of commitment to equitable opportunities for student-athletes.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for us to honor those female letterwinners who never received their Varsity-I, said Weisenburger. I am very proud of those individuals who put forth the effort to make this event possible.
For more information on the event, call Gina Bianchi at (309) 438-5455.
