Doug Collins, the leading scorer in Illinois State mens basketball history, made several all-America teams during his college career, including the CoSIDA Academic All-America team for his academic work. For Illinois State junior Neil Plank, his classroom work ethic helps commemorate that shown by Collins. A straight-A student majoring in finance, Plank is being recognized as the 2004 Doug Collins Endowed Scholar at Illinois State.
Redbird basketball coach Porter Moser appreciates Planks dedication.
He is doing exceptionally well in a tough academic field, said Moser. Neil puts in the time on academics. He is extremely motivated in the classroom and on the courtjust like Doug Collins. Hes an excellent example for our younger guys.
Proceeds from the Doug Collins Roast and Toast in 1990 started the ball rolling for the funding of the scholarship, named for the Redbird superstar who played at Illinois State from 1969-73, starred in the 1972 Olympics and has had a long career in professional basketball as a player, coach and television commentator.
Plank is the ninth winner of the scholarship, first awarded to
Dan Muller in 1996. In his first year at Illinois State after transferring from Wisconsin, the 2001 graduate of Mt. Zion High School averaged 5.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. He respects Collins.
To be an all-American and an academic all-American is amazing, said Plank. He has had an awesome career. I enjoyed hearing him speak (at the 2003 State Farm Excellence Banquet). He said some great things.
Plank attributes his own success to pride instilled by his parents.
My parents always encouraged me to do my best, said Plank. If something has your name on it, you have to give it your best effort. I take pride in doing things the right way.
The Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship is one of 12 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes which are funded by private donors. Six of them are already fully-funded, including the Doug Collins Endowed Scholarship. For more information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
Doug Collins
Endowed Scholars
Illinois State University Basketball
2004 Neil Plank
2003 Gregg Alexander
2002 Trey Guidry
2001 Shawn Jeppson
2000 Randy Rice
1999 L. Dee Murdock
1998 Kyle Cartmill
1997 Rob Gibbons
1996
Dan Muller
