In order to be successful, a student-athlete must be able to balance schoolwork and athletics. Illinois State mens golfer Ryan Brown fits this mold. For his efforts in the classroom and the community, Brown has been recognized as a Bone Scholar, the highest academic distinction that can be achieved by an undergraduate student at ISU.
Brown, a senior finance major from Staunton, Ill., credits his parents and older brother, B.J., who played golf at Illinois State from 1997 to 2002, with his success.
My parents and my brother taught me how to balance my time, said Brown. Sometimes its tough. There are times after golf where you want to go home and relax, but you need to get stuff done. So I try to manage my time.
Bone Scholars are students who combine outstanding academic records and personal development through their involvement on campus and in the surrounding community. Fourteen students are named Bone Scholars annually in honor of former Illinois State president Robert G. Bone. Nominees must have a cumulative grade point average of 3.7 or higher, with at least four semesters of attendance at Illinois State. They must also show evidence of leadership and character through their campus involvement.
Mens golf head coach
Ray Kralis believes Brown is everything that a coach would want in a student-athlete.
Ryan is a guy with model character, said Kralis. He is a man of integrity, leads by example, and does everything you ask of him. He doesnt think of Ryan Brown first; rather he buys into the system and is proud to be a part of the team and proud to be a Redbird.
Brown, a three-year member of the mens golf team, is also active on campus. As president of the Student-Athlete Academic Council (SAAC), Brown started the councils involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters, in addition to focusing on student-athlete welfare issues.
Brown is a member of Red Tassel Mortarboard and Golden Key. He also spends time outside the classroom tutoring fellow student-athletes.
Illinois State assistant athletics director for academics and life skills Jane Fulton believes Brown is very deserving of the award.
Ryan epitomizes the student-athlete, said Fulton. He has great balance in his life, and is a genuine, caring person. Everyone should get the chance to know someone like Ryan Brown.
I cant think of anything tougher in college than balancing yourself academically and socially. It is a real tribute to Ryan that he does it well.
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