Aug. 19, 2005
Normal, Ill. -
Four head coaches, Athletics Director Sheahon Zenger and Dean of University Libraries Cheryl Elzy participated in the unveiling of five new posters in Illinois State University's READ Program in a ceremony Friday at the Kaufman Football Building.
Head volleyball coach Sharon Dingman, head football coach Denver Johnson and head basketball coaches Porter Moser and Robin Pingeton, along with Zenger, are the subjects of the posters, which will be on display on campus. Each poster features the subject with one of his or her favorite books.
Elzy commended the athletics program for the way it represents Illinois State University.
"Academic people don't often get the chance to say publicly how much we appreciate what athletics does for the university, but we do," said Elzy. "The READ Program is five or six years old at Illinois State and we appreciate being able to get these coaches together as our part of a nationwide program to promote reading among young people. These coaches are role models for that."
All four coaches are avid readers who encourage young people to read for information and enjoyment.
"I can't think of a better marriage between academics and athletics than reading," said Zenger. "People participate in reading and sports for learning and for enjoyment. We (athletics) are pleased to be part of this concept and with this partnership with University Libraries."
Zenger's choice was Charles Dickens' Great Expectations. He appreciates the character Pip, whose experiences have an important lesson for people in athletics.
"I think the book speaks to most people in athletics," said Zenger. "As your career moves along, and you achieve your goals, it's important to remember the people who were important to you before that success. Pip is faced with that situation."
Pingeton chose The Holy Bible.
"It's simple to me," said Pingeton. "The Bible has the principles I try to live by and coach by."
Moser's selection, Mike Krzyzewski's Leading With the Heart, provides inspiration to his coaching.
"It's a privilege to be part of this program because, in my life, I've always had parents, teachers and coaches instill in me a love for reading," said Moser. "Coach K stands for everything that's right in college athletics. He is an emotional leader who creates a family atmosphere with a strong academic foundation."
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is important to Dingman because it's about the environment.
"People who have been on our team bus will tell you that we always have a trash bag and a recycling bag because the environment is very important to me," said Dingman. "Our environment is our world, and it's important to me that we do all we can to preserve it."
Johnson's choice, John Steinbach's Grapes of Wrath, describes the life his parents lived during the great depression.
"My father was born in the Oklahoma Territory in 1907 - before Oklahoma was a state," said Johnson, also a native of Oklahoma. "Like the family in Grapes of Wrath, my family left the dust bowl of Oklahoma for California. Some of his family stayed in the west; he eventually went back to Oklahoma. I heard my parents talk about their hardships and it makes me wonder if any of us could handle that kind of life. So it's a story that's very close to me."
