July 31, 2007
NORMAL, Ill. -
Joe Emerich has been named the 2007 recipient of the L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship. Emerich, a member of the Illinois State men's golf team and a Palatine, Ill., native, has earned the award traditionally given to the "most improved player" from the past season.
"It is definitely an honor," said Emerich. "I know how tough it is to earn a college scholarship so to be able receive something like this really makes me feel like I have earned my way into the program."
Emerich will be called on to help lead a young Redbird team in the upcoming fall and spring seasons. The redshirt sophomore will enter the season as one of the Redbirds' most experienced players.
"Our team is still really young but we are very deep too," said Emerich. "We have a lot of guys with both a lot of experience and a lot of eligibility left. We have a chance to be pretty good."
Head coach Ray Kralis will also look to Emerich to help the team build on last season's success.
"Joe is very passionate about Redbird golf, and he is committed to being a difference maker in our program," Kralis said. "I value players who take ownership in the program and look to improve it and themselves. Joe brings those qualities to our team, making him a fitting recipient for this award."
The L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship is one of 16 endowed scholarships funded by private donors, that are available to Illinois State student-athletes. Though not one of the eight fully-funded endowed scholarships at Illinois State University, the L. Durwood Boone Endowed Scholarship provides significant support for the recipient. For more information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
