Sept. 12, 2007
WACO, Texas -
Illinois State senior quarterback Luke Drone was one of 22 players selected to the American Football Coaches Association's (AFCA) Good Works Team Wednesday, becoming the first Redbird ever named to the national team promoting community service and leadership.
The two 11-man teams, an NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) team and a combined team from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), Divisions II and III and the NAIA, honor players for their dedication and commitment to community service. The AFCA has been selecting the Good Works Team since 1997. From 1992-1996, the Good Works Team was chosen by the College Football Association (CFA). When the CFA disbanded in 1997, the AFCA began selecting the teams.
"It never ceases to amaze me to see the contributions student-athletes make to their communities," AFCA Executive Director Grant Teaff said. "Often times, these young men are better known for the good things they do on the field. The AFCA is proud to recognize these student-athletes for the good things they do in their communities."
Drone, one of 16 players from the FCS level on the 2007 Walter Payton Award watch list, promoted and participated in the American Red Cross Blood Drive for the past three years. He has also been involved with the Harvest of Hope Food Drive during his time at Illinois State, helping to collect canned goods and non-perishable food items.
"When you're an athlete, you are given so much, and there are so many people to help you along the way; the least you can do is give back to the community and help them out," Drone said. "As much as they support us, again, the least we can do is go out and help them anyway that we can."
The Mt. Carmel, Ill., native also helped raise $200,000 in the Bloomington-Normal community for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Drone is actively involved in the Boys and Girls Club and has spent time in Juarez, Mexico; building houses for underprivileged families and has also provided service at the Dilkon Navajo Indian Reservation in Arizona.
"One of the neat things about this business is that you get to associate yourself with some outstanding young people and Luke Drone is certainly one of those guys," head coach Denver Johnson said. "We have a lot of good kids on our team, and I think that Luke will accept this award as a representation of all the good people on our football team."
Nominations were submitted to the AFCA by the college sports information departments. Nominees have to be actively involved and committed to working with a charitable organization, service group or other community service activities. Candidates have to display sincere concern and reliability, while also having made a favorable impression on the organizations with which they are involved. Athletic ability is not a criteria.
