March 5, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Following an atypical response to a pair of mail solicitations, the Dr. James Collie scholarship at Illinois State is endowed. The outpouring of support is a tribute to the late Redbird basketball coach, as the scholarship reached the $20,000 level to become endowed. The fund will remain open for future contributions until it reaches the fully-funded status of $100,000.
"This is really a testament to the inspiration James Collie provided during his time at Illinois State," said Aaron Leetch, associate athletics director for external operations. "He obviously touched many lives, because support of this magnitude as a result of two mail solicitations is unprecedented."
Widely known as "Gentlemen Jim," Collie passed away May 1, 2006. He still ranks No. 2 in Illinois State men's basketball history with 209 coaching victories, while leading the Redbirds from 1958-70.
One of Collie's former assistant coaches, Dale Cruise, along with two former players, Gene Jontry and Bob Rush, were instrumental in the process of establishing the scholarship and raising the funds. Over 77 individuals donated to the scholarship fund, including 10 who contributed to both of the mail solicitations.
The Collie scholarship, beginning in 2008-09, will be presented annually to a junior or senior ISU men's basketball player, who carries a 2.5 grade-point average (GPA) or higher.
Collie arrived at Illinois State in 1957, after coaching stops at Friends University in Wichita, Kan., and McKendree College in Lebanon, Ill. He inherited a program that had seldom finished a season above .500 since World War II ended, but his high-speed offense generated a quick turnaround. In just his second season (1958-59), Collie led the Redbirds to a then-school-record 24 wins, an NAIA District Championship and recognition as the Illinois Coach of the Year.
As victories mounted, fan support increased, and the Redbirds moved from McCormick Gym to Horton Field House in the mid-1960s. Collie's coaching success reached new heights, as the 1966-67 team finished fourth in the NCAA College Division (now Division II) Tournament. With star players like Jerry McGreal, Steve Arends and George Terry returning, the 1967-68 team went 25-3, ranked No. 3 in the nation, but was upset early in the NCAA Tournament.
Collie was inducted into the ISU Athletics Hall of Fame in 1976.
Individuals interested in contributing to the Collie endowed scholarship should contact the Illinois State Athletics Development Office at 309/438-3803.
