June 23, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Hard work, commitment and enthusiasm are just some of the characteristics that qualify Xavier Riart-Ferrer as the recipient of Illinois State's 2008-09 Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship.
Riart-Ferrer is entering his junior season at Illinois State with a career record of 24-17 in singles and 17-7 in doubles. After sustaining a knee injury in March 2008, Riart-Ferrer has elevated his expectations for the 2008-09 season.
"It is an honor to be associated with Benoni Green," said Riart-Ferrer. "I worked hard to make myself and the team better. Winning this award has helped motivate me to get back in shape and commit to the upcoming season. I am anxious to get back on the court to have fun with the team and make important things happen."
Head coach Cris James feels that Riart-Ferrer exemplifies the values of the Redbird tennis program.
"Xavier does great work in the classroom and shows dedication and commitment to his sport and his team," said James. "Like Benoni, Xavier is an outstanding citizen."
The Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship was established in 1998. The endowment was funded by friends of the former Redbird tennis player who competed at Illinois State prior to World War II. Green was a two-time conference champion and was named to the Illinois State Athletics Hall of Fame in 1973.
Green was the principal advocate for tennis in the twin-cities for several decades. He organized matches and often rewarded competitors with treats from Nestle-Beich, where he was a manager. He also played a role in the Bloomington Parks and Recreation and Evergreen Racquet Club junior development tennis programs.
First awarded in 1999, the Benoni Green Scholarship is one of 19 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes funded by private donors. Eight of them are fully-funded, including the Benoni Green Endowed Scholarship.
For more information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
