June 4, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
Senior Jessica Santi exemplifies enthusiasm and passion for the sport of swimming, embodying the true attitude and spirit of a Redbird student-athlete. Based on her passion for Illinois State, Santi has been awarded the Dede Woytowych Endowed Scholarship for 2008-09 academic year.
The scholarship was established in 2006, after former Illinois State swimmer Diedre "Dede" Woytowych passed away unexpectedly in 2005. The Woytowych Scholarship is presented annually to a swimmer who follows in Woytowych's footsteps of being a good teammate, hard-worker and possessing a love for the sport of swimming. Head coach Steve Paska, the Woytowych family and the Redbird Athletics Department started the scholarship to keep Woytowych and Illinois State swimming and diving together forever.
Paska feels Santi is enthusiastic in her daily life as a Redbird student-athlete and is the perfect selection for the scholarship.
"The decision to choose Jessica was a collective decision by the coaching staff," said Paska. "Jessica exemplifies great attitude and passion about being a Redbird student-athlete. She is well-respected by her peers and the coaching staff."
Santi is humbled by the award and has a great deal of respect for the legacy Woytowych has left at Illinois State.
"It is really a huge honor to receive this award," said Santi. "It is something the whole team tears up about. (Dede) is still a huge part of the team. Even though most of us never met her, her spirit is still with all of us."
Santi competes in mainly freestyle events for ISU. A three-year letterwinner, Santi achieved her highest achievements this past year. She competed in nine meets during the 2007-2008 season and repeatedly placed among the top swimmers. At the 2008 State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championship she placed 11th in the 50-yard freestyle, 14th in the 100-yard freestyle and 21st in the 200-yard freestyle. She was also a member of the 200-yard freestyle relay team the placed third.
The Dede Woytowych Endowed Scholarship is one of 17 endowed scholarships awarded to Illinois State student-athletes. For more information about supporting Illinois State University endowments for student-athletes, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3808.
