July 21, 2008
NORMAL, Ill. -
With his reverse layups and jaw-dropping athleticism, junior Osiris Eldridge has established himself as an Illinois State fan-favorite, which makes him an easy choice to receive the 2008 Bob and Audrey Weber Endowed Scholarship, named after a pair of longtime Redbird fans.
The Webers bought their first ISU season tickets in 1974, and Bob has continued to support the Redbirds after Audrey's death in 1991. The scholarship was actually funded from the whole Weber family, which includes five children and 11 grandchildren.
Head men's basketball coach Tim Jankovich understands the impact of fan support, and values the commitment of the Weber family.
"Osiris is one of those exciting players who feeds off the energy of the fans," said Jankovich. "It is fitting that he is the recipient of this year's Weber scholarship, because Bob Weber is such a passionate Illinois State fan. We appreciate his, and his family's, generosity to endow this scholarship and his never-ending support of Redbird basketball."
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ILLINOIS STATE ATHLETICS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIPS |
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Eldridge earned first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors last season, and finished runner-up in the Larry Bird Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year voting. He averaged 15.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.3 steals per game.
The Chicago native posted 30 double-digit scoring outputs during the 2007-08 season, including nine games with 20 or more points. He scored a career-high 34 points at Indiana State last season, and posted his first-career double-doubles at Eastern Michigan and Bowling Green.
"It's flattering to be associated with somebody that has been dedicated to the program for some time," said Eldridge. "I enjoy playing for the fans, but when I'm out there my focus is to get the job done and put our team in the best chance to win. But, there is no doubt that when there is an opportunity and the time is right, I like to bring a little showmanship to the floor."
The Bob and Audrey Weber Endowed Scholarship is one of 19 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes funded by private donors. It is also one of eight fully endowed scholarships in athletics.
For more information about supporting this, or any other Illinois State University endowment scholarships, call The Redbird Club office at (309) 438-3803.
