June 9, 2011
NORMAL, Ill. -
For the second consecutive year, Illinois State second baseman Kevin Tokarski has been awarded the third-annual Schuster Family Endowed Scholarship for his efforts in the classroom and on the field, the Illinois State Athletics Department announced Thursday.
"I am honored to receive this scholarship," Tokarski said. "I will strive to continue to represent the Schuster Family well during my senior season, both on and off the field."
Tokarski started 53 of 54 games in 2011, finishing the season with a .282 batting average. The Downers Grove, Ill., native scored 47 runs and amassed 30 RBI on 58 hits, including six doubles, two triples and three home runs. He also established a .417 on-base percentage and ranked second on the team with 25 stolen bases in 34 attempts.
After breaking the career base-stealing record as a sophomore, Tokarski now has a program-best 91 stolen bases. He also ranks second in career-walks with 127. In 2011, he received 45 free passes, which tied for third on the single-season list.
"Kevin is a great representative of our program, and he is a perfect choice for the Schuster Family Scholarship," Redbird baseball coach Mark Kingston said. "Kevin is a quality student and player."
Tokarski has earned four All-America awards during his career, including a first, second and third team selection in 2010, and a freshman All-American nod in 2008. Tokarski was also the recipient of the 2010 Missouri Valley Conference Joe Carter Player of the Year and State Farm MVC Tournament Most Valuable Player awards.
The Schuster Family Endowed Scholarship was established in honor of Andrew Schuster, a four-year letterwinner in baseball for the Redbirds, and Danielle Miller-Schuster, a "Redline Dancer" at ISU athletics events. The scholarship was established by Robert and LaNita Schuster, and it is presented annually to a junior or senior member of the Illinois State baseball team.
The Schuster Endowed Scholarship is one of 23 endowed scholarships available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. For more information about establishing an endowed scholarship, please call the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund office at (309) 438-3803.
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