Feb. 26, 2014
NORMAL, Ill. - In recognition of their support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund for many years, Darrell and Karen Kehl were named the recipient of the 2014 Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award. Illinois State Director of Athletics Larry Lyons and Rose Stadel, the widow of the late Joe Warner, presented the award to the members of the family at halftime of the Illinois State basketball game Wednesday night against Indiana State on Doug Collins Court at Redbird Arena.
The Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award is the highest honor bestowed to a donor by the Illinois State Athletics Department and recognizes individuals for dedication and loyal support of the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund and Illinois State athletics through exemplary service, leadership, and financial support. It was renamed in 2003 after the death of Joe, a WSF and Twin Cities leader, who died in a plane crash.
"We are honored to award the Joseph F. Warner Golden Redbird Award to Darrell and Karen Kehl," Illinois State Assistant Athletics Director for Development Matt Lyons said. "Darrell and Karen have been incredibly generous and loyal in their support of Redbird Athletics. Although recognition has never been a motivation for Darrell and Karen, their actions exemplify what this award represents and we are thrilled to be able to show our gratitude for their commitment to Illinois State University."
Darrell, Karen and their family have been Redbird fans, season ticket holders, and Weisbecker Scholarship Fund members for over 20 years. They have supported numerous facility enhancement projects, including the Arena Completion Project in the mid-2000's, the Men's Basketball and Volleyball Locker Room Renovations completed last spring and fall, respectively, and the recent Hancock Stadium Renovation. Their name adorns the Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach's Office, and the Volleyball Locker Room is named after their daughter, Jami Kehl Head.
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