Facilities Crew Receives Hero Award from Special Olympics Illinois

NORMAL, Ill. – On Friday, the Illinois State Athletics Redbird Arena/Horton Field House Crew was recognized with a 2014 Hero Award by Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL). Special Olympics recognized its everyday heroes in the Central Illinois Area at a reception at the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center.

The awards are given to a person, family, group or business that has demonstrated exemplary commitment to SOILL, which have strengthened communities and improved the quality of life for SOILL athletes.  Amongst the award-recipients with the facilities crew were Keith Smith, Adam Southwick, Dave Willert, Paul Crawford, Lucas Roach, Jonathon Dorrell, Tim Sulaski and Zach Collins.

"Our mission is to make sure all visitors to Illinois State University have a memorable experience," Smith said.  "When Special Olympics Illinois competes within our venues, we strive to provide all athletes and coaches with a safe environment that promotes great competition and fun for everyone involved.  To be recognized for doing so, is an indication of the relationship we have had with Special Olympics Illinois, and hope to continue for many years to come.  We want to thank Special Olympics Illinois, and we are truly honored to receive this award."

The crew has been instrumental in partnering with SOILL staff in planning, organizing and conducting events held at the University.  The Facilities Crew has been involved with SOILL for more than 36 years, and over the years, the crew has made a tremendous effort in working with SOILL sports staff in planning phenomenal events.

Associate Athletics Director/Internal Operations Peyton Deterding is pleased the crew's hard work has been noticed since they work mostly behind the scenes.

"We are extremely honored to be recognized by Illinois Special Olympics with the Heroes Award," Deterding said.  "Our Facilities Staff is a group that does work that often goes unnoticed, but they are vital in making every event we run a success.  This group is very deserving of an honor such as this and reflects the time, effort and dedication they put into this and every event the ISU Athletic Department has the privilege to host."

The ISU Athletics Facilities Crew is committed to every event, and the staff is constantly trying to figure out what can be done to improve events and make the experience better for attendees.  They take the initiative to help with event planning and make recommendations and changes to improve the athlete experience and to help streamline processes for SOILL staff and volunteers.  The Field House Crew has changed over the 36 years, but none has been more committed or dedicated to the mission of SOILL than the current group.

The group is the crew that makes it happen with every SOILL event held at the athletics facilities.  Each person is dedicated to offering the best experience possible for everyone that attends SOILL events on their campus.  The ISU Crew strives to offer best-in-class events and represent ISU with professionalism and pride.  They want all attendees to have a great time and to take away fun memories of the event and of the University. The ISU Field House staff goes above and beyond their required duties to ensure that attendees have a positive experience.

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