NORMAL, Ill. – Each year, deserving Illinois State football student-athletes are chosen as recipients for prestigious endowed scholarship at Illinois State University, and this year four outstanding Redbird football players were selected for these honors by ISU head football coach Brock Spack.
The 2018-19 winners of the four endowed scholarships dedicated to football included seniors Jake Kolbe and Donavin O'Day, junior Ty DeForest and sophomore Drew Himmelman. Each reflect the standards set forth by those who created the endowments, and each truly represent what it means to be a Redbird football student-athlete.
"Each of these student-athletes are very deserving of these endowed scholarships for the 2018-19 school year," Spack said. "Donavin, Ty, Jake and Drew embody everything you want in a member of your program. They are all great students and work extremely hard on the field, but they are even better people. Each are great role models for the rest of their teammates and set an example they should all follow in their time here at Illinois State. Congratulations to each of them and I look forward to continued success for them this year and beyond."
Herschel Brock Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Donavin O'Day, Senior,Offensive Lineman, Fort Wayne, Indiana
O'Day is a two-year starter on the offensive line for the Redbirds and has been a key asset in the running game that has allowed James Robinson to become one of the best running backs in the league and the FCS. O'Day graduated in May 2018 with a 3.60 cumulative GPA and is in his first year of graduate school.
The Herschel Brock scholarship was established in 2008 by Jeff Brock and honors his father, Herschel. The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior Illinois State student-athlete.
W. F. Ruebush Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Ty DeForest, Junior, Linebacker, Marshall, Wisconsin
DeForest is in his third season with the Redbirds after transferring from Wisconsin. As a starter in 2018, DeForest has recorded 22 tackles and is second on the team with a pair of interceptions. He currently maintains a 3.53 cumulative GPA at Illinois State.
Funded in 2005 by a gift from the W.F. Ruebush Foundation, this scholarship honors the foundation's creator, Walton Ruebush, a 1932 Illinois State graduate who captained the Redbird football team. Mr. Ruebush, who died in 1991, began his professional life as a teacher and coach before becoming a leader in personal finance. The scholarship is presented annually to a Redbird football player with at least a 3.2 grade point average.
Ed Struck & Carl D. Heldt Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Jake Kolbe, Senior, Quarterback, Naperville, Illinois
Kolbe has been a standout for the Redbirds behind center in his career and ranks in the top 10 in school history in nearly every passing category. Kolbe was recently recognized as part of one of the most impressive groups of scholar-athletes in football, when The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced the 179 semifinalists for the 2018 William V. Campbell Trophy®. He currently maintains a 3.67 cumulative GPA and will begin student teaching in the Spring with the goal of becoming a teacher and football coach in the near future.
The Ed Struck and Carl D. Heldt Endowed Football Scholarship was established and first awarded in 2012. Due to the impact of these two coaches, a group of former ISU players established this scholarship and it is awarded annually. Ed Struck served as head football coach for over 20 years at ISU, while Carl D. Heldt was part of the faculty for 22 years. This endowed scholarship will serve as legacies for future generations of Illinois State University student-athletes in perpetuity.
James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Drew Himmelman, Sophomore, Offensive Lineman, Geneseo, Illinois
Himmelman is a two-year starter on the offensive line for the Redbirds and was recognized as a HERO Sports FCS Freshman All-American following the 2017 season. Himmelman is widely considered as one of the top tackle prospects in the FCS and carries a 3.81 cumulative GPA at Illinois State.
The James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship was established in April 2015 following a generous gift from Jim's family in his memory/honor and benefits a Redbird football student-athlete. Jim was a standout on the Redbird football team and was inducted into the Illinois State Percy Family Hall of Fame for his achievements on the gridiron in 1990. Jim was an extremely successful insurance salesperson and adviser, having his own agency for more than 50 years. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter.
These endowed scholarships are among the 30 available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. For more information about establishing or contributing to an endowed scholarship, please call the Weisbecker Scholarship Fund office at (309) 438-3803. To read about each current endowment in more detail, visit the WSF website at www.weisbeckerscholarshipfund.com.
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