2019-20 Redbird Football Scholarship Endowment Recipients Announced

NORMAL, Ill. – Each year, deserving Illinois State football student-athletes are chosen as recipients for prestigious endowed scholarships at Illinois State, and this year seven outstanding Redbird football players were selected for these honors by ISU head football coach Brock Spack.

The 2019-20 winners of the seven endowed scholarships given to football student-athletes include seniors Ty DeForest and Adam Solomon, along with juniors Timothy McCloyn and Drew Himmelman. Redshirt sophomores Jason Lewan, Drew Bones and Tanner Taula were also recognized for their efforts. 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 2019-20 school year," Spack said. "Each of these guys 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 off the field. 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 each of them in the future."

Herschel O. Brock Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Timothy McCloyn / Junior / Fullback / Lake In The Hills, Illinois
McCloyn has been an integral part of the Redbird rushing attack the past two seasons serving as the group's primary fullback. In that role, he serves as lead blocker for All-American tailback James Robinson and is a key member of the protection team. McCloyn is currently pursuing a degree in exercise science and maintains a 3.03 cumulative GPA.

The Herschel O. Brock Endowed Scholarship was established in 2008 by Jeff Brock in honor of his father, Hershel. The scholarship is awarded annually to a junior or senior Illinois State student-athlete. Candidates for this scholarship must demonstrate strong academic achievement, as evidenced by accumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.  They must also be a junior or senior in good standing on one of the following Illinois State athletic teams: Men's Basketball, Football, Men's Golf, Men's Tennis, Baseball, Men's Cross Country, or Men's Track and Field.  

Andrew C. Butler Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Adam Solomon / Senior / Offensive Lineman / Indianapolis, Indiana
Solomon is in his first season with the Redbirds, after transferring from Illinois. He joined the team before spring workouts and immediately made big contributions, earning a starting spot on the offensive line this season. Solomon graduated in December 2018 from Illinois and is currently pursuing his master's degree at Illinois State.

The Andrew C. Butler Endowed Scholarship was established in May 2015 from gifts in memory of Andy Butler. Andy attended his beloved Illinois State University, graduating in 1996 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Andy was an extremely successful salesperson and manager for Sprint. He was an avid golfer and sports fan, and loyal ISU Redbird supporter. He had a passion for connecting ISU alums and fans with Redbird Athletics and enjoyed attending games with his fiancé Jamie. The endowment rotates to benefit a member of the Redbird men's basketball, football, or men's golf team.

Rollie Mercer Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Tanner Taula / Sophomore / Tight End / Independence, Missouri
Taula has seen action in 18-straight games for the Redbirds over the past two seasons and is a standout on special teams. Taula is currently pursuing a degree in recreation management and maintains a 3.25 cumulative GPA.

The Rollie Mercer Endowed Scholarship was established in Oct. 2018. Preference will be given to a football student-athlete currently enrolled and in good academic standing. In addition, preference will be given to an offensive player (tight end wearing #85 if applicable) that demonstrates a team-first attitude.

Bill Mitze Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Drew Bones / Sophomore / Offensive Lineman / Ottawa, Kansas
Bones is a two-year starter at center on the offensive line for the Redbirds, and has been an instrumental part of James Robinson's success running the ball during his All-American career. Bones has plans to be a physical education teacher and coach when he graduates and currently holds a 3.13 GPA.

The Bill Mitze Endowed Scholarship was established in Aug. 2018. Bill was a football student-athlete from 1957-1959 and graduated in 1960 from ISU. He was a long-time education administrator, teacher and coach before retiring. He was also an active member of various civic and church organizations. Preference will be given to a Football student-athlete majoring in Education or showcasing high academic achievement in their chosen area of study.

W. F. Ruebush Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Ty DeForest / Senior / Linebacker / Marshall, Wisconsin
DeForest is a three-year starter at linebacker for the Redbirds and has been one of the team's unquestioned leaders on defense the past two seasons. He started all 11 games at middle linebacker and tied for third on the team with 51 tackles in 2018. DeForest graduated in December of 2018 with a 3.52 cumulative grade point average in business management and is currently pursuing his master's degree 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.  Each candidate for a Ruebush Football Scholarship must be or have: enrolled in good standing at Illinois State University, demonstrated strong academic achievement, as evidenced by accumulative grade point average of at least 3.2 on a 4.0 scale, and a member in good standing of the Illinois State University football team.

Ed Struck & Carl D. Heldt Endowed Scholarship Recipient  //  Jason Lewan / Sophomore / Defensive Lineman / Yorkville, Illinois
Lewan has started 18 consecutive games on the defensive line for the Redbird defense, which ranks among the best in the country in 2019 in sacks per game and red zone defense. Lewan is working towards a bachelors degree in marketing and maintains a 3.63 GPA.

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 have established this scholarship and it shall be 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 / Junior / 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 more than 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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