NORMAL, Ill. – Each year, deserving Illinois State football student-athletes are chosen as recipients for prestigious endowed scholarships at Illinois State, and this year five outstanding Redbird football players were selected for these honors by ISU head football coach Brock Spack.
The 2020-21 winners of the five endowed scholarships given to football student-athletes include seniors Timothy McCloyn and Drew Himmelman and juniors Jason Lewan, Drew Bones and Tanner Taula. 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 2020-21 school year," Spack said. "Each of these guys embody everything you want in a member of our program. They are all great students and work extremely hard on the field, but they are even better people off the field. They serve as leaders for the rest of their teammates and set an example they should all follow in their time here at Illinois State."
W. F. Ruebush Endowed Scholarship  //  Timothy McCloyn, Senior, Fullback, Lake In The Hills, Illinois
McCloyn has been an integral part of the Redbird rushing attack the past three seasons serving as the group's primary fullback. In that role, he served 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 3.14 cumulative GPA.
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. Â 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  //  Jason Lewan, Junior, Defensive Lineman, Yorkville, Illinois
Lewan has started 26 consecutive games for the Redbird defense, which ranked No. 4 in the country in scoring defense (16.0) and No. 1 in sacks (52) in 2019. Lewan is working towards a bachelor's degree in marketing and maintains a 3.70 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.
Rollie & Mary Mercer Endowed Scholarship  //  Tanner Taula, Junior, Tight End, Independence, Missouri
Taula has seen action in 24 games for the Redbirds over the past two seasons, with three starts at tight end in 2019 catching 7 passes for 101 yards. Taula is currently pursuing a degree in recreation management and maintains a 3.40 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  //  Drew Bones, Junior, 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 All-American 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 3.31 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.
James R. Tague Endowed Scholarship  //  Drew Himmelman, Senior, Offensive Lineman, Geneseo, Illinois
Himmelman is a three-year starter on the offensive line for the Redbirds and earned First-Team FCS All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association, STATS FCS and The Associated Press following the 2019 season. Himmelman is widely considered as one of the top tackle prospects in the FCS and carries a 4.00 cumulative GPA in graduate school while pursuing a degree in kinesiology and recreation 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 31 available to Illinois State student-athletes that are funded by private donors. For more information about establishing or contributing 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.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Â Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
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