ST. LOUIS – Illinois State senior Matt Blanco was announced as one of two student-athletes featured in this week's Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, announced by the league office on Thursday. Blanco is the first Redbird to be recognized this fall.
A native of Aurora, Ill., Blanco has maintained a 3.51 GPA as a physical education major over the past four years at Illinois State. He was also named as a member of the 2020-21 MVC Cross Country Scholar-Athlete team.
"It means a lot to be nominated because I have not always been the best student, but I've been picking that up," Blanco said. "It's awesome to see my hard work be recognized not only in athletics but also academically."
Outside of track and cross country, Blanco is involved with the Normal Parks and Recreation Department, where he volunteered as a youth sports coach over the summer, helping coach baseball for ages 3-8.
Additionally, Blanco served as a lunch buddy at the El Paso-Gridley Elementary school, where he was able to eat lunch with the students, as well as helping out in the classrooms with the students of Oak Dame Elementary
"It means a lot to help out the Blo-No community," Blanco said. "They've given so much to us, supporting us, coming to meets, event and fundraisers. It's nice to be able to give back to them."
To qualify for the Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Spotlight, student-athletes must carry a cumulative grade-point average of 3.30, completed at least one academic year at a Valley institution and must be at least a sophomore in academic standing.
Redshirt freshmen and first-year junior college transfers are not eligible. In addition to the academic qualifications, student-athletes are evaluated on their campus involvement and community service.
UP NEXT
Illinois State is set to host the Redbird Invite on Friday, Sept. 17 at Weibring Golf Club. The women's 6K race begins at 5:00 p.m., and the men's 8K will follow at 5:45 p.m.
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