2022-23 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 six outstanding Redbird football players were selected for these honors by ISU head football coach Brock Spack.

The 2022-23 winners of the four endowed scholarships given to football student-athletes include Braden Price, Tanner Taula, Drew Bones and Kenton Wilhoit. 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.

"All of our recipients this year are deserving honorees," Spack said. "Each of these student-athletes resemble 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 // Braden Price | Sophomore | Defensive Back | Wheeling, West Virginia
Price has been an integral part of the Redbird secondary for the past two seasons. In 2021, he finished the season ranked tenth on the team in tackles with 34 and added three tackles-for-loss, two sacks and two interceptions from his cornerback position. Price is currently pursuing a degree in recreation and parks administration and maintains a 3.47 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.  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.

Rollie & Mary Mercer Endowed Scholarship // Tanner Taula | Senior | Tight End | Independence, Missouri
Taula has seen action in 39 games for the Redbirds over the past four seasons and has become a fixture as part of the Redbird passing game. During the fall 2021 season, he caught 12 passes for 89 yards while serving a pivotal role as a blocker in the running game. Taula is currently pursuing a master's degree in kinesiology and recreation and maintains a 3.63 cumulative GPA.

The Rollie & Mary Mercer Endowed Scholarship was established in Oct. 2018. The scholarship honors Rollie, who was a man of few words and plenty of action, and his wife, Mary. Rollie was a proud Redbird graduate in 1971, a member of the football team from 1962-1964 and Army veteran. He was a long-time State Farm employee and lived a life of service to his family, Illinois State University Athletics, community, and country. As an avid alum, Rollie was on the ISU Alumni Board, the ISU President's Circle, an honorary Founder's Day Bell Ringer, Redbirds Club Board, the ISU Athletics Council, and the Lady Redbirds Board. He passed away in 2016, but his legacy continues. Mary graduated in 1966 and 1994 from Illinois State University where the two of them met. She served as a teacher and addiction therapist and continues to show her passion for the Birds. 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 | Senior | Offensive Lineman | Ottawa, Kansas
Bones is a four-year starter on the offensive line for the Redbirds and has led the way for the Redbird offense at center while paving the way for Redbird running backs. Bones has plans to be a physical education teacher and coach when he graduates and currently holds a 3.40 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 // Kenton Wilhoit | Senior | Linebacker | Oak Grove, Missouri 
Wilhoit took the role of starting middle linebacker for the Redbirds during the spring 2021 season and led the way for the Redbird defense from that spot last fall. He started all 11 games there for the Redbirds and ranked third on the team with 67 total tackles and two interceptions on the season, including a 20-yard pick six in a win over South Dakota. Wilhoit currently holds a 3.47 GPA in business administration at ISU.

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 that are funded by private donors who have taken the opportunity to create a lifetime impact to Illinois State student-athletes. If you have interest in learning more about the Forever State Endowment Society at (309) 438-2752.

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