University of Illinois Springfield names Peyton Deterding new director of athletics

The University of Illinois Springfield has named Peyton Deterding as its new director of athletics, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. He has spent the past 12 years at Illinois State University, where he currently serves as senior associate athletic director.

“I am so pleased that Peyton Deterding will be leading the UIS Prairie Stars as director of athletics,” said Chancellor Susan Koch. “Peyton brings more than 16 years of leadership in intercollegiate athletics to his new role at UIS, and his successful experience handling budgets, contracts and facilities along with glowing reviews of his collaboration with staff, coaches and community members were among the many strengths recognized by the search committee in their recommendation. I am confident he will build on the many recent achievements of our student-athletes to advance our young Division II program to even more success.”

Deterding climbed to the top of a national pool of more than 50 candidates that applied to lead the UIS Athletics Department.

“I am extremely humbled to be chosen as the next director of athletics at UIS,” Deterding said. “After meeting with Chancellor Koch, it became very evident that with her level of support and with the foundation in place, this is truly an exciting time to be a part of Prairie Stars Athletics. The opportunity for growth within athletics and the campus as a whole provides an atmosphere that one can be immensely energetic about. I look forward to working with the coaches, athletic and university staff and the greater Springfield community.”

At ISU, Deterding was appointed senior associate athletic director in 2016. He has managed the department in areas such as fiscal operations, capital projects, event management, sport oversight, human resources and information technology.

Deterding also led several facility construction and renovation projects. He played a key role in the $26 million renovation of ISU’s Hancock Football Stadium and the $1.1 million football scoreboard construction project. He also played a large role in more than $4 million of renovations of Duffy Bass Baseball Field.

Deterding was associate athletic director for internal operations at ISU from 2013 to 2016. He also served as ISU assistant athletic director of facilities and operations from 2007 to 2013. Prior to ISU, Deterding worked at Northern Illinois University from 2004 to 2007 in its athletics department as an event manager. He also spent time working in game operations at the University of Virginia and athletic ticketing at James Madison University.

Deterding received his master’s degree in exercise and sport science with an emphasis in sport administration from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa.

There will be a media availability and meet-and-greet with Deterding at 2 p.m. Dec. 2 at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) at UIS.

Deterding will take over as UIS director of athletics on Dec. 9.

UIS has 17 athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball, and is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in NCAA Division II.

UIS Athletics unveils strategic plan for future

The University of Illinois Springfield department of athletics has unveiled their strategic plan, the BLUEprint for excellence, which lays out the initiatives of the department for the next three years. The BLUEprint for excellence will serve as the guiding foundation for the department of athletics, to set clear priorities and measure results for Athletic administration, coaches, and student-athletes.

"As our department continues to move forward and grow towards becoming the premier, public Division II program in the Midwest, we understand that a plan was needed in order to make these goals a reality," said Director of Athletics, Jim Sarra. "Our goal is, and will always be, to compete for championships on the field, while ensuring our student-athletes are set up for success upon graduation. The BLUEprint for excellence serves as our guiding principles to achieving these goals and fulfilling our promise to our student-athletes to make their time at Illinois-Springfield one that will resonate a lifetime."

MISSION 

• To shape our student-athletes into productive, service-minded leaders and center the athletics experience on academic achievement, pursuit of championships, and community outreach.

VISION 

• To be the premier, public NCAA Division II program in the Midwest Region.

STRATEGIC THEMES 

1. Competitive Excellence 
2. Student-Athlete Well-Being and Achievement 
3. Leadership, Culture, and Integrity 
4. Resource Generation and Development 
5. Marketing and Engagement 
6. Strategic Communications 
7. Facility Enhancement 

CORE VALUES 

• Fun 
• Accountability 
• Commitment 
• Truthfulness 
• Outreach 
• Respect 

"Be a FACTOR in our success as we educate, excel, and inspire through athletics." – Jim Sarra

Click here to view the strategic plan.

Jim Sarra named the new director of athletics at the University of Illinois Springfield

The University of Illinois Springfield has named Jim Sarra as its new director of athletics, pending approval by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. He has spent the past 11 years at The University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) where he currently serves as deputy director of athletics for the NCAA Division I school.

“I’m delighted that Jim Sarra is joining the UIS Leadership team as Director of Intercollegiate Athletics,” said Chancellor Susan J. Koch. “Jim’s extensive experience with all facets of Athletics and his strong focus on academic success for student-athletes are among the many strengths recognized by the search committee in their recommendation. I have every confidence Jim will lead our young Division II athletics program to even a greater success.” 

Sarra topped a pool of more than 50 national candidates that applied to lead the UIS Athletic Department. He looks forward to helping the program continue to grow. 

“I am so pleased to accept the Director of Athletics position, join Chancellor Koch’s leadership team, and help grow and advance UIS Athletics,” said Sarra. “This is an exciting leadership opportunity, and I look forward to getting to know the coaches and student-athletes, begin building relationships on and off campus, and settling into the community. Chancellor Koch has a dynamic vision for UIS Athletics, and I welcome the challenge to lead and advance the athletic department. I want to thank Chancellor Koch and the entire search committee for their support and I can’t wait to get started,” added Sarra. 

At UTSA, Sarra was appointed deputy director of athletics in 2009. In that role, he was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the athletic department. He supervised the areas of academic services, compliance and strength and conditioning. He also served as the administrator for several sports. 

Sarra served as UTSA senior associate director of athletics for external affairs from 2007-09, UTSA associate athletics director for administration from 2006-07 and UTSA assistant athletics director for compliance from 2005-06. 

He previously was responsible for direct oversight of corporate sponsorship sales, marketing & promotions, media relations and ticket operations at UTSA. He also led UTSA fundraising efforts through the department's annual fund. 

Sarra has served in many different administrative roles at NCAA Division I BCS, FBS and FCS institutions. He was selected to and is a graduate of the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic Minority Males and Females, and the NCAA Fellows Leadership Development Program. 

A native of West Seneca, N.Y., Sarra earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and master’s degree in advanced teacher education from St. Bonaventure University in 1989 and 1990, respectively. He also earned a master’s degree in sports management from Western Illinois University in 1993. 

Sarra will take over as UIS director of athletics on August 1. He replaces Kim Pate, who left the university in May to become the director of intercollegiate athletics at Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina. 

UIS has 15 athletic programs, including baseball, basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, track and field and volleyball, and is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in NCAA Division II.

UIS explores possible nickname/mascot change

The Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Illinois Springfield is seeking feedback from students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members about possibly changing the Prairie Stars nickname and mascot.

For those unable to attend one of three public forums held on campus in mid-November we’ve recorded the presentation. Please email your feedback to uissga@uis.edu.

The six nickname options being considered include the Prairie Stars, Stars, Mammoths, Sabers, Stampede, and Springers (as in the dog).

Following the public forums, the SGA Nickname Task Force will prepare a report containing the feedback received from the UIS community. That report will be submitted to UIS Chancellor Susan Koch for consideration.

UIS baseball team shaves heads in support of pediatric cancer research

Members of the University of Illinois Springfield men’s baseball team shaved their heads in support of pediatric cancer research following their game on April 20.

“They agreed to do it. I really didn’t have anybody who backed away and said ‘no, I don’t think I can do that’,” said Mike Zandler, UIS head baseball coach.

The team has been raising money through online donations to benefit the SIU School of Medicine’s Camp COCO and the Vs. Cancer Foundation.

“Anytime that you can give back to a foundation that’s helping fundraise for something, such as cancer that take so many lives from so many people, I feel like it goes without question that you should be a part of it,” said Derek Shomon, a UIS junior catcher.

For many on the team, cancer is a very personal topic. Almost everyone has had a family member touched by the disease and this is a way of honoring his or her memory.

“About 5 years ago my little cousin, he was 4 at the time, died of cancer,” said Nick Sanders, a junior second baseman. “It means a lot to me to get out here and do this in honor of him and all of the other little kids who are struggling with cancer.”

This isn’t the first time the baseball team has volunteered. The team has spent over 1,000 hours volunteering in the Springfield community this academic year.

“We’ve supported a lot of different charitable causes this year, Habitat for Humanity, the St. John’s Breadline, but this is an opportunity this is something tangible that these guys can look back on and show,” said Zandler.

The head shaving event not only brought the UIS baseball team closer together, but strengthened its connection with its opponent, Missouri S&T, who also joined in the fundraiser.

Zandler hopes to do it all over again next year and raise even more money.

“I think it’s a great thing for cancer research, I think it’s a great thing for both institutions, and our conference as well,” said Zandler.

You can still donate to the cause by logging onto www.stayclassy.org/fundraise/team?ftid=22508

Former UIS basketball player Richard Oruche earns a spot on the Nigerian Olympic team

Former Illinois Springfield guard Richard Oruche will play in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London as a part of the Nigerian basketball team. He is believed to be the first UIS athlete to play in the Olympic Games.

“I never believed that I could be an Olympian,” said Oruche. “It is a surreal feeling. It still hasn’t sunk in completely. This is an athlete’s goal to be an Olympian.”

Oruche, 24, graduated from UIS in 2010 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He has been playing basketball professionally in Portugal for two seasons. Most recently, he played for the Associacao Academica de Coimbra where he averaged 15.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game during the 2011-12 season.

“It was a nice place to start my career,” said Oruche. “It really gave me an opportunity. Portugal is right next to Spain, which is really a powerhouse league in basketball. It really gave me an opportunity to see where I am in comparison to where I need to be to play at an elite level.”

Oruche, whose parents are originally from Nigeria, holds dual Nigerian and United States citizenship. He was invited to play on the Nigerian basketball team earlier this year. The team defeated the Dominican Republic 88-73 on Sun., July 8, to earn the country’s first-ever berth into the Olympic Games. Nigeria is expected to play in the same Olympic pool as Team USA, giving Oruche the chance to play NBA all-stars, such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Deron Williams, and Springfield’s own Andre Iguodala.

“Not many people get the opportunity to go out there and play against people you kind of idolized growing up in your career. People who gave you passion to play the game,” he said. Oruche adds that Team USA is beatable. “We want to do something big with this opportunity we’ve been given.”

Oruche, who grew up in Bensonville, Ill., led the Prairie Stars in scoring (19.8 points per game) and rebounding (5.8 rebounds per game) during the 2009-10 season, the inaugural year of Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) membership. Oruche was the first UIS student-athlete to earn postseason accolades from the GLVC by being named second team All-GLVC. He was also the first Prairie Star student-athlete to earn the league’s Player of the Week award in December 2009. He spent two seasons at Northern Illinois University as a red shirt freshman before transferring to UIS.

“A special thanks to UIS for supporting me and being there for me,” said Oruche. “It means a lot to know that my school has my back.”

Oruche will leave for London on Mon., July 16, to continue his training with the Nigerian team. Olympic men’s basketball action is scheduled to begin on Sun., July 29. Nigeria is expected to play Team USA on Thurs., Aug. 2 at 4:15 p.m. central time

Extra: Listen to a phone interview with Richard Oruche

UIS student-athletes help sort Toys for Tots donations

A group of student-athletes from the University of Illinois Springfield spent their Saturday volunteering at Sangamon County Toys for Tots. The volunteers helped sort donated toys at the group’s Springfield warehouse.

Students from a variety of UIS athletic teams worked in shifts throughout the day to organize hundreds of toys by age and gender. The toys will later be delivered to agencies in Springfield, just in time for the holidays.

“I think it shows the Springfield community that we care about them and I think as a result we get a lot more people at our games that support us because they know that we’re engaged members of the community,” said Tina Buck, a junior softball player.

Buck hopes the support they’re showing the community will benefit them on the field through increased fan support.

“It shows that we do care about them and we want them to care about us when we’re out on the playing field and hopefully that will lead us to more winning seasons,” said Buck.

The students also learned from the volunteer experience and for many it made them realize how fortunate they are to be playing on a team and receiving a higher education.

“It makes me feel better because I know I can give back to the community and I’m helping people who are less fortunate than me,” said Ashley Stariha, a sophomore women’s soccer player.

“I didn’t realize how much they actually did, like this is amazing how much stuff they have here, so it really feels good to come and give back,” said Aubrey Watson, a senior softball player.

The volunteer activity was organized by the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), which advises Athletic Department leaders, coordinates volunteer activities, and organizes fundraising efforts in the community.

Prairie Star merchandise hits the market

The initial seeds of the University of Illinois Springfield's new licensing agreement with Strategic Marketing Affiliates have been planted, and for the first time, Prairie Star athletics merchandise is being sold in a local retail store.

Scheels, an all-sports mega store that opened in Springfield last spring, is now stocking five versions of UIS short sleeve t-shirts, one edition of a long sleeve t-shirt and a hooded sweatshirt. Each of the UIS items available is from the Nike line of athletics apparel.

“We are excited to see UIS apparel made available at a local retailer within our community,” UIS Athletic Director Kim Pate said. “Having these items available expands opportunities for fans to show their support while increasing the exposure of the UIS brand so our community can begin to identify the Prairie Stars as Springfield's team.”

Scheels is located at 3801 South MacArthur Boulevard in Springfield.

UIS coaches, athletes and staff teach kids about sports and staying fit

University of Illinois Springfield Athletics was proud to host more than 250 children from Springfield Public School’s Project SCOPE during a two-day sports and fitness event held at The Recreation and Athletic Center (TRAC) on July 26-27, 2011.

“It’s a little bit of a field trip for them to come out and interact with our coaches, our administrators and our student-athletes,” said Marne Fauser, UIS head women’s basketball coach and coordinator of the event.

This is the second year UIS Athletics has hosted the program, which is designed to show kids that sports and fitness can be fun.

“We believe in healthy kids and fit kids and we want them to be active and enjoy playing sports,” said Fauser.

The event featured 15 stations outside and in the TRAC gym focusing on basketball, soccer, volleyball and other fun games.

“It’s good to be active and start at a young age liking a sport,” said Abby Vorreyer, a junior UIS woman’s golfer and volunteer. “I’m happy to be part of it.”

Project SCOPE is the before and after school program in District 186, which during the summer transforms into an all-day camp. The students spend their summer learning and taking a variety of field trips. The goal of Project SCOPE is to provide care, which promotes social, emotional and physical development.

“They don’t get to do this every day,” said Cristina Nevins, a senior UIS women’s basketball player. “It’s really nice to show them something new.”

The partnership not only creates a supportive environment for the children, but also allows UIS coaches, student-athletes and staff to connect with the community.

“We are part of the community and I think it’s important we interact with the community and bring the community to us,” said Fauser. “They get a great opportunity (for the children) to work with our student-athletes and get an opportunity to be on our campus.”

UIS Athletics hopes to continue the partnership with Project SCOPE in future years in an effort to bring the children back to campus.

Kimberly Pate named new UIS Athletic Director

Chancellor Susan J. Koch today named Kimberly Pate as the new director of athletics at University of Illinois Springfield, pending approval of the University of Illinois Board of Trustees. Pate comes from Brevard College in North Carolina, where she had been the athletics director for the past four years. Brevard College is an NCAA Division II member in the South Atlantic Conference.

“I am truly honored to join the UIS team and believe the university and athletics department are positioned for great success,” Pate said. “I am excited to join such a dedicated and talented group of people who are clearly committed to the student experience and for the opportunity to further develop UIS as a competitive and respected model NCAA Division II athletics program that both the university and community can be proud of.”

Pate oversaw 18 athletic programs at Brevard College. She is also a member of the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA) and is vice chair of the NCAA Division II membership committee. Pate was instrumental in the college’s transitional process from NAIA to NCAA Division II. UIS has undergone that same transition in the past four years.

“Kim is a proven leader who was a student-athlete and a university coach,” Chancellor Koch said. “She also has a strong passion for the role of academics, athletics and community engagement at a Division II university. Her strong business background will be very helpful in creating a strategic plan, setting goals and managing the Athletics budget and fundraising initiatives. Kim will be a wonderful ambassador for our students and coaches on campus and in the local community.”

Pate was promoted to athletics director at Brevard College after she was its assistant athletic director for compliance and business. She was also a graduate of the college and was a two-time NAIA Academic All-American Athlete and a four-year starter for the softball team. She has a master’s in Business Administration from Western Carolina University.

Pate will become the acting athletics director on July 26 and the full-time permanent Director of Athletics on August 16. She and her husband, Rick Pate, will be moving to Springfield along with their daughter Carsen, who is four months old.

UIS has 11 athletic programs and is a member of the Great Lakes Valley Conference in NCAA Division II. UIS recently had 39 student-athletes names to the Great Lakes Valley Conference All-Academic Team.

UIS baseball hosts first-ever home game

The University of Illinois Springfield baseball team hosted their first-ever home game against Wisconsin-Parkside on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at Chatham Community Park. Baseball, the newest sport on campus, was added as part of an expansion into NCAA Division II athletics.

Head Baseball Coach Brian Grunzke has worked hard preparing the team for the inaugural season. He says after spending the first four weeks of the season on the road it was nice to finally play at home.

“It was great for our guys. I think we had a lot of parents and fans support. I think that shows a lot of people that they’re interested in the baseball program here,” said Grunzke.

The team has played 13 games so far this season, with an overall 2-11 record. Grunzke says with 24 freshman on the team he knew the season could be a challenge, but he’s proud of his players.

“You’re going to have some days where you’re not going to play as well as you hoped to, but it’s been a learning experience every day,” he said.

For baseball fans, it’s a new era having NCAA Division II baseball in the Springfield area for the first time.

“We’ve all been looking forward to this for quite a while. Not only people on campus, but people in Springfield too,” said UIS Chancellor Harry Berman.

Community member Phil Coady started to follow the team after they won their first game ever against Alcorn State University in Mississippi. Coady hopes more people will come to UIS baseball games and help support the Prairie Stars.

“I think the people of Springfield need to get out and see what UIS has to offer in other sports, along with baseball,” said Coady.

The Prairie Stars will play their next home game on Saturday, March 26 in a doubleheader against Indianapolis. The game will be played at Chamberlain Park in Springfield, but the normal home for the Prairie Stars will remain the field at Chatham Community Park.

UIS named full-fledged NCAA Division II member

The University of Illinois Springfield is now eligible to compete in 2010-11 as a full member of the NCAA, the Great Lakes Valley Conference and is eligible for post-season competition.

On July 9, 2010, UIS director of athletics Rodger Jehlicka received a call from NCAA administrators. During the call, he was informed UIS had been officially named a full NCAA member. It was a phone call three years in the making.

“It is one of the three or four most significant moments in our history,” said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen. “Division II is a whole new league.”

Following the announcement, Ringeisen celebrated with coaches, student athletes, faculty, staff and community members during an event at The Recreation and Athletic Center.

“We’re excited about the future, to say the least,” Jehllicka told the crowd.

The NCAA membership means all UIS student athletes will now sign national letters of intent, the university will be eligible for NCAA enhancement money and millions of dollars in postgraduate scholarships will be available to students.

“Now we’re like with the big boys and it just feels good to be an actual NCAA athlete,” said Ryan Williams, a sophomore student on the UIS baseball team.

The baseball program was one of many new sports added in the process of becoming a full NCAA member. UIS now offers 11 sports including men’s and women’s soccer, basketball, golf and tennis; men’s baseball; women’s softball; and women’s volleyball.

The NCAA membership will officially begin on August 1, 2010.

View photos from the announcement event and celebration

UIS Homecoming 2009

Students, faculty and community members came to the University of Illinois Springfield campus on Saturday, October 3, 2009 to celebrate Homecoming 2009.

The day started with the inaugural Yellow Brick Road 5K Run/Walk that took participants on a scenic trip around campus.

One of the highlights was the UIS Homecoming Parade featuring student organizations, political groups and others. It was followed by the Homecoming BBQ & Lawn Party where students enjoyed free food, drinks, and fun.

The night ended with the UIS Students vs. Alumni/Faculty/Staff Basketball game at the TRAC.

U of I students may apply for Avery Brundage scholarships

Applications for the 36th annual Avery Brundage Scholarship competition for University of Illinois students who excel in both academics and athletics are being accepted now through Saturday, January 31, 2009. Applications can be submitted only online at www.usp.uillinois.edu/brundage.

Full-time students, including incoming freshmen, graduate, and transfer students, may apply for Brundage scholarships. Grant-in-aid recipients may be eligible under specified conditions. Academic and athletic competence will be considered over financial need.

Undergraduate and transfer applicants must rank in the top 25 percent of their college, while incoming freshmen must rank in the top 25 percent of their incoming class. Graduate and professional students must be in good academic standing.

Students must also demonstrate "special athletic ability" in an amateur sport, and their participation must have been for personal development rather than as preparation for professional athletics. Previous winners represent a wide variety of sports from archery and tennis to swimming and wheelchair basketball. Last year, 19 winners were awarded $2,500 each.

Avery Brundage was a 1909 graduate of the U of I who competed in the 1912 Olympics and later served as president of both the U.S. and International Olympic committees. Before his death in 1975, he maintained his interest in the University through service as a member of the University of Illinois Foundation, President's Council, and Citizen's Committee.

Brundage established the scholarship in 1974 with an endowment to the U of I Foundation of $343,000. Over the past 35 years, 732 scholarships with a total value of $858,000 have been awarded.

UIS announces move to NCAA Division II

By Courtney Westlake

It was a great day to be a Prairie Star on Wednesday afternoon, October 8, as UIS announced that it will be joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference for the 2009-2010 academic year after receiving an invitation into the conference.

"I'm pleased to announce that the GLVC Council of Presidents by a unanimous vote of 13-0 voted to extend membership invitations to the University of Illinois at Springfield and to Maryville University in St. Louis to bring our membership to 15," said Jim Naumovich, GLVC commissioner. "We very much look forward to welcoming our two new additions to conference competition next year."

The conference's expansion to 15 teams is the largest membership in its 30-year history, with five teams in each of three divisions. UIS will join Quincy, Lewis, St. Joseph’s (Ind.) and Wisconsin-Parkside in the new Central Division.

The Prairie Stars are currently part of the American Midwest Conference. UIS will complete its move to NCAA Division II next academic year.

"Today is one of the most memorable days for the University of Illinois at Springfield and its athletic department. I'm very excited and extremely pleased," said Dr. Rodger Jehlicka, athletic director at UIS. "Today it's a great day to be a Prairie Star."

The university has been in discussion about joining the Great Lakes Valley Conference for several years.

"One of the reasons I've been excited about the GLVC from the very beginning is because of the kinds of universities that are in the conference, and of course, it's such a highly-regarded conference in terms of athletic competition," said UIS Chancellor Richard Ringeisen.

Ringeisen called the move a "very exciting moment for UIS" and said it verifies the positive changes and the achievements of the athletic program over the past few years.

"Among other things, we've moved from five athletic teams to 10, heading to 11," he said. "And at the same time, the university itself has been changing in ways that are all positive."

The Great Lakes Valley Conference is now the second largest conference in Division II in the country, Naumovich said. The addition of UIS into the conference is a "great fit," he said.

"UIS brings a very outstanding academic program, a solid athletic program and the geographic proximity and the current footprint of the GLVC were all positive factors in deciding to extend an invitation," he said. "We look forward to including the Prairie Stars in our schedule for next year."

UIS receives grant from Women for Women Giving Circle

On September 10 the Women for Women initiative of the Sangamon County Community Foundation awarded its first-ever grant of $10,000 to a joint mentoring program of the UIS Volunteer and Civic Engagement Center and UIS Athletics.

In the Girl to Girl DreamSpeakers Program, UIS female athletes will serve as mentors to approximately 120 female students in grades 8 through 10 in Springfield public schools.

Download a pdf file of a news release announcing the award.

WomenforWomenGrantAward.pdf

UIS students receive Avery Brundage scholarships

Five students at the University of Illinois at Springfield -- Kimberly Bartosiak, Priyanka Deo, Alexandria Janezic, Matt Reynolds, and Sarah Wellard -- were among 19 recipients of Avery Brundage Scholarships, made to U of I students who excel in both academics and athletics. Each will receive $2,500 for the 2008-2009 academic year.

Bartosiak is a freshman from Bethalto. She is majoring in Chemistry and is a member of the women's volleyball team.

Deo is a sophomore from Chicago. She is majoring in Political Science and is a member of the women's tennis team.

Janezic is a junior from Barrington. She is majoring in Psychology and is a member of the women's volleyball team.

Reynolds is a sophomore from Peoria. He is majoring in Business and is a member of the men's basketball team.

Wellard is a senior from Springfield. She is majoring in Legal Studies and is a member of UIS' cheerleading/spirit squad.

Brundage scholarship recipients are selected by a committee representing the faculties and student bodies of the three U of I campuses. Students chosen must engage in athletics for personal development, not as preparation for professional sports; must be working toward bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees at the U of I; and must be in the upper 25 percent of their undergraduate class or in good academic standing in their graduate program.

The scholarships were established in 1974 by an endowment from Avery Brundage, University of Illinois alumnus and former president of the International and U.S. Olympic committees. Since 1974, 776 scholarships have been awarded, totaling $956,200.

See more information about intercollegiate and intramural athletics and recreational sports at UIS.

Get details about the Brundage scholarship program.