Illinois Wesleyan University men’s basketball junior Mason Funk was named one of 11 finalists for the Jostens Trophy, according to an announcement by the Rotary Club of Salem, Virginia on March 12.
The Jostens Trophy is a national award that recognizes the most outstanding men’s and women’s Division III basketball players each year. The award is based on three main criteria: basketball ability, academic achievement, and community service. It aims to honor student-athletes who embody the Rotary International motto of “Service Above Self.” This year marks the 28th time the trophy will be awarded.
Funk is seeking to become Illinois Wesleyan’s first winner since Korey Coon received the honor in 2000. He is one of two College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin (CCIW) student-athletes among the finalists. On the court, Funk has led his team into the Sweet Sixteen for a second consecutive season, averaging 15.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4 percent from the field. He has also recorded 71 blocks and 50 steals this season, making him the first player in over fifteen years to lead the CCIW in both categories during a single season.
Funk’s achievements include being named First Team All-CCIW, selection to the Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational All-Tournament team, and earning CCIW Player of the Week honors in February. Offensively, he has scored double-digit points in twenty games and surpassed twenty points eight times this season.
Academically, Funk maintains a 3.95 grade point average as a biology pre-med major and leads study sessions within his department. His community involvement includes volunteering at local hospitals and starting programs such as Tiny Titans, which brings university students into elementary schools to read with children. He has also supported organizations like St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Special Olympics.
The Rotary Club of Salem reviews nominees before passing them to a national committee composed of athletic administrators, coaches, past recipients, and media members from across Division III basketball. Winners are expected to be announced after both national championship events next week.
The Illinois Wesleyan Titans Men’s Basketball team plays home games on campus in Bloomington, Illinois; it participates in intercollegiate athletics as part of the College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin; its nickname is “Titans” with green and white colors; and it captured NCAA Division III national championships in 1997 and 2001 according to the official website.
