McLean County Times

Illinois State University celebrated its top athletic performers at the annual Redbird Student-Athlete Banquet on Thursday night. The event, held at CEFCU Arena, was sponsored by the Illinois State Credit Union and brought together student-athletes, coaches, administrators, faculty, and staff.

Kurt Pegler, known for his work as the television voice of Redbirds football and men's basketball, served as the emcee. Interim Director of Athletics Dr. Jeri Beggs addressed attendees to express gratitude for their dedication to Redbird Athletics. University President Dr. Aondover Tarhule also offered congratulations to the student-athletes for their achievements both on and off the field.

Senior gymnast Kaitlyn Donovan, president of ISU's Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC), presented this year's Redbird Cup team winner during her speech. Softball player Kaili Chval represented the senior class with a message of thanks and wisdom for those present.

The evening featured the announcement of various awards recognizing outstanding contributions in athletics:

- Team Community Service Award: Football

- Dr. Jim Johnson Phoenix Award: Keondre Jackson (Football)

- Female Newcomer of the Year: Jinyoung Yun (Women's Golf)

- Male Newcomer of the Year: Mason King (Football)

- Redbird Cup Winner: Swimming & Diving

- Team of the Year: Women's Golf

- Laurie Mabry Award Winner: Madi Bylak (Softball)

- Female Freshman of the Year: Shannon Dowell (Women's Basketball)

- Male Freshman of the Year: Tye Niekamp (Football)

- Linda Herman Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Ali Schrock (Women's Golf)

- Doug Collins Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Peyton Asche (Football)

- Jill Hutchison Female Athlete of the Year: Angelica Labat (Gymnastics)

- Milt Weisbecker Male Athlete of the Year: Cam Grandy (Football)

Attendees were encouraged to visit GoRedbirds.com and use the Illinois State Redbirds App for more information on tickets, merchandise, and other offerings related to Illinois State Athletics.