2010 Steven Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship Winner: Troy Pike

[TMAY]

Steven Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship

Troy Pike
Effingham, Illinois



St. Anthony High School
Mascot: Bulldogs
Conference: National Trail

IHSS Affiliation: Troy is the son of St. A Fan, IHSS Member.

Much like the previous winners of the Steven Rheinecker Scholarships, Troy Pike seemed to be the perfect fit. Troy is a prime example of the characteristics panther fan displayed while rooting on his Panthers--dedication, passion, and hard work. Troy, however, is eerily reminiscent to Steve in many ways.

Steve had a passion for journalism and served as a manager for his beloved Pinckneyville Panthers Basketball team.

Troy Pike has a brief journalistic background as a member of the St. Anthony Yearbook Staff but will look to expand upon that at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. While this similarity is noticeable, it doesn't compare quite as significantly to the love for the team.

Troy had been a student manager for the Bulldogs Basketball Team since his eighth grade year.

Bulldogs Coach Matt Britton tells us, "Troy's as good as it gets. He is a tireless worker and seems to have things done before I've even have a chance to ask him to do them. He knows the ins and outs of a basketball program as well as any kid could. Furthermore, the young man is simply a joy to be around. He never complains, and quite simply loves to be around the game."

Pike is so good at what he does, that he will begin serving as a student manager for Chris Lowery and the SIU Salukis once he reaches campus in the fall.

That's all we needed to hear. Coach Britton elaborated that Troy copied game tapes, formatted discs for videos and did the usual duties: towels, water, first aid kit and stats. What could be most impressive is the fact that Troy was awarded the Phil Kinkelaar Award. This award is given to the person in the boys' basketball program who displays great spirit, dedication to the program and sportsmanship.

Troy Pike, a lifelong Bulldogs Fan, was a unanimous selection for that award--and this one.

We are proud and humbled to announce Troy Pike as the recipient of the Steven Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship.

Congratulations, Troy!

[Big Daddy]

Congratulations Troy!

This is an awesome selection...

I have known Troy for many years. He is a very deserving recepient of this scholarship.

Sugar Momma and I will be proud to supplement this award with an additional $100.00 donation in order to honor my late friend.

Thanks to the admins for a job well done....

[St. A Fan]

Thank you so much! I know that it had to be a hard decision to make. I need to also thank my coach, Matt Britton, as well as, Phil Zaccari for their amazing letters of recommendation. Managing the team was not a job for me. It was an enjoyment instead. I met some amazing people through the game, and established friendships with the help of basketball. I hope that I fill the role as a recipient of the Steven Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship. So once again thank you to the selection commitee for choosing me as the recipient of the 2010 Steven Rheinecker Memorial Scholarship.

I'd also like to thank Big Daddy for the kind words as well as the additional cash. It means so much to me.

[Big Daddy]

Please pm me your address and phone number. My wife and I would like to meet you for dinner when we bring the money down...again congratualtions.In my humble opinion...the admins couldn't have picked a person that exemplified Steve better.

[St. A Fan]

Thinking about the scholarship today, I forgot to post the article in the Effingham Daily News wrote that was published in April about my step up to SIU. This article was written by none other than our very own Whitey, Mr. Dustin White.


http://effinghamdailynews.com/sports...ng-up-his-game