ISU Cross Country Runner Receives Scholar-Athlete Recognition

Photo courtesy goredbirds.com

NORMAL, Ill. – Jake Gillum was recognized for excellence on and off the field in last week’s Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete spotlight.

The senior boasts a 4.0 GPA and contributes as a volunteer in the Normal community. Gillum had four top 35 finishes this past season.

It’s not the first time the Metamora, Illinois native has been recognized for excellence. Gillum was awarded the Robert G. Bone Scholarship for the 2020-2021 school year, which is the most prestigious award given to undergraduate students. As a recipient of numerous awards, he attributes his success to a multi-faceted approach.

“Most awards that I’ve won are reflective of a full scope of a career both academically and athletically,” the ISU dean’s list member said. “So I think it’s just having opportunities and taking advantage of them in all elements of being a student-athlete.”

Gillum works with children at Oakdale Elementary School through its mentorship and Pen Pal program. As a member, Gillum graciously interacts with children through tutoring, supervising recess, and reading to students. He says his personal experience as an athlete makes it easy to connect with children.

“I take personal experience on the track to more theoretical information in the classroom,” Gillum said. “And likewise I can learn how to apply physical activity and motivational concepts in the classroom and help kids at recess to know how to communicate effectively and make physical activity seem attractive.”