Created in 1982, the Glen Hesler Award is the most prestigious honor that the athletic department bestows upon an individual each year. Since 2011 the award has been presented at the Panther Club's Annual Spring Fling Event.
The award is named for Glen Hesler, a long time benefactor for the University, a distinguished alumnus and a former football player in the 1920’s. Hesler loved Panther Athletics and its coaches. He raised money to support EIU student-athletes, attended events and worked to help increase the public’s perception of Panther Athletics being first class.
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2023 - Jim Schnorf
2022 - Jamie Pilson
2019 - Jerry Groniger & Marlene Brotherton
2018 - Tom Grunloh
2017 - Joe Dively
2016 - Steve Drake
2015 - Sandy King
2014 - Bob Jones
2013 - Kelly Green
2012 - Dale Wolf
2011 - Mary Drake
2010 - Mike Radloff
2009 - Michael Smith
2008 - Dr. Karl Rudert
2007 - Larry Ankenbrand
2006 - Edward Corley
2005 - Robert Rupel
2004 - Dean Gowin
2003 - Jim Erdmann
2002 - C. Roger Sorensen
2001 - Marla Belden
2000 - Sue O'Brien
1999 - Dr. Peter Bonutti
1998 - Jerry Myerscough
1997 - Bill Glenn
1996 - Waunetta Hood
1995 - Don Yost
1994 - Dick Stark
1993 - Kenneth Wooddell
1992 - Obed Henderson
1991 - Robert Kovack
1990 - Charles White
1989 - Dick Cain
1988 - Dave Musgrave
1987 - Eli Sidwell
1987 - Jerry Bennett
1986 - Allan Heath
1985 - H. Ogden Brainard
1984 - Carl Koerner
1983 - Dave Diana
1982 - Dr. Roger Dettro
