Rob Grierson Friends of Scholastic Bowl

The Friend of Scholastic Bowl Award was named after Rob Grierson (pictured) in 2003 because of his exceptional long-term work on behalf of Illinois Scholastic Bowl and IHSSBCA. Mr. Grierson was also the recipient of the 2001 Benjamin Cooper Quiz Bowl Ambassador Award.

Karen Niemeier presents the award to Garrie Burr, Senior Grand Warden of the Masonic Grand Lodge of the state of Illinois. The presentation was made on March 30, 1996 at the IHSSBCA Annual Meeting.

Here, Jerry Vandemark is pictured with Bill Zobus, a representative of the Streator Rotary Club. The plaque reads, "Friend of Scholastic Bowl ... Awarded to the Rotary Club of Streator Illinois for their sustained support of Scholastic Bowl competition ... Awarded October 13, 1997 by the Illinois High School Scholastic Bowl Coaches Association." The Streator organization has sponsored an annual Scholastic Bowl tournament in Streator for many years. (Photo courtesy Streator Times Press)

The 2001 award went to Chuck Fabish (right). The inscription reads, "For promoting Scholastic Bowl in Central Illinois and across the state as Assistant Regional Superintendent for Peoria County." The 2002 award went to Barron Robinson (left). The inscription reads, "The Patriarch of Springfield Scholastic Bowl. A tireless worker in the early days of Scholastic Bowl. A long time coach, official and advocate for the activity."

The 2004 award went to Dave Shultz and Alex Gary. On the left, Guilford coach Tom Lundgren presents the plaque to Alex Gary. On the right, Boylan coach Susan May presents the plaque to Dave Schultz. The inscriptions read, "for establishing the Rockford Register Star Brain Games web site to support and recognize Scholastic Bowl teams and players. The web site is a model for the nation on the reporting of academic competition."

Anthony Holman, Associate Executive Director of the IHSA was presented with the 2005 Rob Grierson Friend of Scholastic Bowl Award during a brief ceremony prior to the IHSA State Finals in Peoria on March 19, 2005. Presenting the award was Susan Martin, IHSSBCA Board Member and Scholastic Bowl Coach at Wheaton North. The inscription on the plaque reads, "Rob Grierson Friend of Scholastic Bowl Awarded to Anthony Holman; For improving the relationship between IHSA and IHSSBCA, overseeing the creation of a Rule Book and Case Manual, and successfully running the IHSA tournament."

Wendell Walch was presented with the 2006 Award at the First Annual IHSSBCA Awards Banquet. He was introduced by Cathy Groesch and handed the plaque by IHSSBCA Chair David Reinstein, who is reading in the picture. The inscription on the plaque reads, "For his tireless work in running the Illinois Masonic Academic Bowl (1998-2004), increasing the number of regional sites and participating schools, promoting the growth of scholastic bowl throughout the state."

Durwin and Pam Nigus were presented with the 2007 Award at the Second Annual IHSSBCA Awards Banquet. They were handed the plaque by Rob Grierson. The inscription on the plaque reads, "For their long-time and ongoing support for Scholastic Bowl in Illinois by offering high quality buzzer systems, outstanding customer service, support for the IHSA State Tournament, support for IHSSBCA publications and tournaments, and generous donations of their time and equipment."