Performance on, off court earns Reich NCAA honor

Derek Reich

Fourth-year Derek Reich has been named the recipient of the 2003 Jostens Trophy, which recognizes the outstanding student-athlete in NCAA Division III men’s basketball. Reich, of Niles, Ill., who also was recently tabbed the University Athletic Association Player of the Year for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season, averaged 25.4 points and 9.2 rebounds per game, while shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 44.7 percent from three-point range (38/85).

A preseason Division III All-American, Reich was named the UAA Athlete of the Week seven times this season and made the roster of the D3hoops.com Team of the Week on three occasions. Reich finished his career as Chicago’s all-time leading scorer (2,254) and rebounder (934). This season, he tallied 636 points to establish the school season scoring mark for the fourth time in as many years.

“Derek has some incredible talents, academically and athletically, and he has chosen to pursue these endeavors with an intensity that I have not seen before,” said Mike McGrath, head coach of Chicago’s basketball team. “This combination is what makes Derek such an incredibly successful person. If there is something that distinguishes him from many others, though, it is his personal qualities. Derek is a thoughtful, hardworking young man with an incredible amount of integrity.”

Tom Weingartner, Associate Professor and Chairman of Physical Education & Athletics, also spoke highly of Reich. “Derek embodies NCAA Division III athletics competition at its highest level. He has not only thrived in the classroom, but he has achieved excellence on the basketball court as well,” Weingartner said. “Each game, each season, Derek delivered superb performances, playing one of the most competitive schedules in the country. His consistency is as remarkable as his talent and is a commentary on his discipline and competitive zeal.”

Reich, a History concentrator, has volunteered numerous hours in Chicago, reading and teaching at William Penn Elementary School and conducting basketball camps at nearby Charter House. He has assisted with the Special Olympics as a member of the University’s letter winners association, The Order of the C, in which he serves as a team representative. Reich also is a member of the University Polish Club, Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and the congregation at St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church.

The Jostens Trophy is a joint creation of Jostens, Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., and the Rotary Club of Salem, Va. The purpose of the award is to honor the true Division III student-athlete–the athlete that demonstrates excellence in the classroom, on the playing floor and in the community. In addition to the trophy, a $1,000 gift will be presented in Reich’s name to the University.