Hard work on and off the football field was rewarded this week as four walk-on members of the ISU football team were awarded scholarships.

Three juniors and one sophomore were the recipients of the scholarships. All four members are on the offensive side of the ball.

Wide receivers Gerrick Bivins and Tom Radke, tight end Matt Rysavy and offensive lineman Chris Brunsvold were the four players recognized for their efforts with the scholarships.

“These four young men earned their scholarships with their efforts during spring practice and two-a-days throughout the summer,” Head Coach Dan McCarney said. “All four of these players are class individuals.”

McCarney said that the players had put in enough time to move up to a new level.

“These players have reached the level where they are making contributions toward the success of the program, and they deserve to be scholarship members of the team,” he said.

Although none of the four are expected to start this fall, McCarney said that he expects all of them to make a serious contribution.

“Barring injury, these players will not be in the starting lineups,” the coach said, “but they are all players that we can depend on.”

“The effort of the players on the practice field is equalled by their character off the field,” McCarney said.

“They are all real classy kids,” he said. “They are all very accountable in the classroom, you can really trust these students. I would take them into any home with me on recruiting trips.”

Rysavy saw the most action of the foursome in 1995, playing in all 11 games.

Bivins nearly matched that total, taking the field in nine contests. He hauled in two passes against intrastate rival University of Iowa. Radke also saw some action, catching five passes for 62 yards last season.

Brunsvold, the only sophomore in the group, was redshirted last year after transferring from Waldorf College.