First ever Troy Berry Award presented
FINDLAY – Former University of Findlay Head Baseball Coach and 1986 River View High School graduate Troy Berry was on hand at the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Tournament on May 6 in Xenia, to present the first, Troy Berry Award, to Wayne State University Senior Christian Bilkovic.
The Troy Berry Award is named after the Oilers former coach. The award will be presented annually to the GLIAC baseball player who best combines outstanding character and leadership on the field, in the classroom, and in the community.
“The candidate is a role model for his teammates, school and community,” Berry said. “There were some quality candidates but the recipient really stood out and above the rest.”
Berry is honored to have the award named after him.
“The coaches requested it, the athletic directors and presidents of the universities passed it. Completely blindsided me,” Berry said. “So to be able to honor these deserving young men is a true blessing. I hope they see that their extra work, kindness, generosity and willingness to help others on their own doesn’t go unnoticed.”
Berry retired from coaching, but recorded a school baseball record 211 wins from 2004-13 for the University of Findlay.
“To me what’s not to enjoy about baseball,” he said. “It’s a game for all ages to love. I’ve been very fortunate in my life and hope to continue to be a part of the game moving forward.”
