Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Jordan Berner awarded the William "Bill" and LaVerne O'Brien Football Scholarship
04/02/2019 | 3:16:00 | Football
"He's the kind of guy who knows what he needs to do on and off the field," said Hilary Wittenborn, academic coordinator. "He doesn't complain much and knows what it takes to be a great student."
After redshirting during the 2016 season, Berner started 11 games during the 2017 season. He was named a Freshman All-American by the Phil Steele Magazine after finishing with 26 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1 sack.
"Working hard in the weight room and with the academic staff helped me to become a great part of the team," said Berner.
Berner plans to continue working hard and understands that there will be many challenges along his journey.
"My family is proud of what I have accomplished," said Berner. "I thank SIU for this scholarship and I intend to work hard and show why I'm deserving of this honor."
William "Bill" O'Brien came to SIU from nearby Ziegler, Ill., to be a student-athlete and he wound up leaving a very large imprint on the world around him. He would not stay at the university for long, as World War II compelled him to join the Marines to fight for his country. He would later serve in the Korean War as a Colonel. Upon returning from war in 1946, O'Brien continued his education at SIU. He lettered in football and baseball and earned his recreation degree. He was an assistant baseball, basketball and football coach at Southern before being named head coach of the football program in 1952. O'Brien later became a college football official, but he didn't forget the university that educated him. He frequently volunteered his time as an official for SIU intrasquad games. In his 17 years as an NFL official, O'Brien became an elite one. He officiated Super Bowl X, three Pro Bowls and the first NFL game in London. O'Brien also played an integral role in the formation of SIU's Little Grassy campus, now known as Touch of Nature. He, along with Bill Freeberg, was a pioneer in programs for the disabled. O'Brien was involved in the planning stages of the campus and its camp that allowed disabled children to have the full camp experience.
To see a full list of athletic endowments, click HERE.
