Jacob Bilyeu Wins Jack Blake Award

SIUE men's soccer graduate forward Jacob Bilyeu was named as the newest recipient of the prestigious Jack Blake Award.

Bilyeu is the 25th recipient of the award, named for SIUE Hall of Famer Jack Blake. Leading into the regular season home finale, Bilyeu has appeared in all 14 games, making four starts this season.

Despite a rash of injuries and other setbacks during his career, Bilyeu has endured to make 74 career appearances over parts of six seasons for the Cougars. By season's end Bilyeu will likely be among the top 15 all-time in games played at SIUE.

First presented in 1997, the award is named for SIUE Hall of Famer Jack Blake, who was a member of the first soccer team at SIUE. Blake scored 25 goals in 34 games from 1968-1970.

Blake was a remarkably talented soccer player. His intensity, dedication, fitness, and leadership were qualities displayed on the soccer field as well as throughout his career as a businessman. Mr. Blake played for the Cougars from 1969 to 1972 and in 1970 was an All-American. From SIUE, Mr. Blake went on to play for the Pan-American Soccer Team in 1971 and the U.S. Olympic Team in 1972.

The ceremony also included SIUE alum Justin McMillian who was presented with the Tim Tighe Alumni Service and Leadership Award. The award is given to an SIUE men's soccer alum who displays exemplary leadership, engagement and service to the game and/or program efforts with meaningful impact on campus or in the community and has shown a commitment to the legacy of SIUE soccer.

McMillian scored 25 goals and 61 points in his career. Both totals are among the top 20 in school history. McMillian is the owner of Elite Fitness and Training, through which he has continued to support the men's soccer program.

The Cougars will play their final regular season game Saturday at Korte Stadium. SIUE will play host to Western Illinois at 2 p.m.

PHOTO: Jack Blake Award Winner Jacob Bilyeu with Head Coach Cale Wasserman and members of the Blake Family