EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. – SIUE men's soccer redshirt junior midfielder Zach Renz was named as the newest recipient of the prestigious Jack Blake Award.

Renz is the 26th recipient of the award, named for SIUE Hall of Famer Jack Blake. Renz has appeared in 41 career games, including all 33 over the last two seasons.

Thursday, Renz netted his first career goal, the game-winner, in a 1-0 win over Houston Christian at Korte Stadium.

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 Head Athletic Trainer James Mays, earning the Tim Tighe Leadership and Service Award. This marked the first time the award was presented to someone who was not an SIUE men's soccer alum. Named for Tim Tighe, the award is presented to a person 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.

Mays has been at SIUE for 20 years and served as the men's soccer Athletic Trainer for 18 seasons.

The Cougars, who are unbeaten in their last four games, will play their second to last home game Sunday against UIW. The team will honor 11 seniors prior to the noon kickoff against the Cardinals.