Yearly Scholarships:
This scholarship honors two of Reitz High School’s finest teachers and coaches. Allan Horn, who died in 1962, was an Assistant Coach to Mr. Herman Byers from 1948-1961, and was responsible for developing some of the finest linemen to ever wear the blue and gray. In addition, Coach Horn was inducted into the IHSAA Wrestling Hall of Fame and was an outstanding track coach at Reitz. Jim Barnett, who led the Panther basketball program for over 14 years (1964-1977), was at the time, the most successful basketball coach at Reitz where his overall record was 165 wins against 115 losses. Coach Barnett’s hoopsters won or shared five consecutive city championships (1967-1971), three sectional titles (1968, 1971 and 1972) and one regional championship (1968). Mr. Barnett died in 1982. This coveted scholarship was first presented in 1963. The amount of the scholarship was originally $500. Since the inception, over 75 young men and women have been honored as recipients of this award. The value of the four-year scholarship has grown to $14,000. Beginning in 2018, $22,000 is equally distributed to the remaining qualifying applicants. These awards are now known as R-Men Scholar Athlete Awards. The criteria used for selecting the scholarship recipient includes scholastic achievement, financial need, college potential, citizenship, character and high school varsity letters earned. Members of the R-Men Varsity Club select the scholarship winner. The candidate must receive a varsity letter in at least one IHSAA sanctioned sport being offered at Reitz.
The presentation of this award was introduced for the first time in 1973. The senior recipient must participate in an IHSAA sanctioned sport being offered at Reitz. The selection of the winner is based on the accumulated grade point average of the candidate over his/her first seven semesters at Reitz. In the event of a tie in grade point average, scores from the SAT or ACT will determine the winner.
Yearly Awards:
This award was first presented in 1973. Athletes of the senior class nominate three senior boys whom they deem the best senior athletes participating in IHSAA sanctioned sports being offered at Reitz. The three athletes selected by the senior class are then submitted to the R-Men Varsity Club membership for final vote.
This aware was first presented in 1997. Athletes of the senior class nominate three senior girls whom they deem the best senior athletes participating in IHSAA sanctioned sports being offered at Reitz. The three athletes selected by the senior class are then submitted to the R-Men Varsity Club membership for their final vote.
Most of the earliest presentations of the Weller Awards for IHSAA sanctioned sports offered at Reitz were in 1964. Additional awards have been added over the years as needed. The varsity athletes are responsible for selecting the winners of these awards. The qualifications include scholarship. Team leadership, athletic ability, teamwork, cooperation and desire to excel.