INDIANAPOLIS - Purdue Wrestling's Thomas Penola was chosen as one of the two 2023 Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award recipients for his achievements in academics, athletics, extracurricular activities and leadership, the Big Ten announced on Wednesday. All 14 conference institutions were asked to nominate one female and one male student-athlete for the 2023 school year and Penola was chosen alongside Illinois volleyball's Diana Brown for the honor that awards a $10,000 scholarship to both recipients.
The redshirt-senior joins former Purdue student-athletes Allie Smith (2011) of women's swimming and diving and Lauren Mioton (2009) of women's basketball as the only Boilermakers to have won the award since its inception in 2008.
Penola's many achievements on and off the mat as a five-year member of the Purdue Wrestling program helped him earn this prestigious honor. A three-time NCAA qualifier and Big Ten placewinner, he was named the team's Most Outstanding Wrestler for 2021-22, Most Dedicated Wrestler and Most Improved Wrestler for 2020-21 and Outstanding Freshman in 2018-19.
In addition to his accolades on the mat, Penola is a standout in the classroom as a three-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a 2022 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He holds a 3.81 GPA while majoring in English education with a minor in creative writing.
He further demonstrates his dedication to wrestling by volunteering as a coach for Central Indiana youth. Following his graduation, he plans to continue coaching while also teaching English and furthering his higher education.
In recognition of the Big Ten Conference's leadership in fully integrating athletics into the academic mission of its member institutions, the Indianapolis Big Ten Community Partnership initiated the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award in 2008. During the past 16 years, the award has contributed nearly $300,000 in scholarships.
The award is made possible by donations from local corporations and individuals supporting intercollegiate athletics. The Indianapolis Big Ten Community Partnership is comprised of the State of Indiana, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana Sports Corp, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Visit Indy.
"Indiana Sports Corp is humbled to have the opportunity to present the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award to these outstanding student-athletes," said Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty. "Both of the honorees have demonstrated impressive leadership skills, academic and athletic performance, and serve as role models for their communities."
The Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award is named for the late Big Ten Conference commissioner who served from 1971 to 1989. While leading the conference, Duke spent much of his time working to improve academic standards and graduation rates for students competing in conference athletics.
The redshirt-senior joins former Purdue student-athletes Allie Smith (2011) of women's swimming and diving and Lauren Mioton (2009) of women's basketball as the only Boilermakers to have won the award since its inception in 2008.
Penola's many achievements on and off the mat as a five-year member of the Purdue Wrestling program helped him earn this prestigious honor. A three-time NCAA qualifier and Big Ten placewinner, he was named the team's Most Outstanding Wrestler for 2021-22, Most Dedicated Wrestler and Most Improved Wrestler for 2020-21 and Outstanding Freshman in 2018-19.
In addition to his accolades on the mat, Penola is a standout in the classroom as a three-time National Wrestling Coaches Association Scholar All-American, a three-time Academic All-Big Ten honoree and a 2022 Big Ten Distinguished Scholar. He holds a 3.81 GPA while majoring in English education with a minor in creative writing.
He further demonstrates his dedication to wrestling by volunteering as a coach for Central Indiana youth. Following his graduation, he plans to continue coaching while also teaching English and furthering his higher education.
In recognition of the Big Ten Conference's leadership in fully integrating athletics into the academic mission of its member institutions, the Indianapolis Big Ten Community Partnership initiated the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award in 2008. During the past 16 years, the award has contributed nearly $300,000 in scholarships.
The award is made possible by donations from local corporations and individuals supporting intercollegiate athletics. The Indianapolis Big Ten Community Partnership is comprised of the State of Indiana, the City of Indianapolis, Indiana Sports Corp, Pacers Sports & Entertainment, and Visit Indy.
"Indiana Sports Corp is humbled to have the opportunity to present the Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award to these outstanding student-athletes," said Indiana Sports Corp President Patrick Talty. "Both of the honorees have demonstrated impressive leadership skills, academic and athletic performance, and serve as role models for their communities."
The Wayne Duke Postgraduate Award is named for the late Big Ten Conference commissioner who served from 1971 to 1989. While leading the conference, Duke spent much of his time working to improve academic standards and graduation rates for students competing in conference athletics.