The Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) honored UIndy's Celina Schmidt and Ryne Buttz, alongside Maryville's Cole Ritter, with the 2026 Richard F. Scharf Paragon Award, recognizing them as the top female and co-male student-athletes. This award celebrates athletes exemplifying academic excellence, athletic prowess, character, and leadership. Schmidt's accomplishments include 23 All-America honors and a 3.82 GPA, while Buttz has led UIndy’s football team to consecutive GLVC championships and earned multiple national honors. They will be celebrated at the GLVC Awards Reception on May 19 in Brentwood, Missouri.

By the Numbers
  • Schmidt has 23 All-America honors, including 19 First Team distinctions.
  • Buttz is one of eight players in UIndy history to achieve four consecutive All-GLVC selections.
State of Play
  • This marks the fourth time in GLVC history that the men's award ended in a tie.
  • Schmidt and Buttz have elevated UIndy’s reputation in collegiate athletics through their individual and team successes.
What's Next

Both athletes will be formally recognized at the GLVC Awards Reception, enhancing their profiles ahead of potential opportunities in professional or academic fields post-graduation.

Bottom Line

Schmidt and Buttz's achievements underscore the integration of academic success and athletic excellence, serving as exemplary models of student-athlete leadership within the GLVC community.