After nearly a 40-year relationship with the University of Evansville, Daryl Buente was recognized for his extensive service earlier this summer as the Athletic Equipment Managers Association presented him with the organization's Lifetime Achievement award.

"I've always said that I take care of the Aces, which are some of the most important and valuable assets in our tri-state area," Buente said. "Earning this award confirms that."

Buente, a former recipient of the Missouri Valley Conference's Spirit of the Valley award, came to UE as a student manager in 1968, and following his graduation in 1972, he returned to campus to take over the equipment manager role in 1981.

In his time with UE, Buente has been charged with caring for equipment and uniforms at every home event as well as the maintenance of some of UE's playing facilities. He also oversees a large staff of student managers who work with all 14 of UE's varsity sports teams.

In his long affiliation with the AEMA, which spans 38 years, Buente's been presented with both the Service Award and District Equipment Manager of the Year award in years past. He also spent seven years as the editor of the AEMA Journal and participated in the AEMA Certification Steering Committee.

Buente is one of 16 all-time winners of the AEMA Lifetime Achievement Award.

 

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING

"In my opinion, no one gives more to the University of Evansville and the athletic department than Daryl Buente. He puts in countless hours behind the scenes to make the coaches and student-athletes successful on the floor and in the field. He is a tremendous giver and is the epitome of what it means to be a Purple Ace -- a hard-working, loyal and supportive team player. It is an honor to call Daryl my friend."  -- Marty Simmons, UE head men's basketball coach and former student-athlete

"It's great to see Daryl get recognized. He's been a pillar of our athletic department for decades now. It means a lot, not only to student-athletes, but to the coaching staffs as well. He affects everyone's life, and he's a huge part of our Aces community. I'm really proud to be around him and to have gotten to know him over the years. It's very special to have him as a part of this program."  -- Wes Carroll, UE head baseball coach and former student-athlete

"I think its great for him to get recognition for all the years of service that he's put in to every single program that we have here. He bleeds purple. He knows the whole history of the school and most of our players. He's a fan of every team here, and he's someone who has worked probably more hours than anyone at our school. I'm excited for him and happy for him to get the kind of recognition that doesn't always come with that job."  -- Krista McKendree, UE head women's soccer coach and former student-athlete

"Daryl Buente epitomizes what we expect from our student-athletes. He's a tireless worker, totally committed to the University of Evansville and he bleeds purple more than anyone I know. There's no one in our athletic department more committed to the success of our student-athletes than Daryl. He puts in countless hours that a lot of us don't see, and it's individuals like Daryl that help make our university and our athletic department what it is. It's an example for our student-athletes and the staff of the kind of commitment that you need to have to be successful."  -- Marshall Ray, UE head men's soccer coach and former student-athlete