AUSTIN, Texas — To coincide with the release of the biopic film “My All American,” the Longhorn Foundation for Texas Athletics launches its first-ever crowdfunding campaign to fully endow the Fred Steinmark Fund.
“My All American” depicts the inspirational story of the undersized Texas Football safety Freddie Steinmark, who was offered a scholarship by legendary coach Darrell K Royal and went on to start for the Longhorns’ national champion football team in 1969.
“Our goal is to provide a scholarship to a student-athlete just as Freddie was offered that opportunity by Coach Royal,” said Amy Folan, Longhorn Foundation Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director. “Freddie’s story highlights what is possible through determination, perseverance and teamwork. Crowdfunding directly illustrates that every gift counts and through teamwork we can achieve tremendous goals.”
The Fred Steinmark Fund was the first endowment established by Texas Athletics. As Freddie remains an example to student-athletes, the endowment in his name persists as a means to support the development of a new generation of Longhorns.
“I had the opportunity to meet Freddie when he was on a recruiting trip,” said Texas Interim Men’s Athletics Director Mike Perrin, who was a teammate of Freddie’s. “What I remember most was his smile and infectious enthusiasm. You knew he was special when you met him. He was small in stature, but he lived large. That carried over to the football field.”
Following UT’s victory against No. 2 Arkansas, a cancerous tumor was discovered in Freddie’s left thigh, resulting in amputation of his leg. He returned to the sidelines on crutches to support his team’s triumph over Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl. Freddie passed away in Houston two years later. His story endures as a Texas symbol of courage and perseverance.
The current market value of the Fred Steinmark Fund is $87,000. At full capacity — $775,000 — the endowment would provide for a full scholarship every year and allow Texas Athletics to honor student-athletes with the courage and determination similar to Freddie’s.
“When you look at Freddie’s life, you realize he impacted others in a big way,” added Perrin. “The endowment in his name will impact many student-athletes for years to come.”
Visit SteinmarkFund.com to learn more.
