(Seguin) — Texas Lutheran Class of ’62 graduate Verne Lundquist returned to the Texas Lutheran University campus Saturday for the dedication of the new student athletic center bearing his name.
The Verne Lundquist Student Athletic Center, open to all TLU students, features a conditioning and weight room, locker rooms, and a visitor center showcasing Lundquist’s sports memorabilia collection.
After graduating from Texas Lutheran, Lundquist worked at KTBC-TV/Radio in Austin as a weekend sports anchor starting in 1963 before moving to WFAA-TV in Dallas as sports director, a position he held for 16 years. He became the radio voice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1967 and remained with the team until 1984. His national career began with ABC Sports in 1974 before he moved to CBS in 1982. He became one of America’s most beloved sportscasters, calling college football, basketball, golf—including the Masters—and numerous other sports across his legendary six-decade career.
Lundquist spoke about the honor of having the new athletic center at TLU named for him.
“It’s overwhelming. I love this school, and to have this tribute paid is just one of the greatest honors of my life,” Lundquist said. “To have this building named in my honor is amazing, just amazing.”
Lundquist started his career at KWED in Seguin, though he wasn’t initially hired the first time he applied. The late KWED station manager and later owner Stan McKenzie hired Lundquist when he returned to apply a second time.
“I was heartbroken when I lost the job as a junior, but then Stan McKenzie hired me the second time my senior year, and it all worked out pretty well,” Lundquist said.
While working at KWED, Lundquist earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from TLU in 1962. He’s a recipient of TLU’s Distinguished Alumnus Award, an emeritus member of the TLU Board of Regents, and has long been a loyal and generous supporter of his alma mater.
The new Verne Lundquist Student Athletic Center is now open on the Texas Lutheran University campus.