Football Mural Unveiled at Building Dedication
10/6/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
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The original seven-foot-by-four-foot mural, entitled "TCU Horned Frog Football 1896-2000," was commissioned by TCU Head Football Coach Dennis Franchione and his wife, Kim. This one-of-a-kind painting, produced by renowned sports artist Ted Watts, features such TCU legends as Sammy Baugh, Dutch Meyer, Heisman Trophy winner Davey O'Brien, All-Americans Jim Swink and Bob Lilly, Heisman Trophy candidate LaDainian Tomlinson and many more.
TCU fans across the country can enjoy a replica of the artwork in their home or office, as three hundred limited edition commemorative prints have been made available to the public. Each double-matted print measures 21 1/2" x 15" and will be hand-signed and numbered by the artist. A legend of the painting as well as a certificate of authenticity accompany each print. The prints are available for $200 plus $10 shipping and handling. All proceeds will benefit the TCU Library and the TCU Band.
"Kim and I wanted to give a gift back to the university," said Franchione. "The best way we could do that was to commission a mural on the history of TCU football. We came up with the idea to sell prints of the mural to raise revenue for the band and the library," continued Franchione. "We appreciate how hard the band works to support TCU football, while a donation to the library benefits all TCU students."
"I am delighted that a portion of the funds from the sale of prints of the TCU football mural will be directed to the University Library," said Bob Seal, University Librarian. "The money will be used to purchase new books or computer equipment to benefit our students. The generosity of Dennis and Kim Franchione is very admirable and unusual. It shows that the coach and his wife place a great deal of value on academics, the essence of what we are all about."
"The TCU Horned Frog Marching Band is proud to accept this very generous donation made by Coach Fran, his wife, and the Athletics Department," said Bobby Francis, Director of Bands. "The proceeds will help the band reach its goals in quality and quantity as it enters a new era. The TCU Band members and faculty feel that we serve as Ambassadors for TCU' as we perform in front of over 250,000 people a year at athletic events and marching/music exhibitions throughout the Southwest," noted Francis. "Financial contributions such as this help provide the best possible experience for our students and that, in turn, results in a higher quality of ambassador' for the university."
Information regarding the purchase of the prints will be available in the upcoming issues of the Horned Frog Sports Report and TCU Magazine. For those wishing to order a print by phone, contact Davis Babb in the TCU Athletics Office at (817) 257-6927. Checks and credit cards will be accepted.
