Six Former Louisiana Tech Athletes Honored with Statues at University
Six former Louisiana Tech athletes were recently honored in a special ceremony held at Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, Louisiana. The event marked the unveiling of statues dedicated to each athlete, which are now displayed prominently in the new Sarah and AL Williams Champions Plaza.
The athletes recognized for their outstanding contributions to their respective sports and Louisiana Tech University were Terry Bradshaw, Karl Malone, Kim Mulkey, Willie Roaf, Teresa Weatherspoon, and Fred Dean. These individuals have left an indelible mark on the university’s athletic program and have achieved remarkable success both during their time as Bulldogs and in their professional careers.
Terry Bradshaw is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. He led the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl victories and was named Super Bowl MVP twice. Bradshaw’s exceptional talent and leadership skills made him an iconic figure not only in football but also in popular culture.
Karl Malone, known as “The Mailman,” is a basketball legend who played 19 seasons in the NBA. He spent 18 of those seasons with the Utah Jazz and became one of the league’s all-time leading scorers. Malone’s dominance on the court earned him numerous accolades, including two NBA MVP awards.
Kim Mulkey is a highly accomplished women’s basketball coach who has had tremendous success throughout her career. She led the Baylor Lady Bears to three NCAA national championships before accepting the head coaching position at LSU. Mulkey’s impact on women’s basketball cannot be overstated, making her inclusion among these esteemed athletes well-deserved.
Willie Roaf is a former NFL offensive tackle who played for both the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs during his illustrious career. Roaf was a key contributor to his teams’ success and was recognized with numerous Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. His skill and dominance on the football field solidified his place among the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.
Teresa Weatherspoon is a former women’s basketball player who achieved great success both at Louisiana Tech and in the WNBA. She played a pivotal role in leading the Lady Techsters to two NCAA national championships during her college career. Weatherspoon continued to excel professionally, earning multiple All-Star selections and being named one of the WNBA’s Top 15 Players of All Time.
Fred Dean, sadly no longer with us, was an exceptional football player who made a significant impact as a defensive end for both Louisiana Tech University and the San Francisco 49ers. Dean’s impressive performance on the field helped lead his teams to Super Bowl victories, earning him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
The statues honoring these remarkable athletes serve as a tribute to their extraordinary achievements and contributions to their respective sports. They also stand as an inspiration for current and future generations of Louisiana Tech students, reminding them of what can be accomplished through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
According to the sourcethis ceremony not only celebrates these legendary individuals but also highlights Louisiana Tech University’s commitment to excellence in athletics. The Sarah and AL Williams Champions Plaza provides a fitting venue to honor these athletes while creating an inspiring environment for all who visit.
The addition of these statues further solidifies Louisiana Tech University’s rich athletic tradition and serves as a reminder of the profound impact these athletes have had, not only on the university but also on their respective sports. Their stories will continue to inspire and motivate generations of Bulldogs to come.
