Athletic Director Donna Lopiano
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Pioneers are visionaries and risk-takers, and without them, there are no new beginnings. At the link below is a chronological list of Longhorn pioneers since 1893.
Before a woman could excel as an athlete, lead as an Athletic Director, or be hired as a coach, they first had to secure equal rights and equal respect. This was a slow and tedious process that started in 1921 with Anna Hiss, who headed the Physical Training Department.
Anna Hiss created the student-led Women’s Athletic Association. Longhorn Scholar Tessa Nichols states that “the promotion of student involvement in the governing bodies of women’s collegiate sports was one of Hiss’s strongest…..convictions.” Anna’s story is at :
After Anna retired, Betty Thompson, “The Quiet Crusader,” was responsible for the Hiss doctrine transition to the Lopiano Title IX directive.
In 1972 the Title IX civil rights act was signed into law by President Richard Nixon. The amendment required all universities that received federal funds to offer equal opportunities for men and women in athletics and academics. Universities were given six years to come into compliance with the new law.
In 1975 Donna Lopiano was hired as the first women’s athletic director at Texas, and history shines brightly on her accomplishments.
Jim Deitrick says of Donna “I had the pleasure of serving as a faculty representative on the Intercollegiate Athletic Council for Women for four years under Donna’s direction. She was the best! She was determined, strong, bold, outspoken and brilliant in developing her vision and making it become a reality”
It was not an easy task, but over 19 years, Donna successfully challenged the antiquated and flawed structural decision-making processes perpetuated by the status quo groupthink crowd and won.
Donna’s story is in the link below. It combines a podcast with supporting text and photos. Enjoy this exciting multi-dimensional journey that honors Donna for building the best women’s program in the nation .
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1932- Jack Collins Sr. holding the basketball
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It is a goal of TLSN to celebrate the family tree of former legacy Longhorns.
Author Mark McDonald shared the family tree of the Mauldin clan at:
Billy Dale shared the impressive story of Stewart Keller’s Longhorn family tree at
Jack Collin’s Longhorn family tree is the newest addition to the TLSN website.
The detailed story of the Collins family is at
At that link there is a montage of photos, Longhorn memorabilia, footballs, “T” blankets, jerseys, trophies, and much more. All images capture Longhorn sports history through “The Eyes of Texas” Collins Longhorn family tree.
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Jack Collins Jr. on the cover of the first Texas football magazine
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Burke Collins is Jack Collins Jr.’s son who played and lettered for the Longhorns in the early 1990s. Unfortunately, injuries plagued Burke’s college football career.
During the years of care in the Rehabilitation center directed by Dr. Charles Craven, Burke received his calling.
Inspired by Dr. Craven, Burke graduated from UT in 1992 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology. In 1995 he received his Master’s Degree in Exercise Physiology from The University of Florida. In 1997 Burke opened his business of Back to Work Physical Therapy in Tampa, Florida, and as of 2020 he owns and operates four clinics in the Tampa area.
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West Virginia Mountaineers vs. Texas Longhorns
Texas Longhorns 17, West Virginia 13
A win! It was a glorious day in Austin to celebrate and recognize Veterans and to watch Texas Longhorns Football. We had a flyover, and I was fortunate to run into some of the pilots at halftime. Nice young men. The Texas defense wasn’t so nice to West Virginia, especially in the run game. Texas allowed just 43 yards rushing. West Virginia averaged just 1.7 yards per carry. The Mountaineers came to Austin averaging 172 yards per game. That is a remarkable stat, and the decision by Ash and his coaches to make WVU one dimensional and try to beat us through the air paid off.
In hindsight, as we have watched our defensive line develop into the strength of the Texas D, it isn’t such a surprise. But a heck of a game plan – and it worked. Hat tip to Coach Ash and especially D-line Coach Oscar Giles. More on the game below, but I am so glad Texas won that game. Horns are in a 3 way tie for third place with K State and the Land Thieves, with Iowa State at the top followed by Okie State. The goal of a Big XII Championship is alive and well.
All of Tim’s Longhorn football articles are at www.AustinHornsFan.com
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TLSN is an independent organization celebrating Longhorn Sports History and assisting qualifying Horns who need temporary financial assistance.
The TLSN website and newsletter are free, educational, historical, and insightful sharing Longhorn sports history through the eyes of those who created it.
TLSN is not associated with the UT Athletics Department or any organization closely aligned with UT.
Https://texaslsn.org
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