Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas

Home / Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Darrell K Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium at the University of Texas

THE UNIVERSITY’S FIRST ATHLETIC DIRECTOR

Lutcher Stark convinced the Board of Regents to hire L. Theo Bellmont as the first ever Athletic Director at The University of Texas. Apart from his role as Athletic Director, Bellmont’s duties included overseeing Physical Education and Physical Training programs for the university students who were not on varsity athletic teams. Later, with Athletic Director Theo Bellmont’s help, Lutcher Stark conceived the idea of a colossal athletic stadium which would stand as a memorial to those Texans who lost their lives while serving in World War I. Of course, Stark also led the fundraising campaign to construct the stadium.

A black and white photo of L. Theo Bellmont in a bow tie and suit. He is clean shaven and his hair is light gray in color.
Image credit: L. Theo Bellmont, Texas Athletics Photo Collection at The Stark Center
back to timeline