The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorn Hall of Honor: Menan Schriewer
11.10.2009 | Texas Athletics
Nov. 10, 2009
Andy Ortegon, Texas Media Relations
The University of Texas Football program has been blessed with great athletes throughout its history. But Menan Schriewer's versatility, devotion and talent allow this Men's Hall of Honor inductee to stand out.
A tight end and defensive end from 1952-55, Schriewer dominated both sides of play during his time on the Forty Acres.
"I got to The University in 1952, and I got my initiation from some of the best players in the world at the time," he said. "The first two years I was at Texas all I did was play with winners. As a result of the environment, you are given every opportunity to achieve greatness."
And greatness is exactly what Schriewer went on to achieve. He was the team's leading receiver as a junior and senior, and totaled 42 receptions for 690 yards and four touchdowns during his three-year career.
"We won the Southwest Conference title in 1952. We tied with Rice in 1953," Schriewer said. "And that's how I got my initiation -- by playing with and against some of the best players in the world."
By his junior year, Schriewer had become quite the standout player, both in the eyes of the fans and his fellow teammates. That fall, he was voted one the teams tri-captains.
"What made it such a big deal was that my team selected me, and to get that kind of recognition from such talented players, and all around great guys, was just fantastic," Schriewer said.
While he was also starring for the Longhorns, Schriewer simultaneously served the school through his commitment to the campus ROTC program.
"It was during the time of (the Korean War) when I joined. When you turned 18, at that time, everyone had an obligation to serve. So we all joined ROTC," Schriewer said. "After college I went on to serve eight years with the National Guard."
Because of the ROTC program, Schriewer's knowledge of discipline and camaraderie was reinforced with military values. As a result, he learned not only what it took to be a great teammate to his fellow Longhorns, but what it took to be a great leader.
"You have to gain the confidence of your teammates," Schriewer said. "The confidence of your teammates and the confidence of your quarterback is what allows them to trust and respect you, and earning that confidence came from giving your all every play of the game."
After graduating in 1955 with a general degree in personnel management from the School of Business, Schriewer was also selected with the No. 10 pick in the NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
"But surprisingly, during that time, the Toronto Argonauts (of the Canadian Football League) named me their No. 1 pick, and offered more money than the Chicago Bears," Schriewer said. "So, I was off to Toronto."
In Toronto, Schriewer picked up where he left off with the Longhorns. He contributed to the offense and the defense, and helped with team unity. Within a couple years, Schriewer had become captain of the Argonauts as well.
During his offseasons, Schriewer returned to Texas and worked in real estate, and then after seven years of professional football, he was ready to retire.
"When I got out, I decided to return home to Texas and continue with my other career," Schriewer said.
Schriewer continued to work in real estate and insurance in south central Texas, finally settling down in New Braunfels, where he was born and raised.
"It is home," Schriewer said.
Schriewer has been married to his wife, Sandra, for more than 40 years, and according to Schriewer, she is a, "beautiful lady who puts up with a great big, old funny-looking German football player."
"With the exception of athletics, marrying her was the greatest thing that ever happened to me," he said.
Now fully retired, Menan and Sandra enjoy a quiet life, which has given him the opportunity to turn his attention to supporting the team that he loves most -- the Longhorns.
"I'm still a season ticket holder to this day. In fact, when David McWilliams called and said he had some news for me, my first response was `Uh oh, don't tell me you can't give me all my tickets this year.'" Schriewer said. "Luckily, he assured me that not only can I have my tickets, but that I would be inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor. My only response was, `Wow!'"
For Schriewer, being inducted is the pinnacle of his athletic career. And will be a moment that he treasures for life.
"Winning this is the single greatest achievement in my life," Schriewer said. "As far as I am concerned, The University of Texas is the greatest school in the whole world. It has great athletes, great academics and it helps its students grow into great individuals.
"There is no greater honor in my mind, for an athlete, than joining the Hall of Honor, and I am thrilled to be a part of the legacy."
