The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Longhorn Hall of Honor: David Kristynik
09.21.2015 | Football, Texas Athletics, T-Association
The 59th Men's Hall of Honor class will be inducted in a Sept. 25 ceremony at the Frank Erwin Center.
As David Kristynik reflects on his football career at The University of Texas, the memories of being a part of a No. 1 ranked team come rushing back. Kristynik's teams reached the top ranking in the country in 1959 and 1961, but unfortunately were knocked out by TCU both years.
"We probably had one of the best ball clubs this school ever had," Kristynik said.
Kristynik was in coach Darrell Royal's first recruiting class at Texas.
"I didn't even know what the University of Texas was in high school. I didn't follow college football or anything. And then one day Coach said, 'hey, you can play. They are going to be talking to you,'" Kristynik said. "We had wonderful coaches. Great coaches. I didn't have to spend 30, 45 minutes telling someone where I graduated from school," Kristynik explains, further emphasizing that "it was a big deal," to play for Coach Royal.
"We had a lot of pride in this university. We had a lot of pride in the state. We were a bunch of proud individuals."
Under Royal, Kristynik proceeded to play center and defensive tackle from 1959-1961.
"I am willing to learn, just tell me what to do," Kristynik told Royal. Also recalling, "I made some good plays over a period of time."
Kristynik's commitment and hard work paid off as he earned several awards such as the First-team All-Southwest Conference honors and honorable mention at the All-Southwest Conference in 1961.
In addition, Kristynik was known for his spirited and energetic personality. "I was always yelling, screaming, and hollering. I just had a good time," he said.
"I was the first two-term winner of the Dana X team spirit award," Kristynik recalled. Dana X. Bible was a coach (1937-1946) and an athletic director (1947-1956) at the University of Texas.
As a double bonus, Kristynik's brothers were also two-time winners of this award.
"I have two brothers [Marvin and Paul] who also played here. There was one of us here for Coach Royal's first 14 years. I am the oldest. Each one of them won a national championship," says Kristynik.
Kristynik also has a sister who graduated from nursing school at the University of Texas in Dallas.
Some of Kristynik's favorite memories come from the friendships he made with his teammates, as they still remain in close contact today.
"I have a lot of memories, but you can't forget the guys you played with. The companionship is something to remember," he said.
Kristynik's final football season of 1961 had seven seniors. Today, Kristynik is the final one to be inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor with his graduating football class.
"We had fun playing football. It was hard work, but it was still fun," Kristynik said.
Graduating with an education degree with business honors, Kristynik understood that playing football at UT was his ticket to a college education.
"I got an education, and this was the only way I was going to get an education," he said.
After college graduation, Kristynik moved to New Orleans and worked in the construction business. He moved back to Texas in 1966, and then moved to Baton Rouge in 1968, and finally, arrived back home in Texas in 1969. Kristynik has been back in the great state ever since, adding, "there is only one Texas."
"I have a wonderful life. I have a good wife and good kids. I have had some rocky roads along the way just like everybody else, but I can't complain about my life," Kristynik said.
Day of Distinction: 2015 Men's and Women's Hall of Honor Induction
Please join Texas Athletics as we induct 13 decorated and distinguished former University of Texas student-athletes and staff into the Men's and Women's Athletics Halls of Honor on Friday, Sept. 25
Tickets start at $35. To purchase, or if you have additional questions, please call (512) 232-4422.
