Dick Beeler was one of the top intramural athletes of the late 1950’s. A member of Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, he was the inaugural recipient of the Berry M. Whitaker Leadership Award, a 10-time Intramural Wall of Fame honoree, a four-time intramural handball champion, and a member of the 1959–60 UT Handball Club National Championship Team.
Named the Fraternity Division Best All-Around Athlete in 1959–60, he helped lead the Dekes to its most successful era in intramural competition, during which the organization earned the prestigious Intramural All-Year Trophy Award four consecutive years from 1959 to 1963.
Howard Brown was one of the most accomplished competitors and respected student leaders in the Intramural Sports program during the mid-1990s. A versatile athlete, he earned 12 appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame, highlighted by multiple softball championships and additional titles in flag football and basketball.
Beyond his championship accomplishments, Howard was a key leader within the Intramural Sports program, earning the respect of teammates, competitors, and fellow student staff members alike. Known for his competitive drive, teamwork, and selflessness, he helped set a standard for student involvement and leadership that inspired those around him. His combination of athletic ability, leadership, and dedication to the program made him one of the most respected figures in the intramural community during his time on campus.
Arriving at The University of Texas at Austin in 1951, Robert L. “Bobby” Dewar, BA, ‘55, quickly became an outstanding participant competing in the intramural program’s golf events. As a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, he led his fraternity to multiple golf victories and earned two appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame.
His impact extends far beyond his years on the Forty Acres. A lifelong supporter of the University, he established the Robert L. Dewar Endowed Scholarship, recognizing students for their participation in golf events since 2012. Through both his athletic accomplishments and philanthropic support, he has left a lasting legacy that continues to enrich the RecSports experience and inspire Longhorn students today.
During her 30 years of service at RecSports, Darci shaped the intramural program through her leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment to student development. Joining the staff in 1994, Darci guided the intramural program through significant growth and change while maintaining the high standards established by those who came before her. Throughout her career, she embraced new opportunities, mentored countless student leaders, and helped create meaningful experiences for thousands of Longhorns.
Known for her passion for sports, officiating, and student success, her influence can be seen in the many former student employees who now lead recreation programs and organizations across the country. Through three decades of service, Darci embodied the values of excellence, mentorship, and lifelong learning, leaving a legacy that will continue to positively impact the department for years to come.
Twin sisters Nicole Macnak Brown, BBA ’95 and Jennifer Macnak Mesa, BBA ’95, distinguished themselves as two of the most successful student leaders and competitors during their time on the Forty Acres. Together, they earned a total of 26 appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame -- Nicole with 14 and Jennifer with 12, while excelling as intramural officials, supervisors, program assistants, and outstanding athletes across multiple sports. Their leadership, competitive success, and dedication to the program helped shape the student experience for countless participants during the 1990s.
Bill Melton exemplifies the spirit and tradition of intramural sports through his contributions as a participant, student leader, and staff member. As a competitor, he participated in football, basketball, track, softball, water polo, and volleyball, earning multiple appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame.
As a student leader, Melton guided both Brunette House and the Merchants to sustained success. He received the 1959-60 Team Manager Award while leading Brunette House to the All-University Organization Trophy and later helped the Merchants capture multiple championships, including a memorable appearance in the 1961 basketball finals against powerhouse Delt. Following graduation, his service to the intramural program continued as Assistant General Manager under Director Sonny Rooker from 1964 to 1966.
Rick Mesa distinguished himself as one of the most accomplished student leaders at RecSports during the 1990s. As a competitor, he earned 15 appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame and captured multiple intramural championships in softball, track and field, and flag football.
Beginning as an Intramural Sports Official in 1991, Rick quickly emerged as a leader, advancing through the program as a Supervisor, Program Assistant, and Umpire Coordinator, where he trained officials, managed daily intramural operations, and helped support youth baseball programs throughout the Austin area. Rick’s excellence as an official earned him All-American honors in football officiating, while his athletic talents led to opportunities at state, regional, and national extramural competitions.
Terry Newman was one of the most accomplished athletes of Acacia Fraternity’s highly successful intramural era. Named the Best All-Around Athlete in 1970–71, he excelled across multiple sports, contributing to championship teams in basketball, volleyball, and softball while helping establish Acacia as one of the premier intramural organizations on the Forty Acres.
A versatile competitor and respected team leader, his achievements exemplified the spirit of excellence, sportsmanship, and participation that defined many of the top performers during the 1960s and 1970s. His impact helped shape a legacy of success that continues to be celebrated through Acacia's enduring connection to RecSports.
Heidi Simmons played a pivotal role in shaping the longstanding partnership between RecSports and Nike. As Nike’s representative, she helped bring to life innovative programs and events that enhanced the student experience, including Victory at Gregory Gym, the Nike Student Agency, FIT 15, Nike+ Leader Bar, and numerous other fitness and wellness initiatives.
Known for her collaborative approach and genuine investment in students, Heidi consistently balanced Nike’s brand objectives with the department's priorities. Through her mentorship, creativity, and support, she helped establish one of the department’s most successful and enduring corporate partnerships, leaving a lasting impact on students and the entire RecSports community.
Chartered at The University of Texas at Austin in 1916, Acacia Fraternity built a proud tradition of excellence, earning 55 appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame and capturing the All-Year Trophy championship in 1963–64. Over the following decade, Acacia was one of the most successful organizations in the intramural program, winning 14 team championships, recording seven runner-up finishes, producing six Intramural Senior Managers and honoring two Best All-Around Athletes.
Beyond competition, Acacia's impact on RecSports has endured through philanthropy and service. In 2009, alumni established the Acacia Fraternity Endowed Scholarship to support future generations of RecSports student employees. Created through the efforts of alumni including René Garza, Harry Craig, David Dunlap, Steve Lappin, and Ed Knight, the scholarship reflects Acacia's commitment to the values of leadership, participation, and community.
Chartered at The University of Texas at Austin in 1912, the Omega Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Epsilon (Deke) established one of the most successful intramural legacies in RecSports history. With more than 130 appearances on the Intramural Wall of Fame, Deke teams excelled across generations of Longhorns. The fraternity dominated intramural baseball throughout the 1930s, captured four consecutive All-Year Trophy Point championships from 1959–1963, and set a new standard in swimming by becoming the first organization to win three consecutive Swim Meet titles between 1967 and 1969. For more than a century, the organization’s tradition of participation, competition, and championship success places it among the best fraternities to ever compete in the intramural sports program.
Established in 2017 as part of the department’s Centennial Celebration, the RecSports Hall of Honor recognizes influential alumni, staff, supporters and athletes who have had a significant impact on Recreational Sports throughout its long history. Each year a new class of inductees joins a distinguished group of individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the department.
If you are a 2025 Hall of Honor Inductee, you may close this window without purchasing tickets as you and up to three guests will receive complimentary admission to the event. You will receive event emails as the event nears. Please contact Randall Ford (rford@austin.utexas.edu) with any questions.
