Matt Turner interviewing Arkansas Athletics Director, Jeff Long.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (KTHV) - THV's Matt Turner speaks with University of Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long about honoring a fallen Razorback and the need for a loud and hostile environment Saturday at War Memorial Stadium.
From UA Athletic Media Office:
The family of Garrett Uekman will be recognized Saturday at halftime of the Razorbacks' game against ULM inside War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.
"We want to take an opportunity to honor the memory of Garrett Uekman and salute his family for their continued work on behalf of others," Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Jeff Long said. "Garrett Uekman was more than just a tight end on the football team. He was a special young man who made an impact on the lives of his teammates and students around the University of Arkansas campus. The courage of the Uekman family in the face of tragedy has been an encouragement to all of us and their work through the Garrett Uekman Foundation has been truly inspiring."
Uekman was a redshirt freshman tight end for the Razorbacks who passed away on Nov. 20, 2011. The Little Rock native appeared in nine games during the 2011 season, including both games UA played inside War Memorial Stadium, which also was his home stadium while he played for Catholic High School.
Long will present Garrett's parents, Danny and Michelle, and his sister Meagan with a framed No. 88 jersey. In addition, Razorback t-shirts with the No. 88 on the back will be given to Arkansas students at the game courtesy of the Garrett Uekman Foundation and the University of Arkansas Associated Student Government.
The Garrett Uekman Foundation was started following his passing to raise funds for heart disease research and education and to fund scholarships for deserving student-athletes. For more information visit GU88.org.
Saturday's game is set to begin at 6 p.m. on ESPNU.