We’ve learned that at this weekend’s Homecoming game the former teammates of Travis O’Neel from the 2001 National Championship team will be promoting the Travis O’Neel Memorial Scholarship Endowment. It was started to honor the life and legacy of Travis, both on and off the field.
As many people know, Travis died in late June at the age of 36 in a motorcycle accident in Thailand while visiting his wife’s family and taking summer classes. He left behind his wife Rana, and two boys, Conner and Cameron.
Travis was a force at linebacker on one of the best UND defenses in the history of the program and was named All-American during the 2001 National Championship season. He was considered to be a leader on and of the field and was named team captain by his peers.
A scholarship endowment was started in his name this summer and has been an impactful and immediate success because of the support from Travis’ friends, family and the UND Football Alumni community in conjunction with the help and support of the UND Athletics Department and the UND Foundation. Former teammates of Travis plan on doing an annual fundraiser to continue to raise funds for the endowment every year moving forward.
“North Dakota Football” Under Armour golf polo’s adorning the number 36 with “O’Neel” on the sleeve were sold at the UND Football Alumni Golf outing this summer at The Legends in Prior Lake as a jumpstarter fundraiser to get the endowment off its feet. Since then, an amazing amount of money has followed in a brief time span and the endowment is off and running because of the gracious support of many.
We’re told the UA golf polos will be sold at the game this Saturday on the east concourse. All proceeds go directly to the support of the endowment and subsequently UND Football scholarships.
If you would like to learn more about the endowment or make a pledge or donation, visit the UND Foundation Champions Club website for more details.
