(From the Austin College website)
SHERMAN, Texas - The Austin College campus
remains in a state of shock over the news of a tragedy that
occurred on campus early Monday evening.
Zachary Swirczynski, a 20-year-old sophomore from Muenster, Texas, collapsed while playing a game of pick-up basketball with his football teammates at the Thomas R. Williams Intramural Complex, an outdoor facility on the west edge of campus.
After being rushed by ambulance to Wilson N. Jones Hospital, Zach eventually was pronounced dead. The cause is currently unknown and will be investigated by a medical examiner over the coming weeks.
In messages distributed early Tuesday morning to students, faculty, staff, and parents, College president Oscar C. Page shared the sad news and asked the campus community to keep the Swirczynski family in their thoughts and prayers, particularly during the coming days and weeks.
Zach was a graduate of Muenster High School, where he was an avid athlete who excelled in a number of sports. A recipient of several MVP awards as a high school student, Zach also received the Fighting Heart Award his senior year.
Austin College Head Football Coach Ronnie Gage described Zach as well-liked, always in a good mood, and regarded by fellow players as a wonderful teammate who was a strong competitor with a passion for life.
Funeral services have been arranged in conjunction with McCoy Funeral Home and will take place Wednesday and Thursday, February 11 and 12, at Sacred Heart Church in Muenster. The Mass will be celebrated by Fr. Gary Swirczynski, and burial will take place at Sacred Heart Cemetery. The viewing and family visitation will begin at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, February 11, and the funeral service will take place on Thursday, February 12, beginning at 10 a.m.
The Austin College football team and staff have been asked to serve as honorary pallbearers in their jerseys for the Thursday morning service.
Zach is survived by his parents, Dale and Jill; sisters, Hillary and Tara; paternal grandmother Dorothy; and maternal grandparents, George and Leoba Mollenkopf -- all of Muenster. Zach was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Richard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Zachary Swirczynski Memorial Fund, PO Box 554, Muenster, TX 76252.
.gif?max_width=280&max_height=139&crop=true)
.gif?max_width=280&max_height=139&crop=true)
