CANYON, Texas – West Texas A&M Athletics announced the addition of a new feature and tradition at Schaeffer Park in recognition of the Wayne & Linda Woodward Softball Scholarship.
 
A life size silhouette, resembling WT's iconic white buffalo, now stands in right-center field of Schaeffer Park.  Each time a player hits the buffalo, whether it be a Lady Buff or an opponent, the Woodward family will donate an additional $1,000 to the endowed scholarship.  The tradition will begin this weekend's homestand.
 
"As a graduate of WT, I feel it's important to give back," Wayne Woodward stated.  "My wife and I thought that the Buffalo at the softball field could be an ongoing gift to our scholarship and to WT's softball program and be fun for the players and fans."
 
"This gift from Wayne and Linda is so unique in that it checks important boxes for our softball program," Director of Athletics Michael McBroom said.  "It provides additional and continual scholarship gifts and adds to what is already a great game environment at Schaeffer Park.  I cannot wait to hear the first "ping" when a Lady Buff hits a home run off the buffalo!"
 
Wayne Woodward '67 and his wife Linda are significant fans of WT Athletics but none quite more than Lady Buff Softball.  The Wayne & Linda Woodward Softball Scholarship was established in 2016 and provides annual scholarship support to an outstanding Lady Buff softball player.  The student-athlete must be at least a sophomore and returning member of the WT softball team with good academic standing as a full-time student.  This past year, Ruby Salzman and Madison Johnson were the recipients of this award. 
 
"We are incredibly thankful for the support that Wayne and Linda give to our program," said head softball coach Michael Mook.  "Their passion and support for Lady Buff softball inspires us to work hard and enjoy every single day."
 
The Lady Buffs returns to action this weekend when they host Cameron on Friday, April 1, before facing No. 22 Oklahoma Christian on Sunday, April 3.