TU Announces Gift to Honor Former Track & Field Athlete Simon Greiner

TULSA, Okla. –– A generous gift made to The University of Tulsa by the family of former Golden Hurricane track & cross-country runner Simon Greiner will create a permanent source of supplemental support for the school's track & field program, TU announced today.

Don and Shellie Greiner's donation honors the memory of their son Simon, who passed away in 2016 at the age of 22. The gift will be formally known as "The Simon Greiner Track and Field Complex Gifts and Endowments".

The renamed Simon Greiner Track & Field Complex will feature a newly resurfaced track, while the remainder of the gift will support funding for a dedicated mental health professional and the formation of an endowment, part of which will maintain the facility in perpetuity with the remainder to enhance the program and student-athlete experience.

The Greiner's hope their gift will serve as a challenge to subsequent donors to match their generosity and increase the total endowment to $2 million.

"This gift will tremendously impact our track & field program and the student-athletes who possess the same dreams and commitment as Simon," said TU's vice president and director of athletics Rick Dickson.

"We extend our sincere gratitude to Don, Shellie and entire Greiner family for their extreme benevolence and philanthropy in providing an additional source of funding for all our running programs," added Dickson. "The Simon Greiner Track & Field Complex and the creation of a position for a mental health professional will assist our student-athletes in achieving success in every aspect of college life."

A dedication for the Simon Greiner Track & Field Complex will occur later this year.

"Simon loved everything about his TU experience, but his heart was with his teammates and coaches. What Coach Gulley has accomplished with limited resources and scholarships is truly remarkable. It's our hope that these gifts will enhance the program in many ways, including giving Coach more general funding/resources, but most especially by providing him with a dedicated mental health professional to support the team."

Simon was a 10-time letterwinner, an American Athletic Conference champion and All-American during his four years as a member of the Golden Hurricane team (2012-16). He specialized in the 800 and 1500 meters. He placed among the top 5 at the conference meet seven times, while winning the 800m at the 2015 American Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships and placing second in the AAC's 1500m run that same season.

"Simon Greiner was an amazing talent. He brought a competitive instinct that ignited his fellow competitors and inspired his coaches. Simon had the biggest heart and was beloved by his teammates. He made a lasting impact on the program that won't soon be forgotten," said Steve Gulley, Tulsa's head track/cross country coach.

"This selfless gift from the Greiner's will allow the team to go farther than ever. Simon's legacy will remain a part of the TU program forever, thanks to his family's immense generosity," added Gulley.

Simon also achieved great success in the classroom, becoming a two-time member of the Conference USA Commissioner's Honor Roll and earning academic honors twice in the American Athletic Conference.

At the time of his death, Simon was planning a career in coaching and teaching.

TU Announces Gift to Honor Former Track & Field Athlete Simon Greiner

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