Southern Nazarene University (SNU) in Bethany, Oklahoma, is preparing to honor sophomore defensive back Tyler Ulrich, who died on Oct. 15 after sustaining a game‑time injury. The university’s football team will display Ulrich’s jersey during Saturday’s home game at SNU Stadium, then travel to Azle, Texas, for his funeral services on Sunday.
University president highlights faith and community
Dr. Keith Newman, president of SNU, said the tragedy has deeply affected the campus, noting, “It’s been a tremendous impact. It’s a small campus.” He added that Ulrich’s love for football was matched by his love for the faith community that SNU offers.
“Tyler was an amazing young man,” Newman said. “He was so much like many of our students who choose SNU not only for athletics but because they cherish the faith element we provide.”
Honoring a beloved teammate
Teammates and coaches plan to celebrate Ulrich’s life by displaying his jersey on the field and sharing memories of his character and dedication. The team’s preparation reflects a broader campus effort to support one another through grief.
“It’s people that love SNU, but in some cases, it’s people that are just heartbroken as well, and have said, ‘We want to do something,’” Newman said, emphasizing the outpouring of support from the university community.
Faith guiding the healing process
Founded in 1899, SNU is rooted in Christian faith, and Newman said that faith is helping the community navigate the loss. “These are the kind of events, as you can imagine, that leave us looking for the right words, but the truth is there aren’t any words,” he said. “It’s really about the embrace, presence, tie together, and I think that’s what we’ve seen over the course of the last two weeks since Tyler was injured.”
The university’s faith‑based counseling services are available to students, staff, and families seeking comfort and guidance during this difficult time.
Game and funeral details
The football game is scheduled for Saturday at 3 p.m. at SNU Stadium. After the game, the team will travel to Azle, Texas, where Ulrich’s funeral services will be held on Sunday, led by President Newman.
Community members are encouraged to attend the game to show solidarity with the team and to honor Ulrich’s memory, and to consider supporting the family in any way possible.
Original reporting: Oklahoma City News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
