Lamar University Athletics

William S. (Bud) Leonard was a fine athlete on some good teams during his football career at Lamar Junior College and Lamar University.

Although he was thought to be too small by many, Leonard claimed a starting position as an offensive guard as a freshman; a post he did not relinquish for five years. He co-captained the 1949 Junior College championship team, considered among Lamar’s all-time great teams. He excelled in the classroom as well, and was the 1950 recipient of the John E. Gray Award as the top student-athlete.

Leonard’s contributions to Lamar since his last play as an offensive lineman in 1952 have been numerous. He has served the Alumni Association in many capacities, was a member of university’s Fiftieth Anniversary Committee and served as an organizing member of the Fine Arts Department’s Friends of Art organization and was named LU Distinguished Alumnus. His interest in Lamar athletics has never dwindled. He was the founding president of the Letterman’s Association and the Cardinal Hall of Honor. He was also one of the founders of the Cardinal Club, and served as its second president.