Local QB, who led SMU to historic season, starts GoFundMe for coronavirus victims
Former Arlington Lamar quarterback Shane Buechele is the latest college athlete to start a GoFundMe campaign to help raise money for coronavirus victims.
Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, along with girlfriend Marissa Mowry, started one on March 24, but immediately ran into problems with the NCAA.
The NCAA had reached out to Clemson to have Lawrence delete the account, but after resolving the issue, the NCAA ruled that the intentions were good and didn’t violate rules.
Texas QB and Austin Westlake alum Sam Ehlinger created one three days later.
Along with girlfriend Paige, Buechele said on Twitter that they have connected with Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson to create the account for COVID-19 relief and hopes to reach a goal of $50,000.
“Any donations and contributions will be greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, you can email me at sbuechele@smu.edu.”
Buechele, who’s father Steve played 11 seasons in the MLB and a former assistant coach for the Texas Rangers, signed his national letter of intent with Texas.
Buechele started all 12 games as a freshman and threw for 2,958 yards (UT freshman record) and 21 TDs (second most for a UT freshman). He was the first UT player since 1944 to start his first career game as a true freshman at QB and only player to start each of his first two games.
He played in nine games and started seven times as a sophomore and played in two games as a junior before transferring to SMU, where he was a Maxwell Award and Davey O’Brien National QB Award Semifinalist last season.
Buechele was All-AAC first team after throwing for 3,929 yards and 34 TDs.
The Mustangs (10-3) enjoyed their best season since the 1980s. They were ranked for the first time since 1986, had at least 10 wins for the first time since 1984 and started 8-0 for the first time since 1982.
During his prep career at Lamar, Buechele was a two-time all-state and three-time all-district selection. He passed for nearly 6,400 yards and 73 touchdowns in his career. He added 21 scores on the ground.
Following his senior season, Buechele owned the school record in passing yards and touchdowns in a career and single season. He also had the third most TD passes in a single season and most in a game in Arlington ISD history.
