LIVINGSTON, Ala. - The University of West Alabama mourns the loss of Hall of Famer, Teddy Saenz III, who passed away at the age of 71 this past Tuesday. 

Saenz, a native of McAllen, Texas, lettered in both Football and Baseball at West Alabama from 1972-1976. 

"The entire UWA family is heartbroken by the passing of Tiger great and Hall of Famer, Teddy Saenz," said Director of Athletics Brett Gilliland. "It was a true blessing to spend time with him and his teammates this past June during the 50th reunion of their legendary 1975 football team."

As an offensive guard, Saenz anchored the Tigers to an 8-1-2 record in 1972, 6-3-1 in 1973, 8-3 in 1974, and 10-3 in 1975 that included a Division II Playoffs appearance. With individual success coupled with team success, the Offensive Lineman claimed multiple All-GSC recognitions along with a pair of All-American acknowledgments, making him one of the greatest West Alabama Tigers to put on a jersey.

On the Baseball field, Saenz was equally as great. The McAllen, Texas native served as UWA's First Baseman and solidified himself as one of the best at the position in school history. The Two-Letter Sport athlete was named All-GSC in three consecutive years from 1974-1976. Saenz capped off his UWA athletic career in '76, by propelling the Tigers to a NCAA Division II World Series berth after putting together an All-Region caliber season, individually. 

After his playing career came to a close, Saenz accepted assistant coaching roles with West Alabama Football and Baseball, before being inducted into the UWA Hall of Fame in 1990.

"Mr. Saenz represented everything it means to be a Tiger—dedicated, passionate, and full of heart both on and off the field," Gilliland continued. "His presence, spirit, and legacy will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, teammates, and all who had the honor of knowing him."

Memorial Services for Saenz will be held at the Rivera Funeral Home in McAllen, Texas on July 19, beginning at 3:00 p.m.