RUSTON -- In February 2021, Louisiana Tech University announced that the University's new softball field would be named in honor of legendary team orthopedist, Dr. Billy Bundrick.

Now, the Louisiana Tech Hall of Famer's life-size statue will stand in the commons area adjacent to the field and directly outside of the Origin Bank Soccer and Softball
Complex thanks to a generous donation from the Malone Family.

"We appreciate the generous gesture by the Malone Family in making this a reality," said Louisiana Tech President Les Guice. "We are happy to help recognize a man who has meant so much to this University and its student-athletes in such a special way."

At 9 a.m. Saturday, Tech graduates, fans, and the general public are invited to the statue unveiling ceremony at Dr. Billy Bundrick Field.

"I've had the opportunity to meet Dr. Bundrick a couple of times over the last year and a half, and while I didn't have the pleasure of being around Dr. Bundrick during his decades of service to Louisiana Tech and its student-athletes, his reputation as a loyal Bulldog precedes him," said Louisiana Tech VP and Director of Athletics Eric Wood.

"We are honored to have his name forever associated with this beautiful park, and now we have a striking statue that will remind our student-athletes and fans of the contributions Dr. Bundrick made and impact he had on this University."

Louisiana Tech has honored Dr. Bundrick in numerous ways over the past four decades, and he has more than earned each one. The resume of the Bulldog football letter winner (1957-59), team captain, and longtime LA Tech team orthopedic doctor (1973-2013) is loaded with accolades from both the University and the athletics realm.

Although he first made a name for himself playing for legendary coach Joe Aillet and the Bulldogs, Bundrick spent more than half of his life taking care of Louisiana Tech's Bulldogs and Lady Techsters.

"He was always on call for Louisiana Tech student-athletes 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said former longtime Tech Athletics Trainer Sam Wilkinson, who worked closely with Bundrick for decades. "Wherever we were, he was available to help with whatever we needed. He was never too busy for us. It's unbelievable how good Dr. Bundrick was to Louisiana Tech and how much he meant to us. He is one of a kind, and he bleeds Louisiana Tech."

"Dr. Bundrick is one of the most passionate, loyal supporters of Tech Athletics in school history," said former Director of Athletics Jim Oakes, Bundrick's longtime friend. "His contributions to the university are immeasurable. In my view, he is the greatest sports medicine doctor to ever serve a university athletic program."

In addition to donating countless hours to Louisiana Tech's student-athletes over a four-decade stretch, Bundrick has also supported the University and its athletic department financially. He and his wife Linda are members of the Team Tech $1 Million Lifetime Giving Club, an elite membership that includes less than 15 couples who have each given more than $1 million during their lifetime.

"Dr. Bundrick is truly a great man who has made such a positive impact on our student-athletes throughout the years," Guice said. "The numerous honors he has earned only scratch the surface of his significance to Louisiana Tech; his greatest contribution has been in the service of others. We're proud to be able to honor him after the many years he spent ensuring our student-athletes stay healthy and able to perform to the best of their abilities."

Dr. Bundrick was enshrined into the Louisiana Tech Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the class of 1986. He has earned numerous other honors, including the Louisiana Tech Alumnus of the Year (1980), the Distinguished Alumni Award for the College of Life Sciences (1986), Centennial 100 Distinguished Alumni (1994) and Tower Medallion recipient (1995).

"When I think about my time at Louisiana Tech, one of the first names that comes to mind is Dr. Bundrick," said former Bulldog quarterback and Louisiana Tech Hall of Famer Tim Rattay. "His enthusiasm and passion for Tech Athletics was in full display every time I saw him. Without Dr. Bundrick's expertise and care, I would have missed many more games in my career. He was not only our doctor, he was a friend."

He served as the University Foundation Board President (1981-83) and was a Privileged Director of the Foundation Board (1986-87). He received an honorary doctorate in 1984.