Alumni Spotlight: The Acho Brothers

Most alumni tuning in to this year's BCS National Championship game on January 7th will have spent the holidays eating, relaxing on the couch, and spending time with family. However, Marksmen Sam '07 and Manny Acho '08 will spend their holiday season preparing for the biggest football game of their lives. This season, the brothers helped lead the University of Texas Football team to an undefeated season (13-0) and a number two ranking.

In his junior year at UT, Sam started all 13 games at defensive end. He was a Lott Trophy semifinalist and honorable mention All-Big 12. He led the team with four fumble recoveries, which is tied for the most recoveries nationally.

Linebacker Manny appeared in all 13 games during his sophomore season and started twice. He was voted honorable mention All-Big 12, recorded 48 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and one interception.

For the hard-working Acho brothers, success follows them off the field too. Earlier this year at the University's 2008-2009 Academic Awards Presentation, Sam and Manny were honored for their academic strength in maintaining a 3.0 or higher GPA for the year. Sam also received the Arthur Ashe, Jr. Sports Scholarship Award. In addition, he is a three-time member of the school's Athletics Director's Honor Roll. Both brothers have been selected for the first-team Academic All-Big 12 selection.

Despite their busy schedules with athletics and school work, Sam and Manny still take the time to give back to others. Each summer, they join their parents for a mission trip to Nigeria to provide medical care to thousands of people in need.

No matter your affiliation, we encourage all of our alumni to cheer loudly and proudly for Sam (#81) and Manny (#18) as they take the field at the BCS National Championship game. Go Lions!

Some data was taken from MackBrown-TexasFootball.com player profiles.