Sigma Chi - University of Missouri

The The Tiger Sig Published by the Xi Xi ChaPter alumni assoCiation of sigma Chi fraternity COLUMBIA, MISSOURI SPRING 2024 Significant Sig Andy Russell '63; Tiger football Academic All American Nip Weisenfels '71; and Order of Constantine Sig Larry McMullen '53 were honored as inaugural Xi Xi Hall of Fame inductees at the 2018 banquet in Columbia, Missouri. Brian O'Rourke '83, of the Kansas City area, entered Chapter Eternal this past winter. More than 40 of his Xi Xi Brothers attended the White Rose Ceremony in his honor. Mike Basler '85 and Jeff Weinrich '86 provided the eulogy and Bill Beil '83 led the ceremony. Remembering the MVP Significant Sig Andy Russell '63 Enters Chapter Eternal Andy Russell '63 was a two-way star footballer out of Ladue, Missouri, who played for Coach Dan Devine from 1960-62 when the Tigers went 25-3-3. He played in three bowl games and intercepted two passes in MU's Orange Bowl win over Navy in 1961. He also led the Tigers in rushing that season and returned a pass interception 47 yards for a TD in a 10-0 victory against the Oklahoma Sooners. Brother Nip Weisenfels '71, who also played football for Dan Devine at Mizziou, remembers Andy: "Andy was one of the iconic Tiger football players of all time. When I was recruited by Dan Devine, he brought up Andy right away. His parents wanted him to go to an Ivy League school where he had opportunities, but he stayed with Mizzou as his pick, and it turned out well for him. That made a huge impression on me, as I also had offers from some Ivy schools. I followed Andy's example at Mizzou and Sigma Chi, and it turned out great for me too," said Nip. He went on to a long and decorated career with the Pittsburgh Steelers as an early member of the famed "Steel Curtain" defense. Andy made the NFL all- rookie team in 1963 and then, as an ROTC grad, served two years in the U.S. Army. He was the Steelers' MVP in 1971. Russell played on two Super Bowl championship teams and in seven Pro Bowls, including six straight—the most by a linebacker. He was selected All-Pro by NFL writers nine-straight seasons and was a record 10-year captain of the Steelers. He never missed one game in his 186-game career. Andy started his own investment company in Pittsburgh and later became a managing partner of Laurel Mountain Partners and started the Andy Russell Charitable Foundation to fund health care and human services. Andy climbed all 54 peaks in Colorado of 14,000 feet or more. He was named a Significant Sig in 1981; we offer our sincere condolences to his family, and all honor to his name. BROTHERS FOR LIFE Honoring a Rich Legacy I n this issue of Tiger Sig, we are remembering two great Xi Xi Brothers who recently passed into Chapter Eternal; Andy Russell '63 and Brian O'Rourke '83. I share our collective condolences to the family, friends, and Sigma Chi Brothers who meant so much to them. Among my thoughts on their passing are two things. One, we have had so many great, great men as Brothers in the long history of the Xi Xi Chapter. Our history and legacy are built on the shoulders of Individuals who richly demonstrated in their entire lives the same cornerstone principles of friendship, justice and learning that the undergrads in our associate chapter at Mizzou are building on today. Second, we are Sigma Chis for life. When more than 40 brothers, who care so deeply, travel to Kansas City, to lead and participate in the White Rose Ceremony for a Brother gone too soon; and an 80-year-old Brother of national esteem travels cross-country to Columbia to be honored in an inaugural ceremony for a fledgling Xi Xi Hall of Fame: it shows how poignant and enduring the bonds of Sigma Chi Brotherhood endure throughout our entire lives. We can all be proud to be Sigma Chi Brothers of the Xi Xi Chapter. IHSV, Dave Knight '73 deknight59@gmail.com

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