 "Photo: Sam Grenadier")
David Schaefer probably could rattle off the names of different biomolecules and describe elements of genetic codes while taking out a linebacker or a cornerback.
The senior biochemistry major and former Texas Tech wide receiver from Cisco was inducted into the Tech chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa society Wednesday in the Allen Theatre, becoming the first male student-athlete to receive the honor.
Schaefer, whose playing eligibility expired after the Gator Bowl, said the key to juggling football and academics was time management.
"Just don't go out a lot," said Schaefer, who has a 3.727 GPA. "It's not that hard, really just don't go out. Everybody else would go out and party, I pretty much stayed and did some studying."
At Cisco High School, he was an all-state tight end and defensive end who played in the Texas High School Coaches Association All-Star game. For every accolade he had on the field, he could match it in the classroom, as he was the president of the National Honor Society and class president.
Schaefer walked onto the football team in 2003, and he was a scout team player for his first two seasons. He was named the Most Outstanding Scout Team performer on offense in 2004.
While he finished his career with two receptions, his primary duty was to set blocks, and he saw most of his action on special teams.
Dr. John C. Baldwin, the president of the Health Sciences Center and a member of Phi Beta Kappa, said although he did not experience it in college, he understands how difficult it is to play football and succeed in the classroom.
"I know David pretty well because he's spoken to me about his interests in science and medicine previously," Baldwin said. "While I didn't play football in college, I did in high school. I know what a challenge it is to be a real student-athlete, and he's accomplished that. He's a really fine representative for Texas Tech."
Schaefer said he was glad to be a part of breaking through the normal stereotype that football players receive while attending school.
"A lot of people think, 'Oh you play football, you're just a dumb jock,' and that's really not the case," he said. "People can do a science degree and play football at the same time, most of the guys are (Exercise and Sport Sciences) majors, but it's doable."
When he made the decision to walk on to the team, Schaefer said he was aware of the mental pressure headed his way.
"I knew it would hurt my grades, but I was prepared for it," said Schaefer, who was the 2006 AT&T Cotton Bowl Scholar Athlete. "I just pushed through. I prepared myself for the idea of not having much time to study."
Now that Schaefer no longer plays football, he said he found time to get married and take more demanding classes, such as genetics.
"This is the only semester I could have taken it, my last semester at Tech, because of football," he said. "You make sacrifices if you play football, or any sport, not just football."
Schaefer plans to attend medical school at the Texas Tech Health Sciences Center.
Ever since he got accepted to medical school, Schaefer said the long-haired current wide receiver Todd Walker has tried to pick his brain for ways to accomplish the same task.
"I think he's trying to get in," Schaefer said. "I give him advice quite often, and my best advice to Todd Walker is to cut his hair."
Baldwin said he looks forward to the admirable characteristics that Schaefer brings into anything he brings to the table.
"He's a very modest person," he said. "He has appropriate self-confidence. He's not at all overstated. He's a very respectful and friendly, terrific guy."
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