Ryan Osborn Memorial Endowed Scholarship

The Ryan Osborn Memorial Scholarship was started by the Ryan Gunn Osborn Memorial Fund by representatives Kerry Murray, Marva Murray, and Sharla Murray Osborn. The Murray family has a well-established relationship with the university that began with Guinn Hugh (“Hootie”) and Loretta L. Murray. Ryan’s grandfather, Hootie, is a 1957 graduate of Huntsville High School, SHSU class of 1962, and an SHSU Letterman in baseball in 1960, 1961, and 1962. He was named NAIA All-America in 1962, and NAIA World Series All-Tournament in 1961 and 1962. Hootie is an all-time leader at Sam Houston with 14 triples including a school-record nine during the 1961 season. He was a member of three Bearkat teams that competed in the NAIA World Series. His .453 batting average in 1961 is second best in SHSU history and ranked fourth nationally in NAIA that season. Hootie went on to play three years of professional baseball in the minor leagues and was inducted into the Sam Houston Lettermen’s Association Hall of Honor in 1993. Ryan’s grandmother, Loretta, is a 1960 graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown and was attending SHSU and a twirler for the university when she met Hootie. Ryan’s mom, Sharla, is a 1981 graduate of Huntsville High School, a former SHSU student. Ryan’s aunt, Marva, is a 1980 graduate of Huntsville High School, SHSU Class of 1983. Ryan’s uncle, Kerry, is a 1987 graduate of Huntsville High School and SHSU Class of 1993. Ryan Osborn was born to Sharla and Steve Osborn on August 18, 1987. In July of 2003, after completing his freshman year at Huntsville High School, where he played football, and baseball, and ran track for the Hornets, Ryan lost his life in a tragic auto accident. From an early age, Ryan displayed determination and drive to be an “athlete.” His natural ability stood out, and his obvious commitment to being the best made him one of the community’s most discussed local athletes.