For the past 34 years, teaching young students skills on the road has become the favorite sport of Driver’s Education instructor Chuck Meyers. However, recently a competitive basketball scholarship has been created to honor his skills on the court.

As of June 1, 2003 the Chuck Meyers Competitive Award will be open to eligible student-athletes enrolled at Texas A&M University in Kingsville. The award will be in the amount of $1,000 dollars and has been established to “help guys get their fifth year of eligibility from out-of-state,” said Pete Peterson, Head Coach of the TAMUK Javelinas and initiator of the award.

This year, the Javelinas played Lamar University and received a letter from Meyers introducing himself as a former player and stating that he would attend the game in support of his alma mater.

“When we got to practice, Chuck was there waiting on us and gave an inspirational speech about things we go through in life, taking opportunities and dedication,” Peterson said.

Meyers emphasized the significance of hard work and commitment.

“A lot of people have ability, but no dedication. The love of the game is no longer there; it’s all about the money,” Meyers said, “It took more to be a student-athlete in my day. There were harder workouts and longer practices.”

Meyers also advocates the importance of graduating. Not only does Meyers understand the mission of the program, but he also understands what it’s like to be an outstanding student-athlete. Lettering four years, Meyers was inducted into the TAMUK Hall of Fame on November 22, 1987. Meyers also holds many of the program’s records, including career free-throw percentage (.871), season free-throws made (176 of 202) and game free-throws made (17 of 18)- many of which have yet to be broken.

As a sophomore, Meyers led the Lone Star Conference in scoring with 22.6 ppg and also became part of the “40 Club,” for scoring at least 40 points in one game.

In his senior year, Meyers was inducted into the “500 Club”, for players who have scored 500 or more points in their collegiate careers at TAMUK (formerly Texas A&I) and was also chosen First-team All-LSC, his third straight year being voted All-Conference.

But the list of Meyers’ achievements does not stop there. After the completion of his senior season, Meyers joined the ABA in 1969, playing with the Dallas Chaparrals. In his career, which was shortened by a knee injury and a broken arm, Meyers played with the likes of Moses Malone, James Silas and Julius Erving himself.

Because of these outstanding accomplishments and the support Meyers has shown for his former school, many believe that this honor is well deserved.

“I thought he’d be the perfect guy to latch the name onto,” said Peterson. “I just wish I’d have the opportunity to coach a guy like him.”

Meyers is appreciative.

“ I almost got in tears because I believe there are people who have done more than I have,” Meyers said.

As far as any future involvement with the sport goes, Meyers says he doesn’t expect any.

“I am glad to have had the opportunity,” Meyers said. “Pretty soon I’ll retire and go fishing.”

Donations to the Chuck Meyers Competitive Award fund are welcomed. Checks can be made payable to TAMUK/Chuck Meyers, TAMUK Development Office, MCS173, Kingsville, Texas 78363 or by contacting coach Pete Peterson at (361) 593-2412.