Doug Shankle Shares memories of Coach Aker’s Influence on his life
My parents were deceased before attending High School, and my Grandmother raised me.
Earning a scholarship to UT was the best thing that could have happened to me since it provided the opportunity to attend college, and I also met my wife (Debra). We have been married for 35 years.
Longhorn football record setter Doug Shankle is an excellent example of a Coach preparing a young man for a successful and fulfilling life journey. With all the adversity and obstacles that are part of life, it is important to recognize and celebrate the “stop and smell the roses” moments that give life depth and meaning. Akers did that for Doug.
THE HOLY GRAIL
Like most students after college, Doug searched for insight to define his destiny. It was under the tutelage of Coach Fred Akers that Doug’s personal destiny was revealed. With Aker’s guidance, Doug chose a path to the future, understanding that a life journey is best traveled with a teammate mentality, a work ethic in tow, and self-reliance as the goal.
Horns and Eyes Up!
“Doug says : Leadership, Dressing for Success, and the importance of encouragement were three life lessons I learned playing for Coach Akers. ”
Leadership
Coach Akers was an outstanding leader. He would clearly articulate our vision and goals and emphasize the importance of teamwork and place the needs of the team above our own individual desires. The team first, then me. I carried this learning into the working world, and it allowed me to be a great team player at work.
Dress For Success
I watched how Coach Aker’s dressed. He was always sharp. Off the field, he was always in a sports jacket and, most of the time, a tie. The players were also dressed in suits and ties on game day. It was at UT that I would learn how to tie a necktie. This was important learning that I carried over as I interviewed for jobs and the working world.
Encouragement.
Coach Akers would always motivate us before games. He would have us spend time with our eyes closed in a safe, quiet place to visualize how we would execute our plays and assignments during the game. However, the coach also personally and individually encouraged me off the field in two ways that I shall never forget.
My Grandmother, who raised me, passed away my freshman year in college. It was a pleasant and encouraging surprise to see several of my coaches and Coach Akers at the funeral to support and encourage me.
Coach Akers’ support for me did not end after I left the 40 Acres. Nine years ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Colon Cancer, and a mass was also discovered on my kidney. I did not know if I was going to live or die. I can recall Coach Akers calling me the day before my major surgery at UT MD Anderson, and he provided me with a passionate message of encouragement. He told me I was tough-minded and would beat my prognosis. “You can do it.”’ Six years later, I was declared cancer free. His words of encouragement and support meant a lot to me. I enjoy encouraging others since I understand how positive affirmations impact people.
Doug’s Longhorn stats
Starting Middle Linebacker ‘78-82
Shankle is listed in the University of Texas Individual Defense Record book at least seven times and was All SWC in 1979.
Almost 37 years following his last game at Texas, Doug Shankle still holds the record for most Solo Career Tackles (325 tackles) and is the second-best all-time total tackler at UT with 478 tackles.
A few of Doug’s other notable UT record book accomplishments include:
• #8 total tackles within a single season - 144 tackles
• #5 total tackles within a season -106 tackles
• Tied for #7 in most tackles for a loss career - 41 tackles
• Tied for #7 most tackles for loss in a single game - 5 tackles vs Texas A&M in '79
• #63 for Interceptions returned for TD - 21 yards versus TCU
• Defensive Player of the game –various games
