Fort Worth, Texas, today unveiled an inspiring 7 tonne monument built by Gerdau Ameristeel, one of North America’s leading recyclers of steel, honoring the rich tradition of Texas high school football in Fort Worth’s legendary Sundance Square. The ceremony included appearances by Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief, Dallas native and professional football legend Tim Brown, and David O’Brien, son of college football icon Davey O’Brien.
The “Cradle of Champions” monument, made entirely of repurposed steel, lists nearly 2,000 names of former Texas high school football players who have successfully reached “The League.” The monument, which illuminates Fort Worth’s dazzling downtown district, depicts the state of Texas along with football imagery to pay homage to the rich history of football in the Lone-Star State.
“We are honored that Gerdau Ameristeel chose our city to commemorate our state’s high school football legacy,” said Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief. “With the eyes of the nation on North Texas for professional football’s championship game, there is no better time to honor and recognize our state’s very own football legends.”
Gerdau Ameristeel, the second-largest steel mini-mill company in North America, utilized steel from the demolished stadium in North Texas with steel scraps donated from high school football facilities across the state. Processed and reborn at the company’s steel mini-mill in Midlothian, Texas, the steel was melted and repurposed to create the astounding 16 feet high legacy structure weighing more than 7 tons. The monument will be showcased in the heart of Sundance Square leading up to Sunday’s championship game.
Mr Jim Kerkvliet vice president of sales and marketing of Gerdau Ameristeel said that “This year’s campaign provides us with a unique opportunity to honor the past generations of Texas’ football heroes. We hope our structure embodies and commemorates the strength, passion and dedication illustrated within the deep tradition of Texas high school football.”
The “Cradle of Champions” monument was designed by Tampa based Schifino Lee and fabricated by Fort Worth based Thornton Steel. Following the conclusion of the championship game, the structure will stay in North Texas and stand as a tribute to the widespread talent of Texas’ young athletes.
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