A Family Legacy
One student-athlete scholarship ignites a multigenerational impact
By Camryn Garner '21
Growing up in the small town of Poth, Texas, Mike McClure '66 was determined to pursue a college education. When an academic scholarship to Texas A&M turned into an athletic scholarship to play college baseball, Mike made the most of his time on the field, becoming a true Aggie legend.
Mike's achievements at Texas A&M speak volumes. He earned a spot on the 1965 1st Team American Association of College Baseball Coaches “All American Baseball Team” and was named Consensus All Southwest Conference (SWC) Third Base. In the same year, he was honored as the Most Valuable Player and clinched the 1965 SWC Batting Champion title. In 1966, he was inducted into the Texas A&M Athletics Hall of Fame.
Mike's exceptional talent caught the attention of the New York Mets, leading to his selection in the 1965 MLB Draft. His journey from college to professional baseball began with a scholarship that opened doors to a world of opportunities previously unimaginable.
“I struggle to put it into words, but that scholarship meant everything,” Mike said. “It was my opportunity to get started. Texas A&M provided excellent academics and coaching that prepared me for the next step in life.”
After earning a degree in civil engineering, Mike established his own land surveying and civil engineering company, now known as McClure & Brown Engineering & Surveying, Inc. He planted his roots in the Bryan-College Station area, enjoying a fulfilling career and personal life alongside Micky, his loving wife of 57 years.
Mike's scholarship transformed his life and paved the way for his children and grandchildren to attend Texas A&M.
In 2015, his grandson, Riley Garner '19, followed in Mike's footsteps by accepting a full-ride scholarship to play football at Texas A&M. This scholarship not only shaped Riley's future but was a gift to his entire family.
“Our family's story exemplifies the generational impact of an athletic scholarship. What started with our grandfather continues to demonstrate how philanthropic support through the 12th Man Foundation can shape entire family legacies.”
“I remember when I received that call,” Riley said. “I was in my high school weight room when my coach pulled me into his office with a secretive smile on his face and handed me the phone. It felt like I had won the lottery because it meant I could play the game I loved, earn an education and set the stage for my future.”
Riley's journey, sparked by the support of 12th Man Foundation donors, extended far beyond the football field. At Texas A&M, he excelled academically and contributed selflessly as part of an Aggies for Haiti mission trip, where he met his future wife, Macie Kolb '22, an Aggie Soccer student-athlete.
Following his football career, Riley remained in Aggieland to pursue a master's degree in human resource management. Today, he enjoys a successful career in human resources and thrives professionally alongside Macie.
Just as Mike's opportunity opened a door for his grandson, Riley's scholarship helped shape another family member's future.
As Riley's younger sister, his scholarship provided our parents with the financial freedom to support my aspirations for a college degree, a privilege I am endlessly grateful for. It alleviated my own financial burden and set the stage for my journey to where I am today.
Since graduating from Texas A&M in 2021, I have had the honor of serving on the 12th Man Foundation staff, where I continue to develop my career in marketing and communications.
“Receiving that scholarship opened the door to a world of possibilities,” Riley said. “It changed not just my life but our entire family's trajectory.”
Our family's story exemplifies the generational impact of an athletic scholarship. What started with our grandfather continues to demonstrate how philanthropic support through the 12th Man Foundation can shape entire family legacies.
On behalf of our family to yours, thank you for your support and for everything you make possible for Texas A&M student-athletes.