Jan. 22, 2007

DALLAS - The SMU Athletic department wishes to congratulate alumnus and 1978 football team member Jim Irsay on his Indianapolis Colts' AFC Championship and Super Bowl berth.

Following Sunday's 38-34 Colts' win, Irsay, owner of the Colts, was presented with the Lamar Hunt Trophy, the trophy that is awarded each season to the winner of the AFC Championship Game. The trophy is named for another alumnus and former football team member, Lamar Hunt (Class of '56). Hunt founded the American Football League and coined the name "Super Bowl" for football's championship game.

In the fall of 2006, Irsay created a scholarship at SMU for Indiana students. The "Irsay Scholars," as they are known, receive a four-year, full tuition scholarships with room and board at SMU.

Irsay's Colts will now take on the Chicago Bears in the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 4.