Samuel Patrick “Sam” Schulz (August 3, 2004 – August 12, 2026) was an Evansville-area sports fan and Reitz Memorial High School supporter known throughout the local sports community for his enthusiasm, friendships with athletes and coaches, and longtime support of Memorial athletics.
Known widely as one of Memorial’s biggest fans, Schulz became a familiar presence at football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and other sporting events throughout the Evansville area.
Early Life
Schulz was born August 3, 2004 and grew up in the Evansville area.
He lived throughout his life with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a rare genetic disorder commonly known as “butterfly disease” that causes extremely fragile skin.
The condition prevented Schulz from participating in athletics in the way he would have liked, but sports became one of the most important parts of his life.
Reitz Memorial
Schulz attended Reitz Memorial High School, where he became one of the school’s most recognizable sports supporters.
He regularly attended Memorial sporting events and developed close relationships with players, coaches, administrators, and other members of the school community.
During Memorial’s 2019 Class 4A football state championship victory at Lucas Oil Stadium, the Memorial student section chanted Schulz’s name.
Memorial’s athletic locker room was eventually dedicated in his honor.
The Memorial girls soccer program also presented Schulz with an honorary state championship medal following its championship season.
Super Sports Fan
Schulz’s reputation extended beyond Memorial.
In 2020, he was inducted into the Greater Evansville Sports Hall of Fame as a “Super Sports Fan.”
His knowledge and enthusiasm for sports allowed him to develop relationships with people throughout the sports world.
Schulz became acquainted with prominent college basketball coaches and personalities, including Tom Izzo, John Calipari, and Chris Beard.
He was particularly passionate about Michigan State basketball in addition to Memorial athletics.
Schulz also became a co-host of the Memorial Football Coaches Show Podcast, allowing him to remain closely involved with the football program after graduating from Memorial in 2023.
Community Impact
Schulz became known around Evansville not simply because of his medical condition, but because of his personality and relationships with others.
Friends and coaches frequently described him as someone who was interested in how other people were doing despite the difficulties he experienced himself.
His friendship with Evansville restaurant owner and fellow Memorial supporter Casey Keown was among his many connections within the local sports community.
Casey’s Dugout hosted a celebration for Schulz’s 22nd birthday in August 2026.
Death
Sam Schulz died at his home on August 12, 2026, nine days after his 22nd birthday, following his lifelong battle with epidermolysis bullosa.
His death prompted tributes from Reitz Memorial, coaches, athletes, friends, and members of the Evansville sports community.
Memorial continued honoring Schulz after his death, including through its football program and coaches podcast.
Schulz was laid to rest at St. Joseph Cemetery in Evansville.
Legacy
Sam Schulz became one of the most recognizable supporters of high school athletics in Evansville.
Although he was unable to compete on the field, Schulz became part of the identity of Reitz Memorial athletics through his constant presence, knowledge of sports, relationships with players and coaches, and loyalty to the Tigers.
His 2020 induction into the Greater Evansville Sports Hall of Fame as a Super Sports Fan recognized a role he had already come to occupy within the city’s sports community.