Zachary Herman’s parents, Michael and Cynthia Herman, stood by him through his athletic career and health battle.
Highlights
- Michael and Cynthia Herman were successful restaurant entrepreneurs in the Austin area, owning multiple establishments.
- The couple faced legal consequences in 2019 when they were convicted of tax fraud for underreporting approximately $570,000 in cash receipts from their restaurants.
- Despite their legal troubles, Mike and Cindy Herman remained dedicated parents who supported Zach through his athletic achievements and stood by him during his battle with leukemia until his passing in April 2023.
Zachary Herman built an impressive athletic career at Texas Lutheran University before his life was tragically cut short.
Born on October 5, 1998, in Austin, Texas, Zach initially joined TLU as a football player before transitioning to track and field, where he truly made his mark.
As a dedicated thrower, Herman achieved remarkable success, earning All-Region honors during both his junior and senior years.
His determination and skill culminated in setting the TLU hammer throw record of 174’6″ in 2022, a record that still stands today.
Herman’s athletic prowess earned him a spot representing TLU at the NCAA Division-III National Championships for track and field in Ohio in May 2022.
His coach, Ben Wolf, described him as “one of the hardest working athletes” he had ever worked with, praising his resilience and refusal to accept mediocrity.
This work ethic extended beyond athletics, as Herman also excelled academically, making the Dean’s list and graduating with a BA in Marketing.
Congrats to Garrett Garza, Scottie Reyes, Zachary Herman, and Paris Foster on being named All-Region for Indoor Track & Field!!! #PupsUp #TLUtf #TLUBulldogs #USTFCCCA pic.twitter.com/LKd37crYxO
— TLU Bulldogs (@tluathletics) March 11, 2020
On July 20, 2022, Herman’s life changed forever when he was diagnosed with A.L.L Leukemia, a rapidly developing blood cancer.
Despite this devastating diagnosis, he approached his battle with the same determination that characterized his athletic career.
The TLU community rallied behind him, raising $3,493.20 through the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference’s “Change for the Better” Campaign.
Sadly, after months of fighting, Zachary Herman passed away in April 2023 at the age of 24.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of former TLU student-athlete Zachary Herman ‘22.
— TLU Bulldogs (@tluathletics) April 20, 2023
May he rest in peace. Our thoughts & prayers are with his friends & family at this time. pic.twitter.com/0XyzaHdkmT
Texas Lutheran University has honored Herman’s legacy with a plaque at their new throws facility, unveiled on March 21, recognizing his courage, loyalty, commitment, passion, and competitive spirit.
As TLU Athletic Director Bill Miller noted, Herman left “a high standard and a legacy that will have a positive impact on future TLU track and field student-athletes.”
Rallying for one of our own.
— TLU Bulldogs (@tluathletics) January 18, 2023
TLU Athletics is once again taking part in the @SCAC_Sports “Change for the Better,” Campaign as we raise money for former TLU student-athlete Zachary Herman.
More info can be found here: https://t.co/239uMDYtFp pic.twitter.com/Q7oA1ool5X
Zach Herman’s Parents, Michael And Cynthia Herman, Faced Adversity
Behind Zachary Herman’s remarkable journey stood his parents, Michael and Cynthia Herman.
The couple, often referred to as Mike and Cindy, raised their family in Austin, Texas, where they nurtured Zach alongside his siblings, Madison and Preston.
The Hermans established themselves as entrepreneurs in the Austin restaurant scene, owning and operating three establishments: Cindy’s Gone Hog Wild in Travis County and Cindy’s Downtown and Hasler Brothers Steakhouse in Bastrop County.
Their business ventures made them well-known figures in the local community, where they built their family life.
In 2019, the Herman family faced significant adversity when Michael and Cynthia were convicted of conspiracy to defraud the United States and filing false tax returns.
According to court evidence, they had underreported income from their restaurants, failing to deposit approximately $570,000 in cash receipts into their business accounts.
Michael received a 21-month prison sentence, while Cynthia was sentenced to five years of probation.
The couple was also ordered to pay $157,719 in restitution.
Despite these legal troubles, the Hermans remained supportive of their son throughout his athletic career and subsequent health battle.
GOING TO THE ‘SHIPS‼️🏆
— TLU Bulldogs (@tluathletics) May 21, 2022
We’ll see you in Geneva 👀
Congratulations to TLU Throwers Zachary Herman & Scottie Reyes for qualifying for the 2022 NCAA D3 Outdoor Track & Field Championships!
🗞: https://t.co/L1CKYThKG9#TooLiveU | #PupsUp pic.twitter.com/F4VTMZ9ifP
When Zachary was diagnosed with leukemia in July 2022, they stood by his side as he fought the disease with the same determination he showed on the field.
After Zach’s passing in April 2023, Michael and Cynthia, along with their other children, received an outpouring of support from the TLU community.
The memorial service held on May 6, 2023, at All Saints Presbyterian Church in Austin reflected the impact their son had made on so many lives, with attendees encouraged to wear bright, colorful attire—a testament to Zach’s vibrant spirit.
Today, the Herman family continues to honor Zachary’s memory. His parents’ influence shaped him into the person remembered by Texas Lutheran University as “a champion and a difference maker,” whose impact extended far beyond his achievements in sports.
As coach Ben Wolf observed, Zach “made a bigger impact on everyone’s lives other than just being a good thrower,” leaving a legacy that continues to inspire the TLU community and beyond.
Additional Information
- Zach Herman was a graduate of Lake Travis High School in Austin, Texas, where he competed under coach Hank Carter before joining Texas Lutheran University.
- During his freshman year at TLU, Zach Herman was named to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Spring Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating his commitment to academics from early in his college career.
- Zach’s girlfriend, Gizelle Gutierrez, was mentioned among his survivors in the memorial notices, indicating he maintained meaningful personal relationships alongside his athletic and academic pursuits.
