Zachary Troy Schrah was a fun-loving young man who lived each day of his short life to the fullest. He was born February 10, 1993, in Garland, Texas, to Troy and Karen (Granger) Schrah. From a young age, Troy and Karen appreciated his self-confident nature and zest for life. We decided his name would be spelled Zac, not Zach or Zack. We knew he was one of a kind, even as a toddler!
Zac grew up in Plano. While he was enthusiastic about all sports, he loved baseball and football the most. As a sophomore at Clark High School, he played tackle on the Junior Varsity offensive line at Plano East Senior High School. During 2009 spring training, Plano East coaches recognized his talent and slated him to play on the Varsity team during the 2009-2010 seasons. Coaching staff admired Zac’s dedicated work ethic both on and off the field. He enthusiastically stepped up to every challenge and goal he encountered.
Zac’s love of an active lifestyle wasn’t limited to team sports. An avid hunter, fisherman, and loved riding four-wheelers, Zac spent many weekends at Lake Fork enjoying activities he loved. His favorite fishing spot, however, was Lake Amistad, where he spent Spring Break 2009 with his dad, Troy, and his Buddy (granddad), his beloved fishing buddies, just weeks before his death. That week Zac caught a 10-pound bass, the largest catch of the trip, which earned him superior bragging rights over his ‘elders’ and great pride!
Zac shared a close relationship with his sister, Sarah, born almost exactly one year after his arrival into the family. He loved to tease her, but it was clear he was a proud big brother. Zac was forever doing little things for Sarah and her friends, which they truly appreciated. To this day, Zac holds the title of "Best Ramen Noodle Chef" in the world!
A dedicated young man, Zac was active in his church, National Junior Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He understood that the things that matter most in life are not things at all.
Although he displayed talent in athletics, as a leader, in outdoor activities and even as a cook, Zac's ultimate goal was to be a doctor. Sadly, Zac won't be saving lives as a physician, but there is no doubt that his legacy through Living for Zachary will save many lives.
Living for Zachary hopes to demonstrate the ideal Zac described in an essay not long before he died ~
"Things turn out best for those who make the best of the way things turn out."
