By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
The inaugural San Benito Greyhound Ring of Honor Coronation Ceremony, which spotlights past high school student-athletes before an adoring crowd of family, friends, and Purple and Gold sports enthusiasts, is fast approaching.
Former San Benito High School student-athletes Tony De La Cruz and Ray Saldana, who roamed the halls of the old San Benito High School in the 1980s, began discussing the San Benito Greyhound Ring of Honor several years ago.
The inaugural 2026 Class began to take shape last year, and a major event is scheduled for next month.
The recipients are Emeterio “Junior” Arellano, Israel Cortez, Pat Cortez, Robert Cortez, Francisco “Brady” Garcia, Alfredo “Freddy” Guerra, Jim Helms, Coach J.W. “Jake” Helms, Bobby Morrow, Patsy Sanchez, and the ‘Hounds 1961 state semi-finalist football team made up of 35 football players, three coaches, and four managers.
All the recipients and their families have been notified, since many of them are from a time before De La Cruz and Saldana even put on Greyhound uniforms.
“Some of them became emotional upon hearing that they were being honored,” Saldana said. “It really was something to see someone recognize their athletic efforts years later.”
De La Cruz said it was important to start with Greyhound student-athletes who are now well into their golden years.
He said that if an athlete knows one thing, it is to make the most of an opportunity within a certain time. That was his and Saldana’s initial directive.
One of the inductees De La Cruz visited in McAllen was Garcia, who played basketball from 1947 to 1950.
De La Cruz was himself an SBHS hoops standout in the early 1980s, so the men shared a passion for a sport with a sprinkling of Hispanic athletes in post-World War II America.
“I was nervous about meeting him because of what I gathered about him from old newspaper clips,” De La Cruz said. “Finding the accolades of this first class of inductees took a lot of research because of the era they played in. It’s all before the internet, social media, and cellphones.”
Added Saldana: “It opens your eyes to a lot of history that many people don’t know about. We didn’t know, and we consider ourselves to be Greyhound fanatics.”
Others also have a say in how, where, and when this late-afternoon event on Saturday, Nov. 21, at a Harlingen hotel will take place.
The San Benito Greyhound Ring of Honor Committee comprises De La Cruz (president), Saldana (vice president), Stephanie Leal (treasurer), Luis Gonzalez (media relations), Fernando Rosas (secretary), and Arturo Mata (consultant).
Early fundraising efforts have begun that include Aeterna Aesthetic, Chuy’s Custom Sports, SB Wings Restaurant, Vicky’s Restaurant, Las Vegas Cafe in Harlingen, CRJ Toys & More, Martha Saldana with Aflac, Red Snapper Fishing, Villarreal Dental, Farias Construction, Barboursalsa, Blanket Retirement Services, Milano’s in Weslaco, Jason’s Deli in Harlingen, and Luby’s in Harlingen.
Through these efforts and others, each recipient will receive a San Benito Greyhound Ring of Honor ring and a large individual picture frame featuring their athletic likeness.
The entity’s Vision Statement is as follows: The San Benito Greyhound Ring of Honor exists to celebrate and preserve the legacy of athletic excellence, character, and leadership that define our Greyhound tradition. We envision a living tribute that inspires current and future student-athletes to pursue greatness with integrity, perseverance, and pride in representing San Benito athletics.
For sponsorship information, Saldana can be reached at (956) 622-2733.