Celestino Z. Avila, M.D.†
Inducted 2000
Hometown: Donna
College: Southwest Texas State University
Best Known for: Athlete-Football
Dec. 3, 1941-July 31, 2017
A member of the famous Avila family of Donna, Avila was a three-year letterman in football, baseball, basketball and track with the Redskins from 1958 to 1960. In his senior year, Avila earned honorable mention All-State honors in football for Coach Earl Scott's first Donna High School team.
Continuing his football career at Southwest Texas State University, he was a three-year letterman for the Bobcats as an end, making All-Lone Star Conference three times. Avila earned second team Little-All America accolades in 1963 and 1964.
Avila became a coach in football and basketball before enrolling in medical school at Monterey Tech, where he played several sports and eventually earned his doctorate degree in medicine. A long-time team physician at a number of Valley schools, Avila was a regular on the sidelines for more than 40 years and is active in a number of area civic organizations.