John Raders†
Inducted 2003
Hometown: Edinburg
High School: Edinburg High School
College: Pan American College
Best Known for: Coach-Golf
From his groundbreaking years as a Bronc to a storied tenure as McAllen golf coach, Raders was always at the top of the leaderboard.
Raders was an Edinburg High grad believed to be the first golfer to earn a scholarship to Pan American College, back in 1956. He won a series of tournaments including the McAllen Amateur Championship and Texas Citrus Fiesta title, representing South Texas at the National Amateur Public tourney in 1961.
Raders then became a coach who worked for 30 years, 25 at McAllen High, and his teams were as successful as he'd been, winning 11 district titles plus two regional and one state championship. Linda Hart (1973 state champ) was his protege.
The pinnacle of his mentorship may have been 1988, when the Bulldogs had enough talent to send three teams to postseason play, setting a team stroke record in the process.