Juan Manuel “Meme” Garza
Inducted 2006
Hometown: Brownsville
High School: St. Joseph Academy
College: St. Edward’s University
Best Known for: Coaching – Track
A superb athlete who became a very successful coach, Garza returned to his home city to make it big.
Garza lettered in all sports at St. Joseph Academy in Brownsville, graduating in 1968, after averaging eight yards per carry and leading the district in punting as a senior. At St. Edward’s University, Garza was the Track Athlete of the Year in 1971.
He became the head boys’ and girls’ track and cross-country coach starting in 1975 and during his tenure produced 16 state championship teams with 89 individual Texas titlists. Under his watch, eight Bloodhounds earned Division I scholarships.
Along with his coaching accolades, Garza was a frequent writer of articles in various track magazines and served many years as the assistant athletic director at St. Joseph.
In 2004 he was honored by Brownsville Mayor Eddie Treviño for a lifetime of contributions to city sports.