Leonel Garza
Inducted 2006
Hometown: Los Fresnos
High School: Los Fresnos High School
College: Trinity University, Livingston (Ala.) University
Best Known for: Coach-Football
Garza was named All-State in 1967 and led Los Fresnos to three playoff appearances, including a three-deep trip in his freshman year of 1964 under Coach Jerry Tomsu.
Garza set a Valley record with nearly 2,000 yards as a senior, with 20 touchdowns, and was good enough to get recruited by Coach Frank Broyles at Arkansas. Garza stayed closer to home, at Trinity University, where he tossed 1,800 yards worth in 1969 before transferring to Livingston (Ala.) University. There, he guided the team to the NAIA national title in 1971.
Later, Garza returned to Los Fresnos where he coached his alma mater from 1996 to 2001, winning 41 of 63 games in that span, with four trips to the state playoffs. He is one of those few legends who starred for his high school and later came home to become equally successful as coach.