Carlos Vela
Inducted 2011
Hometown: Pharr
High School: P-SJ-A High School
College: Pan American College
Best Known for: Track Coaching
A record-setting miler who was also a great quarterback, Vela was a PSJA legend as one of the finest track and field coaches after his playing days.
Vela alternated with Johnny Warden on the 1962 Bear team that went all the way to the state finals before losing to Dumas, helping the team with a number of key, long-distance throws during the playoff march. His big-play passing exploits were eclipsed only by his mastery of the 1,600 meters, a race he dominated in high school.
He was a two-time state qualifier in the mile (1962-63) who set a regional record along the way and broke the record at the Quarterback Relays. In high school he ran against the state's best, including Ricardo Romo, later to become the president of UTSA.
Vela graduated with bachelor's and master's degrees from Pan American College and coached track and field for 27 years, mainly at his high school alma mater.
Vela's teams won 10 district titles and 12 mythical championships, and he was named Coach of the Year 10 times. He continues to support Valley track and field to this day as meet referee.
One of his signal contributions has come after his playing and coaching days. Vela recently unveiled a crowning achievement, an extensive compilation of records set in girls' and boys' Valley track and field from the early days to today. The list is sure to remain a source document on the sport and its leading figures for decades to come.