Ruben Gonzales
Inducted 2017
Hometown: McAllen
High School: McAllen High School
College: Texas Christian University and Pan American University
Best Known for: Athlete – Track
b. August 14, 1934
Gonzales was one of the fastest hurdlers in Texas in the 1950s, and his speed and athleticism earned him a college scholarship.
Gonzales advanced to the state meet as a freshman and would run there three times during his career. He finished second in the 200-yard low hurdles in 1951 as a freshman, and played on the 1952 McAllen football team that advanced to the state semifinals. He scored 10 touchdowns and averaged more than seven yards per carry. In track, he competed in the 100-yard dash, low hurdles, 440-yard relay and the long jump, placing in hurdles three times at state. In his senior year, he was one of three runners who broke the national record in the 180-yard low hurdles with a time of 18.8 seconds.
He earned a track scholarship to Texas Christian University and lettered one year. After graduation, he served as an educator for 30 years.
