Joe Solis

Inducted: 2022

Hometown: Sebastian, Texas

High School: Lyford High School

College: Pan American University

Best known for: Football


Edcouch-Elsa football has enjoyed many moments in the sun, but it’s hard to imagine things shining brighter than in the early 2000s when Coach Joe Solis took the team on an amazing run. 

The Yellowjackets, also known as La Maquina Amarilla (The Yellow Machine), were nearly unbeatable, going on a string of 37 straight victories from 2003-07. That stretch included three straight campaigns in which the Yellowjackets engineered a perfect 10-0 regular season. They were an incredible 51-8 over one stretch and hoisted six consecutive district title banners. On three occasions, E-E advanced to at least the third round of the state playoffs. 

Prior to coaching E-E, Solis guided his alma mater, Lyford High (1988-96), to a third-round playoff berth in 1991. The Bulldogs won their first district title in more than 20 years under him. He came to E-E in 1997 as an assistant coach and served as the ‘Jackets’ head coach from 2003-12. He won 121 games as a head coach and has seen approximately 15 of his players go on to play at the collegiate level. 

Solis focused on more than just producing outstanding football players. He wanted outstanding students and citizens. Each Christmas, he purchased toys for his players to give out to underprivileged boys and girls in their community so his athletes would always remember to help others.   

“I feel honored that I was successful enough to be selected as an inductee among all these great coaches and players,” Solis said. “It’s one of the highlights of my life.”