SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 359 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Antonio A. Villarreal III, who was inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame on June 30, 2018; and WHEREAS, Tony Villarreal is one of the most successful high school football coaches in Rio Grande Valley history; he is credited with 197 wins as a head coach as well as with having had a profound and positive influence on the lives of his students and fellow coaches in his role as both a teacher and a mentor; and WHEREAS, Coach Villarreal began his distinguished 36-year coaching career in 1980 at McAllen High School; he served for a time at Alice High School before joining the staff at Port Isabel High School, where he served as offensive coordinator and then as athletic director and head coach; and WHEREAS, He went on to serve as athletic coordinator and head coach at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo North High School, Hanna High School in Brownsville, and Weslaco High School; over the course of his 27 years as a head coach, his teams advanced to the postseason more than 20 times, won 11 district and two regional championships, and made an appearance in the state semifinals; and WHEREAS, Coach Villarreal was known for his ability to prepare his players and motivate them for important games; he received numerous honors, including the 1994 Class 3A Coach of the Year award, and it is truly fitting that he receive special recognition for his outstanding achievements; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby commend Antonio A. Villarreal III on his exceptional work as a coach and educator and extend to him congratulations on being inducted into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2018; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for him as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Lucio ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 12, 2019. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate