By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
It was once written that there are few who could challenge the loyalty 82-year-old Allen Doan possesses for the purple and gold.
Let’s put that to the test.
In this the first edition of “Hooked on ’Hounds,” which will highlight the city’s most spirited and avid football fans, Doan seemed like the logical choice to kick off this little showcase that will pit diehards against each other for a chance at a coveted prize: a San Benito Greyhounds helmet autographed by this year’s team and donated by Head Coach Spencer Gantt.
As reported by Doan’s family, he’s currently battling some health problems and could not, unfortunately, be interviewed for this story.
What is available, however, is a plethora of Doanisms, as this writer calls them, that reveal just how big of a fan he is.
Doanism #1: The Resaca City native and 1950 graduate of San Benito High School has long followed Greyhound football, even amassing an extensive history of the ’Hounds’ win-loss record versus every team they played from 1922 to present day.
Doanism #2: He is a loyal subscriber to the San Benito News (that should score him beaucoup points right there) so as to stay informed with the Greyhound sporting world. Not allowing his current health condition to prevent him from staying abreast, Doan’s family – knowing his intensity for all things San Benito sports – reads him the paper.
Doanism #3: A master statistician, Doan was dubbed “Mr. Greyhound” by the News after he could recall scores, players and coaches’ names from decades past by mere memory alone. This was enough to impress many in the community, including Eddie Macias, a Good Samaritan who read how Doan was planning on listening to the 80th Annual Battle of the Arroyo on the radio because he didn’t have a ride to the game. Inspired by Doan’s love for the ’Hounds, Macias accompanied “Mr. Greyhound” to the game, driving him there and sitting with the fellow fan.
But let’s hear it from the man himself about why he’s such a huge fan.
News: How long have you been a fan of the team?
Doan: I’ve been watching games ever since the 1940s when the Mission Eagles had Tom Landry and were really good. Mission came to San Benito and beat us that year. I also remember some great games with Edinburg.
News: How would you compare fans from half a century ago to today?
Doan: They’re more passionate now than they were before.
News: What makes you so loyal to the Greyhounds?
Doan: I love the ’Hounds … I always have.
Editor’s Note: Before the end of the year, fans featured in Hooked on ’Hounds will be rounded up. You can vote on your favorites to participate in the First Annual San Benito News Hooked on ’Hounds competition. To recommend a fan to feature, email editor@sbnewspaper.com.
Read this story in the Oct. 14 edition of the San Benito News, or subscribe to our E-Edition by clicking here.
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