San Benito Greyhound super fan Rick Chavez is pictured outside Bobby Morrow Stadium on Friday. (Staff photos by Michael Rodriguez)
By MICHAEL RODRIGUEZ
Managing Editor
editor@sbnewspaper.com
“We have to win,” said 31-year-old San Benito Greyhounds super fan Rick Chavez as he finished eating a bacon and egg taco, adding, “I didn’t have a chance to eat yet.”
I bought Rick breakfast after I called him out of the blue on Friday. “I want to see you in all your Greyhound gear,” I instructed at 9 a.m. “Be ready for a short interview and some pictures.”
But Rick, who sounded as though he had probably just woken up, wouldn’t have missed this opportunity for anything. You see, he has a chance at winning an autographed Greyhound helmet at the end of the year should the community vote him as their favorite fan highlighted in this little shindig we at the San Benito News call “Hooked on ’Hounds.”
And if you know Rick, you know that he’s not passing up a chance at such a prize.
While accompanying me to Bobby Morrow Stadium for an interview and mini photo shoot on Friday, Rick said something about his plans that night which – although remaining cavalier – would probably ruin anyone else’s night.
“Yeah, I think I’m going to lose my voice tonight,” Rick said in discussion of Friday’s game against the McAllen Bulldogs – a team San Benito’s varsity football squad had to defeat in order to keep the team’s playoff hopes alive.
Losing his voice due to extensive cheering is just something that comes with the territory of being a diehard purple and gold fan. After all, Rick eats and sleeps Greyhound athletics. It’s all he talks about.
News: How long have you been a fan?
Rick: Since 1992
News: How’d you become a fan?
Rick: My parents took me to a game at the old Greyhound Stadium. Ever since then, I’ve been attending the games.
News: What is your favorite thing about the ’Hounds?
Rick: Watching them hit, watching them play and seeing everybody I’ve seen since I was small.
News: Favorite team?
Rick: The 1992 team when Ronnie Gonzalez was quarterback. I used to see him play football and baseball. He was one of the greatest players in San Benito.
News: What about that team was special?
Rick: They had speed. The defense was one of the best San Benito had until ’04.
News: Tell me about how dedicated you are to watching the game?
Rick: I’ve missed when I didn’t have time to work. I have worked for the school district since ’07.
News: What does your week consist of?
Rick: I go to middle school games. I enjoy seeing the kids play the game. Watching the Greyhounds play excites me. I’m also the scorekeeper and help with the scoreboard.
News: What is the main thing you look forward to when you come to games?
Rick: Watching the team play their hearts out. The most important thing, their goal, is to go to the playoffs. This season, 2012, that’s their goal: To make it at the playoffs.
News: What else do you do?
Rick: I volunteer with baseball, sometimes try to help out with the quarterback club. I volunteer most of the time.
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.
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