HOOKED ON HOUNDS: Online vote to decide fan contest winner

NEWS Staff Report

Allen Doan

Allen Doan

It’s been 10 months since the San Benito News featured six longtime San Benito Greyhound fans in the Hooked on Hounds weekly series, and now it’s time for readers to vote for their favorite.

The winning fan, or fans, will be awarded a San Benito Greyhounds football helmet donated by Head Coach/Athletic Director Spencer Gantt.

During the 2012 football season, six fans were rounded up based on community feedback and sportswriters’ input. “The fans that were selected for this feature are well-known in the community for their love of the purple and gold,” News Managing Editor Michael Rodriguez said. “They’re at every game, they cheer for their team regardless of whether they win or lose; they’re loud, bold and aggressive—they’re Greyhound fans.”

Rick Chavez

Rick Chavez

The first to be featured was 83-year-old Allen Doan. The man dubbed “Mr. Greyhound” was the logical choice to kick off the showcase. Why? Consider that Doan, a Resaca City native and 1950 graduate of San Benito High School, has followed Greyhound football so long that he’s amassing a master history of the ’Hounds’ win-loss record against virtually every team they played since 1922.

It’s not quite clear if Doan has continued tracking his team’s progress since he was battling health complications, but family members have indicated that he remains quite loyal to the purple and gold.

Then there was Rick Chavez, the 31-year-old San Benito sports enthusiast who tries to involve himself in all things Greyhounds.

Peter Galvan

Peter Galvan

Chavez is better known for being at nearly every sporting event, not just high school football games, and screaming so loud that he often loses his voice. He’s also a scorekeeper and helps operate the scoreboard at a number of athletic events in the city, from middle school activities to varsity contests. A volunteer, Chavez said his best memory of Greyhound football was the 1992 team under then-head coach Tommy Roberts; serving as the playcaller at that time was Ronnie Gonzalez.

And who can forget Peter Galvan, the 1970 graduate of San Benito High School who’s so dedicated to the Greyhounds that he customizes his bike, a 2003 Harley Davidson Full Dresser, in purple paint and gold trim equipped with Greyhound decals. The motorcycle has become such a symbol of local sports culture that he’s often invited to participate in community parades in San Benito.

Greyhound Hair Club

Greyhound Hair Club

At last count, Galvan invested at least $6,000 in customizations on a bike he paid $28,000 for, but the end result has been worth it. He’s recently added a new paint job and even newer decals that grace the bike with the latest version of the Greyhound logo.

But whereas Galvan has his bike, members of the Greyhound Hair Club have…well, their hair. The club is a rowdy bunch dressed in Greyhound colors. Their faces painted, club members often start chants that torment the referees… a rowdy bunch indeed.

Hector Avila, the 50-year-old self-proclaimed “El Greyhound Mayor” and spokesperson for the Greyhound Hair Club, once went as far as to quit his job to ensure that he wouldn’t miss the opportunity to watch the Battle of the Arroyo. The year was 2007, and Avila, who at the time was working a nice, cozy job at a company that shall remain nameless, couldn’t get time off for one particular evening. It wasn’t just any night, however. This was the night of the Battle of the Arroyo, and he hadn’t missed the annual grudge match between the San Benito Greyhounds and Harlingen Cardinals since he started attending games in 1969. So he quit.

Elida S. Villarreal

Elida S. Villarreal

Along with Avila and club founder Juan Uribe, other club members include Hector Salas, Peter Salazar Jr., Tomas Rodriguez and his son Isaiah Rodriguez, Matthew Salazar and Adolfo E. Toriz. Avila’s wife Betsy and daughter Cassandra Leanne are also members. Together, this group of nine Greyhound go-getters – maybe not the same lineup – has been making other fans look bad since 2004.

Still, Elida S. Villarreal has ‘em all beat in terms of how long she’s been a fan. Exactly how long? Well, Elida is in her early 90s. You do the math.

The only daughter of a man who loved football and baseball, this Greyhound super fan has produced generations of San Benito alumni and also volunteers her time helping with the Band Boosters. At her age, one might assume her love of arriving early, sitting in the stands for hours on end and experiencing the rush of a late-night football game might have dwindled – but not in Villarreal’s case. All one has to do is listen to the cow bell at the football games. And no, that ain’t Will Ferrell ringing it but Villarreal trying to rally her team on to victory.

Ramiro Sauceda

Ramiro Sauceda

Of course, one can’t leave out Ramiro Sauceda, the fan who operated the smoke machine that once accompanied the Greyhounds onto the football field. A Greyhound fan who’s over 70 years of age, Sauceda has long participated in San Benito High School football activities, such as assisting with the pregame festivities. After all, Ramiro was a longtime member of the San Benito Greyhound Quarterback Club and season ticketholder for years. He even still has a book where he keeps his membership cards and ticket stubs to prove it.

Taking as much into consideration, featuring Sauceda in the Hooked on Hounds was a no-brainer. And although Sauceda has been disabled since 1989, unfortunately affecting his routine of attending Greyhound home games, his passion for the purple and gold never waned.

Editor’s Note: Choose your favorite fan by visiting sbnewspaper.com and casting your vote for either Allen Doan, Rick Chavez, Peter Galvan the Greyhound Hair Club, Elida S. Villarreal or Ramiro Sauceda. Voting will end at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29.

Hooked on Hounds

Permanent link to this article: https://www.sbnewspaper.com/2013/08/20/hooked-on-hounds-online-vote-to-decide-fan-contest-winner/

33 comments

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    • The four Doan Girls on August 30, 2013 at 4:49 pm
    • Reply

    KUDOS TO OUR BROTHER ALLEN DOAN(BOB) FOR HIS YEARS OF ALLEGIANCE TO ALL THINGS GREYHOUND, VALLEY SPORTS, AND SPORTS IN GENERAL!! ALTHOUGH HE HAS BEEN BEDRIDDEN FOR SEVERAL YEARS HE SUBSCRIBES TO THE SB NEWS FAITHFULLY AND CAN GIVE THE HISTORICAL STATISTICS FROM MEMORY. WE WERE ALL BORN AND RAISED IN SAN BENITO AND HAVE GREAT PRIDE IN THIS BEING OUR HOME TOWN!!

    Bob’s sisters – Betty, Jeanie, Mina, and Diantha Doan GO GREYHOUNDS!!

      • Mary L. Saldana on August 30, 2013 at 11:37 pm
      • Reply

      Thank you Mr. Doan for being a very faithful Greyhound fan. It is an honor to have you as one of the
      greatest Greyhound fan. May God give you the strength to continue being a Greyhound.

    • Leo Rodriguez on August 30, 2013 at 9:16 am
    • Reply

    32,000 plus votes already cast? Would be great if at least half of these voters voted in municipal elections!!!

    P.S. Peter Galvan deserves way more votes than that. He pounded that drum for years in very hot, humid conditions, and during thunderstorms. I am not saying the others are not worthy of their votes, but Mr Galvan deserves more votes than he has garnered.

      • Reform San Benito on August 31, 2013 at 3:30 pm
      • Reply

      Agree. On both points!

    • joevette on August 30, 2013 at 5:30 am
    • Reply

    then none of these people deserve the prize give it to MR.Limon a true fan of the team band and cheerleaders.

      • Go Hounds on August 31, 2013 at 4:03 pm
      • Reply

      Then maybe you should by the helmet for MR LIMON. There are always spoilers. We are proud of you Grandma Eli and to all the finalists. You all are SUPER GREYHOUND FANS!!!

    • Dr. Smetter on August 28, 2013 at 8:52 pm
    • Reply

    I agree Mr. Crane. These individuals are true fans and SHOULD ALL RECEIVE a Greyhound Helmet. Just do it!

    • Selena on August 28, 2013 at 6:05 pm
    • Reply

    Hair Club ???? There are two ladies with no wigs.

    • joevette on August 28, 2013 at 3:46 pm
    • Reply

    none of these people are loyal fans the only person who should be on the list is not WHY cause some people dont like him and some people think he’s crazy but Beto is a true fan and he iks at every game rooting for the hounds, cheerleaders and the Band ……………….thats a real fan……..

    1. You’re mistaken, joevette. Beto was approached by the San Benito News but he declined participation.

    • Denny Crane, Jr. on August 27, 2013 at 2:05 pm
    • Reply

    Msg. to the SB CISD Board Members…………..

    Would be nice if ALL would be recognized and presented each with a Greyhound helmet @ the first home game or

    the Homecoming Week game!

    • Paul T. on August 26, 2013 at 10:00 pm
    • Reply

    Amen to that mr, crane!

    • Denny Crane, Jr. on August 26, 2013 at 2:13 pm
    • Reply

    Mr. Editor,

    Instead of using this opinion poll which is obviously subject to “voting irregularities”, ALL (Allen Doan, Rick Chavez, Peter Galvan the Greyhound Hair Club, Elida S. Villarreal and Ramiro Sauceda).of these “recognized and dedicated Greyhound fans” should be name “#1 Greyhound Fan” and receive the same prize.

    I did not want to interject politics into the subject, but considering how much the school board is spending on trivial investigations and dual superintendent salaries, surely the school district can afford Greyhound helmets for each of these individuals.

    1. If only!

    • maria maldonado on August 26, 2013 at 12:09 pm
    • Reply

    Elida Villarreal hands down!!!!!!
    #voteelida

  1. AT LEAST SOMEBODY IS HAVING A GREAT HAIR DAY!

  2. I hope the greyhounds win all their games this year.

  3. We? Your closer to him (one) then I am.

    • Real Inc on August 24, 2013 at 8:54 pm
    • Reply

    My grandma Eli is going to win this contest without a doubt. The level of respect everyone gives her is unmatched no matter where she goes. While others may sit and dwell over this article, just remember you took the time to read it. Greyhound fan or bandwagon jumper are u?

      • Grandma Elida's granddaughter on August 25, 2013 at 3:56 pm
      • Reply

      Calmate real Inc

    • Grandma Elida's granddaughter on August 24, 2013 at 8:46 pm
    • Reply

    You go Aunt Yaya!!

    • Mary L. Saldana on August 23, 2013 at 3:55 pm
    • Reply

    Mr. X then don’t bother. ” For what I care” about your opinion. There is always a “spoiler”

      • Grandma Elida's granddaughter on August 24, 2013 at 8:32 pm
      • Reply

      You go aunt Yaya!

  4. I could not decide between the Hair Club and Rick. I had to flip a coin, and got the Club. So!

    • Mr. X on August 23, 2013 at 1:47 pm
    • Reply

    Why is there not a ‘Do not care’ option, like all the other polls had?

    • Grace Norris on August 23, 2013 at 1:30 pm
    • Reply

    Vote for my “Tia Elida Villarreal”, she’s a real sweetheart and the biggest Greyhound fan ever! Love you Tia Elida, Muah! xoxo

    • Laura Soliz on August 22, 2013 at 9:30 am
    • Reply

    Go Grandma Eli !!!!!–WE LOVE YOU……..

    • Leo Rodriguez on August 21, 2013 at 7:31 pm
    • Reply

    I think the winner should also receive two season passes for life. Small price for their years of labor and support.

      • ATX on August 22, 2013 at 4:23 pm
      • Reply

      Great idea! Small price to pay, yet would mean very much to any of these fans who have stuck by their hometown team through the years.

  5. What ever happen to the big life like greyhound mascot that stood on a platform with wheels

      • Mary L. Saldana on August 22, 2013 at 11:12 am
      • Reply

      That Greyhound on wheels is long gone. That was over 35 yrs ago. We should have someone build one.

    • ELISA on August 21, 2013 at 2:49 pm
    • Reply

    MY VOTE GOES TO ELIDA VILLARREAL

    • amancio on August 20, 2013 at 11:27 pm
    • Reply

    That’s my cousin!!:D

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