By RENE TORRES
Back in an era gone by, Cameron County’s daily newspaper of record, The Brownsville Herald published its annual top 50 athletes in the Rio Grande Valley, a list that featured athletes, managers and coaches of various levels of play.
Track & Field
Back in 1950, trackman Carl Otsuki of San Benito ended his three year college career at Texas Southmost College with an undefeated record in the 100 yard dash and one defeat in the 220.
He was consistently high point man at most Texas track meets in which he appeared. Otsuki was also an outstanding football player. Because of his many accomplishments as a sprinter, he received accolades from the NCAA.
Basketball
Brady Garcia, also from San Benito, played for a Greyhound team that ended in third place in district. During a ten game conference season, the forward scored 100 points in all games played. He was a unanimous selection for the 16-AA all-district team
Football
Joe Studebaker — all known Texas records showed him to be the individual to have scored the most points in football for the season with 172 points. Joe demonstrated his speed when he led the Lyford 11 by scoring 13 points and taking his team to the Class B Regionals.
Football Coach
Dean Kluckman, from Lyford, led his team to the District 48-B Championship and the bi-district crown against Benavides—all in his first season. The undefeated season ended when the Bulldogs were defeated in the Regional Championship by Taft.
Baseball
J.K. (Jake) McClain of the minor league Harlingen Capitols, topped the Valley League with 32 home runs during the 1950 baseball season. He led the circuit in hitting for most of the year—leading his team to the regular season championship.
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