Heavy lifting — Dozens of Rio Hondo High School students gather around philanthropist Fin Ewing during a grand opening of the Bobcats’ weight room. Ewing donated the equipment through a local effort he organized earlier this year. (Courtesy photo/Albert Villegas)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
RIO HONDO, TX —The man responsible for spearheading a high school weight room equipment donation a few months ago visited and spoke to student-athletes who joined coaches and administrators for a grand opening on Tuesday.
Philanthropist Fin Ewing, who resides in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, said that this collaboration began being discussed in 2021.
Rio Hondo High School is the third Texas school to receive exercise equipment worth thousands of dollars at no cost to taxpayers through the Iron Sharpens Iron program, with the Texas High School Coaches
Association (THSCA) joining in a partnership.
The other recipients are Cedar Hill High School (near Fort Worth) and Uvalde High School.
During his presentation, Ewing asked a few student-athletes to flank him. He was joined by Kaitlyn Padilla, Emily Castaneda, Alexis Villarreal, Noah Villalobos, Sam Munoz, and Chris Galvan.
Ewing said that when he walked into the room, he immediately noted that it was, by far, the most impressive facility of the three schools.
Ewing is familiar with South Texas because he hunts wild game. His father is from Harlingen, and his grandfather, a century ago, was involved in politics and served as the mayor of the city.
“I love it down here; I don’t think there’s any place anywhere in the world better to grow up than in South Texas,” Ewing said. “I really hope you enjoy this because it’s for everybody. We have these individuals next to me, and they all get to enjoy this equally. It’s one of the coolest things we have done and will continue to do.”
Rio Hondo ISD Superintendent of Schools Raul Javier Trevino used the occasion as a learning tool about life.
“I hope that is a good lesson for you to give to others, and to pass it along,” Trevino said as he stood next to Ewing. “This is a great thing he has done for us at Rio Hondo. He could have chosen any school district in Texas, and he chose ours, and I think that is a great blessing. God has blessed us by getting to know Mr. Ewing, and I pray that God will give him 100-fold in return in everything and anything he needs in his life.”
THSCA Executive Director Joe Martin joined Ewing on the trip to the Rio Grande Valley.
Although the weight room was mainly filled with football players, he recognized other RHHS athletes who stood to benefit.
“Whether it’s football, volleyball, cross country, or basketball, you all will have a chance to use this equipment and get stronger,” Martin said. “Mr. Ewing had a vision several years ago about helping people who are involved in athletics, and a belief about the love for sports.”
Martin said this is a donation that will go beyond this generation.
Martin told the teenagers that many would likely have children who would use this equipment and put it to good use.
He also acknowledged Harlingen CISD Athletics Director Rob Davies, who was initially approached about the equipment donation during the last school year. Martin said Davies, who was in attendance, told Rio Hondo CISD Athletics Director Rocky James about the venture.
James seized the opportunity after speaking with the school and district administrators. In fact, last year’s senior class had a few weeks left of school when some of the equipment began to be installed and then put into use.
Rio Hondo Middle School started the New Year with access to the older exercise equipment during the athletics period.
“I know this year’s high school students stand to benefit from this new exercise equipment, but the impact will be felt years into the future when I’m no longer here, when the crop of current elementary school students grows into this and begins getting stronger at a younger age,” James said when the equipment was first in use.
Oscar Riojas set up the flooring that can withstand the weight of the equipment, and Waterboy Graphics produced the building’s interior artwork for the Bobcats.
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