By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the NEWS
A local wrestling promotion is stepping into the ring to help one of San Benito’s own.
Citrus All Pro Wrestling (CAPW) will host a special fundraising event, CAPW: PRESSURE, on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. at the Citrus Live Theater in Edinburg to support San Benito native and UTRGV football player Frank “The Tank” Medina, who was diagnosed with leukemia in late 2025.
Medina, a former San Benito High School (SBHS) Greyhound football standout, joined the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas before playing for The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Vaqueros last season, becoming one of two SBHS former players on the team.
Local author David Leija, a San Benito native, a CAPW sponsor, and one of the event’s organizers, said the community immediately rallied when Medina’s story became known.
“When I heard about Frank’s story, I wanted to do something to help him out,” Leija said. “Not only is Frank a Greyhound, which I am too, but he’s also a UTRGV Vaquero. That makes him part of our entire Valley family.”
Leija said Medina’s determination has inspired athletes throughout the region.
“He has shown young athletes that anyone from our beloved Rio Grande Valley can make it to the highest level and how to stand strong in the face of adversity,” he said.
CAPW owner Casey said the organization also felt a personal connection to Medina’s story.
“Citrus All Pro Wrestling has strong ties to UTRGV and the surrounding communities,” Casey said. “As a UTRGV graduate, I found it especially close to home when our sponsor and friend David Leija brought Frank’s story to us. Frank is a Greyhound and a Vaquero, making him part of the same Valley family that shaped both of us.”
Casey said supporting Medina was an easy decision.
“He represents the kind of strength and determination that inspires young athletes across the RGV,” he said. “Supporting him was the right thing to do, and we wanted to use our platform to stand with him and his family during a difficult time.”
The event will feature a full evening of professional wrestling entertainment, including high-energy matches, Valley wrestling talent, and meet-and-greet opportunities with performers. Children 10 and under will be admitted free.
Tickets and donation opportunities are available online at www.citruslive.com. CAPW will donate 15 percent of all ticket proceeds directly to Medina, and any additional donations collected through the page will also be given to the family after the event. Organizers said all funds raised will be used at the discretion of Medina and his family.
“Frank is part of the Valley family, and the Valley takes care of its own,” Casey said. “We want everyone to come out, enjoy a great night of wrestling, and show Frank and his family that they are not facing this fight alone.”
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