LA JOYA ISD honors two longtime baseball coaches

The LA JOYA ISD Board of Trustees recognized two baseball coaches at its May 20 meeting. Athletic Director Jose Pena introduced and honored Guadalupe "Wally" Barrera, head coach at La Joya High School, for leading the Coyotes to a 30–8 record and a run to the 6A Division II regional semifinals. Pena said Barrera’s team finished with a .358 batting average, 267 runs scored and 16 home runs and praised the coach for bringing “pride back to La Joya High School.”

Pena also honored Manuel “Ricky” Garcia, head baseball coach at Palm View High School, for his retirement after 35 years of service to education and athletics. Pena noted that Garcia helped build the Palm View program from its start 18 years ago, highlighted two regional finals appearances, eight district championships (five in the past eight years) and 351 career wins, and thanked him for his leadership and commitment to student-athletes.

Both coaches were invited to the dais for recognition and photographs. Board members and district leaders offered brief congratulations during the presentation. The recognitions were part of the consent and recognition items before the board’s regular business and required no formal board action beyond acknowledgment.