Rene Manuel Hinojosa†

Inducted 2002
Hometown: Mercedes
High School: Mercedes High School
Best Known for: Coach-Football

Hinojosa was a star for Mercedes High School in 1943 who later became a playoff-tested Valley football coach. He was co-captain of the Tigers in high school and also lettered in track and basketball.

After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Hinojosa led Sharyland High School to three straight postseason trips in the late 1950s. Moving to McAllen High, he became assistant football coach and head coach in baseball.

The versatile Hinojosa went into administration and became a standout, first as assistant principal at McHi and then as a troubleshooter who headed up the district's drug and crime prevention program along with other efforts. His work with El Divino Redentor United Methodist Church showed what contributions he made to the area on several different levels.

For years, Hinojosa worked with the South Texas Striders Track and Field Club at Valley track and field meets.