Sports is not the be-all, end-all of life
Manuel Esparza scored the lone touchdown against Cotulla in the 1963 opener. By the end of the season, Esparza ranked as the number 10 rusher statewide from all divisions and earned all-state honors. (Photos from Alice Echo News .) Manuel Esparza, Jr, a starter for the 1964 state basketball team, was born May 5, 1946, to Margarita and Manuel Esparza, Sr., whom he shared with his sister, the late Ramona Esparza. Like most teammates, Esparza attended St. Francis de Paula Catholic School, a vital part and foundation in his life. “My father passed in the fifth-grade year, and this really hurt,” Esparza recalled. “I really missed my father and the encouragement he gave me in everything I was involved in.” Fortunately, his mother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, priests, teachers, coaches, and other adults guided, supported, and greatly influenced his life. “They helped me stay focused and close to the church,” Esparza said. He moved to public schools in the 7 th grade,