A.D. Ibarra
-Eagle Pass
Maverick Nation is mourning once again as the sudden passing of Roly Ruiz has caused deep sorrow within our community.
The Crown Prince of the Ruiz Family is gone.
As a friend of the family for over three decades, I know the passion my friend has for anything he does, therefore, San Luis Elementary has always known hoe much time and effort he has put into Cardinal Athletics. I think we're the only school who has had an Athletic Director!
As the heir apparent to Roly Ruiz' legacy at San Luis, I also know the impact the Ruiz' have had on the lives of not only Roland, Pilo, Ari and Julio, but on many more quality athletes that have gone through both the Eagle Pass Eagle and CC Winn Maverick Athletic Programs (You know who you are).
Roland Jr. was the epitome of the hard work and dedication his father and I try to instill in all of our players. He showed great passion for everything he did regardless of the sport.
I like to say that he had two personalities, because off the field, Roly was the kindest-hearted, most noble person you have ever met and when I was at CC Winn, I looked out for him, not because he asked me to, but because I loved him, I cared for him and we all needed him to be eligible. He was so thankful to me for helping him, but Idid that for all of my students, the difference was, I was there for him, but when I needed my friends the most, Roly was the 1st one to be there for me, and this I will never forget.
On the other hand, you would not want to be on the other team if you were playing against Roly Ruiz. He exemplified the fiery competitiveness of a caged lion and he was always aggressive whether it was on the football field, on the basepaths, in the batter's box, on the pitcher's mound, behind the plate or even on the soccer field.
In my humble opinion, Roly Ruiz was the best all-around athlete in the short history of CC Winn High School and was a member of the first-ever varsity baseball team. As a two-sport star at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, he had talen his talent, his dedication and his father's preparation to the next level performing exceptionally well wherever the Rams needed him as the #1 utility player on the HT Baseball Team.
Roly also participated in the National Championship run by the HT Men's Soccer Team who won a spectacular Conference Championship last year.
In my opinion the Mavericks should retire his #8 jersey, but if they don't, whoever wears it has some really, really big shoes to fill. We're talking ability, fire, team leadership and sheer talent.
#8 Forever! We all loved you very, very much Roly Ruiz, Jr. Godspeed and God Bless. You will be truly missed.
On behalf of the entire Ruiz Family, we'd like to thank all of you who kindly showed your support and love through these very trying days, all of your gestures will forever be greatly appreciated.
