Andy Santos
Basketball

 

Andy Santos

Basketball

 

“Hey Coach” “Judge, Compadre!” You will hear him addressed by many names. Each one with its own unique set of memories and friendships. Despite his many accomplishments, Andy has always remained humble. The boy raised in a simple wooden house, with no central plumbing grew up to appreciate the little things and seize opportunity.

For someone who often says, “You can’t win them all.” In 1956, they sure did! Andres Santos Jr. was born in Laredo, Texas on June 10. 1938 to Andres Sr. and Zenaida Santos. Andy grew up alongside his younger brother, Roberto - “Bob” and sister, Rosario - “Chacha”. Their home resided half a block from what previously was the location of a cemetery and the non-profi t charitable USO. In 1945, the Laredo Boys Club opened its doors. Starting at the age of seven, Andy spent his days interacting with boys from the diff erent barrios of Laredo. If the Boys Club off ered it, Andy tried it. He played basketball, softball, paddleball, boxing, swimming, table tennis, checkers, billiards, arts & crafts, and learned how to utilize the library. It was here, that he would meet his future teammates. The one and only 1956 State Basketball Champs! A mix of sports, education and politics shaped Andy’s career. He began his education at St. Peter’s Catholic School, where he attended grades

2nd thru 8th. The nuns instilled lessons of character and integrity. In 1952, he enrolled at Martin High School where he continued to try his skill at football, baseball and basketball. Andy was named captain in all three sports. He was later recognized as one of the top 100 athletes to emerge from Martin High School. After graduating from Martin High, he enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin on a Basketball scholarship. He remained at UT for two years and then transferred to Texas A & I University in Kingsville. In May of 1961, he completed a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. In September of 1961, Andy began his career as a teacher and coach with the Laredo Independent School District, at his beloved alma mater. In

1972, he pursued a Masters of Science in Supervision from Texas A & I University. For the next 14 years, he worked as an insurance broker for a national company. In 1986, he took his try at politics - running and being

elected to the offi ce of Justice of Peace, Precinct 4 in Webb County. He proudly served the offi ce for fi ve years and then returned to L.I.S.D as a Hearings Offi cer in charge of discipline for the school district until his retirement in June of 2004.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Proposed museum location is downtown Laredo, Texas, intersection, Farragut at Juarez Ave.