Once A Cardinal The Podcast

Not every coach's legacy is measured by championships.

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Gus Cavazos, a man whose influence on generations of Rio Grande Valley students extends far beyond the football field.

Although Gus never played varsity football and didn't take the traditional path into coaching, he built a long and successful career mentoring young athletes throughout the Valley. Choosing to stay in t...

In this episode of Once a Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Harlingen High Class of ’84 standout athlete Oralia to talk about her journey from Harlingen to the beauty industry and beyond.

From her days growing up in Harlingen and competing as a Cardinal athlete, to studying at the Art Institute of Houston and pursuing her dreams in Los Angeles, Oralia shares the experiences, friendships, and life lessons that shaped her path.

This c...

From Friday night lights to life-changing redemption, this episode dives deep into the remarkable story of Freddy Paredes, the original #15 quarterback for Cardinal football. Freddy opens up about growing up in Harlingen, the neighborhood football games that shaped him, and the mentors, teachers, and teammates who helped define his journey both on and off the field.

He shares unforgettable memories from his high school football care...

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Ron Sauceda, a proud product of the Bonita Park neighborhood whose story is rooted in music, community, and family. From his early days playing in the Coakley Junior High band to marching with the dancing tubas at Harlingen High School, Ron shares how those formative experiences shaped his character and lifelong friendships.

Ron reflects on the transition to Austin during his juni...

Angel Paxton’s story is rooted in community, shaped by lifelong friendships, and driven by a purpose that has touched generations. Born in Corpus Christi and called to Harlingen from an early age, she found her home in the Cardinal community, a place that would define her journey both personally and professionally.

From her days at Harlingen High School, where she poured herself into student life through leadership, spirit, and acad...

In this episode of the Once A Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Dean McCarty to talk about a journey that started in a school band hall and led all the way to the Grammy stage.

Dean shares how his early love for music and the influence of great teachers helped shape his path to becoming a Grammy-winning horn player, performing with some of the best musicians in the industry. Along the way, he learned lessons about discipline, creat...

From the halls of Ben Milam Elementary to the rank of Master Chief in the United States Navy, Gabriel Cantu’s story is one of transformation, discipline, and enduring love.

In this episode of Once A Cardinal the Podcast, Gabriel shares how a troubled youth and a series of poor choices led to a life-changing paradigm shift. Grounded by the steady support of his junior high school sweetheart — the same woman he would later marry —...

Buckle up, put your seat and tray tables in the upright position, and enjoy an hour-long conversation with A.J. Mancabelli as he shares stories, memories, and what it truly means to be Once a Cardinal.

From the high school drumline to stages around the world, A.J.’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once the wild child of the band hall, he grew into a full-blown road warrior and seeing the world from the stage touring with his band ...

This journey starts at Harlingen High School in the Rio Grande Valley — in the beautiful town of Harlingen, Texas — a place that helped shape the foundation of Pastor Carl Flowers’ life. From there, Carl went on to play college baseball, carrying the discipline, teamwork, and lessons from the field into every season that followed.

Today, Carl serves as a pastor in Edinburg, Texas, where his heart for faith, leadership, and community...

Today we sit down with someone truly special, Dr. Nikkie Saldivar Hodgson, a proud product of Harlingen, Texas and Harlingen High School class of 83. With more than 30 years of experience, Nikkie has dedicated her life to helping people communicate better, think deeper, and build more meaningful connections.She’s a professor, researcher, consultant, and children’s book author, but was was known to us as the staple mascot, the Harli...