Former Horned Frog inspires Bearcats

It’s not often the Aledo Bearcats are underdogs, but they were in their Class 5A Division I state semifinal contest with No. 1 Longview on Dec. 10. Of course, the Bearcats, No. 3 in the state, paid no attention to rankings or records and knocked the previously unbeaten Lobos 17-14 to reach the state championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Former TCU Horned Frog Elvis Gallegos attended the team’s weekly pre-game dinner and offered some inspiration and a few bits of life advice prior to the Longview game. Now the Horned Frogs’ Spanish radio announcer, he was a member of the team that traveled to Norman, Oklahoma, in 2005 and defeated the Sooners and running back Adrian Peterson, holding the Heisman Trophy candidate to less than 100 yards rushing.

“At TCU I was a part of building something. Were they (Oklahoma) the better team? Maybe so, but not on that day,” Gallegos said.

“I know this, I know the impact of football. I’ve played, I’ve coached. Remember this, remember the journey. This is the best part.”

Gallegos is also a missions pastor. He said he uses a four-pronged “big game approach” to life and success. He said it also applies to missions such as the one the Bearcats were on again this season as they sought to win the program’s 11th state championship and 10th in 14 years.

“One day you’re going to lead a family. You can’t be passive. You will have to be assertive in life. You don’t wait for a big play to come to you.”

“Understand what courage truly is. We need courageous men in the world, guys who are protectors. I’ve played scared before. It got me hurt. You can’t be scared. Courageous men are what’s needed to stand up for what’s right.”

“Take ownership. You’ve got to be held accountable. There will be a moment on Saturday when you will be tested. You accept it, own it, move on from it. Be the first guy to say, ‘That’s my bad.’”

“You’re playing for a greater good. How will the community and coaches talk about you for years to come? You’re leaving a legacy behind. People know about you across the country. You should be proud of that.”