Once A Cardinal The Podcast

Gilbert Sauceda
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Once A Cardinal is a podcast that brings Harlingen High School alumni together to share the real stories of life after HHS. Each episode is a conversation rooted in South Texas where we talk about the journeys, challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped who we became beyond the hallways, classrooms, and Friday night lights. From business owners and educators to artists, pastors, veterans, and community leaders, our guests reflect on where they started, where life has taken them, and how their Cardinal roots continue to influence the way they show up today. So grab a cafecito, get comfort

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 14 | Trey Serna

    From working behind the scenes as a producer to becoming one of the Rio Grande Valley's most recognizable morning news anchors, Trey Cerna's career is a story of hard work, perseverance, and staying true to his roots. A proud member of Harlingen High School's Class of 2002, Trey began his broadcasting career, first as a producer, then as a reporter, before earning a spot as the station's morning news anchor. His journey eventually led him to Houston, where he continued his career as a morning anchor on one of the nation's largest television markets. Today, Trey serves as the lead storyteller for the Houston Independent School District, the largest school district in Texas. In that role, he shines a light on the educators, staff, students, and families who make a difference every day, telling the human stories behind public education and the people who care for the next generation. In this episode of Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal, Trey reflects on his journey from Harlingen High School to the newsroom and beyond. He shares the lessons he's learned, the mentors who shaped him, and why the values he developed at HHS continue to guide him today. Whether you're a fellow Cardinal, an aspiring journalist, or simply someone who enjoys hearing stories of purpose and perseverance, you'll enjoy this inspiring conversation. If you enjoy the episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share it with another Cardinal. Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal.

    Episode 14 | Trey Serna

  2. Jul 2

    Episode 13 | John Grant

    From Bonita Park to Texas A&I, a Cardinal's Journey In this episode of Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal, we sit down with Harlingen High legend John "Johnny White Shoes" Grant, one of the Valley's most memorable football standouts. John takes us back to his childhood growing up in the Bonita Park Projects, where family, friendships, and faith helped shape the man he would become. He reflects on the rich athletic tradition that runs through his family and the lessons learned on the fields of Harlingen High before taking his talents to Texas A&I University in Kingsville, where he shared the field with future Pro Football Hall of Famer Darrell Green. But this conversation is about far more than football. John shares how his years at A&I challenged him to think differently, embrace responsibility, and become a devoted father. Today, his greatest role isn't wearing shoulder pads, it's honoring his family by caring for his aging mother and living out the values instilled in him from the very beginning. This is a story about perseverance, humility, family, and what it truly means to be a Cardinal for life. If you enjoy stories of Harlingen High history, Texas football, and inspiring life journeys, be sure to like, subscribe, and share this episode with fellow Cardinals.

    Episode 13 | John Grant

  3. Jun 23

    Episode 12 | Allan Brumley

    For decades, the name Allan Brumley has been synonymous with excellence, leadership, and music education in Harlingen. In this episode of Once A Cardinal, Always A Cardinal, Allan takes us on a remarkable journey from his beginnings in San Antonio to leading the legendary Big Red Cardinal Band to national prominence. Under his direction, Harlingen High School earned top honors across Texas and the nation, culminating in recognition as one of the Top Ten Marching Bands in the United States and an invitation to march in the 1981 Tournament of Roses Parade. But at the height of that success, Allan made a decision that left many in the community wondering why. After only six years at Harlingen High School, he stepped away from education and embarked on an entirely new career in business. What prompted such a dramatic move? Looking back, would he do it again? Allan shares the story behind the decision and the lessons he learned about purpose, growth, and following a different calling. We also explore his continued impact on the community through public service, his advocacy for the arts, and his role in helping bring the Harlingen CISD Performing Arts Center from vision to reality. This is a conversation about legacy, leadership, difficult choices, and the lasting influence one person can have on generations of Cardinals.

    Episode 12 | Allan Brumley

  4. Jun 8

    Episode 11 | Mike Haynes

    Once A Cardinal | Episode ft. Mike Haynes From the hardwood to heartbreak and back to inspiring greatness. Mike Haynes was once a shining star on the high school basketball court, a talent so bright it carried him all the way to the University of Texas. But life had a detour in store that no one could have predicted. In a senseless act of road rage, Mike was shot, a moment that would change his life forever. For many, that would have been the end of the story. For Mike, it was just the beginning of a new chapter. Rather than surrendering to his circumstances, Mike chose to rise. He earned his degree in Kinesiology, channeled his pain into purpose, and went on to found Camp for All, a safe haven where children with disabilities can come together, have fun, and discover that life has no limits, even from a wheelchair. In this episode, we sit down with Mike to talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to live life to the fullest. His story will challenge you, move you, and remind you that your greatest chapter may still be ahead. 🎙️ Once A Cardinal — Stories of Grit, Grace, and Going Forward.

    Episode 11 | Mike Haynes

  5. Jun 2

    Episode 10 | Coach Gus Cavazos

    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 the community he loved, Gus and his wife dedicated their lives to investing in others, raising a family, building relationships, and helping young people reach their potential. Throughout his coaching career, Gus became much more than a coach. He became a mentor, role model, and trusted source of guidance for countless students. Many of the young men he coached went on to become coaches, educators, and leaders themselves, and to this day still reach out to him for advice on life, family, and career decisions. Now retired from the classroom and sidelines, Gus continues to do what he's always done: pour into the lives of others. Join us as we discuss his journey, the lessons learned along the way, the impact of mentorship, and the lasting relationships that define a life well lived.

    Episode 10 | Coach Gus Cavazos

  6. May 28

    Episode 9 | Oralia Lerma Guinn

    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 conversation is filled with memories of Harlingen High, stories about chasing ambition, staying connected to your roots, and the lifelong bonds that make the Cardinal community special. Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal.

    Episode 9 | Oralia Lerma Guinn

  7. May 18

    Episode 8 | Freddy Paredes

    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 career, including the game that earned him the starting quarterback position and the friendships that formed the legendary “Mod Squad.” Beyond the highlights and athletic success, Freddy speaks candidly about the struggles that followed, missed opportunities, addiction, and the hard lessons that came with losing focus and direction. In one of the most powerful moments of the conversation, Freddy recounts the life-altering experience that led him to overcome drugs and rebuild his life through faith, family, and personal accountability. Now a successful salesman, father, and grandfather, he reflects on redemption, purpose, and the importance of appreciating every moment life gives us. This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about talent, regret, resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of South Texas football culture.

    Episode 8 | Freddy Paredes

  8. Apr 10

    Episode 7 | Ron Sauceda

    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 junior year, graduating from Lanier High School in the Class of ’81, and the journey that followed, becoming a successful business owner, a devoted father of three, and a proud grandfather of five. At the heart of it all, Ron credits the culture of Harlingen, the relationships, the rhythm of community, and the deep sense of belonging, for instilling in him a lasting love for family and friends. This episode is a tribute to the power of where you come from, and how those roots continue to shape the legacy you build.

    Episode 7 | Ron Sauceda
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About

Once A Cardinal is a podcast that brings Harlingen High School alumni together to share the real stories of life after HHS. Each episode is a conversation rooted in South Texas where we talk about the journeys, challenges, victories, and lessons that shaped who we became beyond the hallways, classrooms, and Friday night lights. From business owners and educators to artists, pastors, veterans, and community leaders, our guests reflect on where they started, where life has taken them, and how their Cardinal roots continue to influence the way they show up today. So grab a cafecito, get comfort

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