Juan Castillo Weekend


Hometown Hero Visits Port Isabel


By EJ Holland, tarponfever.net


After controversy surrounded Port Isabel for announcing that Juan Castillo day would be held on July 4th, the date did not change, and for the most part Juan Castillo day or weekend was a success. Juan Castillo who was an all-state football player for the Tarpons from 73-77 has accomplished the “American Dream”. After graduating from Port Isabel, Castillo went on to play collegiate football for the Texas A&I Javelinas and then professional for the San Antonio Gunslingers of the USFL. After his playing days, Castillo entered the coaching field and has been the offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles for 15 years. Juan Castillo’s story truly amazing, but this story is about how his hometown honored him.

Festivities began on July 3rd with the Juan Castillo Football Camp. The camp was open to kids of all ages. Not only did the kids get to work with Castillo, but all elementary kids got to work with Tarpon football coaches. The older kids (7th-12th) got to work with coaches from out of the area including Johnny Galvan of Edinburg and Mike Monzano of Giddings. The athletes were divided into different groups depending on what position each athlete plays. Castillo walked around the entire camp and helped each group. “It was a good opportunity to learn from an NFL coach and to get some good pointers of how to do the little thing right and always try your hardest,” said junior Tarpon offensive tackle Andrew Ramirez. Castillo even worked with some lucky athletes 1 on 1 such as senior defensive end EJ Holland who said “I’m glad I got to work with him 1 on 1 because he made it as an NFL coach and there are many things I learned from him in such little time.” The camp lasted from 5-8 p.m., and a few kids from different parts of the valley such as Weslaco and Brownsville also attended the camp. At the camp’s conclusion, all the athletes gathered around Castillo for a question and answer session. Castillo happily answered everyone’s questions and then gave a very intriguing speech. “Sacrifice and hard work will get you where you want to go in life,” said Castillo. The speech inspired a lot of kids including junior Tarpon offensive tackle Jonathan Delgado who stated “He’s my role model and he is also a very good inspiration for me.” After the camp ended Castillo stuck around for pictures and chatted with campers as well as spectators. It looked like the city of Port Isabel was definitely glad to have Castillo back in town.

On July 4th which was the slated date of the actual Juan Castillo Day, celebrations began at 10 a.m. at the historic lighthouse in Port Isabel. The setting was very nice as the big inflatable Tarpon helmet was placed in front of the lighthouse by the speaking podium. A crowd gathered as speeches were made by Edinburg coach Johnny Galvan and Port Isabel coach Robert Holland about the impact Juan Castillo had on their lives. Castillo himself also talked about his life and to show that he has not forgotten where he came from, he spoke in Spanish and even said, “This day is not for me its for the city of Port Isabel.” At 11 a.m. a special Juan Castillo exhibit was unveiled at the Port Isabel Museum. Castillo cheerfully took pictures with everyone in front of his exhibit. At 12 p.m. Port Isabel held a special luncheon at Jimmy’s sports bar for Castillo and his fans. At the luncheon there were many guest speakers who shared stories about Castillo and there was also good food. When asked at the luncheon about his thoughts on Juan Castillo Day so far, Port Isabel coach Robert Holland said, “It’s fun to reminisce about old times with (Juan), it’s good that Port Isabel brought him out because he is one of many people that have done good things for this town, so its really been fun.” Junior defensive end Balde Alaniz was also asked the same question and responded by saying “(Juan) is a really cool guy, he’s really down to earth and it’s been fun.” At 3 p.m. everyone gathered at Doubleday’s for some more good food and fun. The Philadelphia Eagles also sent Castillo a congratulations video which was played at Doubleday’s. Different members of the Eagles organization including quarterback Donovan McNabb congratulated Castillo in the video. Castillo spent the rest of the time at Doubleday’s interacting with fans and having fun. “I’m glad the city of Port Isabel got to bring out Juan Castillo, it’s a great opportunity for the community to learn from one of the most accomplished men in the history of the town,” said Port Isabel Mayor Joe Vega.

Juan Castillo capped off his weekend on Monday by heading to the Tarpons voluntary workouts to talk to the football team. Castillo talked about how it was possible to succeed in football no matter where your from or what race. Castillo also stated that education is very important and that “Knowledge is power.” Castillo’s son who is a sophomore cornerback for the Iowa Hawkeyes also spoke to the team about hard work. Sophomore Tarpon defensive tackle Juan Hernandez who was at the workouts said, “(The Castillo’s) inspired me to work hard for what I want and to do more to get better, you can do anything if you work at it.” Castillo had fun talking to the Tarpons and even did a little weight lifting of his own.

Overall Juan Castillo Day or weekend was a huge success; it inspired many kids in the community to believe in their dreams. The city of Port Isabel without a doubt benefited from Castillo’s presence. Juan Castillo will forever be remembered in Port Isabel history.