(McAllen, Texas)-Longtime TASO football official, Tony Guerrero shared a moment with McAllen Nikki Rowe football senior, Anthony Reyes on Friday night as Guerrero called this night, his last. “This is it,” said an emotional Guerrero. “I have loved this game for the past 34 years of my life and now, it’s time to call it quits.”
Guerrero has seen many football games throughout his life. He has seen the changes the University Interscholastic League has made and grown with throughout his TASO career. “The UIL has grown and I have called many games. It’s always hard to to stop loving what we do,” added Guerrero.
During his stint, Guerrero battled through cancer and the loss of his best friend, most recently, his father. “Losing your Dad is hard. He was my best friend (pauses)…he taught me so much. He was a coach, a mentor, and father.”
A board member of the Rio Grande Valley Hall of Fame, Mission HS graduate, and University of Texas-San Antonio alumni, Guerrero remembers all the football players that he has watched, played, and moved on to start their own careers in life. “Football teaches players how to meet challenges, overcome adversity, and most importantly, character. That’s how you become successful after this game,” says Guerrero.
Since joining TASO on April 4, 1988, Guerrero has officiated 1,141 games in his 34-year career, including 34 state playoff games, 552 high school varsity games, and 11 college games in Mexico. He was also a Game Day Observer Scout for the NFL for nine years. He is the son of the late Oton “Tony” Guerrero and Emma C. Guerrero. He is married to his wife of 22-years Zelda G. Guerrero with daughgters, Emily and Dr. Judith M. Guerrero.
Guerrero stood for a moment in silence and prayer at the southside end zone of McAllen Veterans Memorial Stadium. He received a hug from one of his TASO officials, as players and coaches from Nikki Rowe High School celebrated their win during the McAllen-McAllen Nikki Rowe game. Both teams clinched playoff berths. “This is what I will miss the most, the closure of each game, win or lose. It’s about families coming together in the end. Thank-you Rio Grande Valley. I’m going to miss these Friday Night Lights.” No more whistles, No more flags.
