Ford Sasser III: A Legacy of Service in the Rio Grande Valley
RIO GRANDE VALLEY – A towering figure in the community, Ford Sasser III has left a profound mark on the Rio Grande Valley through decades of dedicated service as both a banker and a football official.
Early Beginnings in Football
Sasser’s journey in football began in his hometown of San Antonio, where he played at Texas A&M University. However, it didn’t take long for him to recognize his limitations. "I was playing football at A&M my freshman year and really didn’t get much playing time," Sasser recounted. Acknowledging that he couldn’t match the skill level of his teammates, he made the tough decision to leave the football team after attending the annual spring game.
Soon after stepping away from the game, Sasser was introduced to officiating by his roommate, James Gomez, whose father, Jesse Gomez, was already a recognized football official. This connection opened the door for Sasser to explore a new avenue within the sport he loved.
A New Path in Officiating
Sasser began officiating with the Bryan-College Station chapter for high school sports. "We started officiating with older men from that chapter at local high schools," Sasser said, reminiscing about trips to towns like Hearne, LaGrange, and Caldwell for games.
After three years of officiating, Sasser graduated from Texas A&M in 1976 and took on a new role as a bank examiner for the State of Texas. His job demanded significant travel, making it difficult to continue officiating.
Return to the Gridiron
In 1986, Sasser found himself at a new bank in McAllen, the same institution he had once examined. It was here that fate intervened. A customer, also a fellow official, informed Sasser about their ongoing need for referees, prompting him to jump back into officiating after a 13-year hiatus. By fall 1989, Sasser was donning the stripes once again, this time covering high school football games across the Rio Grande Valley.
His experience included officiating NCAA Division II and III games. One of Sasser’s fondest memories is from his first game at Cowboy Stadium where the professionalism of the staff left him awestruck. "Everything was so first class, and I was just impressed with the facilities," he noted.
Growth of the Rio Grande Valley
Over 39 years, 36 of which were spent officiating in the Valley, Sasser has been a witness to the remarkable evolution of the region. "When I started officiating again, there was just one high school in Harlingen, Pharr, Edinburg, and La Joya, and now look how many high schools we have," he reflected.
Sasser’s insights as a banker complement his experiences in sports. He has observed significant diversification in the local economy—from agriculture to increasingly robust sectors like medical services, manufacturing, and even aerospace, with SpaceX operations contributing to growth.
Advocating for College Football
Sasser’s love for the game also inspired his hope for a collegiate football program at the University of Texas-Pan American. His dream is now coming to fruition, as UTRGV prepares to host its inaugural football game against Sul Ross State on August 30 at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium. "The dream of having a college football team down in the Rio Grande Valley is finally coming true," he said excitedly. Sasser believes this addition will infuse the campus with new traditions and spirit.
Honored for Excellence
In recognition of his extensive contributions to sports officiating, Sasser has recently been named a member of the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. His lasting influence in both banking and sports continues to inspire future generations.
For more information on UTRGV Athletics and upcoming events, visit their official website or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Through his roles as a banker and football official, Sasser embodies the spirit of commitment and community service that defines the Rio Grande Valley, making him a true cornerstone of this vibrant region’s development.
