Coach Monty Stumbaugh Inducted into RGV Sports Hall of Fame
On June 28, 2025, the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame held its 37th Induction Ceremony in Harlingen, Texas, celebrating the remarkable accomplishments of local sports figures. Among the distinguished individuals inducted into this prestigious hall was Monty “Stump” Stumbaugh, the former Athletic Director and Head Football Coach at Port Isabel High School. With his induction, Stumbaugh joins an elite group of past head coaches from Port Isabel, including Alex Leal (1996), John C. Lerma (2000), Willie Crafts (2003), Tommy Roberts (2009), and Tony Villarreal III (2018).
A Legacy of Coaching Excellence
Monty Stumbaugh’s journey in education and coaching began in 1979 at Wilson Jr. High in Lubbock, Texas. Over the next four decades, he would carve out a legacy that would impact thousands of young athletes. His initial tenure in Midland from 1981 to 1995 as a defensive coordinator at Midland High School laid the groundwork for his future achievements.
In 1996, Stumbaugh took the reins at Cuero High School, steering his team to the State Finals in 1998. His career reached new heights when he became the head coach at Port Isabel High School in 2001. Stumbaugh dedicated 15 years to leading the Tarpons, achieving an impressive overall record of 124 wins and 64 losses. Under his guidance, the team earned nine district championships, five bi-district titles, two area championships, one regional championship, and one quarterfinal championship.
Memorable Moments from the 2003 Season
One of the most unforgettable seasons in Tarpon history occurred in 2003. Despite entering the playoffs with a modest 6-3 overall record, the team quickly gained momentum. The Tarpons’ playoff journey began with a commanding 28-0 shutout against Orange Grove. They continued to astonish fans by defeating Hondo Owls 37-20 in the Area round and upsetting Liberty Hill 35-27 in the Regional Semi-Finals.
The quarterfinal matchup against Altair Rice Consolidated reached thrilling heights, concluding after four overtimes with a score of 63-61. This nail-biting victory marked the highest-scoring high school playoff game in Texas history at that time. Regrettably, injuries hampered the team during the state semi-finals, leading to a 41-10 defeat against Marlin, thereby ending a season filled with exhilaration and unforgettable moments.
Impact on Players and the Community
Stumbaugh’s coaching philosophy emphasized doing things the right way and prioritizing the best interests of his players. Albert Barberena III, the current defensive coordinator for the Tarpons, expressed his gratitude for Stumbaugh’s mentorship, stating, "Stump always taught us to do things the right way… He gave our Tarpon community great memories. I’m very proud and honored that he is in the RGV Hall of Fame. Well deserved!”
Former player Brandon Cantu reminisced about his time under Stumbaugh, describing him as a strict yet encouraging figure. “He was strict like a dad and always encouraged and pushed us. He knew all his kids individually and treated us respectfully,” Cantu recalled.
Continued Dedication to the Sport
After leaving Port Isabel in 2016, Stumbaugh went on to coach the Hidalgo Pirates from 2017 until his retirement in 2022, accumulating a remarkable overall coaching record of 148 wins and 98 losses. Recently, he returned to the sport as an assistant coach at Brownsville St. Joe, showcasing his unwavering passion for football.
Celebrating the Class of 2025
In addition to Coach Stumbaugh, the 2025 induction class includes notable athletes and contributors to various sports: Roberto Garza (football), Jake Gautreau (baseball), Juan Escobar (basketball), Diana Trevino Lerma (volleyball), Mario Rodriguez (softball), and Ford Sasser (official). The RGV Sports Hall of Fame seeks to honor individuals who were born or raised in the Rio Grande Valley and who have brought pride to the region through their outstanding sporting achievements.
For further details about the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame and its inductees, visit their official website.
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This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Coach Stumbaugh’s induction into the RGV Sports Hall of Fame and his outstanding contributions to high school football, celebrating a legacy that extends beyond mere statistics.
