Three people connected to McAllen ISD athletics are part of a class of eight inductees selected for the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
They include McAllen High Girls Soccer Coach Patrick Arney, McAllen Memorial Golf Coach Celso Gonzales and former McAllen High baseball player Toby Nivens.
The induction ceremony will be at the 38th annual RGV Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, June 20, at the Mission Event Center.
One of the state’s most successful coaches in girls’ soccer, Arney’s McAllen High teams have never missed the playoffs in 27 years. The Lady Bulldogs have won more than 600 games and 20 district titles, finishing below second place only once. His teams have enjoyed multiple trips to the Regional Tournament and, in 2018, they became the Valley’s first girls’ team to advance to the state final four.
“Its a great honor,” Arney said. “I know there aren’t many soccer coaches, especially girls soccer, I believe I’m the first in the RGV Sports Hall of Fame, so hopefully I’m just the first of many deserving coaches. I know McAllen High has two inductees - Teresa Casso (former girls basketball coach) and Paula Dodge (former volleyball coach). To be mentioned with them is truly humbling. That I got to work with such great coaches really gave me great examples of what to do as a coach. I think I’m really lucky to have been at McAllen High where we’ve had such a great coaching staff. It’s such a family atmosphere, as is McAllen ISD - Athletic Directors down to grounds crew. There are great people who support our kids and staff. I’m truly blessed.”
Gonzales, a golf coach, has guided McAllen Memorial High to 20 district championships, 25 appearances in the Regional Tournament, one regional title and 10 UIL state championship appearances. Six of his golfers and four of his teams have driven fairways at the state level. Gonzales has also served as a basketball official for 38 years.
“I’m so deeply honored,” Gonzales said. “The RGV Sports Hall of Fame is an impressive collection of men and women who’ve been recognized for making significant contributions in their field. To have my name mentioned is beyond exciting. My entire career, since day one, has been with McAllen ISD and I can’t thank them enough for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime. Go Mustangs!”
Nivens went to McAllen High and was selected in the first round of the 1986 Major League Baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins (the California Angels drafted him in the 24th round one year earlier following Nivens’ senior year). A right-hander, he pitched in the Twins’ minor-league system from 1986-88. At San Jacinto Junior College, he was chosen as a Texas Junior College Athletic Association All-Conference player and pitched in the 1986 Junior College World Series.
Inductees are selected by a vote from the RGVSHOF Board of Directors and past Hall of Fame inductees.
Founded in 1985, the RGV Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit organization , the mission of which is to showcase men and women who have brought honor and recognition to the Rio Grande Valley through their participation in sports as an athlete, coach, official, trainer, journalist or other sports-related position.