Favila: RGV All-Star Sports Awards deliver wish to Buddy

I could feel his presence. It filled every square inch of MMA's Yeckel Auditorium.

I could feel him watching, picture him smiling and practically hear him laughing in that deep, boisterous tone that could only belong to Marshall "Buddy" Green.

Of course my former boss, mentor and friend did not live to see the second RGV All-Star Sports Awards as he passed away earlier this year.

But I'm positive that somewhere out there, he was watching and was proud of what his once seemingly benign idea to honor Valley sports stars had become.

At last year's inaugural event, a noticeably frail-looking Buddy was present despite battling liver cancer.

Afterward I remember he was practically walking on air. Not because the award for best male and female athlete was named after him, but because he loved Valley sports and he loved the fact that Valley athletes and coaches finally had an event to call their own.

The RGV All-Star Sports Awards represent everything Buddy loved about Valley sports --- a strong sense of community, a sense of family and some of the most talented student-athletes in the world.

There were truly no losers at this year's awards because for one special night, Valley sports took center stage.

But the night was much more than simply about athletics. I was about honoring --- as emcee Greg Selber said in his opening speech --- "our area's best and brightest."

Yes, I'm positive Buddy was looking on Tuesday and pleased to see all that transpired.

I know he would have loved to hear former Rio Grande City track and field star Rey Ramirez deliver the event's keynote address.

I know he would have loved to hear former Donna football coach Earl Scott accept the Robert Vela Lifetime Achievement.

Scott coached well before Buddy ever thought of coming to the Valley, but he had a lot of respect for what Scott and his Donna Redskins did when they won the state title in 1961.

I know Buddy would have loved to see McHi girls basketball coach Teressa Caso and Edcouch-Elsa's boys hoops coach Robert Capello present Santa Rosa's Johnny Cipriano the Coach of the Year award.

I know he would have loved to see the way Sharyland united and brought up nearly every one of its coaches to accept the Program of the Year Award.

And I know Buddy would have been tickled when Stephen Saenz of Rio Grande City and Victoria Gonzalez of Hidalgo were presented the Marshall "Buddy" Green award for being the top make and female athletes in the Valley.

It was one of his dying wishes that the award remain named after him for years to come.

And while I'm sure ego had something to do with this desire, I know it was much more than that.

Like I said, Buddy loved Valley sports. And I think he just wanted to somehow remain part of Valley sports forever.

And thanks to all Valley athletes, coaches and fans, he's getting his wish.

Dave Favila is senior sportswriter for Valley Freedom Newspapers. He can be reached at davidf@valleystar.com or at 956-430-6214