First You Must Believe: Drew Brees, Ray Akins & the South Texas Football Legacy

Show Notes:
In this episode of South Texas Sports Memories, Manny Flores and Randy Lynch explore the people, coaches, communities, and youth programs that helped build South Texas into a powerhouse of athletic tradition. From Ray Akins and his connection to Drew Brees to the championship legacy of Gregory Portland, Freer, Calallen, and beyond, they revisit the coaches, athletes, volunteers, and families who shaped generations of South Texas sports. The conversation also takes a deep dive into the history of Oil Belt Little League and the community effort that kept youth baseball thriving. Along the way, Manny and Randy reflect on legendary figures including Phil Danaher, Steve Costner, Errol Dodson, Levi Johnson, and Ernest Price and the belief, hard work, and community spirit that continue to define South Texas athletics.

Key topics include:
• Ray Akins’ legendary coaching career and his connection to Drew Brees.
• The 1959 Havelina championship team and the challenges of NAIA playoff selection.
• How playoff locations, stadiums, and crowd size influenced championship games.
• The origins of Oil Belt Little League and the community effort behind its new home.
• The families, volunteers, and local businesses that helped build and maintain Oil Belt’s fields.
• The connection between Oil Belt Little League and generations of South Texas athletes.
• Drew Brees’ path from Austin Westlake to the NFL.
• Ray Akins’ coaching philosophy, discipline, and championship legacy.
• Steve Costner’s philosophy: “First you must believe.”
• The South Texas coaching legacy of Akins and Phil Danaher.
• Calallen athletics and the development of championship-level programs.
• South Texas athletes who reached the professional level, including Errol Dodson, Levi Johnson, and Ernest Price.
• Why baseball and football have played such an important role in South Texas community identity.
• The belief, work ethic, coaching, and community support behind South Texas’ long tradition of producing winners.

 

Host Biographies

1. Manuel Flores: A South Texas native born and raised in Hebbronville. He is a former sports writer for the San Antonio Express, Dallas Morning News, and the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. He has also hosted sports radio shows and provided play-by-play for high school games.
2. Randy Lynch: Former alumni director at Texas A&I in the 1970s and a former color commentator for the "Andy and Randy show" alongside Andy Cook.

The hosts are eager to hear your stories! If you have a memory of a specific player or team you'd like them to cover, email Manuel Flores at [e-mail].

Producer: Chris Doelle, Lone Star Podcast Network.