Four Edinburg school district male athletes were awarded the Luis A. Alamia Jr. Scholarship on Thursday.
The Luis A. Alamia Jr. Scholarship started after Alamia died in 2018. Alamia was in the field of education/coaching/administration for more than 40 years. During his time as a student at Edinburg High, Alamia exceled in both baseball and basketball and he earned a scholarship to New Mexico Highlands University.
He set a national NAIA record for stolen bases at New Mexico Highlands in the 1960s.
Alamia lettered four times in baseball (two in basketball) and gained All-State recognition at Edinburg High before graduating in 1961. At Highlands he hit .304 and broke the record for steals in 1962 before coming back home to finish his career in baseball at then Pan Am.
“During his tenure as an educator/coach/administrator his dream was for everyone to be given the chance to go to college and continue their education,” read and email sent from the Alamia family.
“As an administrator, overseeing sports, special education and other areas, he saw firsthand who needed the help the most.
“He always stressed the importance of maintaining good grades in order to continue college and if lucky possibly being awarded a scholarship. He never gave up on anyone of the students, regardless of their status. The students would seek him for advice whenever needed. He always felt that if the student tried his best, got passing grades, he should be given the opportunity to attend college. This is where the Luis A. Alamia Jr. Scholarship comes in,” the email continued.
The family’s goal was to award one senior male student athlete from each Edinburg CISD High School with a scholarship at the end of the year.
Alamia, who many remember as, “Coach,” was an advocate for athletics, being an athlete himself. He held all student athletes in the highest regard and always instilled in them that they set the example for the school.
Alamia could often be found at athletic events while he was assistant principal at Edinburg High School and Edinburg North since its inception in 1992.
He retired in 2013, but continued to support any athletic function he could. HE died Nov. 1, 2018
“We, the family, knew right away he would want to give back to students at Edinburg CISD and so the Luis A. Alamia Jr. Memorial Scholarship was formed,” the email stated.
“Besides the athletes, another very important group of students were his special ed kids and teachers that worked with them. These kids held a special place in his heart and he would do anything for them at any time. This year, we are happy to announce that the Luis A. Alamia Jr. Scholarship partnered with the Capable Kids Foundation and held a fundraiser where a portionof the proceeds were split between the Luis A. Alamia Jr. Scholarship & the Capable Kids Foundation,” it read.