By Brian Argabright
Football wasn’t Ricky Haynes’ first love, but it may be the thing that leads him to success as an adult.
Haynes, a senior at Del Rio High, recently signed a letter of intent to play football with the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies, an NAIA school located in Goodwell, Okla.
A two-year member of the Rams varsity football team, Haynes finished his senior season as a District 30-6A All-District First-Team selection. Whether it was catching passes, returning
kicks or lined up in the wildcat formation for the Rams, Haynes was one of the Rams’ most versatile weapons. He scored six total touchdowns, but his most memorable came against Laredo United South when he out-jumped three South defenders for a pass from Victor Medina and then outran them to the end zone for a 57-yard touchdown. The play wound up making MaxPreps’ top 10 plays of the week.
He also earned second-team honors as a junior.
Haynes admitted that Panhandle State was the only school to make him an offer, but said he plans to make the most of the opportunity.
“They’re a great school and I hope I can continue my education there and my athletics and just do good in general,” Haynes said Monday. “I want to be a coach or do something in psychology. One of my favorite teachers, Mr. (John) Wardlaw got me into it and I just want to learn more about the human brain, like how it works. As a coach, I would love to teach middle school or high school and share what I learned in my football career.”
Haynes’ football life began in the fourth grade. He said he didn’t really want to play sports, but his mother, Dora Palacios, made him go out for football. “I liked playing video games, but my mom wanted me to try new things. I started playing for the Ponies and just kept on playing after that,” Haynes said.
It took a little bit of time for Haynes to understand the game and its impact on him and his teammates. Once it did, though, Haynes said he worked at getting better every chance he got.
“At first I didn’t like it, but then it did click with me. It’s more than just football. It teaches you life lessons. You’ve gotta be there for your teammates, your brothers. It takes 22 people to win a game,” Haynes said.
Once in the high school program, Haynes said there was a new focus for the team, especially the seniors.
“Last year, my junior year, we didn’t have a great season. During the offseason I put in the work because I wanted to be a captain and I wanted to be a good leader. Me and the rest of the seniors did our best to turn everything around. We didn’t have the ending we wanted, but we put Del Rio back on the map,” Haynes said, referring to the Rams’ return to the postseason after a three-year absence.
Haynes became emotional during the official signing ceremony Feb. 3. He thanked his mother and his coaches for all they did to get him to that point, and then thanked others who couldn’t attend the ceremony but without him he wouldn’t have been able to find the success he had.
He explained what they all meant to him and why he felt it was important to single them out during his time to speak.
“I had to thank Coach Marty (Martin Cardenas) and Coach Hawk (Davin Hawkins). They busted their asses trying to help me not just in school, but out of school and taught me to be a better man. Those two coaches helped me keep fighting and keep going in life.
“Luis and Brian … they’re my close friends. Even though they’re not family they’ve been in my life since eighth grade. They’ve stuck around through it all, helped me with everything in life, like break-up problems, and have always been by my side.
“My mom …I love her to death. It’s just her. I never had a father figure, so she always did her best to make sure we had a shelter over our head, clothes and food. I always thank God for that. I’m glad she’s doing her best for all five of us. She always taught me to keep going, keep fighting because this is your dream, and don’t let anyone bring you down,” Haynes said.
There were others that Haynes wanted to thank for their support during his life.
“I would like to thank Sebastian Patino. When I needed something he was there. He’s been my best friend since birth. I’ve known him my whole life. I also want to thank Isaac Martinez. We’ve been friends since the fourth grade. He’s helped me with a lot of stuff. Those guys will take time out of their day to make sure I was okay. I also have to thank Marcus Leak. Me and him do everything together. We tell each other everything. That is my ride or die friend right there,” Haynes said.
Goodwell is 558 miles from Del Rio. That’s a long way from home for Haynes, but he understands the opportunity he’s been handed.
“To be honest, I’m not really ready to be so far from home. I’m a momma’s boy, but that’s life. One day you just have to move on to pursue your dreams,” Haynes said.
