The passing of Juanita Reyes was sad news. I believe about her life and her loved ones and it brings a smile to my face. She is gone, but the loved ones she raised, along with her husband, Daniel, have carried her legacy via their actions.
The nine young children Juanita and Daniel raised serve as a testament to parenting and producing do with what you have and what you make it.
I was initial impressed with the competitive nature of each and every of Juanita’s young children. They had been warriors, bred to survive, however humble and respectful.
With nine of them at the dinner table, I bet minding your manners was a top rated priority.
I became familiar with each and every and each and every 1 of the nine siblings as a sports editor and a fellow competitor in city leagues. I admired the tenacity they played with and their assertive nature. It was apparent the passion they carried for sports came from the property.
It was an outlet that was primarily based on attaining higher academic requirements, contributing to the loved ones way and producing certain that the household had lots of hands on deck.
No doubt, this was Juanita’s way.
As soon as I started covering Wildcat athletics and city leagues, it was clear to see that the Reyes athletes had been amongst the most effective the city had to provide. From Tiny League to NCAA Division I schools, you could obtain a Reyes at the top rated of a roster and Juanita and Daniel cheering them on.
The Reyes’ prowess for functionality in athletic arenas led me to meet Juanita. I was curious as to who raised these little ones who stand out in crowds and on the playing fields. I also had a batch of black-and-whites of her young children in action that she may well be interested in.
The photo provide did not stand a opportunity. With nine little ones filtering via Wildcat and Lady ‘Cat uniforms, getting sports pictures was (pardon the pun) not in the image.
The 1 point I could count on even though covering Deming Higher sports was seeing Juanita and Daniel in the stands — each wearing cardinal and navy. For a time becoming, the couple wore silver, black and teal even though attending Organ Mountain (then Oñate) Higher College baseball games in Las Cruces, exactly where their son, David, coached for lots of years.
It was apparent the Reyes little ones had a passion for sports. It was also evident that they excelled mainly because of a sturdy perform ethic, a commitment to the sport and an assertive method that could lead a group by instance.
Rosa, Daniel, Johnny, Armando, Paul, Mario David, Gracie and Christy produced Juanita proud. They are a reflection of their mother and can now present the exact same enjoy and nurturing to their personal young children.
Rest in peace, Juanita.
Billy Armendariz is the Headlight sports editor. He can be reached at [email protected]