HOF Staff Tony Villanueva Sr.

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Tony Villanueva Sr.

  • Tony has a long distinguished record in teaching, administrative and coaching excellence. He is truly a wonderful human being. He has the rare ability to develop rapport with any age group. He conveys a feeling of warmth and acceptance to everyone and truly makes an impact on those around him.

  • "Vince" is not actually Tony's given name, it's a nickname given to him by students and players out of love, admiration and respect after the great coach Vince Lombardi. Even in retirement, "Vince" is still a wonderful mentor to many.

  • General Information:

    • born of immigrant parents from the Basque area in Northern Spain. Raised in Emmett, Idaho where he attended schools from grades 1-12 graduating in 1954

  • Education:

    • High School:

      • honor roll, band 4 years, Letterman's club, Spanish Club, various class offices, Student Body Vice President, Football letter 3 years, Baseball letter 4 years, Basketball letter 3 years, All Conference in all 3 sports, All District in Baseball, District leading scorer, Baseball All State 2 years

    • College:

      • College of Idaho 3 years football, basketball, baseball

      • had the privilege to play with future NFL player R.C. Owen of the San Francisco 49ers and Elgin Baylor of the LA Lakers both students at the time

      • University of Nevada Reno 1 year, graduated with a degree in Spanish, Deans list

  • Teaching:

    • Emmett Junior High School - Spanish & Coached

    • Emmett High School - Spanish & Coached

    • Fairmount High School - Boise - Spanish & Coached

    • McEwen High School - Spanish & Coached

      • started the "M" club for letterman ~ the club sponsored many activities such as Saturday morning movies for kids & Christmas parties for those in need

      • started the first student trips to Mexico

      • after 6 years at McEwen he became principal the year discussions began on a merger with Weston High School. after successful discussions a trial merger began the following year

      • Sherman County: Superintendent 2 years

      • Emmett School District: remained at Emmett until retiring after 36 years in education

  • Accomplishments:

    • Teacher of the Year: Emmett High School

    • Teacher of the Year: Boise School District

    • Administrator of the Year - 5 years Emmett School District

    • Speaker for the National Migrant Education Convention

    • Sports Writer for the Messenger Index Newspaper - 9 years

  • Coaching Accomplishments:

    • Little League -Babe Ruth-American Legion for 15 years in Emmett

    • Director of Summer Recreation Programs in Emmett - 6 years

    • Started 1st softball program for girls

    • Started the Little League programs for all age group for boys

    • Varsity Football Assistant - 4 Varsity Championships-Emmett

    • Head JV Coach 18-1 record, 2 Championships

    • Freshman Basketball Coach - 2 Championships

    • Head JV Football - 1 year, 7-1 record, Champions-Payette

    • Head Football coach - 39-12 record, 1969 Champions McEwen

    • Head JV Basketball coach - 5 years, 102-3 record, 4 Championships McEwen

    • Head Baseball coach - 3 years, 1973 CBC Champions-McEwen

    • While at McEwen & Weston-McEwen set 6 National High School Football records

HOF Staff Tony Villanueva Sr.