Once A Cardinal | Episode ft. Mike Haynes

From the hardwood to heartbreak and back to inspiring greatness.

Mike Haynes was once a shining star on the high school basketball court, a talent so bright it carried him all the way to the University of Texas. But life had a detour in store that no one could have predicted.

In a senseless act of road rage, Mike was shot, a moment that would change his life forever. For many, that would have been the end of the story. For Mike, it was just the beginning of a new chapter.

Rather than surrendering to his circumstances, Mike chose to rise. He earned his degree in Kinesiology, channeled his pain into purpose, and went on to found Camp for All, a safe haven where children with disabilities can come together, have fun, and discover that life has no limits, even from a wheelchair.

In this episode, we sit down with Mike to talk about resilience, reinvention, and what it truly means to live life to the fullest. His story will challenge you, move you, and remind you that your greatest chapter may still be ahead.

🎙️ Once A Cardinal — Stories of Grit, Grace, and Going Forward.

Not every coach's legacy is measured by championships.

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Gus Cavazos, a man whose influence on generations of Rio Grande Valley students extends far beyond the football field.

Although Gus never played varsity football and didn't take the traditional path into coaching, he built a long and successful career mentoring young athletes throughout the Valley. Choosing to stay in the community he loved, Gus and his wife dedicated their lives to investing in others, raising a family, building relationships, and helping young people reach their potential.

Throughout his coaching career, Gus became much more than a coach. He became a mentor, role model, and trusted source of guidance for countless students. Many of the young men he coached went on to become coaches, educators, and leaders themselves, and to this day still reach out to him for advice on life, family, and career decisions.

Now retired from the classroom and sidelines, Gus continues to do what he's always done: pour into the lives of others.

Join us as we discuss his journey, the lessons learned along the way, the impact of mentorship, and the lasting relationships that define a life well lived.

In this episode of Once a Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Harlingen High Class of ’84 standout athlete Oralia to talk about her journey from Harlingen to the beauty industry and beyond.

From her days growing up in Harlingen and competing as a Cardinal athlete, to studying at the Art Institute of Houston and pursuing her dreams in Los Angeles, Oralia shares the experiences, friendships, and life lessons that shaped her path.

This conversation is filled with memories of Harlingen High, stories about chasing ambition, staying connected to your roots, and the lifelong bonds that make the Cardinal community special.

Once a Cardinal, Always a Cardinal.

From Friday night lights to life-changing redemption, this episode dives deep into the remarkable story of Freddy Paredes, the original #15 quarterback for Cardinal football. Freddy opens up about growing up in Harlingen, the neighborhood football games that shaped him, and the mentors, teachers, and teammates who helped define his journey both on and off the field.

He shares unforgettable memories from his high school football career, including the game that earned him the starting quarterback position and the friendships that formed the legendary “Mod Squad.” Beyond the highlights and athletic success, Freddy speaks candidly about the struggles that followed, missed opportunities, addiction, and the hard lessons that came with losing focus and direction.

In one of the most powerful moments of the conversation, Freddy recounts the life-altering experience that led him to overcome drugs and rebuild his life through faith, family, and personal accountability. Now a successful salesman, father, and grandfather, he reflects on redemption, purpose, and the importance of appreciating every moment life gives us.

This is a raw, honest, and inspiring conversation about talent, regret, resilience, faith, and the enduring spirit of South Texas football culture.

In this episode of Once A Cardinal, we sit down with Ron Sauceda, a proud product of the Bonita Park neighborhood whose story is rooted in music, community, and family. From his early days playing in the Coakley Junior High band to marching with the dancing tubas at Harlingen High School, Ron shares how those formative experiences shaped his character and lifelong friendships.

Ron reflects on the transition to Austin during his junior year, graduating from Lanier High School in the Class of ’81, and the journey that followed, becoming a successful business owner, a devoted father of three, and a proud grandfather of five.

At the heart of it all, Ron credits the culture of Harlingen, the relationships, the rhythm of community, and the deep sense of belonging, for instilling in him a lasting love for family and friends.

This episode is a tribute to the power of where you come from, and how those roots continue to shape the legacy you build.

Angel Paxton’s story is rooted in community, shaped by lifelong friendships, and driven by a purpose that has touched generations. Born in Corpus Christi and called to Harlingen from an early age, she found her home in the Cardinal community, a place that would define her journey both personally and professionally.

From her days at Harlingen High School, where she poured herself into student life through leadership, spirit, and academics, Angel discovered a passion for learning and mentorship. That passion grew into a 25-year career in education, where she inspired students as a teacher, counselor, professor, and leader. Her journey came full circle when she returned to her alma mater as Director of the Harlingen Cardettes, continuing to shape young lives with the same spirit that once guided her.

Earning a doctorate in Educational Leadership and dedicating her life to service, Angel’s impact extends far beyond the classroom. Her message remains at the heart of everything she does: Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal.

Now, she’s carrying that spirit beyond Harlingen, sharing her story, her voice, and her passion with the world.

In this episode of the Once A Cardinal Podcast, we sit down with Dean McCarty to talk about a journey that started in a school band hall and led all the way to the Grammy stage.

Dean shares how his early love for music and the influence of great teachers helped shape his path to becoming a Grammy-winning horn player, performing with some of the best musicians in the industry. Along the way, he learned lessons about discipline, creativity, and the power of music to change lives.

Today, Dean has come full circle. As a band director in East Texas, he now pours that same passion and knowledge into the next generation of musicians—teaching not just music, but confidence, dedication, and the joy of the craft.

This episode is about the power of mentorship, the impact of music education, and how the lessons learned in a band hall can echo for a lifetime.

From the halls of Ben Milam Elementary to the rank of Master Chief in the United States Navy, Gabriel Cantu’s story is one of transformation, discipline, and enduring love.

In this episode of Once A Cardinal the Podcast, Gabriel shares how a troubled youth and a series of poor choices led to a life-changing paradigm shift. Grounded by the steady support of his junior high school sweetheart — the same woman he would later marry — he chose growth over chaos and purpose over distraction.

This episode is about leadership, commitment, redemption, and the power of deciding to become better. It’s proof that your early mistakes don’t define your future — your decisions do.

Once a Cardinal… always a Cardinal.

Buckle up, put your seat and tray tables in the upright position, and enjoy an hour-long conversation with A.J. Mancabelli as he shares stories, memories, and what it truly means to be Once a Cardinal.

From the high school drumline to stages around the world, A.J.’s journey is anything but ordinary. Once the wild child of the band hall, he grew into a full-blown road warrior and seeing the world from the stage touring with his band ThunderRosa and earning his stripes as a hired gun on drums and guitar wherever the music called.

The road brought highs and lows, chaos and clarity. Today, A.J. channels that same intensity into helping others as an MHPS at a rehab center in the Austin area, proof that you can live life loud and still lead with heart.

This journey starts at Harlingen High School in the Rio Grande Valley — in the beautiful town of Harlingen, Texas — a place that helped shape the foundation of Pastor Carl Flowers’ life. From there, Carl went on to play college baseball, carrying the discipline, teamwork, and lessons from the field into every season that followed.

Today, Carl serves as a pastor in Edinburg, Texas, where his heart for faith, leadership, and community continues to make a lasting impact. He also played a key role on the committee that helped establish the Harlingen High School Ring of Honor, giving back to the school and hometown that helped shape his journey.

In this episode, Carl shares powerful reflections on legacy, service, faith, and what it truly means to stay connected to your roots — no matter where life takes you.