“Once a Buc, Always a Buc”: Miller Alumni and Community Fans Draw the Line at Attacks on Student-Athletes
By Emily Wilson
“Once a Buc, Always a Buc”: Miller Alumni and Community Fans Draw the Line at Attacks on Student-Athletes
Jacinto Lira, a proud Miller alumnus, voiced frustration over low attendance at games and limited fundraising success for student programs.
October 9, 2026
This article was last updated by Alisha Shrestha on October 9, 2026
The Miller High School community has once again proven why its motto, “Once a Buc, Always a Buc,” remains more than just a phrase.
The spark came from a Facebook post by Joe Gomez Jr., administrator of the page, who delivered a powerful message condemning online attacks directed at current Miller student-athletes.
Gomez’s post, shared widely among alumni and community groups, made it clear that negativity and disrespect have no place in a space dedicated to celebrating the legacy of the Battlin’ Bucs. Gomez wrote,
Our Battlin’ Bucs are not clowns, nor are they trash. When you disrespect our players, you’re not just disrespecting them — you’re disrespecting our Alma Mater and our entire community.
From the moment his words went up, the response was immediate and overwhelming. Many praised Gomez for taking a stand, saying that social media has no room for personal attacks against teenagers who give their all for their school.
Richard Quijas, a Roy Miller High School graduate, said,
I “Concur”, with Mr. Joe Gomez! Let’s “NOT” lose sight, that “Our” Buccaneers’, are “human-beings” too! (And so are our Coaches’!). A “Sign” of R E S P E C T”, is certainly needed here! “If You can’t say something “Nice”, then don’t say “nothing” at all”!
Others used the opportunity to reflect on the importance of community involvement and the need for continued support of Miller’s athletic programs.
Jacinto Lira, a proud Miller , voiced frustration over low attendance at games and limited fundraising success for student programs. Lira wrote,
“We have such a huge alumni and such a small crowd at the football games, basketball games, softball games—all sports,”
He explained how he personally designed and sold shirts to raise money for Miller’s girls’ athletics, hoping to make $500 for each team, but struggled to sell just 36 shirts. He added,
. “I didn’t make a penny off this,” “My goal was to make $5,000 towards girls’ athletics each year. I’m disappointed, but I still support 110%.”
Some users, like Veronica Wilson, added a dash of humor while reinforcing the same core message of respect. She ,
“Are there people making bad comments about the kids?” “I do say Coach Bitner from Vets stinks like three-day-old tilapia—I say it all the time—but anyone who makes comments about these young athletes needs to stop! Go Bucs!”
Pam Pogue Holloway reminded followers that the athletes, win or lose, represent the heart of Miller High School. She ,
Well said … I am so proud of all our students regardless of sports or activities. These boys and girls practice hard all week, we need to stand together and support them. 💛
Bobby Salinas added,
Those students are our kids. We need to encourage them. We to give them hope. Yes, If you are not going to be a positive influence.. Joe you need to remove them.
Anna M. Rosales, representing multiple graduating classes from the 1940s through the 1990s, posted a heartfelt :
Once A Buc; Always A Buc! 💜🧡 Proud of All Our Community! Tradition is BIG for Our Community! Win or Lose; We Are FAMILY! True Buccaneers; CLASS of 1946, 1969, 1973,1974,1974, 1976, 1978, 1994 & 1997! 💜🧡
Barbara McChester echoed the same phrase, while Henry C. Hastings Sr. compared the bond to military brotherhood:
Once A Buc Always A Buc
Others, like Renee Yvette Garcia, took a broader view, encouraging adults to lead by example. She wrote,
“We’re grown-ups, so we should be leading the way,” “Respect the game of football, respect the boys, the staff. We can heckle, there’s nothing wrong with that—but we need to be the examples.”
Ruben Garza ,
“Give our Mighty Bucs time to develop,” “Our team is loaded with underclassmen. After years of success, it’s understandable there will be times of testing our mettle—Once a Buc is our cry!”
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