“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!”

  • Check other Articles on

Rohit Maharjan is a skilled content writer and editor, known for his expertise in crafting engaging and informative written pieces. Beyond his professional work, Rohit is also a passionate musician, dedicating his free time to playing the guitar and creating melodious tunes.

Related articles

May 1, 2026

April 30, 2026

April 30, 2026

April 29, 2026

Comments

LEAVE A REPLY

Comment: Please enter your comment! Name:* Please enter your name here Email:* You have entered an incorrect email address! Please enter your email address here

Δ

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam.

Share article

    - May 1, 2026 A homeowner’s warning about late-night doorbell pranks caught on a Ring camera has sparked a heated online debate, dividing opinions on parenting, childhood behavior,...

    - May 1, 2026 George Davis Dixon, a former coach from Waco, Texas, passed away at the age of 90. He was born on November 26, 1935, and lived...

    - April 30, 2026 A freshman wrestler at the Missouri Baptist University Spartans tragically passed away. Jaegar Hall was a redshirt freshman wrestler who competed at the 141-pound weight...

    - April 30, 2026 Tensions are rising among parents in Marine City after a troubling incident at the local middle and high school prompted concerns about student safety,...

    - April 30, 2026 A massive disturbance involving more than 100 teenagers at Six Flags St. Louis in Eureka has led to a major policy change aimed at...