Richard Quesada '56

Houston sports writers called him “The Fox” and “Captain Midnight”. Others penned him as “Little Richard” because of his 5’7”, 135 lb. frame. But, as one sports writer noted about Richard Quesada, “he makes up in hustle what he doesn’t have in size . . . there is no finer competitor than Quesada.”

Richard started his freshman year at Lanier Junior High School, but Fr. Sheedy and Fr. Wilson of St. Thomas had other plans for him. Three weeks later, Richard was playing football for the St. Thomas Eagles, where he was named Favorite Freshman, and ran for a 102 yard touchdown scamper against Kirwin High School. Coach Tom Driscoll didn’t take long in suiting him up as a varsity player later that season. Richard credits his big brother, David Amador (Class of ’52) with his sports successes, calling him his personal trainer, coach, and supporter.

During his junior year, “Speedy” Richard Quesada was awarded the Mickey O’Connor Award. He was also called out as a standout on the basketball court and for his plays as a “flashy Eagle centerfielder” in baseball. Richard’s senior year found him earning an abundance of honors including MVP in football, the third overall city scorer, the Babe Ruth award, and a spot on the Catholic All-Star team.

Richard scored 23 touchdowns on the Varsity football team (138 points) in three years, including seven touchdowns as a member of the 1953 State Championship football team, a school record. In what was arguably one of the greatest football victories in school history against Austin High School in 1954, Richard had two touchdowns to his credit. With the Eagles trailing 20-18 in the fourth quarter with two minutes left in the game, Richard took a pass from the quarterback and ran for an 88-yard touchdown, winning the game 25-20. It was no wonder he was named second team All-City as well as TCIL All-State in football.

After graduation, Richard played football his freshman year on a scholarship at the University of Houston and was a standout on the 1960 Pasadena Team at the American Softball Association World Tournament in Clearwater, Florida. Richard met his wife, Norma, who was playing on a company volleyball team. Their son, Karl Ray, also attended St. Thomas High School and now lives in Brighton, Co. Karl’s daughter, Kelsey Rae, attended Texas State University on a softball scholarship, graduating in 2008. Karl’s son, Austin Richard, attends Metro University in Denver.

Today, Richard is in the food broker industry, currently working for Mayer Food Brokers. His hobbies include spending time with his family and enjoying the Houston Astros, Texans, and Rockets games. He supports Rice, the University of Houston, and the University of Texas.

And although his size has not changed, St. Thomas sports fans will agree that no one is big enough to fill the shoes of the legacy that Richard Quesada left behind.