By David Tepera, May 26, 2021
With a heavy heart, but with much honor, this article is dedicated to my amazing dad, who everyone knew as coach Ray Tepera.
Dad died on May 19 after a 5-year battle with melanoma. My mom Eileen Tepera, sister Karen Tepera Franklin and I would like to thank all that have reached out to us.
My family moved to La Marque in 1968 when dad was hired by head football coach Orville Ethridge. Dad was the last living La Marque Tiger football coach before consolidating with Lincoln Eagles in the early 1970s to begin the Cougar dynasty.
During dad’s 28 years at La Marque, besides football, he taught science, ran the driver’s ed program in the summers and was the head baseball coach during the 1975-76 season when they needed help.
Of course, dad’s passion was football. He quickly became the defensive coordinator serving under four different head coaches. During the mid-1970s, dad created a unique defensive strategy, along with some talented athletes to dominate the district. This La Marque defense became known as the “Blue Devils.”
What most people don’t know is that dad was being recruited by numerous Division I colleges, but he didn’t want to uproot his family while Karen and I were in school. Dad loved coaching at La Marque, so we stayed.
You see, growing up as a coach’s son, I was around sports my entire life. As a child, I was the bat boy for the baseball team, ball boy for football, jumped hurdles with the track team, shot hoops with basketball, swimming and so on. I was with my dad all the time. We were best buddies to the end.
Once dad retired from coaching and teaching, La Marque did hire him back to run the co-op program during the 1990s. Fortunate for me, that’s when I was hired by head football coach Alan Weddell. Weddell knew the Tepera pedigree is thick, even though I was never the level as my famous father, but dad was my mentor.
One very special moment for dad and I happened as we were walking the high school halls together. Some student behind us yelled, “Hey coach Tepera,” so we both turned to see who they wanted. The question was for me.
You see, my whole life, I was known as coach Tepera’s son. It was at that moment, my dad became coach Tepera’s father. We smiled as I put my arm around him and continued down the hall.
Dad finally completely retired, and I went into the medical industry for 20 years before opening our fitness center.
All the years of playing and coaching football, the sun’s damage finally caught up to my dad. We are of Czechoslovakia decent and fair-skinned. So you know, dad was full blooded and English was his second language.
Lastly, there’s not one person who knew my dad that doesn’t have a great inspiring story. He touched so many students, athletes, friends, family and co-workers throughout his entire life.
Our family will never be the same without you, but you did leave us treasured memories. I love you daddy. See you in heaven.
Until next week, keep moving and improving.