The San Antonio Toros: A Legendary Football Team Returns
It all started with a simple social media post. Three weeks later, the Continental Football League officially announced, “The San Antonio Toros are Back!”
The Toros have a rich history in San Antonio. They were once nominated for induction into the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame; the San Antonio Toros stand out as a symbol of dominance and local pride in professional football. This storied franchise, which captured the hearts of San Antonio fans during its heyday, left an indelible mark on the city’s sports history through impressive on-field success, dedicated players, and strong community support.
Texas Football League
The Toros burst onto the scene in their inaugural season of 1967, showcasing remarkable talent and determination from the start. Holding tryouts in June 1967, the team played an exhibition game just a month later. It powered through the season without relent, culminating in a December Texas Football League (TFL) championship victory. Their record that year was nothing short of extraordinary: 20-1 overall, including a perfect 15-0 in TFL play. This debut performance set the tone for the franchise’s reputation as a powerhouse.
Initially owned by Alton Fairchild and coached in their first year by Duncan McCauley, the Toros featured a roster of fringe NFL- and AFL-caliber athletes who brought professional-level skill to the semi-pro circuit. Games were held at North East Stadium, where crowds swelled between 4,000 and 10,000 fans, creating an electric atmosphere. Player salaries ranged from $100 to $300 per game, reflecting the competitive yet grassroots nature of the league.
Quarterback Luz Pedraza Jr.
The team’s offensive firepower was led by standout players like quarterback Luz Pedraza, a slick ball-handler and passer who became a local favorite. Running backs Bear Brown and A.C. Lex provided the ground game muscle. At the same time, tight end Roger Gill— a former Harlandale High School standout who had played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1964-65—added a hometown hero element. On defense, ball-hawking defensive back Alfredo Avila thrilled fans with his playmaking abilities.
Coach George Pasterchick
Years later, the franchise solidified its legacy under owner Henry Hight and coach George Pasterchick. Pasterchick, who served as the Toros’ head coach and general manager starting in 1967, guided the team to unparalleled success. Under his leadership, the Toros compiled a dominant overall record of 109-7, cementing their status as one of the most formidable semi-pro teams in Texas history. Pasterchick’s contributions were recognized when he was inducted into the Class of 2022 San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame.
Fan support for the Toros was fervent, with the team drawing more than 50,000 attendees in a single season on three occasions, including an impressive 53,600 in 1967 alone. This attendance figure underscores the Toros’ ability to captivate the San Antonio community and build a loyal following.
Historian Chris Foltz’s book From Broncos to Spurs—a comprehensive history of professional sports teams in San Antonio—chronicles the Toros’ journey and highlights their role in the city’s evolving sports landscape. Through triumphs on the field and connections to local talent, the San Antonio Toros not only won championships but also fostered a sense of pride that endures to this day.
Join me in celebrating one of San Antonio’s most historic teams and remembering their enduring impact, from their flawless 1967 campaign to the leadership that propelled them to greatness.
Will this new iteration of the Toros live up to their storied past? Only time will tell.
References
San Antonio Sports. (2025, Oct 24). Retrieved from San Antonio Sports: https://sanantoniosports.org/
San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. (n.d.). Teams. Retrieved from San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame: https://extras.mysanantonio.com/_CreativeServices/_marketing/sportsHallFame/bio_teams.html