For more than four decades, one man has been on the sidelines for every home game for the Houston Tigers.
The 2018 football season is the 43rd consecutive year that Leroy Motzkus has been apart of the chain gang. Patrolling the sidelines is his home away from home.
“It’s the best place to watch the ballgame,” Motzkus. “The stands up there are too noisy.”
There’s nothing that can keep him away from the Friday night lights.
“As far as I know, I haven’t missed one.”
He has more memories of classic games then just about any other fan in all of Texas County.
“Around 1979, we had a guy by the name of Harold Northlees here. It was pouring down rain and we beat Mountain Grove.”
Nowadays he loves roaming the sidelines and chatting with the players.
“I just enjoy it,” Motzkus said. “I get acquainted with some of the kids and I follow them.”
Leroy’s son, Leroy Motzkus, Jr., works the chains along with his dad every chance he can get – by his dad’s side for over twenty years.
“He’ll never quit,” Motzkus, Jr. said. “My grandpa did it as many years as he’s done it or more.”
A commitment that runs deep in the Motzkus blood.
“Integrity basically. If he says he’s going to do it, he’s going to do it.”
As long as his health allows him, folks taking in a Houston Tiger’s football games will see Leroy Motzkus on the sideline.
