Photos Courtesy of Charla Shults
Every Friday evening in the fall you will see a player wearing #32. This number is special in Pampa High School Football history as it is the jersey number worn by Pro Football Hall of Fame member, Zach Thomas. As a tribute to Zach, the Pampa High School football program will be retiring #32 from the jersey circulation. From this day forward, jersey #32 will be worn every Friday night by a different individual. That individual embodies that competitive spirit which Zach Thomas displayed every Friday night in the fall. The individual will be voted on by the coaching staff.
The sixth individual to be selected by his coaching staff for this 2025 season to have the honor of wearing #32 will be Jose Alonzo, senior defensive back and wide receiver. He normally bears #8 but for the Hereford game he will be wearing the Zach Thomas #32.
How does it feel for Alonzo to be the next one selected?
“It's truly a blessing the coaches deemed me worthy of wearing #32 because it represents something bigger than myself. Zach Thomas does not only represent what a Harvester should be, but with grit and determination, you can do anything you put your mind to,” Alonzo said.
Alonzo also plays basketball for the Hustlin’ Harvesters and is making plans to play on the Harvester baseball team as well.
“I would love to play basketball in college but I will take any opportunity given to me,” Alonzo said.
Jose is still undecided on where he plans to attend college
What does he do in his free time outside of school and athletics?
“My hobbies outside of football are I like to hoop and hangout with my family and friends,” Alonzo said.
His favorite subject is math, “because it challenges me and makes my brain hurt,” Alonzo said.
What are his plans after high school and college?
“Later on in life my goal and dream is to make it to the league and/or become a businessman,” Alonzo said.
Jose also wanted to share one final thought for the chance to wear #32:
“I’d like to share how grateful I am for this opportunity, even the smallest ones, are a blessing and I'd like to give All Glory to God!” Alonzo said.
Here is what Pampa’s Austin Samulowitz, who is his position coach, had to say about Jose:
“Jose Alonzo is a senior cornerback and receiver for our football team this year. He has had a great start to the season and is looking to have an even better district stretch. Jose has gotten better every week and has made some big plays for our team through the first five games. Jose offers a good work ethic with a positive attitude on the field that helps push our team in the right direction. We are very excited to play Hereford this week and get district started out with a bang,” Samulowitz said.
