SPORTS TALK

Max Maxwell, the dean of the RGV sportswriters, sat down with Frankie Olivo at The McHale Report in the blog's historic office in downtown Brownsville.


Max: Before we discuss your new undertaking, where are you finding the time for this project. You're working fulltime as a clerk for State District Judge Elia Cornejo-Lopez, you're studying for your Master's, you're co-hosting Brownsville Talk and you're in a tough political race for the BISD Board of Trustees."

Frankie: "It's called being young. I have found that the busier I am, the more productive I am. I've always loved sports. I call it our secular religion. How often do we miss mass in order to watch a football game? I played football and baseball at Hanna High School. With the Herald no longer the paper it once was with its early deadlines and its press in McAllen, I feel that there is a void in local coverage. As a result, many of our local athletes aren't receiving the recognition they deserve.

Max: What is your opinion of RGV Sports on the internet?"

Frankie: It's the best source of local sports that we have. It has its strengths, particularly when it's the only source for results from Roma to Port Isabel. I enjoy the features on individuals as well as teams, but from a Brownsville point of view, I don't think we receive our due coverage.

Max: How has the Herald failed us?

Frankie: It is no secret that the newspaper is fighting for survival. I don't know if the public knows this fact, but there is no Brownsville sportswriter. Harlingen supplies our coverage. The days of "Delta" Dave Handelman writing his insightful columns are a phenomenon of the distant past and the sight of photographers Brad Doherty and Yvette Vela walking the sidelines at Sams Stadium are over. With the mainstream press, Brownsville sports have been relegated to an after-thought.

Max: What can we expect from your new show?

Frankie: Local! Local! Local! That doesn't mean I won't be opining on the Dallas Cowboys or the San Antonio Spurs or the Houston Astros or our other professional and university teams, but I want to focus on Hanna, Porter, Pace, Rivera, Lopez, Veterans Memorial, St. Joe and even the IDEA teams. Our kids deserve credit for their successes and sacrifices.

Max: What are some of the other features we can expect?

Frankie: I definitely don't want to forget the past. I've been a big fan of Rene Torres' historical pieces and I would like to do his material justice. Names like Joe Rodriguez, Tom Chavez, Tony Barbosa, Desi Najera, Rene Medrano, Rick Lepre and the many female coaches who have put our teams on the Texas map I want to interview.

Max: Do you think we'll see a volleyball and football season with the Coronavirus threat?

Frankie: That's the million-dollar question. Both seasons have been shortened and postponed to later starting dates, but we're fortunate that we only have 5A and 6A teams. In most the state 1A through 4A teams are scrimmaging in both sports and will begin their competitive schedules shortly. We'll base our prospects on their challenges. If COVID proves a minimal threat, then we can optimistically entertain competition here. If I were going to wage on our possibilities, I would say 50-50, but that number can go south from one day to the next if there is a spike. Safety is and will always be the bottom line. Until we have vaccines and tests that render us immediate results, it's a risky endeavor. It's a crap shoot on thin ice.

Max: You co-host with Erasmo Castro on Brownsville Talk. Are you considering a sidekick on your show?

Frankie: Are you interested, Max? There's always room for an old man.

Max: Old man, tu madre, cabrón!!!

Frankie: That's exactly the enthusiasm I am seeking. Sports is all about controversy and I need someone who will tell it like it is in the tradition of Howard Cosell.

Max: I'll give it a thought. In the meantime, good luck. There is a slot for local sports.

Frankie: Thanks, Max. By the way, would you mind putting my bumper sticker on your car? I need all the advertising I can muster.

Max: No problem, vato. I've already put 'Big' Joe, Phil Cowen, Danielle Lopez-Valdez and Eddie Garcia's names on my bumper and there's room for one more. Go for it! I'm supporting you because you are easily the best candidate in your group.

Frankie: Thanks. Can I get you a beer.

Max: That's cool. I'm going to smoke a joint in the backyard and sip on wine for the rest of the day. Mucha suerte in all your endeavors.

Frankie: Muchas gracias, sir.

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