Fuente just the guy next door, sort of

From the sidelines
Marty Gordon

Justin Fuente puts his shoes on the same way we do, and he puts his pants on one leg at a time.

We sometimes forget people like the Virginia Tech football coach are human like you and I. Going into this season, I decided I needed to do something to demonstrate that.

Thanks to the staff at Virginia Tech. Here are a few things you might not know about the man in charge of the marron and orange.

Fuente’s great grandfather, Jack, supported his family during the Great Depression as a professional wrestler under the nicknames “The Spanish Red Devil” and “Spanish Jack.”

The most popular conversation piece in Fuente’s office is a WWE title belt that was presented by Memphis native Jerry “The King” Lawler after Fuente’s Memphis squad won a share of the 2014 American Athletic Conference championship.

Other notable pieces of wrestling memorabilia in Fuente’s office include a pair of personalized photos from Hall of Fame wrestling announcer Jim Ross, who once served as a high school football referee in Oklahoma.

Current Virginia Tech offensive line coach Vance Vice held that same role at Murray State when Fuente was the Racers’ quarterback. Vice is also an Oklahoma native and once played in a high school game where wrestling announcer Ross was an official.

Fuente’s wife, Jenny, was an accomplished athlete in her own right as a volleyball student-athlete at Illinois State.

The 1998 Missouri Valley Conference “Newcomer of the Year” was a first-team all-conference choice in 1999. After major shoulder surgery, sidelined her in 2000, she returned to the court to earn second-team All-MVC honors in 2001 and first-team accolades as a senior in 2001.

She holds a business degree from Illinois State in addition to earning a master’s degree in kinesiology and recreation with an emphasis in sport management.

An avid golfer and fisherman in his limited free time, Fuente enjoyed the thrill of playing Pebble Beach in June. The Fuentes are the proud owners of two dogs – Petey & Bear.

So, let the Spanish Red Devil’s grandson know you support his moves whether they’re on the football field or in the wrestling ring. Let’s carry some signs that say: “Petey and Bear’s father for President.”

He and Jenny along with their three daughters are just the neighbors next door.

Oh, by the way, Justin, can I borrow your weed eater mine isn’t working. I promise I will bring it back along with your ladder and a few other things. What are neighbors afterall.

If you have any interesting sports news, send it to NRVsports@ourvalley.org.