Sunnyside High School coach Richard Sanchez, right, gets a hug from his assistant coach Saturnino "Curly" Santa Cruz on the sidelines after the Blue Devils defeated the Phoenix Greenway Demons in the 4A Football State Championship game in Tempe, Ariz., on Saturday, Dec. 8, 2001. 

 A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star

Tucson football legend Santa Cruz receives honor 

One of the top football figures in Tucson history, Saturnino “Curly” Santa Cruz will be honored with LULAC’s presidential citation April 16 at the Doubletree Hotel. Santa Cruz played on Pueblo High’s 1961 state title team, became a playoff head coach at his alma mater in the ’80s and ’90s and helped Sunnyside High School win the 2002 state championship. 

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