Today, Zavala Elementary’s gym was officially named the Filimon Talamantez Gymnasium in honor of a man who believed in every child’s potential. "Coach Tally" spent over 31 years shaping lives in PBTISD as a teacher, coach, and principal of East Pecos/Zavala Jr. High. His legacy of compassion, discipline, and heart lives on in every student who enters the gym that now bears his name.
Read the speech below:
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and members of the PBTISD community.
It is with great honor and heartfelt pride that we gather here today to dedicate the Zavala Elementary School Gymnasium as the Filimon Talamantez Gymnasium—a space where our students run, play, learn, and grow every day.
With this dedication, this gymnasium becomes more than a space within this school. It is a tribute to a man whose life was defined by service, strength, compassion, and community. A man who led with humility, taught with purpose, and inspired generations of students and athletes to believe in themselves and strive for greatness.
We are proud to name this space after Filimon Talamantez, known lovingly to many as “Coach Tally.”
Filimon Talamantez was born and raised in Brackettville, Texas, and from the beginning, he was a force to be reckoned with. A standout athlete at Brackettville High School and later at Sul Ross State University, he excelled in football, track, fencing, and boxing—a true embodiment of athleticism, determination, and grit.
He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Education and committed his life to a profession that shapes not just minds but hearts and futures.
For over 31 years, Coach Tally served Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD with loyalty, heart, and excellence—as a teacher, a coach, and later as principal of Zavala Junior High. But no matter his title, he was always known as “Coach Tally.” That nickname stuck—not because of what he did but because of who he was to his peers and his students: a coach in the truest sense of the word, a guide, a motivator, and a trusted leader.
It is fitting that this gymnasium, located at Zavala Elementary, carries his name. Coach Tally left a lasting mark on Zavala Jr. High. He believed in hard work, discipline, and giving every student a chance to shine—whether on the court, in the classroom, or in life.
This space, filled with laughter, movement, teamwork, and growth, will now carry the legacy of a man who lived those very values every single day.
For our students, every time they walk through these gym doors, run drills, or learn teamwork, they’ll be walking in the footsteps of someone who believed in them. Coach Tally believed in the power of education, athletics, and community. He believed that hard work builds character, that discipline opens doors, and that every child deserves a champion.
Let this gym be a place where Coach Tally’s legacy lives on—where students discover their strengths, build resilience, and find joy in movement and teamwork.
On behalf of Pecos-Barstow-Toyah ISD, and with deep appreciation to the Talamantez family, we are proud to dedicate this facility in his honor.
May the Filimon Talamantez Gymnasium be a lasting symbol of his life’s work, his love for this community, and his unwavering belief in the potential of every child.
As the dedication plaque is unveiled, let me read what is inscribed on the plaque -
“Filimon Sevier Talamantez, born and raised in Brackettville, TX, was a standout athlete in football, track, fencing, and boxing at Sul Ross State University, where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Education. He served PBTISD for over 31 years as a teacher, coach, and principal of Zavala Jr. High, where students affectionately called him "Coach Tally." Known for his dedication to education and community, he embodied the true spirit of an Eagle—leading with passion, strength, and commitment. Filimon cherished the outdoors and sports, and his legacy continues to inspire students and athletes alike through his example of hard work, leadership, and unwavering support.
Thank you, Coach Tally. Your legacy will echo in these halls for generations to come.
Now, I would like to invite anyone from the audience that would like to add a few words to this dedication ceremony to come up and share. Thank you!