Macias won the 123-pound Oklahoma state title for Perry High School -- one of the nation's all-time great prep programs -- in 1957. That title led to a scholarship to wrestle for the Oklahoma Sooners, where he was a 1960 Big 8 finalist in 1960, then placed fourth at the 1960 NCAA championships in the same weight class, in an era when Hispanic wrestlers were a rare sight in high school and collegiate wrestling.
Tony MaciasDespite those challenges, Tony Macias was a star athlete at Perry High, where he participated in football, baseball and track as well as wrestling. He was wrestling team co-captain two consecutive years as a junior and senior, graduating in 1958.
Macias then headed south to Norman, Okla. to wrestle for the Sooners and head coaches Port Robertson and Tommy Evans. At the 1960 Big 8 conference championships, Macias made it to the 123-pound finals, losing to cross-state rival Masaaki Hatta of Oklahoma State in the championship match. A couple weeks later, Macias traveled to the 1960 NCAAs at University of Maryland, where he placed fourth at 123. His performance at the Nationals helped propel Oklahoma to the team title that year.
It was while in college that Macias launched his wrestling coaching career. As a Sooner wrestler, he started the Noble wrestling program in 1959 where their practice facility was a mat in the Jefferies brothers' garage. Macias also established the wrestling program at Southeast High School in Oklahoma City where his teams were State runners-up twice before winning their only State championship. His tenure at Southeast, plus one year at Guthrie, lasted from 1967-72. He made the jump to college coaching at Southwestern Oregon Community College in Coos Bay, Oregon. In his first year, he coached them to their first winning season, and ended the season 14th in the nation.
Macias graduated with a Masters from Central State College in 1969.
In the early 1970s, Macias launched the next phase of his career, as a businessman. Eddie Parker, the owner of his first employer, Kumback Lunch, offered him the opportunity to purchase the long-time diner. Macias owned the Kumback Lunch -- the oldest restaurant in the state of Oklahoma to remain in business under the same name -- for the past 43 years. In addition, Macias ran other businesses in the area.
Tony Macias was a man of many talents and interests. He built his own home, and liked making jewelry for family and friends. He enjoyed travel, and was a loyal fan of the Oklahoma Sooners football team.
Macias is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilee; two daughters; and four grandchildren.
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