Alumni Sports Hall of Fame

Carlos Gonzales was born in Kansas City, Missouri, but his remarkable story at Boys Town began at age 7 in 1963 when he joined several brothers -- Robert (65), Richard (68), Phil (71) and Frank (70) at the Home. He graduated in 1975.

Even at a young age, Carlos displayed exceptional athletic talent and a competitive spirit. He briefly left Boys Town to live with his sister in 1970 and as a freshman attended Bonner Springs High School in Kansas. Wrestling at 103 pounds, he compiled a 25-3 record. He won a district and regional championship before finishing fourth at the Kansas State High School wrestling championships.

Upon returning to Boys Town, Gonzales went on an unmatched winning streak. He won the Burke Invitational Championship his sophomore, junior and senior years, the Omaha North Invitational Championship his sophomore, junior, and senior years, and captured the championship at the Boys Town Invitational his sophomore, junior and senior years. Carlos was the Midwest District Junior Olympic Champion his junior year and the Midwest Jr. Olympic (AAU) Greco-Roman Champion his junior year. He was District Champion his sophomore, junior and senior years, and won individual Nebraska State Championship Wrestling titles his final three years of high school. 

This success initially earned him a place at Arizona State University. Carlos later transferred to the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

After college, he embarked on a diverse career journey, working in private business before joining the Navy. Following his time in the service, he held several positions before settling in Montana and working on a ranch. While in Montana, Carlos coached high school and grade school wrestling.

In 2016, Carlos was inducted into the Nebraska Scholastic Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This prestigious recognition acknowledges not only his exceptional athletic prowess, but also his unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey is a compelling narrative of resilience, adaptability and a deep appreciation for the opportunities that shaped him. It is a testament to his unwavering spirit and the remarkable achievements of his life.

Carlos is retired and lives in Baker, Montana.

Fransisco (Frank) Gonzales came to Boys Town from Kansas City, Missouri, in 1962 at the age of 7. He was one of five brothers that spent many years at the Home. He wrestled as a youth at Boys Town from 1962 to 1970 and was a resident for 8 years before leaving to live with his sister and continue his high school education in Bonner Springs, Kansas.

Gonzales was a district and regional champion his sophomore, junior and senior years at Bonner Springs High School and won individual state championships his sophomore and junior years. He was an honorable mention high school All-American his senior year. He compiled a 69-1 record in high school.

He became very active in volunteering and promoting wrestling in the Bonner Springs Community, assisting in establishing the children’s wrestling program. Many years later, as an accomplished adult, he returned as the head coach for the program.

After high school, Gonzales received a full-ride scholarship to Santa Ana Community College. He dominated the 134-pound weight class for two seasons, garnering All-American honors his freshman and sophomore years. In 1974, he was recognized as Santa Ana’s Athlete of the Year. He was inducted into the Santa Ana Athletic Hall of Fame in 2004.

Gonzales transferred to UCLA in 1975, where he won the 134-pound title at the Pac-8 conference championships. After completing his Division I collegiate wrestling career, Gonzales concluded his journey by winning the NCAA Division II National Championship at 134 pounds for the University of Nebraska-Omaha (UNO), where he was also an All-American. Gonzales’ final wrestling glory occurred in 1978 at the University Games in Mexico City where he won the 134-pound championship.

Gonzales earned a bachelor’s degree in 1989 from Mid-America Nazarene College. He earned a M.S. degree in administration from Emporia State University in 2011. Over the next 25 years he was employed in the Kansas City, Kansas, school district.

He was the head wrestling coach at prestigious Wyandotte High School and Sumner Academy. He coached numerous state qualifiers and state champions. He was recognized as Coach of the Year on multiple occasions, as well as Coach of the Year for the WYCO and KCK leagues.

Frank and his wife, Carmelita, have been married nearly 50 years and they have two sons, both successful engineers. They also have four grandchildren. Frank is retired and lives in Denver, Colorado.

Phillip Gonzales arrived at Boys Town in 1962 from Kansas City, Missouri. He was the third of five brothers -- Robert (65), Richard (68), Frank (70) and Carlos (75) – to enroll at the home. Like his brothers, he developed a keen interest in wrestling.

Phillip’s wrestling career commenced at a young age and he was very successful during his grade school years. His prep wrestling career was equally impressive. He won individual championships in the Boys Town Invitational (3), Omaha Burke High School Invitational (3), Omaha North High School Invitational (2) and the Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson Invitational (1). Additionally, he won Metropolitan individual championships for three consecutive years and district titles twice. He won a state championship his sophomore year and finished third at state as a junior, and second as a senior.

In 1971, Phillip was honored with the Tom Clark Memorial Award, recognizing him as Boys Town’s outstanding wrestler. Throughout his illustrious wrestling career at Boys Town, he amassed an impressive record of 204-9-1.

He was also a dedicated citizen and served on the mayor’s council at Boys Town. During his sophomore, junior, and senior years, he was a member of the B-Club.

Upon graduating from Boys Town, Phillip continued his wrestling career at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was awarded a wrestling scholarship. He subsequently won back-to-back NAIA National Championships and earned All-American honors in 1972 and 1973.

In 1974, Phillip moved to California to work. He embarked on a business venture with his older brother, Robert, starting Bob and Phil’s Patio Construction. He later relocated to Denver, Colorado, where he dedicated several years to his career at CR Lawrence Glass Company.

Presently, Phillip enjoys retirement and resides with his wife of nearly three decades, Johnna Adams. In his leisure time, he engages in activities such as camping, fishing and spending quality time with his family and friends.