TEMPE, Ariz. – Sun Devil Football mourns the loss of former offensive lineman Pris Avalos, who passed away at the age of 65 earlier this month.
Avalos was an offensive guard at Arizona State from 1975-76 under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. While in Tempe, he would go on to be a part of one of the most iconic teams in program history. In 1975 the Sun Devils finished the season 12-0, capping off the year with a victory over No. 6 Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl. Avalos and company completed the program's first 12-0 season, picking up wins over No. 12 Arizona and Pac-8 foe Washington on their way to the No. 2 final ranking in both the AP and Coaches' poll. The mark still stands as the highest-ranked finish by any Sun Devil Football team. In Avalos' second year on campus, ASU opened the season at No. 3 in the AP poll, which represents the highest preseason ranking in program history.
Prior to transferring to Arizona State, the Globe native starred at Mesa Community College for two seasons, playing under MCC Hall of Fame Coach Paul Widmer. He was a part of the 1973 NJCAA National Championship team, which became the first MCC team to win a National Title. The Thunderbirds went on to claim another National Title in Avalos' second season, paving the way for the offensive lineman to be recruited by National heavyweights Michigan and Oklahoma. However, he chose to stay close to home, signing with the hometown Sun Devils to play for Frank Kush.
While at Arizona State, Avalos was known as a tough competitor that made the individuals around him better. He worked hard to earn more playing time by becoming a key contributor in practice. Unfortunately, a knee injury would put an end to his playing career, but it did not end his connection to Sun Devil Football. Avalos called Arizona home for 65 years and continued to support Arizona State throughout the rest of his life. He was a regular at various charity events such as ASU Macho Mania, ASU Alumni events, and sports luncheons. He also traveled to ASU Rose Bowl games, Camp Tontozona, and to several out of state ASU Football games to support his Sun Devils.
Avalos was preceded in death by his Father, Priciliano G. Avalos. He is survived by his Mother, Esther R. Avalos, sisters Cynthia Hernandez and Yvonne Avalos, Nephews Richard Hernandez Jr. and Matthew Hernandez.
A viewing and chapel services will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home, located at 1562 E. Baseline Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85204 on Wednesday, July 22nd from 9:00AM-10:30AM. He will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery following the chapel service. A celebration of Avalos' life will be held at a later date.
Avalos was an offensive guard at Arizona State from 1975-76 under legendary Head Coach Frank Kush. While in Tempe, he would go on to be a part of one of the most iconic teams in program history. In 1975 the Sun Devils finished the season 12-0, capping off the year with a victory over No. 6 Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl. Avalos and company completed the program's first 12-0 season, picking up wins over No. 12 Arizona and Pac-8 foe Washington on their way to the No. 2 final ranking in both the AP and Coaches' poll. The mark still stands as the highest-ranked finish by any Sun Devil Football team. In Avalos' second year on campus, ASU opened the season at No. 3 in the AP poll, which represents the highest preseason ranking in program history.
Prior to transferring to Arizona State, the Globe native starred at Mesa Community College for two seasons, playing under MCC Hall of Fame Coach Paul Widmer. He was a part of the 1973 NJCAA National Championship team, which became the first MCC team to win a National Title. The Thunderbirds went on to claim another National Title in Avalos' second season, paving the way for the offensive lineman to be recruited by National heavyweights Michigan and Oklahoma. However, he chose to stay close to home, signing with the hometown Sun Devils to play for Frank Kush.
While at Arizona State, Avalos was known as a tough competitor that made the individuals around him better. He worked hard to earn more playing time by becoming a key contributor in practice. Unfortunately, a knee injury would put an end to his playing career, but it did not end his connection to Sun Devil Football. Avalos called Arizona home for 65 years and continued to support Arizona State throughout the rest of his life. He was a regular at various charity events such as ASU Macho Mania, ASU Alumni events, and sports luncheons. He also traveled to ASU Rose Bowl games, Camp Tontozona, and to several out of state ASU Football games to support his Sun Devils.
Avalos was preceded in death by his Father, Priciliano G. Avalos. He is survived by his Mother, Esther R. Avalos, sisters Cynthia Hernandez and Yvonne Avalos, Nephews Richard Hernandez Jr. and Matthew Hernandez.
A viewing and chapel services will be held at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Home, located at 1562 E. Baseline Rd, Mesa, Arizona 85204 on Wednesday, July 22nd from 9:00AM-10:30AM. He will be laid to rest at Queen of Heaven Catholic Cemetery following the chapel service. A celebration of Avalos' life will be held at a later date.