We honor the legacy and impact of Raul "Doc Z" Zamarippa, as he was a pillar of the Valley Athletic Trainers Association, and one if pioneers of athletic training in the Rio Grande Valley. The VATA Board of Directors is honored to carry on the torch that Doc Z lit in 2001 and establishing VATA and South Padre Athletic Training Seminar serving as its first president, and later serving as the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association Region 9 Director. He was able to see the seed that he planted, flourish into the great organization that it is today, as one of the leading organizations in the state of Texas in promoted and advocating for athletic trainers. He was inducted in the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2013, the VATA Hall of Fame in 2017, and the Texas State Athletic Trainers Association Hall of Honor in 2020. He will be missed, but no forgotten, as he laid the foundation for athletic trainers in South Texas and VATA.