victoriaadvocate
Prior to the 2026 Cuero Gobblers' regular-season finale against Bandera on Friday night, the Cuero Heritage Museum paid tribute to a historic Cuero squad from a century ago.
The 1926 Cuero Gobblers are celebrating their 100th anniversary season. That team ended the year with a 6-1 record and outscored opponents 99-19, recording five shutouts. The playoff system at the time was less structured than it is today. Cuero's football program originally began in 1911.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the 1926 team is that it produced two future Cuero mayors: William G. Nami and J.D. "Jack" Edgar. Nami, a former city councilman, was 37 years old when he won his election. Edgar served as mayor from 1969 to 1977. Before that, he served in the United States Army and rose to the rank of Colonel, then succeeded his former teammate Nami as mayor.
Another highly decorated individual from the 1926 squad was Lias Steen, who served as constable in Precinct 1. Norvan Cutter Dietze was also a prominent player on the 1926 Gobblers and served as DeWitt County Sheriff for 13 years. His descendant, Walker Dietze, graduated from Cuero High in 2025 and was twice named an All-State wide receiver. Dietze now plays college football for the Texas A&M-Kingsville Javelinas.
In 1926, the famed Gobblers were coached by Otto Zimmerman, who began as a math teacher and later became Superintendent of CISD. Zimmerman also coached baseball at Cuero and served in the school district for 26 years total. Before his career in education, Zimmerman was a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army during World War I.
Key Analysis
Joe Sheppard, a member of the Cuero Heritage Museum Board of Directors, commented on the team's legacy: "It's really great that not only were they a great team, but these men served their community in so many unique ways. We are really proud of all they did for others." The 1926 Gobblers' impact extended far beyond the football field, with players making significant contributions to their community and country.
Originally reported by victoriaadvocate.