Day 52: Mario Loya '92

Older brother Javier points out little bro Mario (CREDIT: Columbia College Today)

Mario Loya had the unhappy job of having to replace the great Matt Less '90 at tight end, but he managed to carve out a nice space for himself in Columbia history.

Loya wasn't exactly lonely when he arrived on campus in 1988. His older brother Javier Loya '91, who has gone on to become a part owner of the Houston Texans, was already on campus and on the varsity football team.

Two other older brothers were also college football stars, including Raul Loya who starred for Rice and then later played for the Houston Oilers.

The Loya boys all came from El Paso where they starred at W.H. Burgess High School. Mario was star at tight end and defensive end, but getting most of his All City and All District awards for his defensive play.

Mario was a big part of the 1988 freshman team that went 4-2, winning its last four games against Yale, Brown, Dartmouth and Cornell. Loya was mostly impressive as a blocker, but he had a big day with a TD reception against the Big Red in the 14-9 win that served as the '88 season finale.

As a varsity starter, Loya enjoyed just three wins in 30 games, but he made a great impression on the opposing coaches in his senior season of 1991, earning Honorable Mention All Ivy honors.

Today, Mario is at Westport Asset Management in Connecticut.