Cancer Fight Boosts Harlan's Eddie Salas' Faith and Strength

Even though the Christmas traditions at Eddie Salas' house remained the same this year, there was a noticeably different atmosphere. ...

Even though the Christmas traditions at Eddie Salas' house remained the same this year, there was a noticeably different atmosphere.

The children awoke and unwrapped their presents. The family gathered for a large breakfast. Everyone had a chance to reconnect. The atmosphere was filled with joy, appreciation, and comfort. This was a significant contrast to the previous Christmas Eve, when Salas — Harlan's head football coach since 2017 — discovered he had cancer.

This was unique because I was able to appreciate it," Salas said. "No stress. No pressure. I was grateful to God for granting me this new chance to be alive, healthy, and living well, and having a testimony of it.

Salas was diagnosed with Stage 4 large B-cell lymphoma in his bones. The positive news was that it had not spread to his organs or soft tissues. Following six months of chemotherapy, Salas found out he was cancer-free in July.

In December, a third PET scan revealed that he remains in remission. Apart from a treatment aimed at strengthening his bones, Salas mentions that everything is "back to normal."

It has been an impressive return to "normal." Salas was not fully involved in the Hawks' spring practices due to chemotherapy. This did not hinder the Hawks, who finished with a 10-2 record, including an 8-0 streak in District 28-6A, earning their second conference title in three years.

Due to that achievement, strengthened by his return to the field, the Express-News has named Salas its 2025 Sportsman of the Year.

Upon learning he had cancer on Christmas Eve in 2024, Salas and his wife, Abbey, informed their three children—Mia (20), Ethan (13), and Ava (9). The following day, he shared the news with relatives who had come to the house for the holiday celebrations.

This established a solemn mood, particularly because Salas' brother, Juan Jr., passed away from cancer 15 years prior at the age of 37. Christmas also coincided with Eddie Jr.'s birthday. Maria Salas, Eddie's mother, remained hopeful that her second son would be alright.

It might seem strange to others, but God provided me with the strength to get through it the first time, and I felt His presence during the second experience," Maria stated in August. "I was instantly filled with calmness, and He conveyed to me that this was not about death. Not this time, and I truly believed it with every part of my heart.

As Eddie and Abbey watched their children open presents from the previous year, they couldn't stop wondering if that might have been their final Christmas as a family. This Christmas, however, felt like a genuine gift.

It was much more joyful," Abbey remarked. "There was a lot to be grateful for, especially regarding everyone's health, particularly Eddie's. We didn't face this overwhelming uncertainty about what would happen because we knew the illness had an end in sight.

For Eddie, it transformed everything.

Eddie mentioned that his coaching style in 2025 was comparable to his initial approach at Edison, where he began as an assistant in 2000. Eddie noted that he became more involved and interactive with the athletes and his assistants, while still ensuring he maintained the necessary control expected of a head coach.

Every child, I'm focused, I'm coaching diligently, I'm caring even more," Eddie said. "It was one of those moments where everything was thrilling and fresh. It reminded me of those days. … It was about seeing our kids from various perspectives returning to their first year. It was definitely a new beginning in my career.

Abbey and Eddie met at Edison, where they worked as coaches and math teachers. She observed the same thing. She mentioned that her husband's behavior changed during the 2025 season.

Regarding coaching, he was somewhat more laid-back," Abbey remarked. "He focused on savoring the time with the children rather than maintaining a more professional approach.

Approximately a month prior to discovering he was free of cancer, Eddie received shocking news that Sylvia Cardenas, the former Harlandale volleyball coach, had been diagnosed with the illness. This hit close to home since Cardenas' son, Jake, has been part of Salas' team for five years.

Cardenas built an extraordinary career, not only as a volleyball coach with 608 victories over 28 years, but also as a significant role model for young women in the South Side. She passed away from cancer on June 4 at the age of 64.

Cardenas, who retired in 2016, regularly went to numerous Harlan football matches with her husband Richard. Harlan created helmet stickers that pay tribute to Cardenas. The Hawks honored their season in her memory. Jake mentioned that his mother frequently inquired about Eddie's well-being.

We needed to do something for him," Eddie remarked. "I would hope someone would do the same for my kids to keep the memory going. Sylvia was present at all of our games. Whenever we traveled, she was there.

Eddie's upcoming coaching role will involve working as an assistant for the Navy All-American Bowl, set to take place on January 10 at the Alamodome. In the previous year, Salas guided Team Blue to a win in the San Antonio Sports All-Star Game held at the Alamodome.

For Abbey, Eddie's situation in 2025 deepened their belief and appreciation.

To be successful once more and face the challenge of his illness, we always said: 'This is in God's hands, and we know He always made the right choices for us and for him,'" Abbey stated. "For Him to bring about events as He did for Eddie was very comforting, knowing that He will take care of us.

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