BEAUMONT, Texas – J.C. Modica, a 2020 Cardinal Hall of Honor inductee, passed away earlier this month in Beaumont. Modica was one of the school's elite track and field athletes during the 1960s.
 
Born and raised in Beaumont, Modica graduated from South Park High School in 1961 before heading to Lamar University where he was a leader on the track. A four-year letterwinner, Modica led Lamar to 1963 Lone Star Conference team title after winning the individual championships in both the 120-yard and 330-yard hurdles. As a senior, Modica added one more honor to his trophy case by winning the 1964 120-yard hurdle title.
 
Following his graduation, Modica served in the U.S. Army Reserves before co-founding one of the most successful business' in Southeast Texas - Modica Brothers' Tire and Wheel.
 
Modica is the second member of the Cardinal Hall of Honor that Lamar has lost in just over a month. Last month, Lamar also mourned the passing of football great, Spergon Wynn, Jr.