Press Release: Courtesy of UISD and UISD Texas State University Intern Gabriella Cruz
United ISD high school and middle school coaches kicked off their athletic school year at the Coaches Convocation at United South 9th Grade Campus this week.
District leaders - all of whom had been impacted by sports in some way - sent them these messages: “You’re a lifeline for students who face tough circumstances. You work tirelessly and make big personal sacrifices for your teams. You change the lives of kids who never dreamed they could make it - in sports or life.”
Athletics Director Roberto “Bobby” Cruz, Jr. told all the coaches that they excel in what has become a year-round format for sports programs.
"Our coaches play an important role because if we have successful teams, then their schools are successful. You know, if we have successful sports programs, not just sports, but like band also, fine arts...if we have successful programs, then we have a lot of school spirit. And that's contagious. Then it reflects on testing, on scores, and all of our schools are good schools," Cruz said during a break.
Cruz said that the annual gathering is a time to update coaches on standards, expectations and changes in the law.
"Honestly, I think all of our coaches are really competitive, so right now is a good time for us to come together and have lunch, break bread, and have a spirit of camaraderie before we compete. And that way, when we leave here, we're all together as one UISD family," he added.
First-year coaches were recognized as well as Oscar Villasenor, assistant football coach and teacher at United High School, who has been coaching 52 years.
Despite his breadth of experience, Villasenor said he still learns from the annual convocation and appreciates the time spent with the other coaches.
“You always learn something new everyday. I mentor young coaches we have at United from our middle schools. We teach the kids to do the right thing, make the right choices. I was a head coach for 30 years, the last 9 years was at LBJ,” Villasenor said.
“We were like father figures, counselors. We are here for one thing - student athletes and for them to do good and become leaders in our community and become better human beings - they may become leaders of our state or our country,” he added.
School Board members and district leaders present at the convocation include: District 2 Board Member Rodolfo “Rudy” Gonzalez, Jr., District 7 Board Member Dianelle Martinez, Superintendent Dr. Gerardo Cruz, Associate Superintendent Rebecca Morales, Associate Superintendent Mike Garza, and Associate Superintendent for Human Resources David Canales.
Athletics Director Roberto "Bobby" Cruz, Jr. addressed the coaches.
United ISD coaches gathered at the Coaches Convocation this week.
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