Head boys soccer coach steps down

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Gonzales’ inaugural head boys soccer coach Greg Ramirez ends his coaching career with a career record of 101-20-8.

In a message posted on social media, Ramirez announced, “it was a fun ride being able to coach my Apache boys soccer team for six years. I had a blast. Ended my career here in Gonzales with a career record of 101-20-8. Wow, what a record. See y’all down the road somewhere.”

“We’re going to miss coach,” Gonzales athletic director Mike Waldie said of the move. “I don’t know if thank you is a big enough word for all he’s accomplished as our inaugural head coach for the Apache soccer program. It’s bittersweet with him not being able to go out with a possible state championship this year, which i think was truly a possibility with this team.”

This week, the Texas Association of Soccer Coaches (TASCO) ranked Gonzales as the fourth best team in Region IV-4A behind Liberty Hill, Progreso and Austin Eastside Memorial.

Waldie noted that the season wasn’t officially over yet, as they await word from the governor and from the University Interscholastic League (UIL). 

Ramirez was hired in June 2014 as the inaugural coach of the boys soccer team by then athletic director Kodi Crane. When reached out by the Inquirer, Crane explained why he chose the rookie coach to head the program.

“The reason why we chose Greg, he had his soccer knowledge and background,” Crane said. “He was from here and knew the kids. He had a passion for it and so we gave him the opportunity and he absolutely made the most of his opportunity.”

The success the program was a bit of a surprise for Crane.

“We had no way to see how quick or how good [we can be],” he admitted. “Whenever you start a new program, there's a growing curve to that new program. We immediately had success and I think the first year in UIL is when we went to the regional semifinals. There is no way we could foresee that.”

Their first loss ever came at the end of their outlaw/non-playoff season, a 3-1 loss to Rockport-Fulton. The next season, the Apaches were eligible to make the playoffs, going 9-1 to become district champions and then reaching the Region IV-4A semifinals, losing to Progreso.

The Apaches were state-championship contenders season after season with Ramirez as their head coach.

“We can’t thank him enough,” Waldie said. “I, as a friend in the last year, have gotten to know Greg. He’s a wonderful man. We wish him and his family all the best.”

Gonzales now searches for a new coach to lead the dominant Apaches soccer program. Waldie explained that he’ll start the search “with Apache family and work our way out from there.”

“We’ll find the best candidate for the best fit for our program,” he added.

One point Waldie did mention on finding a new coach is the ability to be more involved in fall sports. Waldie cited the success of Adrian Rodriguez, Ivan Reyna and other soccer athletes who have had success in football and cross-country as a reason why most if not all of the players should be involved in more than one sport.

“We want to get more and more crossovers from cross-country and football, if only it’s good prep for their soccer situation, and carry that over into some distance and some track and possibly even baseball success,” Waldie explained.

Ultimately, the Apaches want a chance at the Lone Star cup, becoming the best athletic program in the state. Crossovers such as having the soccer players compete in cross-country and track and field, is one way of achieving that goal.

For now, Waldie begins his search for “a new leader” for the boys team.

“We’re looking for the best fit for our entire athletic program.”

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