Sanchez named A.D. at Mission

MISSION — Joe R. Sanchez is turning in his whistle after 30 years in coaching.

Sanchez, the football coach at PSJA Memorial since 1999, is taking the next step in his career after being named the new athletic director for the Mission CISD on Wednesday night at the district’s school board meeting.

Sanchez compiled a 43-51 (.457 winning percentage) overall record at PSJA Memorial and guided the Wolverines to four playoff appearances. He was approved by a 4-2 vote with one abstention and takes over the position that was vacant since Leonel Casas left to become the head football coach at La Joya in June.

“We felt like the experience with a comprehensive athletic program, the number of years of experience overseeing a full athletic program, kind of separated him from the other very good candidates,” Mission CISD Superintendent Oscar Rodriguez Jr. said. “Again, he has had experience managing a (Class) 5A high school program that includes all sports and he was ranked the highest by the committee.”

Rodriguez Jr. said he hoped Sanchez would be ready to begin his new job in time for the second school semester, but some details remained to be worked out between Sanchez and PSJA Memorial. Sanchez is expected to break the news to the Wolverines this morning.

“I’ve talked to some coaches and it’s like anything else, it’s going to take a while. I’ve been a coach all my life,” Sanchez said. “I’m sure I’m going to feel it when football season starts. Hopefully I can get over it.

“It’s the ultimate goal for a coach and it’s a real good school district.”

Neither the list of applicants nor the seven finalists for the position were available at press time.

PSJA Memorial jumped from Class 4A to 5A for the 2006-07 seasons. The Wolverines were 3-7 each season and went a combined 1-13 in District 31-5A competition.

Sanchez’s departure leaves the PSJA Memorial job open. Previously, Edinburg High opened its head coaching position before opting to retain Joey Caceres on Tuesday.

The PSJA ISD athletic director post is also open. The school district is reportedly taking applications for interim AD Richard Flores’ until Dec. 19. Flores said he has not yet applied for the position and is unsure if he will do so.

Todd Mavreles covers District 31-5A for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4451.