West Texas United soccer club Press Release - www.midland.rockhounds.milb.com
Thursday, October 09, 2008
MIDLAND, TX - The ownership and staff of the new West Texas United soccer club are very familiar with operating a sports franchise. The playing fields of the United Soccer Leagues, on the other hand, will be "uncharted territory" for the league’s newest entry. The franchise, therefore, is turning to a man very familiar with the USL to lead the team. Jesus Enriquez has been named head coach of West Texas United soccer club.
Enriquez brings more than 30 years of soccer experience, and a successful track record in the USL, to the new West Texas United franchise.
The native of Delicias, Chihuahua, Mexico brings a decade of coaching experience to the new franchise, nine of those seasons coming with the El Paso Patriots of the USL. Enriquez served as an assistant coach with the club from 1998-2002, and was named head coach in 2003, guiding the Patriots to a pair of division titles in four seasons. His 2005 team reached the PDL championship game, falling in overtime (6-5 on penalty kicks after a 0-0 draw in regulation time) in the title game.
Last season Enriquez, also known as Chuy (pronounced "chewy"), was head coach for Indios USA of the National Premier Soccer League. The club, based in El Paso, finished second in the Southwest Conference and won the USASA (United States Adult Soccer Association) National Cup, a 32-team tournament.
Along with his extensive background in the USL and PDL, Enriquez is no stranger to soccer in the Permian Basin. He has worked with youth soccer players in Midland for the last two years and has a strong relationship with the University of Texas Permian Basin, having sent players from both Mexico and El Paso to UTPB.
"No matter who we asked, what we heard about Jesus was that he is not only a great coach, he’s also a great person," said Monty Hoppel, the franchise’s general manager.
"His passion for soccer is so impressive, and he’s a teacher of the game, which we think is critical at this level (the majority of players in the PDL are between the ages of 18 and 23). We believe Jesus will bring the kind of commitment we’re looking for, both on the field and in the community."
Enriquez’ playing career (see right) included two stints with the Patriots in El Paso (1991-94 and 1997), twice being named the team’s captain. He also played for USL clubs in El Paso (the Gallos) and Phoenix, as well as the Mexican First Division, and was a member of the 1985-86 Mexican University National Team which competed in the World University Games in Kobe, Japan.
Along with teaching soccer to kids of all ages (he was Youth Soccer Director for the Patriots), Enriquez has extensive experience in coordinating tournaments and camps.
The soccer club is owned by Midland RockHounds co-owners Miles Prentice and Bob Richmond, and will be staffed by the baseball club’s front office. The team is a member of the United Soccer Leagues and will compete in the USL’s Premier Development League (PDL), beginning in April of 2009 at Grande Communications Stadium.
Athletic training for the soccer club will be provided by PhyTex Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine Associates. PhyTex has built an outstanding track record in West Texas, working with the Odessa Jackalopes hockey team (originally founded and owned by the RockHounds), Midland Christian athletic teams, McCamey Independent School District (ISD) varsity teams and junior high teams in the Ector County ISD.
Jim Carlson is PhyTex’ administrator, and Greg Andis (longtime Athletic Trainer for the Jackalopes hockey club) serves as Director of Sports Medicine.
"Athletic training is critical in any sport, and we’re in great hands with PhyTex," Hoppel said. "Jim (Carlson) and Greg (Andis) and the staff are outstanding professionals and they really care about the quality of the service they provide."
This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.
