By: STEFAN MODRICH | Staff Writer
Patience paid off for Lopez soccer players Andrew Flores and Raudel Ramirez.
The pair of Lobos signed with Texas College after the school topped the scholarship offer that Western Texas College presented them with — so instead of Synder, Flores and Ramirez will continue to be teammates in Tyler, two hours east of Dallas. The Steers compete in the NAIA and the Red River Athletic Conference.
Flores, a goalkeeper, and Ramirez, a defender, met in sixth grade and became best friends in part through their shared love of athletics. They also played football for Lopez athletic director and head coach Armando Gutierrez.
“They’re ‘yes sir, no sir’ kind of kids,” Gutierrez said. “Their maturity astounded me. It’s not only on the soccer field, in the classroom, being nice kids all around, being gentlemen — they’re just stand-up kids all the way through.”
Ramirez said he and Flores grew closer because of their desire to outwork the competition and put in the time in practice on the football field, which was a new challenge for the senior, who was convinced by friends to try out for the placekicker spot.
“I think football made me a better soccer player,” Ramirez said. “Because of the commitment and dedication, and more weightlifting made me a stronger player.”
Flores said he plans to study kinesiology at Texas College and Ramirez will major in business management. Flores said he was excited to continue playing alongside his best friend, and future roommate.
“It’s a real blessing,” Flores said. “Not many people get opportunities like this. It’s honestly a blessing and I thank God for everything.”
Gutierrez organized an informational FAFSA night for student-athletes and their parents, which helped to open another door for Flores and Ramirez. The Lopez AD is a Hanna alumnus who earned a B.A. at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a master’s degree from the University of North Texas, had stints in Denton and Dallas before returning to Brownsville to assume his current position in July of 2018.
The experience Gutierrez gained gives him credibility when advising students considering attending college far from the comforting reach of family and friends. But this mission also dovetails with the standards set by Lopez principal Dahlia Aguilar to emphasize the importance of academic progress and its role in providing increased athletic opportunities to her students.
“A lot of the (students) here are talented,” Gutierrez said. “But they have this angst about leaving the valley, and it’s unique to down here. I tell them to go experience (living and learning outside Brownsville) and come back and give.”
Lopez soccer coach Amadeo Escandon said he had mixed feelings about two of his senior leaders leaving – but added he was confident they would represent the Lobos well.
“We tell everybody, please remember that at one point in your life you needed help from somebody,” Escandon said. “When you go to college and finish your career, come back and support our community. That’s super important for us.”