The Hidalgo boys soccer team self-reported a second infraction to the University Interscholastic League on Tuesday due to a player being left off a UIL supplemental eligibility form an official with knowledge of the situation confirmed to RGVSports.com on Wednesday.
The district executive committee met Tuesday to discuss possible punishment against Hidalgo, the source said, with Hidalgo ISD athletic director Monty Stumbaugh and human resources director Albert Guerra both present.
Guerra and Stumbaugh confirmed the player in question was eligible academically and athletically, but was accidentally left off the form per the source. The findings led to the DEC voting unanimously to only issue Hidalgo the minimum punishment of a written reprimand.
The reprimand comes following a self-imposed penalty of three forfeited games earlier this season due to an ineligible player. Hidalgo head coach Zeke Morales was suspended indefinitely not long after.
RGVSports.com on Wednesday reached out to Hidalgo ISD regarding the DEC meeting and suspension of Morales. The school district responded with a statement reading, “On February 10, 2023, Hidalgo ISD employee and soccer coach, Ezequiel Morales was placed on administrative leave. As this is a personnel matter, the amount of information we can share with the public is limited.”
Hidalgo, a Class 4A state title contender, sits in second in District 30-4A with a 6-3-0 mark. They continue district play at 7:30 p.m. Friday against Vanguard Rembrandt.