By STEFAN MODRICH, Staff Writer
Brownsville Rivera midfielder Salvador “Chava” De Leon signed his intent to attend Dallas Christian College on Wednesday at Rivera, alongside teammate Kevin Zarrazagas.
A two-time captain and District 32-6A champion, De Leon also earned the district’s utility player of the year award and was named to the all-district first team during his tenure with the Raiders.
“I’m very proud looking back at the memories and accomplishments I had at Rivera,” De Leon said. “They will always be remembered and cherished. I learned a lot as a player and it’s brought me to the place where I am today, and I thank God very much (for that).”
Rivera coach Salvador Garcia lauded De Leon for his humility and discipline, as well as his versatility and ability to play several forward and midfield positions.
“It says a lot about the mentality (De Leon) has,” Garcia said. “All he wants to do is help the team.”
The Raiders’ coach said he is thrilled for two of his top seniors to get the opportunity to continue their academic and athletic careers together.
“They have been playing together for the longest time,” Garcia said. “And it is going to be a blessing for them to continue to play together at the next level.”
De Leon said he plans to major in accounting and become a certified public accountant at DCC, which is located in Farmers Branch, a northern suburb of Dallas. The Crusaders compete in Division II of the National Christian College Athletic Association.
DCC coach Dan Mariscal, a Weslaco native, has long been interested in the development and success of youth soccer in the Rio Grande Valley, and said he believes Rivera players exhibit the character and the soccer skill and intelligence he seeks to build his program.
“These kids come with the mindset that if they lose the ball defensively, they’ll get it back,” Mariscal. “Every one of these guys I’ve coached (from the Valley) has been of sound character, and that’s a credit to what Coach Garcia has done. … I think they bring that inner drive to compete for every 50-50 ball. … I think first and foremost, it’s the ability to relate to them, because I’ve been in their shoes.”
Mariscal expected his background to resonate with Valley players, and it certainly has for De Leon.
“That gave me much more comfort, knowing that I’d be going to a coach that knows where I came from,” De Leon said. “And being able to understand each other. I expect great things out of his program, and it’s very exciting to be able to look forward to it.”