BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
HIDALGO — For the fourth time in six years, a new man is in charge of the Hidalgo Pirates.
The Pirates’ new headman is Monty Stumbaugh, who coached the last 16 seasons at Port Isabel. During his tenure at PI, Stumbaugh only missed the playoffs twice.
That level of competition was palpable for the players as Hidalgo opened practice on Monday.
“He’s a strict coach,” senior running back Victor Alanis said in Spanish. “But he is a good teacher, and I believe under him, we will win.”
“He’s a fun guy, but he is very strict,” junior quarterback Marco Bella added. “He wants us to become a unit, and I think he is making us better.”
“It’s been a good change to the coaching staff,” senior safety Andre Busby said. “I like him. He knows what he is talking about. He knows what he is doing. He is a good guy, and he is easy to talk to.”
Monday was Stumbaugh’s first opportunity to address the squad as a whole before a team practice. His message was direct and honest.
“There are 22 spots,” Stumbaugh said. “They are going to have to show me and show our coaches what they have, and we will go from there. We are excited to get out here and get started.”
Several of the previous coaches at Hidalgo came in with momentum and a solid plan. Stumbaugh’s chance to stand out from his predecessors will depend on the performance of his players.
A large part of that will rely on the execution of his quarterback, Bella. This will be Bella’s first year starting at the position. Last year, he played mostly wide receiver and defensive back, and in his freshman campaign he was the backup quarterback.
“I’m glad that coach trusts me, and I am going to work hard to help this team,” Bella said.