Annual Caravan now virtual
The Texas A&M University-Kingsville coaching staff was introduced to fans and alumni of Javelina Nation on Friday, Sept. 3, live on the Mendoza’s Pharmacy Javelina Sports Network.
Aside from previous years, the Coaches Caravan took place in virtual format allowing all nine Javelina head coaches to speak on behalf of their sporting teams.
Mike Salinas, head football coach, was the first to speak that morning.
“Our staff is excited to receive a little bit of normalcy with getting our kids back on campus and looking forward with getting to work with them in the weeks to come,” Salinas said. “Since the pandemic we have preached to our guys that we need to continue to control the things we can control. By shifting a new perspective, we will find a way to take advantage of the time we had. Our staff has been allowed during this time to formulate a plan and spend more time with our players.”
As athletes and staff members move forward during these trying times, several coaches discussed previous successful seasons.
Ryan Dall, head track and field coach, spoke out on the accomplishments of multiple walk-on athletes.
“Many athletes are not developed in high school and as a coaching staff we pride ourselves on being great technical coaches who can help further the success of those we come across at the collegiate level,” Dall said. “We have athletes like Rachel Somoye, Johnathan Harper and Dean Wallace who have come here as walk-ons and have really excelled. The key part is understanding these athletes and many others are extremely hardworking.”
Johnny Estelle, head men’s basketball coach, also shared how teamwork and unity have led his program to many victories.
“The leadership within last year’s team, those five seniors, the families and the character…” Estelle said, “I am a firm believer that winning starts at home. With the support of their families and the institution, culture and tradition is received. Our men feed from that and remain on the same page, everyone wanted to win.”
Before the day was over, Steve Roach, executive director of athletics and campus recreation, spoke about the return of fall conditioning and team practices.
“A plan is currently being implemented now, the first two weeks were focused on testing all student athletes and we are preparing to begin a re-phase plan,” Roach said. “Every couple weeks we will start with some conditioning and weight training because we have to remember that our student athletes did not all have the same opportunities within the last six months. We will take it slow and re-evaluate every two weeks, hoping by mid-October we will be in full swing.”
Supporters, families and Javelina alumni are awaiting the return of normalcy within the athletic program of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.
