After nearly two decades at the helm of Hidalgo’s boys soccer program, Ezequiel “Zeke” Morales is moving on.
The state champion head coach is headed to Valley View next year, officially signing his contract to take over the boys soccer program, Valley View ISD superintendent Silvia Ibarra confirmed to RGVSports.com on Wednesday.
“Yes, we hired Mr. Morales at Valley View ISD,” said Ibarra in an email to RGVSports.com. “He will be teaching Spanish classes and coaching soccer.”
Morales joins the Tigers after a 17-year stint at Hidalgo, taking the Pirates to the state tournament during his first year in charge in 2007. He led Hidalgo to its first state championship just two years later, winning the Class 4A title in 2009.
This season, Morales was on pace to lead the Pirates to another state championship before being relieved of his duties late-February. The Pirates went on to win their second state championship in April, with the players celebrating with Morales afterwards.
Morales takes over a Valley View program with a long history of success. Since 2013, the Tigers have made the state tournament five times, tied for most all-time in the Valley with Brownsville Lopez.
One thing that has evaded the Tigers has been a state championship, failing to make it past the semifinals during all but one of their state tournament appearances. Their lone state championship game berth came in 2014, falling 2-1 to Northwest Nelson.
Morales will look to get the Tigers back into the state tournament after having their season ended in the bi-district round of the playoffs each of the past two seasons.
“I’m excited to be a part of the Valley View school district,” Morales said. “I know I come to a soccer program that has been successful in recent years. I’m ready to come and add to their winning traditions.”
