RIO HONDO — Jose Meza is having a year to remember on both the football field and the soccer pitch.
In 11 games as a kicker for the Rio Hondo Bobcats football team, the junior scored 67 points with his longest field goal coming from 35 yards our. For his efforts, Meza was named to the Class 4A Texas Sports Writers Association (TXSWA) team of the year.
On the soccer pitch, the Bobcats’ inaugural soccer season has gone better that anticipated. Meza has tallied 18 goals through all competitions, with eight goals coming in district games.
Currently the Bobcats stand in third place in District 31-4A with a record of 2-2.
The Valley Morning Star sat down with Meza to talk about his athletic accomplishments.
Q: How does it feel to be included on the TXSWA all-state football team?
A: I feel honored to have been named to the team. I have put a lot of time and effort to learn how to kick field goals and this was the first year that I played football.
Q: What has been the biggest transition to get used to from football to soccer?
A: One of the biggest transitions to get used to from football to soccer is playing a game that I like to play a game that I love.
Q: This is Rio Hondo’s first soccer program. What does it mean to you and your team to be the first class?
A: I want to thank all the people that made this program possible. It means a lot to all of us to be the first class because we want to be remembered as the first ones that won the district title.
Q: Were you always interested in soccer or did you just recently get into the sport?
A: I have always been interested in soccer since I was a child. My dream has always been to be a professional soccer player.
Q: What club do you root for and why?
A: I root for FC Barcelona because the best player, Leo Messi, plays for them and I look up to him because when he was young his grandmother told him he was going to be the greatest player of all times and he believed it, so he worked hard and never gave up on his dreams.
Q: Who would win a fight between Spiderman, Batman, Iron man or any other super hero?
A: I believe Batman would win because he could use his batarang to outdo Spider-Man.
Q: What words of advice or encouragement do you have to share with younger athletes that want to get into sports?
A: To work hard and never give up on your dreams, and keep your grades up in school because if you don’t pass you don’t play.
Q: Do you have a saying or motto that you live your life by?
A: Yes, to always follow your dreams.
Q: What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from asking your coach?
A: My father passed away when I was 2 years old and my brother also passed away when I was 14.
Q: What’s your favorite song to hear before a game?
A: I hear the song “’Till I Collapse” by Eminem because it pumps me up.
