Eagle Pass High School proudly announces the appointment of Roger Olivas as the new Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator, heralding a fresh chapter for its esteemed football program. A graduate from the class of 1987, Olivas is no stranger to the gridiron glory that defines Eagle Pass, having once shined as a star player under the much-celebrated Friday night lights.
Olivas’s engagement with coaching young athletes began immediately following his high school graduation when he took the helm of the Eagle Pass Youth Striders. During his decade-long tenure, he honed the skills of numerous athletes, leading them to national competitions and establishing a legacy of success that would follow him throughout his career.
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The transition to football coaching came naturally to Olivas. Starting in 1995, he volunteered with the 7th-grade football team at Memorial Jr. High and was formally brought on board as a coach in 1997. His journey through the ranks of Eagle Pass High School’s coaching staff was marked by dedication and strategic acumen, particularly during his tenure as the Eagles Varsity Assistant Coach focusing on Defensive Backs starting in 1999. His role expanded in the early 2000s when he took over as the Special Teams Coordinator and eventually the Defensive Coordinator in 2006. His leadership was instrumental in crafting one of the state’s most formidable defenses, frequently recognized among the top in Texas for its minimal points allowed.
Olivas’s influence extends beyond football. He has also left a significant mark on the track and field program, leveraging his high school track experience to guide young athletes to impressive heights. As head coach from 2006, his teams have clinched numerous district championships and propelled numerous athletes to the state meets, reflecting his multifaceted coaching skills.
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Beyond his professional achievements, Olivas is a family man, deeply rooted in the Eagle Pass community alongside his wife Claudia (Perez) and their four children. The Olivas family is a fixture at local sporting events, embodying the community spirit and passion for sports that Eagle Pass is known for.
As Coach Olivas steps into his new role, he is poised to build on the solid foundation he has helped establish. With a history of excellence and a clear vision for the future, Olivas is set to steer the Eagles Football Program to new heights. His lifelong preparation for this role promises an exciting and transformative era for Eagle Pass High School football.
The community and the school express enthusiastic support and congratulations to Coach Roger Olivas. Eagle Pass eagerly anticipates the upcoming seasons, confident in the leadership and legacy that Olivas brings to the forefront of Eagle football.
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Coach Olivas has consistently been a powerful influence on many student athletes, proving himself as a mentor who not only challenges but also nurtures the potential within each individual. I am fortunate to count myself among those who have played under his guidance, as well as that of the recently retired Coach Tom Gonzalez. Coach Olivas has always extended his support far beyond the athletic fields, serving as a pivotal figure in shaping young men. His approach gives every player the confidence to perform passionately and cohesively as a team for Eagle Pass.
As the new Head Coach, Roger Olivas is perfectly poised to excel. Reflecting on my own experiences playing football and running track under his leadership—back when there was only one high school in Eagle Pass—one particular memory always stands out. It was during his tenure as Special Teams Coordinator; he asked if I would take on the role of snapper for a potential game at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The moment came to life when we played our first playoff game there. Although an injury prevented me from playing, the opportunity Coach Olivas provided was a testament to his faith in his players’ abilities to rise to the occasion. His foresight and trust in us left a lasting impression, highlighting his dedication to developing players not just on the field, but in all aspects of life.
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