January 6, 2017- After committing himself to education and student athletes for 4 decades, Mission Consolidated Independent School District (CISD) Athletic Director (AD), Joe Sanchez has decided it is time to re-direct his focus. Sanchez says he will officially retire from Mission CISD and education at the end of June 2017.
Sanchez indicated he plans to take a break and then play it by ear after that. During that break, Sanchez said he sees himself tackling lots of personal projects, spending time hunting and fishing, and spending time with family; especially his grandchildren.
Sanchez said he always wanted to hit that 40 year mark and still be able to retire while young enough to enjoy things. However, he admits he knows he will greatly miss working as a part of a team as well as the camaraderie with the district’s athletic coordinators and coaches.
Sanchez came to Mission CISD as the athletic director (AD) in January 2008. He said his original goal he set for himself when he started as a Math teacher and coach at Alpine Junior High School in Alpine ISD was to someday become an AD. Upon reaching that goal at Mission CISD, Sanchez did not kick back. He quickly began addressing what he felt were the needs of student athletes in the district. “I am most proud of being a part of a team of administrators that has been able to work on making major improvements to athletic facilities,” Sanchez said. “That has included everything from tracks and turf, to scoreboards, new field houses for Mission High School and Veterans Memorial High School, to the renovation of Tom Landry Stadium that is about to begin. That will include seating that meets the latest ADA requirements to a new press box.
Looking back over 40 years of work, Sanchez said he feels good about how his career progressed over that time. He said it really allowed him to grow, personally and professionally, each step of the way.
A graduate of Rio Grande City High School in 1972, Sanchez attended Sul Ross State University. He earned both a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree. His various positions in teaching and coaching have led him from his start in Alpine ISD to Sul Ross State University, back to Alpine, to McAllen High School, PSJA High School, Hidalgo High School, PSJA Memorial High School, and then to Mission CISD.
During the 2016-2017 school year, we may no longer see Sanchez along the sidelines and courtside at games and meets. However, Sanchez said he does plan to keep tabs on the Mission CISD teams and will occasionally be among the faces in the stands cheering on the student athletes of his longtime home, and professional home of Mission CISD.
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