By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Leon returning as CV boys soccer coach after contemplating stepping down
Hawks have won six league championships in seven-year span
oleon2.tiff
Central Valleys varsity boys soccer team has participated in the section finals four times under head coach Omar Leons guidance. - photo by DALE BUTLER/The Courier

Omar Leon was speaking out of frustration after announcing his plans to step down as head coach following the top-seeded Central Valley High School varsity boys soccer team's 3-2 loss to No. 3 Christian Brothers in the Sac-Joaquin Section Division-III title game on Nov. 16 at Stockton's Stagg High School.

"I'm done for sure," Omar said when asked if he would be directing the Hawks next season. "The kids need a new voice on the sideline; maybe someone that can play long ball like the teams that have beat us. I want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem."

For the fourth time under Leon's guidance, Central Valley advanced to the section finals and lost.

The Falcons also snapped the Hawks' team-record 20-game winning streak.

"I don't know what to say," Leon stated. "It's very frustrating to walk out of here again with the same feeling. It's the only game we haven't been able to win. It's become an obsession. I'm still trying to find the answers. I don't have any."

Central Valley had a banner year in 2013 despite falling short in the section finals.

The Hawks posted a program-best 26-2-0 overall record, captured their sixth straight conference title and qualified for the postseason for the seventh consecutive year.

Central Valley also accomplished another first by compiling a perfect 12-0-0 record in Western Athletic Conference play.

"I want to thank all of the players, families, teachers and staff for supporting the kids," Leon said. "I give the players all the credit. We had a good season thanks to them."

On the doorstep of history, the Hawks were denied a storybook ending to the 2013 season.

Central Valley wanted to add its name to the Sac-Joaquin Section history books.

The Hawks had to settle for runner-up honors as well in 2012, 2010 and 2009.

"We wanted to reward our coach," Central Valley senior midfielder Ozzie Ramos said. "He deserved a section title. He's suffered getting to the finals and losing."

"Mr. Leon's a great coach," Hawks senior striker Omar Orozco said. "He helped everybody. He brought our confidence up. He's wanted that section title since the school was built. I tried to help him get it."

"Nobody died," Leon said. "Death is the only thing that doesn't have another tomorrow. Life keeps going. You got to move on. Even though we didn't win the section championship, we improved. We have one of the best programs in the area."