Aguilar Jr. is new boys' soccer coach at Spring Creek

By Ben Coley
Published in Sports on July 7, 2016 1:48 PM

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SEVEN SPRINGS -- In mid-August, Mario Aguilar Jr.'s tenure as Spring Creek boys' soccer head coach will begin with flashes from the past.

In the first two games, he will be pitted against his alma mater, Southern Wayne. Staring at him from across the field will be his mentor and former coach. It's a person who he shares a name with -- Mario Aguilar Sr.

"I haven't imagined it," said Aguilar Jr. about matching up with his father. "I've always been beside him. I've advised him on formations and plays. It's going to be something new for me, and I'm really looking forward to it."

Aguilar Jr. played a variety of positions, including left defender and midfielder, for his father until he graduated from Southern Wayne in 2008. He attended Mount Olive College on a track and field scholarship -- running mostly the 200- and 400-meter dashes and participating on some relays. He earned a degree in computer information systems and is now a technician for Wayne County Public Schools.

Aguilar Jr. said that he loves being around soccer and that becoming a head coach is something he's wanted to do for a long time. He's also prepared for the early bumps on the road to success.

"I know that in soccer, there's not always winning," Aguilar Jr. said. "You have to lose first, to win. You have to be knocked down first. I want to let them know it's okay to lose a game or two. We're going to learn from our mistakes. We're going to get on our feet and look forward with a positive mind."

A part of that preparation has been receiving coaching advice from the elder Aguilar, who has posted a 29-23-5 record over the last three seasons as the Saints' head coach.

Southern Wayne has won four straight against Spring Creek.

"He's super excited and thrilled to play with me," Aguilar Jr. said. "He's told me to be patient, and that it's not always about winning and for the players to have fun. Also, to take it seriously because you never know if (a player) may turn pro or something like that."

Aguilar Jr. takes over a program that is used to success. Spring Creek's boys have reached the quarterfinals in the playoffs each of the past five seasons. The Gators advanced to the state semifinals in 2009.

Despite the triumphs, the program has not been without its inconsistencies -- seven different coaches have guided Spring Creek since 2006.

However, Aguilar Jr. noted that he is up for the challenge, particularly facing his father.

"He's a tough guy," Aguilar Jr. said. "The past few years he has had some good players. And the knowledge that he has brought to the team has been really good. I know a lot about him and how he's going to play, so that's one of the advantages that I have over him."

And while he is looking to bring a fresh mindset and style of play to the Gators, there will be coaching techniques he will draw from his dad.

"The one thing he has always taught me is to be patient with the players," Aguilar Jr. said. "It's not always going to be how you expect it. We're going to lose a few games, but hopefully we can learn from them and bring home a trophy and something good to the school."

Aguilar Jr. has scheduled a non-mandatory practice session July 18 at 6 p.m.