Paul Gomez was promoted to Devine ISD’s new Head Football Coach, succeeding Chad Quisenberry who stepped up to be the full-time Athletic Director for the district’s boys’ and girls’ programs. Gomez not only becomes the 3rd head coach to roam the sideline for the Warhorses since 1994, he will be doing so in his own hometown.
“It feels great!” said Gomez about being named Chad Quisenberry’s replacement. “I was in shock initially as I was not expecting this to happen; I am also humbled. My heart is with this community. Coach Quisenberry has created a great legacy and he leaves as the winningest coach in Devine’s rich history. I respect what he stands for and everything he has accomplished. I’ve always wanted to be a head coach but to be able to do it for the community that I graduated from makes it extra special.”
Take notice in Coach Gomez’s wording in the above paragraph. He states he is doing it “for” the community, not just in the community. Parents and relatives of children who will play football for Devine in the future should take that part of his quote to heart. Many athletic programs have a revolving door of coaches which does not allow for the development of strong, long-lasting bonds of trust and commitment between the student/athlete and the person leading their team. It is unfortunate for the kids in those communities that they cannot experience what Devine ISD kids encounter on a consistent basis.
Gomez understands what being a Warhorse represents. While in high school, he participated for the school’s football, basketball, track, and baseball teams before graduating in 1991. In baseball, he was a 3-year 1st Team All-District selection as a 3rd baseman and pitcher. Throwing the discus for the track team earned him a Regional Qualifier appearance.
As a lineman for the Warhorse football team, Gomez made college scouts take notice. Paul was named All-District, All-Southwest Texas, and All-Greater San Antonio during his high school career. Murray State signed Gomez to play offensive guard. During his time with the Racers, he was a valuable member of its Ohio Valley Conference Championship in 1995.
Upon graduating from Murray State, Pearsall ISD hired Gomez for the 1999-2000 school year. Former AD/Head Football Coach Dean Bates presented the opportunity for Gomez to teach and coach in his hometown for the 2000-2001 school year. That chance was too appealing to turn down. He taught one year in the middle school before moving to the high school campus. He has coached the varsity defensive line in each of his 17 years.
Upon Rick Stewart’s retirement 7 years ago, Gomez began coaching the varsity offensive line and he also became the Special Team’s Coordinator during that same season. Although 2017 will be Gomez’s first as a head ‘football’ coach, he has been a head coach in other sports previously.
Gomez led the Warhorse baseball team from 2003 to 2006, winning 3 District Championships and 4 Bi-District titles. After the 2006 baseball season, opportunity knocked once again, this time to start up the Powerlifting program. In the 11 years since, he has produced 95 regional qualifiers and has had 11 qualify to lift at State Competition, with 4 of those coming home as a medalist.Gomez will remain the Warhorse and Arabian powerlifting head coach.
Warhorse football players are known to be tough, both physically and mentally. Coaching in one’s hometown can be tough and pressure-packed, especially in Devine with the success the Warhorse program has achieved since the beginning of the 1994 season. Gomez takes this fact in stride, “I think there is pressure in every head coaching position. My staff and I will mold these young boys into men. It is okay to get knocked down from time to time, but more importantly, get back up to compete. This continued attitude will help us overachieve as season’s go by. Our program’s unity will also make us strong. Being a family will hold us together through the tough times so we can experience great times.”
It is a well-known fact throughout the coaching fraternity in the state of Texas that the Devine Warhorse staff is tight knit. Coach Bates began that camaraderie in 1994 and Coach Quisenberry kept that legacy rolling into 2017. Longevity and continuity of the coaching staff has created a solid foundation for Gomez to continue to build upon. Trust will never be nor has it ever been an issue. There will be changes but the loyalty will remain constant.
“This staff is going to do great,” said Gomez. “We are all very good friends and I think that fact is important as we move forward. This staff takes great pride in wearing the maroon and gold, whatever the sport. Our kids see the dedication from our staff which makes them want to represent this community every Thursday and Friday night. We are going to continue to put a product on the field that Devine can be proud of.”
Warhorse Nation, you have a new “Chief”! His heart bleeds maroon and gold. His goals for Devine football are the same as yours. Allow him be the leader he is, support him and his teams with all of your might, and put your trust and faith into him. Gomez will do those exact, important things with his coaching staff, his players, and his community.
Paul is married to the former Cassandra Flores. They have 3 sons. Matthew, 10, is a 4th grader at Devine Intermediate while Marcus, 7, is in 1st grade at Ciavarra Elementary. Mason, 1-year old, stays at home with Cassandra.
Jerel Beaty
Staff Writer
