The Jr. Voks Exhibit a Lineage of Servant Leadership

It is Saturday morning on a sunny September day. Rosedale Park on the Westside of San Antonio has some new occupants as the Jr. Voks are hosting the South Texas Punishers in the NAJIFF affiliated youth football matchup. On this day, Joe Sanchez, commissioner of the Jr. Voks in his third season at the helm, has pulled off a logistical feat. “We got the call on Thursday that we could not use the field at Lanier,” said Sanchez. Due to COVID-19, the Jr. Voks haven’t called Lanier High School home in quite some time. There have been multiple locations and Sanchez has had to manage a highly successful program with a flurry of challenges. Yet, for this organization, the fabric of the community always finds a way by leaning on the concept of servant leadership.

Photo by Yvan Salazar: Jr. Vok players prepare to run through their banner as the flag bearers of the team.

The Jr. Voks Impact

The organization known as the Jr. Voks serves the 78207 community, most notably the attendance zone of Lanier High School. It is a comprehensive organization that provides cheer and football participation opportunities for youth ages 5–12-years-old. Founded in the early 90’s, Gene Ramos served as commissioner until the torch was passed to now acting commissioner in Sanchez. Through that time, the community found a way to bring a sustained excellence in the Jr. Voks and a pipeline of talented and savvy football players to the Varsity football team that is the Lanier Voks. Currently there are 20 players that contribute to the 4-1 Voks, with Jr. Voks Alum Xavier Tellez (Quarterback #8) serving as the offensive captain, and Adam Alvarado (Linebacker #40) serving as the defensive captain.

Year-in and Year-out, there are a stable of contributors for the Voks that started as a Jr. Vok. The greatest examples of contributors are three of the All-Time Leader rushers for the Lanier Voks named Isaac Cervantes (2011), George Gamez (2002), and Josh Gamez (2008). Each one of these players were not only statistical nightmares for high school defenses, but some of the Vok’s greatest winners. Yet the greatest example of contributions for these men and others alike was their commitment to give back to the Jr. Voks. This is a family affair, and each gave back post high school.

Fact is, the Jr. Voks are so rooted in the fabric of the community that one could surmise they are as much an impact to the success of the Voks as iconic Head Football Coach Don Gatian, whom has been at the helm since 1998.

The symbiotic relationship of the Jr. Voks and the Lanier Voks are an intricate web of servant leadership, volunteerism, and acts of kindness. There are many occurrences when a player has ended his career competing as a high school player, then turn to coaching within the Jr. Voks ranks. A.J. Apreciado, Malachi Apreciado, and Fabian Castro are some of the latest young men to do so. But they represent a lineage of adults that have served in the role of youth coach for cheer and football. In an article by Patricia L. Guerra and Leonard A. Valverde, they share that in Latino communities, particularly the lower-end of social economics, getting the community buy-in from the adults is what transcends schools and organizations. Embracing the community, empowering adults through knowledge, and practicing servant leadership are essential to building support and aspiring to excellence. Consequently, the foundation of the Jr. Voks relies heavily in their community leaders of coaches and sponsors that volunteer an enormous amount of their time to ensure that each member of the Jr. Voks have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Photo by Yvan Salazar: AJ Apreciado (Left) and Malachi Apreciado (Right) are brothers that played for the Jr. Voks, Lanier Voks, and now volunteer as a Coach.

The Jr. Voks Are Needed More Than Ever

In a time of uncertainty, youth sports need a seasoned organization to lead their youth through these challenging times. There are many young organizations that lack the infrastructure needed to endure. Organizations like NAJIFF’s Jr. Voks and Columbia have demonstrated their excellence through time promoting continuity, resolve, and confidence that they are exemplars in a crowded youth sports industry.

Children in America need sports. In a recent article on the positive effects of youth sports, life-changing skills are cited as the indicator of success through youth sports. Children develop healthy exercise habits at an early age and the participation in sports promotes social and soft skills that increases the internalization of these skills which will be carried through life-long tools that tie-into success. However, the Jr. Voks provide more than just skill development. With the dynamics of lower-social economic variables, many of these youth turn to the Jr. Voks to be a savior to their physical and mental health. “My heart breaks when I come across kids that tell me a random reason on why they love it here; one kid told me that ice-water was a luxury at his home,” exclaims Sanchez. “I wondered early why he took every opportunity be around the water,” states Sanchez. Sanchez is quick to point out that he and his staff are much more than coaches; to some kids, they are the surrogate parents that provide stability beyond the tough love. They are true agents of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.

Photo by Yvan Salazar: Jr. Voks Cheerleaders encourage the fans to cheer during one of the games.

Help Your Local Youth Organizations

The invaluable contributions of the Jr. Voks have surpassed the zip code of 78207. There are many student-athletes that do not attend Lanier High School and have become contributors to other communities. All people within reach of this article are encouraged to donate money, time, or assets to organizations like the Jr. Voks. “For us we have challenges on securing a safe field,” states Sanchez. The ability to impact communities through a youth organization goes a long way. Volunteering your time is always encouraged but donating resources to update facilities or equipment are essential for the safety of the youth. If you are interested in donating or volunteering for the Jr. Voks, please email Joe Sanchez or Laura Ruiz for direct contact to the leadership team.