Marble Falls boys soccer Hoover, Bussaraporn participate in all-star game

CAPTON: Former Marble Falls boys soccer head coach Rick Hoover (left) and senior Kash Bussaraporn represent the community at the Texas High School Coaches Association’s all-star game. Courtesy photo

The Texas High School Coaches Association tabbed former Marble Falls High School boys soccer head coach Rick Hoover to coach its Region IV all-star team that included senior Kash Bussaraporn on the roster.

Though their Region IV team lost 4-3 to Region III, Hoover, who “retired from coaching” a few weeks ago, said he enjoyed the experience and especially enjoyed having Bussaraporn on the team, too.

Each roster featured seniors representing Classes 4A, 5A and 6A, and the match was played at the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio May 11.

“It was fun,” Hoover said. “(The roster is assembled) by position. We had a good time. It was a good mix. You had kids from all levels playing together. It was a lot of fun. Several of the kids knew many of the other kids. It was a great experience. I’m glad Kash got to experience it and do it. He had three or four quality shots and almost scored. I was hoping he would get one. It was a really good day for everybody.”

One member of the Region IV team was Rockport-Fulton’s Cristobal DeLeon, who scored 57 goals during the 2024 season. He scored 2 of his all-star team’s 3 goals.

Members of the coaches association voted on which players and which coaches were invited to participate in the all-star game.

“Most of the coaches had one of their own kids picked to play,” Hoover said. “They invite you. I had no input on the kids picked for my team. You don’t know all the kids. You put them in positions and let them have fun.”

He noted the talent on the field was indicative of the talent in the state. In short, it was terrific to watch great athletes perform with and against other great athletes.

“It was an event and celebrated,” Hoover said. “They had boys games and girls games going on. It was a good way to end the school year.”

This is the second time Hoover has coached one of the all-star teams. The first time was in 2018 when Christian Ammons was on the team. Last year Fernando Arreguin represented Marble Falls and played before he graduated.

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