Texas Border Business
EDINBURG, Texas – As COVID-19 took over the nation, millions of citizens found themselves without a job. With COVID-19 expanding throughout the country, more and more businesses were forced to close down, eventually having to permanently shut down.
The sports industry was severely impacted by leagues having to postpone seasons, many employees ended up being unemployed due to the halt in action. John Wermeling and Savannah McVoy both found themselves unemployed due to sports shutting down, constantly having to search for other sources of income.
McVoy and Wermeling came across the Rio Grande Valley FC organization while actively seeking a new job, eventually finding two posted account executive positions; two opportunities that no other sports organization were offering during a pandemic.
Wermeling has prior experience with four other USL teams; Reno 1868 FC, Las Vegas Lights FC, El Paso Locomotive FC and Forward Madison FC. After being let go due to COVID-19, Wermeling reached out to current RGV FC president, Ron Patel.
Both Patel and Wermeling had previously met at the USL Winter Summit in 2018 and stayed connected throughout. Wermeling admired what Patel had done in New Mexico and wanted to be a part of his team in the Valley.
With no idea of what the RGV would bring to him, Wermeling did not hesitate to let an opportunity with the Toros pass by. “Investing in people for the long-term growth and success of [Golden Grape Entertainment] is what excites me the most,” Wermeling mentioned. “The Valley is a special place and I can’t wait to see H-E-B Park rocking and full of community members whenever we can safely resume.”
Although Wermeling had a sense of the culture in the RGV due to his time at El Paso, McVoy had no idea how it would be. McVoy was also unemployed and resorted to a part time position at a liquor store to find end means. As the Rio Grande Valley continues to grow, she wanted to be a part of the growth that involved the club.
McVoy took on a risk as she made her move from Kentucky to South Texas. “I am grateful for this opportunity that I have been given and can’t wait to take the Toros to the next level,” McVoy said.
