More To The Story: Red Wolves Head Coach Jimmy Obleda

Dave Staley finds out how he turned Chattanooga's pro soccer team into playoff contenders

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The U-S-L League One playoffs begin this weekend!

Chattanooga will host North Texas at C-H-I Memorial Stadium, in the quarterfinal round.

It’s been a really good season for the Red Wolves, in part, because of a head coach that has a close relationship with his players.

One in particular.

News 12’s Dave Staley gives us “the skinny!” With tonight’s edition of More To The Story.

It’s a cool, chilly morning at the Red Wolves Stadium. Chattanooga going through a 90 minute workout.
Under the watchful eye of second year head coach Jimmy Obleda.
Obleda has known some of these players for a long time. None longer than Ricky Ruiz, the Wolfpack’s star defender.

DAVE STALEY, NEWS 12 NOW;
“Ricky Ruiz turns 25 later this week. He joined the Red Wolves in 2020. 2021, his second season, turned out to be a banner year. He led the USL League One in assists.”

That’s no surprise to Obleda. You see, Jimmy has known Ricky, and coached him, since he was 9 years old. And watched him grow into a professional. Like a proud father.
So is it tough to coach someone who’s like a son? Kind of!

JIMMY OBLEDA, CHATTANOOGA HEAD COACH;
“It’s hard in some aspects. He’s probably heard every speech I’ve ever given. But it’s also challenging. How do I keep him sharp?”

RICKY RUIZ, CHATTANOOGA DEFENDER;
“I know every word he says. Every story. Every speech.”

Ruiz says he knows exactly what his coach is like. And what he wants. And expects. That’s why he had his eye on the Red Wolves after Obleda became the head coach.
But make no mistake. Both emphasize it was not a “gimme.” Ruiz had to earn his spot on the team. Relationship or not.

JIMMY OBLEDA, CHATTANOOGA HEAD COACH;
“This is a professional soccer environment. If he wasn’t good enough, he wouldn’t be here. There’s many others I’ve coached over the years that aren’t good enough. That’s the reality of it.”

RICKY RUIZ, CHATTANOOGA DEFENDER;
“It’s like any other job. If you want to succeed, you must work hard.”

Obleda says Ruiz is one of the most persistent players he’s ever coached. He’s also witnessed a lot of Ricky Ruiz birthdays. Did I mention that birthday thing?

From East Ridge, Dave Staley, News 12 Now