The Leaño surname is a symbol of dedication at Tecos FC, a club that in its best years, conquered a League title in the top national soccer league.

23 years after that championship, it disappeared and was reborn in the Third Division, where a 16-year-old boy named Juan Pablo Leaño carries the responsibility of a surname that has been a symbol of the institution.

Son of Juan Carlos Leaño, former defender of the team from Jalisco, Juan Pablo hadn't even been born when they were champions, but today, defending their colors, he achieved his first important success: reaching the Final of the division and earning the right to be promoted to the Second Division.

"We are very happy because it was two years of preparation, in search of this goal which was promotion. Last year we were eliminated in the Quarterfinals and that was a thorn in our side," the young player shared with La Afición.

During his childhood, he had to endure the criticism that his father received for being the son of the owner and for playing in almost every match as a professional; however, this didn't influence Juan Pablo, who is even prepared to receive the same kind of judgment.

"Carrying this surname is a great responsibility, I experienced it since my dad was playing. It toughens you up from a young age, there were criticisms towards my dad and they will always be there for me. The truth is that I am prepared, I am ready and I know that I can achieve something beautiful like my dad did," he warns.

Juan Pablo plays as a defensive midfielder in the team led by Rodrigo Ruiz, a coach whom he respects for the wisdom he shares among his teammates and for the love with which he once also defended this jersey, to the point of not resigning when they were eliminated two years ago.

"Pony himself was the one who said from day one 'I want to stay and get rid of this thorn', and here we are. After two years of being with him, he is a person who has become very important to me and all my teammates. All the experience he lived in the First Division will undoubtedly always leave you something. He deserves it for everything he has done for this team as a player and coach," Leaño pointed out.

OPEN TO OTHER OPTIONS

Juan Pablo will always have the colors of Tecos in his heart, as he says, it is a team "that I have loved since I was born"; however, to fulfill his dream of playing in the First Division, he knows that at any moment he could leave the team.

"I am always open to possibilities, I would love to be promoted with this team, to have that responsibility, but if it has to happen elsewhere, I am open to searching, and if it's here, it will be a great joy for me and my whole family," he concluded.

Tecos and Club Sporting Canamy will play the Final of the Third Division, although both teams have already secured their spot in the promotion playoffs to Ascenso Mx.