SA Sports

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Zachary Rodeffer Torrionna Nesbitt Moses Hernandez Desiree Lewis Sophia Ramos

COTULLA

The Rise and Rise of a Small South Texas Town

FEBRUARY 2018

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From the Editor...

My miracle girl.

Those that have known me through my P.A. announcing career since 1996, or followed the SAsports.com website since 2001 are well aware of my daughter Sel Tope’s medical struggles. Born in 1994, she was discovered to have major heart ailments: the heart was on the right side, not the left; only two chambers of the heart worked; one lung doesn’t work; spleen issues; the list goes on, and it would make life challenging for my daughter, and our family.

To date, Sel has had 23 heart surgeries, eight of those of the open heart variety. Her last procedure was this past July. In addition, she had a brain surgery in middle school, the result of an abscess that had developed from a minor infection. But nothing has ever been minor when it comes to her health. If some sort of virus comes around, she always has to take extra precautions to not get sick. When she does get sick, it hits her harder than

most. Swine flu was our most recent memory of this. With her sense of humor, I’m sure that she gets more enjoyment out of eating bacon nowadays.

The reason that I’m bringing this up is that I want to thank you all for the prayers and thoughts over the years.

Your emails, phone calls, text messages, and visits in the hospital have been so moving on a personal, physical, and spiritual basis. I can never repay you. But it’s important to see who you’ve been praying for.

Today, Sel is 23 years old, and a graduate of Our Lady of the Lake University, a theater major with a music minor. She’s performed and directed on stage, acted at Sea World, and sung for thousands. And over the last six years, after showing no interest in SAsports.com and my Tour Stop appearances at the high schools, Sel has been working and helping me out with sales, Friday night football scores, and most importantly, the Tour Stops in which we go out to the high schools to do the announcing/music for games, pep rallies, and events. It’s a chance for those who have prayed for her to see what the power of prayer can really do.

I can never repay you. All I can offer is my sincere gratitude.

Thanks so much, God bless,

www.SAsports.com February 2018 Issue Publisher/Senior Editor Jay Tope Graphic Designer Amanda Ford sasports.amandaford@gmail.com Writers Michelle Uzoh Brittany Herrera Alyssa Novander Amanda Ford Jay Tope Kurtis Quillin Photographers Tony Morano amorano@satx.rr.com Andrew Patterson a_patterson@earthlink.net Reynaldo Holguin reynaldo.holguin@gmail.com Dan Dunn dan@dunnimages.com Robbin Cresswell robbcr@hotmail.com Ralph Mawyer rmawyer@gmail.com Subscription Orders One year (12 issues) delivered to your home or business - $60.

Ten dollars of that goes to the school booster club of your choice.

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TABLE OF C ON T E N TS February 2018 6 ICYMI : In Case You Missed It 10 Zachary Rodeffer 12 Torrionna Nesbitt 13 Moses Hernandez 14 Desiree Lewis

20 We’re Everywhere 22 Lee Girls Basketball 24 Lee Academy Boys Basketball 26 Sophia Ramos 30 Final Thoughts

COVER STORY - Pg. 15 Cotulla - The Rise and Rise of a Small South Texas Town

Cover Photo: Tony Morano

Memorial Minutemen Volleyball O’Connor Panthers Volleyball

The last time Memorial High School volleyball team won a district title was in 1975.

Many of the players’ parents hadn’t been born yet. But sharing this district title with Highlands wasn’t the result of an overnight success.

Head Coach Samantha Mendez has improved the team’s winning mentality and volleyball skills over the past three years. Junior middle blocker Tiffany Lopez, who rejoined the team after a year going to Holy Cross (in which she didn’t play volleyball) provided a solid hitting stroke for the Lady Minutemen. Much has been written about their strong junior class, and they don’t plan on waiting 42 years for another district title.

They’ve been so good for so long, it was hard to believe that they hadn’t been to the state tournament.

But the O’Connor Panthers and the only coach they’ve had in their 20 year history, Yamilet Garcia, made it to the promised land in November. They defeated

Reagan twice along the way, giving the Rattlers their only two losses all season. This team might have been the loosest team on the court she’s ever coached at O’Connor – many matches saw laughter on the court even at the toughest times - but it all resulted in a 45-5 record and three All-State volleyball players: Aspen Williams (1st team), Allison Fields (2nd team), and Naomi Sing (honorable mention).

D’Hanis Cowgirls Volleyball Antonian Apaches Volleyball

Coach Courtney Rodriguez has spent the past seven years grooming the program, and everything seemed to fall into place this season. The Cowgirls finished with a record of 29-13, with most of those losses coming at the hands of much bigger Here’s another team that schools. Four seniors went to the UIL State will be graduating, but Tournament for the first don’t expect D’Hanis to time in 2017. The D’Hanis go away any time soon.

Cowgirls broke through This program is solid as a in a big way this season, rock. plowing through the Region IV playoffs and being (photo by Lauren Robthe only team to take two erts/Times Rocord News) sets from eventual state champion Bronte in the state semifinal match.

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the Year. Winning state was never a given in 2017, but the team chemistry was there, especially in welcoming senior Maylin Garrett onto the squad. The Apaches swept Plano This was the fourth Prestonwood in the state title for Samantha state final after surviving McLure and the Antoa five-set marathon with nian Apaches, and this perennial powerhouse team might have been Dallas Bishop Lynch in the most dominant. How the semifinal. Five of the dominant? All six start- seven all-state players ers and the libero made graduate, so there will the TAPPS All-State be some rebuilding to Volleyball Team in some do, but with four state form or another, setter championships to her Mia Perales was named credit, McLure is not to 6A MVP, and McLure be counted out. was named Coach of

San Antonio Christian Boys Cross Country

In September 2017 SAsports did an article on senior Luke Estes and how he would be defending his state championship. While Luke finished second this past November at state, the rest of the team improved

their placings from a year ago to capture the TAPPS 5A team title. Knowing Estes, the team victory was a sweeter win than his individual triumph from a year earlier, the third team state title in his four years at San Antonio Christian.

Rounding out the top five for SACS was freshman Sam Blaylock (eighth), and sophomores Matthew Nellor, Joel Carlson, and Calvin Landis (14th, 15th, and 47th). With all of those underclassmen, it looks like head coach Kenny Dirkson and the Lions are in good shape for years to come.

St. Anthony Yellowjackets Volleyball

School history was made at St. Anthony Catholic High School, as Head Coach Lucy Munoz and her volleyball team won the TCAL state volleyball championship in their first year participating in the league.

It is their first-ever volleyball state championship, and was done in dominating style. The Jackets swept both Christo Rey

Jesuit and Clearlake Christian at the state tournament. Arriana Alvarado, a junior, was named MVP of the TCAL state tournament, while senior Kendall Stafford and junior Tammy Jo Grohman were named to the All-Tournament team.

It’s a great win for the program and for Coach Munoz, who just finished up her 11th year as St. Anthony volleyball head coach.

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Austin Zirkel, Medina HS Cross Country Being a state champion is nothing new for this senior, who was also the 1A state

cross country champion in 2015. But his senior year title was the first time he’s broken 16 minutes in the 5000 meter distance for cross country.

In fact, Zirkel’s time of 15:34 would have placed first in the 2A, 3A, or 4A competition. He credits this year’s success with using a conservative strategy, saving up his energy for the final kick of the race. He has plenty of college offers, but is waiting on the perfect one that would include ROTC and the opportunity to run.

Ana Ross, TMI HS Cross Country Ross is the ultimate example of the saying ‘hard work pays off’. After so many second place finishes, the senior

hit gold at the TAPPS cross country state meet this past fall. As amazing of a feat as this was, she’s on her way to making a positive difference in this world on other area.

Recently, Ross was chosen as the Student Rector of Happening #139 at St. John’s Episcopal of New Braunfels, coming up in March. She has also submitted art for the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and won Silver Key and Honorable Mention for their Western Art Competition.

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Bandera Girls Cross Country When’s the last time a Texas girls cross country team secured a fourpeat at UIL state? While you’re trying to figure out the answer, let’s just marvel the job that head coach Steve Goleman and his Bandera 4A cross country team has done.

This past fall’s team score of 73 was their lowest (in cross country, that’s a good thing) score of their four state titles. With only two

seniors (Alia Henderson, Sandy Clarkin) out of their seven-person team, can a fifth state title be out of reach? Absolutely not. And while many pictures exist of the Bandera girls team celebrating another state title, this one is even more special, with 1A state champ Austin Zirkel from Medina in the mix. Medina is only 13 miles up State Highway 16 from Bandera.

Luling Boys Cross Country The Eagles from Luling have owned the 3A state meet for eight years. That’s right, ‘eight-peat’ might not be an official word, but it’s a feat that no other Texas high school cross country team has matched – ever. Coach Mike Barnett, who will retire at the end of the school

year having coached for 31 years, couldn’t have been more proud. Seniors Buster Roberts and Leonardo Reyna led the team to a convincing 55 point win, and cementing their place as the best cross country program the UIL state meet has ever seen.

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ZACHARY RODEFFER-NEW BRAUNFELS HS SWIMMING

by Alyssa Novander It’s before 6 a.m. on an autumn morning, on a platform above a calm, glassy pane of water. An eighteen year old young man is preparing to work towards his goal of UIL gold. He lets the entertaining and lively memories of a dear friend from the past few years flash through his mind before diving into the pool to begin practice.

lifeguards at the New Braunfels Tube Chute on the Comal River.Unfortunately, this relationship, along with many others in the New Braunfels community, could only be cherished through memory after a tragic, summer night. Conrad Kuntz passed away unexpectedly on June 18, 2017 at the young age of 17.

NBHS senior and team captain Zachary Rodeffer isn’t just focused on the lightning-like time of his next race, but also the continued dedication and memory to his late teammate, Conrad Kuntz.

Although this news shocked the city and especially ones close to him, Conrad’s teammates, including Zachary, made it their mission to not let Conrad’s infectious spirit and humor go. They have physical reminders like bracelets, T-shirts, and sweatshirts, all adorned with orange, which was Conrad’s favorite color, and Conrad’s initials “C.K.”. Zachary describes these as objects “that you can look at and

Zachary Rodeffer is a New Braunfels High School four year varsity sprint swimmer and a member of Alamo Area Aquatics.

He made the varsity team as freshman,

As a true example of hard work, passion, and leadership shown through his dedication to his late teammate, Zachary has worked his way up as a top competitor, not only in New Braunfels, but in the region as well.

“I started as a freshman on varsity in the slowest lane, and just this year I am in the

“I just realized that I need to start appreciating what I have.” not an accomplishment everyone can say they’ve achieved. It was here where Rodeffer got to know a teammate that would eventually become more than that.

“Conrad and I were the only ones who were on varsity and we just really bonded, sitting in the back of the bus, just joking about anything, being freshmen, and we did the same thing sophomore and junior year. He was my swim buddy, we just kind of stuck to each other.”

Rodeffer’s description of Kuntz sounded like he was the friend everyone wants in their life.

“Conrad was silly, always happy, and joking,. I don’t think I ever saw him upset.

Even if he was complaining, he was still having a good time. Everyone wanted to be around him.”

Their relationship grew outside of school as they also worked side by side as

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say ‘I remember him.’”

Although the physical reminders are special, it is the intangible things that mean the most. Zachary does his best to keep Conrad’s spirit alive.

“I try to bring that life back as much as I can. We always try to do something he would like to do.”

With this attitude, he also learned about himself. “I need to appreciate what I have now. The last time I saw Conrad was right after work and we were making fun of each other. I just realized that I need to start appreciating what I have.”

fastest lane.”

His recent results are a testament to this incredible work ethic. Rodeffer has a personal record in the 100 yd. freestyle of 50.02 sec, 50 yd. freestyle of 22.72 sec, 200 yd IM of 2:19:98 sec, and 100 yd. butterfly of 59.99 sec.

Zachary was also only one of six qualifying swimmers to compete in the 2017 South Zone TISCA Championships. His time for the 50 yd freestyle was 23.19 sec, 100 yd freestyle was 50.79 sec, which earned him 16th place. The New Braunfels 200 yd free relay time was 1:27.94 sec, which earned them 2nd place and broke the NBHS record. On the topic of destroying records, this same relay team made up of Zachary Rodeffer, Isaac Barrera, Will Malatek, and Cole Bruns, broke another NBHS record in the 400 yd free relay with a time of 3:16.47 sec.

“We don’t want to forget him, we won’t forget him, and we can’t forget him.” “the cherry on top of all the work that [he’s] put in”.

This work ethic appears to be present in all aspects of his life as well. He is a recent Eagle Scout, earning this prestigious ranking through demonstrating exceptional character and leadership, along with an extensive service project that he planned, led, and carried out.

For his service project, Zachary chose to create an outdoor classroom at NBISD’s Ninth Grade Center, and finishing it was

“Finishing such a long program and being one of low percentage that actually finishes was something that I’m most proud of and is my biggest accomplishment.”

Rodeffer just recently committed to swim at Oklahoma Christian University, a NCAA Division 2 program under the direction of former Olympian, Josh Davis. Zachary is looking to major in Forensic Science and potentially a double major in Business.

As he finishes one leg of his life race that is high school swimming, it is sure that his next one will include some Conrad in it as well.

“Everyday I don’t wake up and say ‘I have to tell someone about Conrad’, it’s more of just ‘let’s try to keep that spark of him alive and just keep it going as long as we can.’

We don’t want to forget him, we won’t forget him, and we can’t forget him.”

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Spotlight: Torrionna Nesbitt, Steele HS Basketball

by Michelle Uzoh

and make a name for herself. All the changes she has been exposed to have given her an edge on the learning curve and put her team in a better position for victory. Her had coach, Jeffery Chatman, couldn’t agree more.

“Her growth has been tremendous. (She’s had) all kinds of d1 (division one) college interests and she was chosen as captain this year. Her decision making has grown tremendously. She’s a huge threat because she has the ability to do so much and she knows when to pass, shoot, dribble, and create more opportunities offensively. Her defenders never know what she going to do. They have to know where she’s at. She creates, she facilitates and knows when to go get a bucket,” Chatman explained.

From the sandy beaches of Los Angeles, California to the rural fields of Little Rock, Arkansas, Byron P. Steele high school’s, senior point guard Torrionna Nesbitt, is no stranger to change. The first-year team captain and Texas A&M Corpus Christi commit, is accustomed to the nomadic lifestyle because she is a product of military parents and truly learns from, expects and embraces all things new.

“So (there’s been) six. I’ve lived in six different states. Jacksonville, Florida. Little Rock, Arkansas. Virginia Beach, Virginia. Columbia, South Carolina. Los Angeles, California. (And) San Antonio Texas. I’m an only child, (and) as a military kid, I moved around a lot. I am not new to change so it’s not hard to adapt to new systems,” said Nesbitt.

She is currently in her second and final season for the Knights, located in Cibolo, Texas, A squad that is rich in a tradition of excellence. The Steele girl’s basketball team competes in one of the toughest and most competitive districts in the San Antonio area, district 27-6A. The Knights have finished each of the past two seasons ranked first in district play, first in the city and ranked within the top ten of teams within the state.

Nesbitt was able to jump right into the new and prestigious environment, adapt, grow

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The self-proclaimed military kid embraces change as “just another part of her journey.”

So when Desiree Caldwell, another talented senior point guard, joined the team following the conclusion of last season, Nesbitt wasted no time adjusting and like the final missing piece to a puzzle, Caldwell fit right in.

The pair played under the same AAU basketball organization, SA Finest, played the same position, and enrolled at the same school, so they grew to be inseparable.

“The team accepted her right away. We’re like frick and frack, definitely on and off the court.

We saw each other a lot, in the summer, playing for the same organization. (And) we were going to see each other a lot, going to the same school, so we might as well be best friends,” said Nesbitt of their relationship.

Coach Chatman believes the team chemistry was immediately enhanced with Caldwell’s addition and it helped Nesbitt to grow that much more as person and player.

“Chemistry was great on and of the court. It sets us on track to finish the year very well.

(Caldwell’s addition) encouraged Tori’s vocal leadership even more. We’re already ahead of where we were at this time last year,” Chatman said.

Steele operates their offense under a two-

point guard system, where Caldwell and Nesbitt share responsibility of the play calling and ball distribution. The pair may have similar personalities, but they have very distinct styles of play which helps them keep defenders on their toes. Their work is paying off as Steele is currently ranked number one in district, the city, and number two in the state rankings and both guards have been nominated to play in the prestigious McDonald’s All-American game.

Nesbitt’s influence transcends the basketball court and follows her into the classroom, where she is a determined straight A student and an impeccable example for her teammates.

“She’s a great student. The comments I get from her teachers are all about what a great leader she is in the classroom. Her grades are reflective of the great worker she. It’s what made her an academic All-district pick last year,” coach Chatman exclaimed.

Nesbitt plans to take the same focus, and determination with her through the rest of season this year and into college next year.

She believes her success and drive on the court are attributed to her coaches and, most importantly to her parents, and she wanted to thank them with her accomplishments and growth.

“I want to give back to my parents. They put so much time and effort into my game and getting (me) better everyday. I want to thank my parents for always pushing me, not letting me get comfortable and (teaching me) how to adapt. It made it easier. It made me a better player,” Nesbitt explained.

All the changes she’s experienced have proven to have made her stronger and it is clear that no matter what, who or where life may bring her, she’s willing and ready to succeed.

“I am not new to change so it’s not hard to adapt to the new systems.”

by Amanda Ford It’s Friday night, the air is crisp, there is excitement wafting through every branch in every tree and every true fan has their seat filled in Tiger Stadium. This has been the practice every week during football season for decades in Brackettville, Texas.

As the weeks drive on, so does the sound of the basketballs against the courts of the BHS gym, soles against the pavement of the track, and the ding of the ball against every bat closing out the sports year. In every one of their games, stand faithful BHS athletes and their adoring loyal fans sporting their black and gold gear, yelling their favorite supportive chants.

For one family in Brackett however, it is a tradition that has molded their entire way of life. Moses and Francisca Garza are Brackett High School alumni, both members of the graduating class of 1997.

Being high school sweethearts, their love for the black and gold alma mater would never fade, and the feeling has grown stronger over the years being proud parents of three children at Brackett ISD. In high school, Moses played football, breaking the rushing record for his freshman year in 1994; he humbly gives credit to his offensive line. Francisca, who is lovingly known as Chica by her friends, family and students, played softball and was a cheerleader. She not only is a teacher at BHS, she is the cheer sponsor for all squads in the Brackett district.

Pictured from left, Moses, Chica, Maximous, Marques, and Moses Hernandez.

his father, watching game tapes from his glory days and instilling in his son the art of football, Moses took to the field. To this day, his jersey, #27 has been retired in the peewee and prep world where Coach Del Bos Que reigns.

Chica has bonded with her sons in sports, watching them grow and learn.

She encourages their hard work and dedication to their crafts. In the stands, she watches her sons with pride in her eyes and prayer in her heart, all the while knowing her sons are learning much more than sports by being athletes.

With such a history, it wouldn’t shock you to know, their sons share the Hernandez sports gene. All three of their boys, Moses, Maximous and Marques, play football, basketball and baseball.

All three have played for local as well as travelling leagues.

She has taught her sons to be warriors and rise off the field winners, no matter what the scoreboard reflects. Chica has imparted upon her sons to take lessons from their greatest losses, knowing that in every instance there’s a chance to grow. Moses, their father, also shares the same mindset, saying to his boys, “whatever obstacles life hits you with, you gotta put your shoulders down and run through it.”

Moses, their oldest son, has learned from his parents’ strengths as athletes and taken it to new heights. Even from his early years in peewee and prep football, he made his presence known.

Running plays and taking lessons from

Moses has taken to this methodical custom and has become known as a warrior in his own right. He has used his ties to sports to keep his mind straight and providing the drive to move forward.

Personally, he has credited sports as an

aide to overcoming his grandmothers’ death, as he was very close to her.

“She would cheer for me louder than anyone so when the football game starts, I feel my grandma with me and the honor of playing in front of my grandparents drives me as an individual to flourish.”

Along with mental strength, he attains that being an athlete has also allowed his independence as an individual. He never takes what he hasn’t worked for; he takes pride in knowing that when the feeling of butterflies in the stomach hits before the opening kickoff, that he has put forth his best efforts to make his town proud.

Many families in Brackett have similar backgrounds and a past full of touchdowns and home runs, and therefore the Hernandez give all glory to the King of Kings. By their faith, they are thankful for the blessings they share in the name of sports and the community in which they choose to represent.

“Being a Tiger to me is something to be proud about, because you have to have a heart and the drive to call yourself a Tiger,” says Moses, true testament to his future and strength in his roots.

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Spotlight: Desiree Lewis, Judson HS Girls Basketball

by Michelle Uzoh

Blue collar worker.

Those were the three words Judson varsity girls basketball coach Triva Corrales impulsively responded with when asked to best describe her senior forward Desiree Lewis. She possesses a very fundamental style of play and consistency in an era where her opponents and surroundings seem to be anything but.

Her steadiness and focus allow her to fly under the radar while being reliable and executing for her team. And that

steadiness helped Judson to its first trip to the UIL State Basketball Tournament in program history last season.

a captain for me,” coach Corrales poured in the compliments on her standout forward.

“She’s a quiet assassin. She doesn’t have a lot of flare. She’s not a real emotional player, but she’s consistent, she gets in there and gets her job done.

There’s no secret to her game. She takes advantage of people’s mistakes. When they make sloppy passes or don’t box out and she’ll make you pay. She’s super aggressive with everything, and does her job. Then you look up and she’s got ten (points) and ten (rebounds), quietly”, coach Corrales explains.

Lewis approaches each game and practice with the same intensity and focus and is the living definition of the saying “how you practice will be how you play.”

Lewis does well in the classroom and also has an outstanding influence on her teammates and is a role model on the team. ”She’s been all academic for three years; she has great grades, is a great student and is very respectful. She’s the perfect kid. She’s our leader and has a big impact on them (the team) and is generally

“How hard she works in practice is how hard she works in games, she’s strong.

She focuses on footwork, (and) offensive boards. She cleans us up and polishes us. She’s other coaches’ favorite player because she does her job. She’s consistent and accountable.”

Desiree Lewis gets it done on and off the court by using a focus and determination that can truly be admired during a time where flash and style reign. She uses her fundamental values and skill set to excel and positively impact her team.

The groundwork that has been set for her coupled with her drive and her consistency will make for a very bright and reputable future.

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“I had posted on my Twitter about going to Cotulla for our first Tour Stop in over a decade. Then someone responded to my tweet with two words: I’m sorry. And I was infuriated.”

COVER STORY: COTULLA The Rise and Rise of a Small South Texas Town

BY JAY TOPE PHOTOS BY TONY MORANO

Cotulla : The Rise and Rise of a Small South Texas Town It’s a Friday morning In Cotulla, Texas. I’m eating breakfast at Uncle Moe’s Country Kitchen, a plate of migas. I’m here to emcee/DJ the Friday morning pep rally at the school, which was preceded by the homecoming night rally on Thursday that I also emceed and played music for. I had spent the night in one of the motels in Cotulla, most of which have been built in the past decade.

Some parents greet me while I’m eating, something that always does my heart and mind good. You’d never know by talking with the people of this community that they had just been through another tragedy. They come together during times of heartache, and persevere. They become champions.

Many of the teachers and coaches at Cotulla High School are alumni. It says a lot about the pride they have in the school, and in the community. Some leave, but many come back.

They’ve had success in all organizations.

People talk of the amazing state semifinal run the Cowboys football team had in 2006, giving Tatum High School all they could handle, even garnering a standing ovation from some Tatum fans after the game for their fighting heart. Others bring up the more recent successes of the girls volleyball and basketball teams, led by former CHS volleyball coach Fran Adami, and current basketball coach

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Randy Ramirez, himself a CHS graduate. But the most dominant organization on campus?

Mariachi Cotuleno.

For the past four years, the Texas High School Mariachi Competition state champion for 3A has been from Cotulla High School. Mariachi Cotuleno has been under the direction of Francisco Ramirez for the past three years, and he credits it all to hard work. One state championship is amazing; four in a row is a dynasty.

“These kids take our direction and run with it,” says Ramirez, giving credit to mariachi specialist Elio Ramirez and head band director Jaime Martinez for the success.

Girls powerlifting, coached by Lupe Hernandez, is another source of great pride for Cotulla High School. In 2017 Jasmyne Martinez became the fourth Cowgirl to win state in that sport. She follows Suzy Kilde (2003, 2004), Yomi Sanchez (2007), and Myarae Herrera (2016) into the school history books.

As I walk into the office of Cotulla Counselor Marlene Maldonado, I wish that she had been my high school counselor back in the day.

Since she has been at Cotulla, Maldonado has refocused the attention on getting her kids into college. This spring, the high school will

Marlene Maldonado, Cotulla Counselor

have their fifth annual Ring Ceremony. It was started by Maldonado and has become a most memorable event for a CHS Junior, symbolizing the Cotulla High School unity. Each class ring bears the Cotulla Cowboy logo, and the parents present their son or daughter’s class ring to them on stage. This past fall, Mrs. Maldonado was named Counselor of the Year by the National Hispanic

Institute. As blessed as the students at Cotulla High School are to have her, Maldonado is the first one to recognize that she is the one who is blessed to have them.

“I remember not having to do fundraisers like we used to do,” Wyomi Aguilar, a 2015 Cotulla High School graduate and University of Incarnate Word student, recalled.

It’s a school district and community that has gone through ups and downs. But no one, not even former President of the United States Lyndon B. Johnson, who

The biggest change for the district was related to the way school financing is done in the state of Texas. For many years, Cotulla ISD was the recipient

in his early years taught and became principal at a grade school in the district, could have seen the Eagle Ford Shale boom that was to hit the area.

of money from the state due to being a poor district. Eagle Ford changed all of that. Because of property values in the district shooting up from 450 million dollars in 2009 to over seven billion in 2013, Cotulla ISD began paying millions into the system. And without planning for an eventual bust, the school district would have been in serious trouble.

ISD after 21 years, and soon afterwards was contacted by the Cotulla ISD school board about ‘temporarily’ serving as their superintendent. Seven years later, he’s still there. Early on, he insisted on playing the budget “close to the vest,” planning for a decline in Eagle Ford Shale. “Every oil boom is followed by a bust,” he would remind the board and

“Every oil boom is followed by a bust,”

What happened between 2008 when that first oil well in the boom went up, and 2014, when the oil prices came crashing down, was nothing short of miraculous. It changed life in Cotulla. Things definitely changed for the students.

Enter Dr. Jack Seals. He had retired as superintendent of neighboring Dilley

community. The cooperation between Seals, the board and the people allowed the school district to survive the bust.

There has been much improvements academically, but he’s not satisfied.

They’ve done a lot to improve the facilities around the district, and he credits the community for the support to get things done.

Proudly supporting Cotulla High School Cowboys/Cowgirls!

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Cotulla : The Rise and Rise of a Small South Texas Town, continued...

“The people in Cotulla care about each other,” said Seals. “They have strong family values, and that helps tremendously. We also have excellent community leaders that plan for the future and care about our kids.”

It is definitely a caring community, and

She assisted with directing and supervising the Children’s Church, Kidz for Christ, at Living Faith Family Worship Church in Cotulla. Her sister Kimberly and brother-in-law Mark Linares are the pastors of the church, which is just south of the high school.

Tiffany had Myasthenia Gravis, a rare autoimmune disorder that causes weakness and other side effects. Eloy and Tiffany were married, and she wanted to have a child, even though doing so would put her at risk because of her condition. Not too long after the birth of Evan, she began having complications due to her condition.

There were good days and bad days, and their faith helped them through some very tough times. This past December 10th, Tia Tiff, as she was known to the children of the church, went to be with The Lord.

Eloy & Kimberly Zertuche, pictured above.

you see that in what happens during tragedy. In 2015, tragedy struck often, and it didn’t have anything to do with the oil bust. Joshua Rios, Class of 2014 Cotulla graduate, was on his way to see his girlfriend in March of 2015 when he was killed in a traffic accident. He was only 18 years old. Hearts in the community would break again a few weeks later when Devin Roath passed away just a month before his graduation. Fast-forward to October of the same year, when the community lost Edgar Chavez, another 2014 graduate. And just before Thanksgiving, eight-year-old Jeremiah Martinez was pronounced dead after a freak accident in his yard. In 2017, anouther member of the Class of 204, Saul Garcia, was killed in a car accident. The morning I was in Cotulla to do this story, the community was once again in healing mode.

Eloy Zertuche is a middle school coach in Dilley, but graduated and lives in Cotulla.

During his high school years, he was one of the best cross country runners in the state of Texas. Eloy met his future wife, Tiffany, at the church they were attending.

My interview with Eloy and Kimberly took place four days after her passing. Entering into the church building, I felt nothing but love. Love for family, love for the goodness that Tiffany brought to everyone she touched. Once again, the Cotulla community takes on a tragedy, and conquers it with faith, hope and love. It’s the same love that I feel every time I come to Cotulla, and many other small south Texas towns.

“She was the most loving children’s Pastor, Tia Tiff, and sister to me and my children,“

said her sister Kimberly. “God has blessed us with a wonderful brother in law, Eloy and beautiful baby Evan. We believe the best way to honor her legacy would be to build a playground for Evan and the community children to enjoy.”

If you’d like to donate to the Living Faith Family Worship Church playground honoring Tiffany Marie Zertuche, go to www.

GoFundMe.com and search for ‘Tia Tiff’.

If every one of our readers would donate just five dollars, we could help make this memorial to Tiffany.

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Spotlight: Lee High School Girls Basketball “We have games to win, girls!”

The Lee High School girls varsity basketball team has shown improvements this year, ranked as high as fourth in city and 14th in state this season. It’s a big turnaround for a squad that went 1-47 in district play during the first half of this decade.

Watching the team warm up during practices and before games, you can sense a hunger for wins. Head coach Dru Weeaks, who is in her seventh year at Lee, is constantly on her players to practice hard and perform just as hard in the game. She’s always making sure her girls are up and moving around to get their bodies and brains stimulated for the day.

“No time to be lazy; we have games to win, girls,” she exclaims.

Team captain Jenesis Navarro has made a huge contribution to her team,

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by Brittany Herrera

averaging 16 points a game. A five foot point guard in size, but much taller than that in heart. ”Height does not matter to me,” she says while showing the incredible energy she brings to each game. Fellow team captains Blanca Deleon and Keamber McCracken what makes this team different from the rest: “Communication and desire is what helps us”.

That communication is on display at practice. Their gym is not a quiet place.

The girls are constantly communicating with one another, helping and calling on defense and offense, encouraging each other to not give up and to keep fighting. They strengthen their relationship by having team dinners before a game. This helps the girls get together and to really socialize and become a team. It comes to fruition on the court; the Lee Volunteers do not play as individuals. They’ve also changed their

daily routines. They wake up and start moving and being productive, helping parents around the house with chores, and working on their academics instead of sleeping in.

Coach Weeaks is just as loud as the girls are in practice. She is insistent that her team works hard in practice and will perform just as hard in the game. When she sees a mistake she is always there to fix it. Her love for the game and team is on display at all times, because it’s from the heart.

She has a powerful relationship with the girls on the court but can joke with them after practice, too. It’s a great balance of respect and communication with each other.

At practice and during games, one can never tell if the girls are tired because there is so much energy inside of a

them, and the motivation is contagious. As a former point guard four years removed from high school myself, I was excited to be able to practice with the girls and watch how quickly they move the ball around the court. They’re never selfish with the ball. Guards are moving everywhere on the court, getting steals after steals. They are in shape and are constantly competing with each other; practicing over and over again to push one another to get better.

Winning always brings fans to the game, and a packed house also breeds winning. Family in the stands are a big boost for their team spirit. It pushes them to play better. Players shared what a wonderful feeling it was to see family and friends supporting your team, playing the game they love. The posters for the players, the cheering and hollering after every point – it’s exhilarating for them.

Two years ago, things began to turn around from the program with a 5-7 district record. Last season, they went 8-4 in that same district and qualified for the playoffs, advancing to the area round. This team has come a long way and they believe they can win district,

having an unblemished mark in District 26-6A at press time. Assistant Coach Liza Gomez, who coaches the JV girls and is a 2005 International School of the Americas graduate who played on this same Lee HS team, says this team is really special.

“This varsity group can make it to the top this year with how well they have been proving everyone wrong; they belong where they are today. The love for the game can make anything happen, as long are you’re ready to put in the effort to your game in challenging your ball skills, mentality staying positive and playing smart to help your team and yourself. Hard work pays off according to how much time you put in it.” .

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Lee Academy Boys Basketball So Far, So Great

by Jay Tope

Charter schools in Texas have had a hard time competing in University Interscholastic League athletics over the years. Some close down after a few years, some have a hard time getting students to commit to athletics, due to economic issues prevalent at many charter schools. The Milton B. Lee Academy boys basketball team has changed this perception permanently.

As part of the School of Excellence charter system, Lee Academy (formerly known as Hawkins until 2012) had its ups and downs in the realm of UIL athletics. That was before Charles Lee became the head coach of the boys basketball team.

A 1996 Highlands High School graduate that played at Howard Payne University, he coached at Southwest Texas Junior college in Uvalde before becoming an NAIA basketball coach at Jarvis Christian College. Lee became a high school and college basketball official, and had taken a hiatus from coaching until a fateful day nearly three years ago.

“I had originally applied at Lee Academy to be a teacher, but they talked me into becoming their boys basketball coach,” said Lee. “I couldn’t say no.”

The results have been astounding.

The Wolfpack of Lee Academy have posted a record of 74-6 over the past three years since Lee’s arrival. Competing in the 2A division of UIL, they have shown improvement every year, making the regional semifinals on 2017 before falling to eventual state champion Thorndale by five points.

This year’s team might be even more

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special. Up until this magazine’s publication, they remain undefeated for the 2017-18 season. The Wolfpack boasts five seniors and a manager who have played together since sixth grade. What’s even more impressive is that most of them have been going to school in the School of Excellence charter system since kindergarten.

“I’m so proud of how this team has responded to the discipline we’ve instilled into the program, and how well the players have done on the court, and off the court,” Lee remarked, as he talked about the fact that his seniors are also the top five students in the Class of 2018.

D’Juan Maxwell is their leading scorer at 23 points per game, and was all-area last season.

‘Our focus is about the team,” Maxwell clarified. “Some nights it might be me that has the hot hand, sometimes if might be someone else. We just focus on running good plays, and making sure everybody gets good

looks.”

Mohammed Abdi and Iman Matan, originally from Kenya, average over 15 points per game each; Matan is also an all-state 400 and 800 meter runner in track each of the past three years. Isaiah Kamara and Daniel Valdez round out the five senior starters for Lee Academy. Coach Lee also mentioned the contributions of his senior manager, David Mundahl, who last year was named as one of the student assistants of the year by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches.

“Coach Lee has taught us how important discipline is in life, and that character goes a long way,” said Kamara.

“This has been a great place to go to school and to play,” added Abdi. ‘It’s family-oriented. All the students come to watch us play. Not only because of our success, but because we stay true to ourselves.

Fall Flashback: Southside vs. Harlandale

Photo by Reynaldo Holguin

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In Their Own Words: Sophia Ramos Incarnate Word HS Basketball

to strive to be like. She has always been one to push me past my limits when I thought I couldn’t go anymore.

Basketball has helped open so many so many doors for me not only for my academics and athletics but it has also helped me to find myself and create life long friendships. The success I have been able to have from AAU to high school would not be anywhere near possible if it weren’t for the great people that have been along my side for the journey. Most recently I was able to sign my letter of intent to continue my basketball journey at San Diego State University. Just saying that I was excited is an understatement. I’ve never been one to flaunt the different opportunities that I’ve had but, the chance to continue playing the game I love was one I couldn’t hold back.

Growing up I was the kid that tried every sport just to make sure I was always active. In the second grade I found a love for basketball. My life from that point changed for the better. I tried out for my first AAU basketball team and my love for the game continued to grow from this point. I was able to travel the country playing against some of the best players as well as getting the opportunity to play alongside some great players as well. As I was playing there was always one player that I always looked up to as inspiration and a role model, that was Leslie Vorpahl. I wanted to be just like her from her style of play, her leadership skills, and to be as successful as she had been. To this day she remains as one of the people I continue

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My journey of playing AAU has sadly come to an end but I refuse to stray away from it. Being apart of the San Antonio Finest has showed me a family environment and helped show me the ways to always remain and humble and to never remain satisfied. Not only has the organization produced great young women that have come back to be role models and competition for us. Seeing the way the older girls come back to not only improve but to give back really has inspired me. I know come back every Sunday to help the girls younger than me find the passion and will to want to be successful. By doing this it has helped me find a new passion in coaching that could one day lead to be my profession.

I’m forever grateful for my first team the South Texas Hoyas for developing me into the person and player I am as well as I am beyond thankful for the San Antonio Finest for welcoming me with open arms and pushing me to be a player I never imagined was possible. I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like if basketball wouldn’t have been apart of it. The success I have been lucky to have has been great but it has been even better to have life long friends to enjoy it with. Without them by my side I don’t know where I would be.

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Final Thoughts, Floresville’s Number One Fan Lives On On Friday nights in Floresville, fans would turn to the 50-yard-line to look for one fan as they had for over 25 years.

Barbara Harvey was considered by many to be the number one fan of the Tigers and Jaguars.

by Kurtis Quillin & Jay Tope

Ms. Harvey could be found at many volleyball, football and basketball games and the occasional softball or baseball game. Many fans and players looked to her spot — 2nd section in the gym in the row that Harvey refers to as “street level” — to find the 90-plus-year-old Harvey cheering on the Tigers and Jaguars.

“This is home,” Harvey said. “I love that student body as if they were all mine.”

Harvey graduated from Floresville High School in 1941, after attending Fairview School through her junior year. At Floresville, Harvey played tennis, was the captain of the volleyball team and played Shortstop and 1st Base on the Fairview baseball team.

“I was the only girl that did it, but so what?” Harvey said. “I played ball.”

Harvey was a former librarian who worked in the Refugio schools prior to retiring from the Wilson County Public Library. Some of Harvey’s favorite moments included when the Mighty Tiger Band played “El Rancho Grande” during football games, when current School Board President Ryan Bippert came into the stands on his senior night to present her with a dozen roses and “charging” the football and girls basketball teams.

Harvey noticed how the student body modernized over the years, changing with every trend. She also said the students and parents don’t hesitate to approach her

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and start a conversation anymore. She said the new gym, football stadium and campus make it easier for her to get into games. Former Floresville Athletic Trainer Billy “Doc” Marshall, now at Burbank High School, said on Fridays he and one of his senior trainers would usually pick her up at around 3:30 p.m. and take her to the gym for volleyball.

Once the volleyball game is over, a trainer would escort Ms. Harvey to a Gator to drive her across campus to the football game. After the football game is over, Doc said she would patiently wait for him to finish anything he needed to do before he took her home, sometimes up to an hour.

“The biggest thing is she was always humble,” Marshall said. “The kids flocked to her and some didn’t even know why.

Everybody knew Barbara Harvey. I’m glad I got an opportunity to help her be with those kids.”

In 2011 Doc was one of two coaches who

pushed for an award signifying a senior

multisport athlete who serves as a good role model for others, has overcome adversity and maintains good grades. The plaque was named the ‘Barbara Harvey Award’ and is awarded to one boy and one girl every spring at the annual Floresville Athletic Booster Club Awards Banquet.

“I’m the rich one for them allowing me this privilege,” Harvey said at the time.

Sadly, Barbara Harvey passed away in 2017. But she will never be forgotten. In November of this past year the Floresville Jaguar Classic girls basketball tournament, one of the biggest in South Texas, was renamed the Barbara Harvey Jaguar Classic. At the dedication ceremony the first night of the tournament, the dedication was made along with family, friends, and many from the Floresville community. And as they played ‘El Rancho Grande’ over the sound system, there wasn’t a dry eye in the gym. But they were truly tears of joy.

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