Welcome
I would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone attending this year’s Dr. Daniel Cepero Memorial Track and Field Meet. It’s hard to believe 11 years has already passed since the first meet. I’m quite certain that Danny would be touched knowing such a great event is being held in his memory. The Daniel Cepero family wishes everyone the best of luck and remember that just by being here and doing your best, you are a winner. And parents, what a great feeling of love and pride it must be watching your children participate in the events of their choice. I would also like to thank all the sponsors, officials, coaches, City of Odessa and meet organizers. Like Danny used to say: “To run is fun for everyone involved.” Do your best and have a great time doing it.
Susan Cepero, wife of the late Dr. Dan Cepero
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Welcome
Stella Neboh - Meet Organizer
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n behalf of our city, chamber, mayor and city councilmen and women, we proudly welcome you all to our beautiful city - Odessa. Today we gather to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Daniel Cepero and his vision for all children. A vision of happiness, good health and a fight against children’s obesity through physical exercise and activity. The Dr. Dan Cepero Planning Committee and the Cepero family are excited and grateful to see each and every one of you at this 12th Annual Dr. Dan Cepero Track Meet. You all are the backbone of this event. The Cepero Committee and family recognizes the commitment of the parents, coaches, athletes (both young & old), officials, and sponsors of this great event. We are very grateful to the city of Odessa, our mayor, councilmen and women for keeping this track meet alive for the children of west Texas. Without their love and the support of our hotels and motels, this event would no longer be possible for our children. We are also very grateful to our local businesses and individual sponsors who provide scholarship to encourage student athletes to continue their education and dream at higher level after high school. To all of you we are very grateful. Words alone cannot express our appreciation for your efforts and kind gestures. Our goal every summer is to keep all children active and healthy through track and field, because we believe an idle mind might lead to a criminal mind. To those of you who travelled out of town to witness this great celebration, we love you and hope to see you all next year healthier and stronger as we jointly battle children’s obesity.
Wishing you a safe drive home and God’s blessings. Thank you.. 3
In His Memory Dr. Daniel Cepero July 23, 1960 - November 25, 2003 Dan or Danny was born to Rafael and Maria Term Cepero in Cienfuegos, Cuba. In 1962 they immigrated to the United States to escape communism. After his father repeated his residency in pediatrics, they were recruited to Odessa by Dr. Ed Dempsey.
We are living his dreams May he rest in Peace!!! 4
Dr. Cepero attended Gonzales Elementary School, Nimitz Junior High, and Permian High School. After graduation he attended Odessa College, UTPB, and University of Texas at Arlington. He was accepted into Baylor College of Medicine in Houston where he completed medical school and residency in pediatrics. Upon completion of residency, he returned to Odessa to join his father’s pediatric practice. Shortly after his return to Odessa he married Susan, his sweetheart from Houston. A few years later, two beautiful children, Genia and Daniel, entered their lives. After his children ran summer track in 1999, Danny had the vision to create a larger track program for Odessa and the surrounding area that could compete with some of the larger clubs he had seen at the state meets. The next summer West Texas Track Club was formed with great coaches and a significant increase in the number of participants. There were approximately 100 athletes ranging from age 5 to 18. The club hosted a track meet at Odessa College and had several members qualify for the TAAF State Games and the Junior Olympic Games. This tradition of state qualifiers has continued each summer and participation in the AAU organization has been added.
He believed that track was great way for children to stay in shape and keep busy over the summer. Not only did he support the club financially, but also with his special love for all the club participants. It was not unusual for him to give rides practice, loan his car for meets out of town, and be on the sidelines cheering the athletes on. For all of us who knew him, his presence permeated his surroundings. It was either by his jovial and boisterous laugh, a great big hug, or special way of greeting all whom he met.
“The Man� His Vision His Love For Children
The entire Cepero family wishes to thank the West Texas Track Club for dedicating this track meet to the memory of Dr. Daniel Cepero. We also thank all the participants and athletes. A very special thanks to Stella and Eugene Neboh who have always been dedicated to West Texas Track Club and the Cepero family. Good luck to all participants, and know that there will be a special fan cheering you on from above.
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West Texas Track Club’s Track and Field Meet Planning Committee & Members
WELCOME THE
Participants • Spectators Volunteers • Officials to the 12th Annual
DR. DANIEL CEPERO Memorial Track & Field Meet June 24-25, 2016 Stella Neboh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meet Director
Lisa Hibler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Awards/Finance
Eugene Neboh . . . . . . . . . . .Event Coordinator
Rudy Falcon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Officials
Tommy Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meet Referee
Isabel Falcoln . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Secretary
Roy Mendoza . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Scholarships
Mark Funderburg . . . . . . . . . .Website/Press Box
Tony Goyang . . . . . . . . . . . .Official/Scholarships 6
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
JENNIFER ANDERSON RESULTS AND AWARDS
MELISSA CALDERON PARENT'S RELATION CORDINATOR/ COMMUNICATION
CRISTINA CORDLE HOSPITALITY/FOOD
ISABEL FALCON BOOKKEEPER/PRESS BOX
CHAVAYE GLOVER COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR ASST. COACH SPRINTS/JUMPS
MISSY HERNANDEZ FUNDRAISING
VIRGINIA HERNANDEZ REGISTRATION
EUGENE NEBOH SR. PRESIDENT
TARA BURNS HEAD COACH
FELIX NEBOH TINY TOTS COACH
BRENNA GIBBONS HOSPITALITY OFFICIALS/ATHLETES
STELLA NEBOH EVENT CORDINATOR
WEST TEXAS TRACK CLUB OFFICIALS
RUDY FALCON ASST. COACH THROWS/JUMPS
STEPHEN HERNANDEZ ASST. COACH MID DISTANCE/ CROSS COUNTRY
RICHARD NEBOH ASST. COACH TINY TOTS
ALBERT RIOS ASST. COACH MID DISTANCE/ CROSS COUNTRY
KOWA JONES ASST. COACH TINY TOTS
JARED SHOEMAKER ASST. COACH SPRINTS/HURDLES
EUGENE NEBOH JR. HEAD COACH TINY TOTS
EVAN WARNICK ASST. COACH HURDLES
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OPENING CEREMONY Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Michelle Falcon National Anthem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brianna Rios Release of Pigeons and Signifying 12th Anniversary Raffles Drawing Release of Balloons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The West Texas Track Tiny Tots Announcer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Isabel Falcon Ceremonial Running of the Doctors, Nurses Medical Team, Parents Relay and Tiny Tots Events
APPRECIATION 2016 Cepero Family CBS 7 NewsWest 9 Ratliff Workers West Texas Mrs. Laura Dennis (Editor, Odessa American) Odessa American (Sports Department) Krista Escamilla Todd Vesely (ECISD Athletic Director)
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Pecos County Memorial Hospital Staff (Fort Stockton) All Officials All Coaches All Parents Mr. Tommy Ratliff (Meet Referee) Missy Peterson (ICA Broadcasting) All Participants Walgreens - Midland/Odessa A King’s Image Keith Kalka & family
OPENING CEREMONY PERFORMER The 12th Annual Dr. Daniel Cepero Memorial Track Meet is proud to present the number one visual variety performer in the World. He has appeared before three United States presidents. Performed two command performances in Europe and is number one NBA attraction. He has opened for Eddie Murphy, Jay Leno, and George Carlin. Ladies and gentleman we are proud to present.
The Amazing Mr. Christopher And His Village.
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DR. DANIEL CEPERO MEMORIAL TRACK & FIELD MEET
2016 EVENT SCHEDULE RATLIFF STADIUM 2201 YUKON AVENUE, ODESSA TX 79762
Friday, June 24, 2016 ROLLING SCHEDULE MEET SCHEDULE OUTLINED IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE Competition Starting Time – Friday 5:00pm / Saturday 7:30am Track & Field
EVENTS 4:00 PM 3000M Run: All Age Divisions Long Jump: 4-jumps All Age Divisions (Youngest to Oldest) Shot Put: All Ages Divisions (Oldest to Youngest) High Jump: Young Men & Women Intermediate Boys & Girls Youth Boys & Girls Sub Youth Girls & Boys Midget Girls & Boys Sub Midget Girls & Boys Bantam Girls & Boys Sub Bantam Girls & Boys
Pole Vault: All Age Divisions Discus: Sub Youth Girls & Boys Youth Girls & Boys Intermediate Girls & Boys Young Men & Women 100M Dash Prelim: All Age Divisions 7:00PM OPENING CEREMONY After Opening Ceremony Parents, Coaches, and Old Folks Relay 50 Meters Tiny Tots (2-6yrs) 100 meter Tiny Tots (2-6yrs) 100m Dash Prelims - (youngest to oldest)
Friday, Evening 7:00 PM 12th Annual Dr. Daniel Cepero Memorial Opening Ceremonies After Opening Ceremony 50 & 100 Meters TINY TOTS EVENTS 100m Dash Prelims - (youngest to oldest) SubBantam Girls & Boys, Bantam Girls & Boys, SubMidget Girls & Boys, Midget Girls & Boys 10
D R . D AN IEL CE P E RO ME MORI A L T RA C K & FI ELD MEET
2016 EVENT SCHEDULE Saturday, June 25, 2016 ROLLING SCHEDULE MEET SCHEDULE OUTLINED IS TENTATIVE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN NOTICE 7:30 AM FIELD EVENTS Triple Jump: 4 - Jumps Girls – North Pit, Boys – South Pit Sub Youth Girls & Boys Youth Girls & Boys Intermediate Girls & Boys Young Men & Women Javelin: 13G, 13B, 14G, 14B, 15-16G, 15-16B, 17-18W, 17-18M RUNNING EVENTS AFTER TRIPLE JUMP 4X100M RELAY (ALL RELAY divisions) F 800M RUN TF 80M HURDLES (SMG-SMB-MG-MB) F 100M HURDLES (IG-YW-SYB-YB-SYG-YG F 110M HURDLES (IB-YM) F 100M DASH (ALL DIVISIONS) F 400M DASH (ALL DIVISIONS) F 200M HURDLES (SYG-YG-SYB-YB) F 400M HURDLES (IG-YW-IB-YM) F 200M DASH (ALL DIVISIONS) TF 1600M RUN TF 4X400M RELAY (ALL RELAY DIVISIONS) T
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TENTATIVE UPCOMING TRACK & FIELD MEETS FOR SUMMER 2016
ATTENTION TRACK & FIELD COACHES
USATF Association Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships June 10-11, 2016 Ratliff Stadium
Odessa, TX
Nickolas Moralez Mini Olympic Games June 16-18, 2016 Ratliff Stadium
Odessa, TX
12TH ANNUAL DR.DANIEL CEPERO TRACK AND FIELD MEET June 24-25, 2016 Ratliff Stadium
Odessa, TX
USATF Region 12 Junior Olympic Track & Field Meet July 05-09, 2016 Ratliff Stadium
Odessa, TX
TAAF Region 10 Meet July 15-16, 2016
San Angelo, TX
San Angelo Stadium
50th USATF National Junior Olympic Track & Field Championships July 25-31 2016
Sacremento, CO
2016 TAAF Games Of Texas July 28 - 31, 2016
McAllen, TX
12th ANNUAL DR. CEPERO TRACK AND FIELD MEET
2016 SPONSORS EVENT SPONSOR City of Odessa TITLE SPONSOR Odessa Convention & Visitors Bureau GOLD SPONSORS Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Cepero Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Mr. & Mrs. Pete & Lisa Hibler Aguijo Oilfield Services, Inc.
Past Memories 12
BRONZE SPONSORS First Basin Credit Union
SCHOLARSHIP SPONSORS Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Cepero Walgreens - Midland & Odessa, TX Lisa & Pete Hibler RAFFLE SPONSORS Walgreens - Midland & Odessa, TX Athletic Supply
OTHER SPONSORS CBS 7 Mr. & Mrs. Joe Torres (club accountant) Sandra & Andrew Hernandez (State Farm Insurance) A Kings Image Odessa American Sports ICA Broadcasting, LLC News West 9 Marhall Hughes-CBS (Sports)
2016 12TH ANNUAL DR. DAN CEPERO PARTICIPANTS Zander Alvarez Breeann Anderson Cason Aranda Jaime Avalos Melvin Baeza Ariana Baldwin Gianna Balerio Dawson Benton D'Morriyon Breaux Amber Carrasco Autumn Carrasco Max Chavez Jayson Cobos Kai Collins Yalexis Cruz Aarron Dameron Delilah Diaz Cole Disley Carlos R. Dominguez Vicente Dominguez Nathalia Esontrias Jacelynn Estrada Joaquin Estrada Michelle Falcon Salvador Falcon Alyssa Fernandez Aiden Fuentes Patrick Gallegos Jr Kaiden Garcia Ariannel Gonzalez Sebastian Hernandez Adriel Hinojos Noel Hinojos Addyson Juarez Shreyas Konduriu Micheal Ledbetter Adalynn Marie Llanas Ivan Anthony Llanas Major-Kyrenn McClendon Sirr-Kellen McClendon Christopher Mendoza Arian Montoya Michelle Moore Nyxalee Munoz Cooper Murray Dexter Neboh ZaydnNunez Ava Olivas Alan Olivo Ida Ortiz Haven Piedra Emmalie Potter Savannah Ramirez Trinity Rayos Ariel Rios Sierra Rios Amaya Rios Vianey Rios Violet Rios Angelika Rojero Olivia Rubalcado Sebastian Rubalcado Adriel Salazar Aaron Salazar Isabella Salazar Jada Salazar Jaime Salcido Christopher Samaniego Tobias Stevenson Thamus Stevenson Brandon Stout Imani Sutton Luke Tavarez Joshua Tucker
Isabelle Urias Ramon Urias Donavan Vasquez Jayden Vasquez Micheal Jr. Vasquez Jackson Washington Jett Wilkins James Willhite Kinsler Wilson Holland Wilson Phoebe Zaragoza Jeremiah Hughes Matthew Casias Fernando Esquivel Valentino Martinez Clayton Foster Jesse Franco Elizar Lopez Ronny Valenzuela Reid Galvan Bryan Rivera Caleb Garcia Julien Sanchez Zane Hodges Donavyn Vaughn Aryan Hernandez Johnny Brown Grayson Foster Mason Driver Daniel Renteria Cadence Urias Marco Garcia Katie Salmon Giselle Marquez Jennika Paz Alexa Dominguez Catherine Olivas JazLynn Pacheco Ashlyn Foster Dmya Vaughn MadaLynn Driver Janeth Benevides Dymeri Vaughn Thiaraneth Wislar Adriel Nabarrette Alexander Salcido II Angel Mendoza Arath Brito Armando Pulido Barrett Weaver Brayson Weaver Brenndon Contreras-Hamblin Bryan Contreras Cain Cordova Carlos Arledge Carlos Segura Charles McClure Cristian Orozco Estevan McClure Iram Sanchez Ivan Jackson Jaceb Chavez Jacob Pornan James Castillo Jeffery Borunda Jesus Villanueva Jezreel Sanchez-juarez Joe Ervine Jonathan Salas Jorge Rodriguez-rojas Jose Gutierrez Jose Lujan Jose Ramirez Julian Salas
Kevin Zepeda-Giron Lorenzo Jimenez Jr Luis Leyva Luis Rios Marco Ramirez Mark Garza Michael Salas Michael Salcido Omar Ortiz Paulino Gabaldon Sebastian Orozco Taylor Valderaz Zachary Attaway Aaliyah Sandoval Alexis Luna Alyssa Garcia Audrina Minjarez Brianna McClure Carmalita Muro Chloe Granado Daena Brito Deandra Balcazar Desirae Duran Diana Lujan Dijah Gamboa Estrellita Davila Faith Arnold Jazlynn Brooks Jeovana Montoya Julia Butler Kaia Minjarez Katrina Garcia Marina Borunda Mia Sanchez Monica Hernandez Sophie Chavarria Sylvia Dutchover Jarric (JT) Acosta Aliah Acosta Anthony Alcantar Amyra Allen Kiarah Allen Jayla Allen Michaela Alvarado Mia Black Paloma Black Shonetta Black Daneille Boyd Calyha Brown Govanni Cabello Anothony Cabello Sebastian Cabello Braylon Cartwright Jamorah Caufield Dabian Contreras Kayden Contreras Caleb Cruz Bre'Anna Culbertson Brooklyn Davis Atiyanna Earl Adriyel Earl Axton Everage O'Ryan Farley Adalyn Felix MiJayah Feuer Wyatt Florence Alexia Flores Armando "Jordan" Flores Jade Flotte Keely Franco Delaney Galindo Joshua Garcia Gemma Garza Jaiah George
Jace Gill Mya Gonzales Leanna Gonzales Bryson Gonzales Serinity Hardwick Tyra Harris Ambrey Heath Addison Heath Relaya Hernandez Sarah Hernandez Selena Hernandez Alexander Hernandez Julie Hinderliter Adreil Hinojos Joe Jacobo Isabel Jacobo Maria Jimenez Jaylen Jimenez Cecilia Lopez Arionna Lyons Emeri Mancha Italy Martinez Isabella Mendoza Jace Morales Ry'ale Moses Jr Isiah Munoz Jazmin Oakley Xane Ogden- Lovell Jameson Oliff Dalila Olivas Jake Parchman Faith Ramirez Aidric Rivera Azriel Rivera Issac Rodriquez Payton Ross Reggie Ross Alvin Routte Alexander Rubio Xzavior Rubio Gabriel Sanchez Evan Sanchez Aden Sanchez Abigail Scott Yvette Serrano Jakay Sio Jay'A Spraglin Terria Stewart Mikayla Sullivan Toddvoyce Taylor Natalie Terry Alexandra "Honda" Torres Kaylie Torres Hannah Torres Blue Torres Pink Torres Nadia Turner Eli Valdez Jeremiah Vasquez Giovanni Vasquez Sadie Vega Sarah Vega Sierra " Noodles" Vega Taylor Vuelvas Alayzia Wallace Arwen Weeks Ahlea Willard A'Marie Willard Jayden Woods Tristian Woods Cameron Woods Kayla Barnes Ligaya Barnes Javarious Bell
Lamarcus Bell Wade Brooks Jose Carrasco Callie Cooley Emily Cooley Sarah Cooley Steven Cooley Kenzie Crews D'Atney Defell D'Marcus Defell Teleshia Defell Annalise Espinosa Brian Fitts Daveyon Fitts David Fitts Doshane Fitts Olie Fitts Jr. Robert Garcia Trent Gonzalez Trevor Gonzalez Kiera Winn-Hickey Niya Hickey Kylen Jackson Talvalaya Jefferson Malaya Johnson Kevin Lister Cole Little Zoey Lujan Tyrell Manuel Demaurin Mayfield D'Zion Mayfield Jorden McGowan Chaumaria Medearis Mia Mermis Alyssa Miller Jace Mitchell Azyanna Moss Dominique Nelson Gregory Nelson Semaiah Niblett Beckam Parker Brooklyn Parker Jauqai Polk Aaron Porter Robert Porter Sudiamond Powell Adrian Ramon Cielo Ramos Tekorian Ray Taylor Roseberry Taysha Rushton Raymondre Sanders Alexus Scott Wesley Sherrill B'asha Spirling Diamonique Sprague Aaralyn Strambler Jerry Strambler III Ally Wallum Taylor Ward Jamyria Warren Avion Wilson Devon Wilson Kasia Wilson Kendrick Wooden Princess Wooden Aubrey Wooten Aryana Yharte Jacob Yharte Nicholas Yharte Chance Ziemann
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2015 S CHOLARSHIP R ECIPIENTS
2015 Cepero Scholarship Recipients. L to R – Anthony Grogan, Miah Nelson, Latriceia Smith and Luis Falcon.
2015 Cepero Scholarship Recipients with the Scholarship Committee. L to R – Anthony Grogan, Daniel Cepero, Miah Nelson, Latreceia Smith, Susan Cepero, Luis Falcon and Roy Mendoza. 14
APPRECIATION LETTERS FROM 2015 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS Winning the Dr. Daniel Cepero Scholarship is an honor and means a great deal to me. The price of college can be a big burden, the fear of debt and overwhelming loans are real possible outcomes to the college experience; which is why this scholarship means so much to me. Any form of assistance or scholarship helps tremendously. It helps make college an achievable goal, without those fears that are so worrisome. I’m also honored to be chosen as a recipient because it shows to me that my years of effort and hard work had been noticed. I did not run and work out solely to win a scholarship, but being rewarded for it makes my decision to compete in track all that much better. Competing in track taught me many important lessons, just for example I learned the value of a team and what a team can do for you along with the value of hard work. The money generously given to me will most entirely be used to purchase the items I need for my dorm. I am very grateful to the sponsors for their contribution to my future. Thank you, Luis Falcon To Whom It May Concern, I want to send a grateful thanks to the Cepero for their generous donation to support the furthering of my education and track career at Oklahoma State University. Thanks to this donation, I will be able to buy my books for the first semester of school. Before this scholarship, I would’ve been paying approximately $1000 total out of pocket for my freshman year. Thanks to the Cepero Family, my first year of college will be a full ride. I want to thank the Cepero family for helping student athletes like myself to achieve dreams of running at the next level and I hope that one day I can contribute to a student athlete’s success like the Cepero family has done for me. Sincerely, Anthony Grogan, Go Pokes!! I am very thankful to win the Dr. Cepero meet this year. I have been competing in the Dr. Cepero Meet since I was running in the primary division, which means I was around 6 years old. It was an honor to win an award that I have seen many other great athletes win throughout the years. Some being my closest friends and teammates: Tiffany Allen, Jerri Manuel, Omar Barnes, Kenneth Turner and many other Tall City Christian and many toher Tall City Christian Athletes have been blessed by this award. The scholarship will help me in college by helping me pay for room and board. My rent is quite expensive and this takes a load off of my family and I for a couple of months. The money will also go towards some of my meal plan in the athletic department food cafe to make sure I eat healthy during traning and competing season. Running in this meet for the last time of my high school career makes me very sad, but knowing that I can walk away from this meet with an award I have been wanting since I was younger, makes my 12 years of hard work finally pay off. Thank you to the Scholarship Committee for choosing me for this scholarship. Thank you to the Neboh's for supporting me throughout the years. Lastly, a very big thank you to the Cepero Family for helping with my dream and supporting all athletes.
Action conquers fear. Peter Zarlenga
Miah Nelson I would like to use this opportunity to say thank you, and I have enjoyed the experience of being able to participate in the Dr. Cepero meet all these years. I will be attending South Plains College and will transfer to a bigger University after my first or second year. I was planning on going to Texas Tech University to run track, but plans have changed over the last month. I believe South Plains College will be a good fit for me financially, athletically, and academically. They have produced some of the best athletes in the nation and I really look forward to continuing on my passion for Track and Field at the collegiate level. Track is a tough sport mentally and physically and I greatly appreciate all the supportive adults and officials that help out at the Dr. Cepero meet. I have been running track since I was nine years old. My dad takes the time out of his day after a long day of work to train me and my siblings. It's not easy at all, but I enjoyed the experience and wouldn't want to spend my summer doing anything else because all the sacrifices pay off in the end. My goal is to be able to work somewhere in the medical field. I will begin to get my prerequisites at South Plains College. The money from the scholarship is going straight to my tuition. My goal is to be successful in life. Thank you so much for the scholarship and the wonderful experience of being able to compete at the Dr. Cepero meet over the years. Latriceia Smith
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2015 Memories
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2015 Memories
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GOODBYE
TO THE GREAT- GRANDFATHER OF TRACK AND FIELD.
For God so loved the word, that he gave his only begotten son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, Uncle, Minister, Coach, and dear friend, Reverend Farris Lee Strambler was called home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 15, 2015. He was born in Winters, TX on June 15, 1945 to the late Alexander and Bessie Strambler. Farris grew up in Midland, the son of a Baptist minister. While in high school, Farris had caddied at Midland Country Club and he also worked at the YMCA, learning to give massages under the masseur, Bill Tully, a blind man and a wonderful masseur and teacher, according to Farris. Farris met the love of his life, Ella Weise Strambler, while they were both attending Carver High School. They were childhood sweethearts. In 1966, they were wed at the New Jerusalem Baptist Church, where his father was minister. Before earning a football scholarship to Northeastern State University at Talequah, OK, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree as a History major, Farris served a brief term in the United States Navy branch of the military. He was stationed in San Diego, CA. However, he was not able to continue military service duties, due to the fact that, according to military regulation, law and policy, his top obligation was to his family, not the country. Therefore, he returned to his hometown to look after his then 10 siblings until the Lord instructed him otherwise. In 1970, Farris and Ella moved to Vian, OK, where his stellar coaching career began, earning him many honors. Coach Strambler took a tiny Class A school in Vian, OK, that had been completely integrated since 1953, to a state championship. The same team made state playoffs another two years. This is when Farris discovered he loved working with kids. He had a way of getting more out of them than they thought they had to give. He later took a team from Frederick, OK to the state playoffs for two years as well.
FA R R I S L E E STRAMBER 1945-2015
The Lord led Farris and Ella back to Midland in 1979, with a divine plan to lead his family in such a way that the family ties would bind from generation to generation. While building a solid rock foundation through the knowledge and wisdom of God’s principles and the spreading of God’s word to the members of his large family, Farris continued his coaching and teaching career with the Midland Independent School District. He taught and coached football and track at Midland Freshman High School and Midland Sr. High School for a span of 4 years. He finally decided to finish out his career as an educator, teaching and preaching to under privileged, down-on-their luck, repeat-offending juvenile detainees, “snot-nosed kids” as he would call them, at Culver Detention Unit. After 30 years of teaching and coaching in the field of education, Farris Strambler retired in the year 2008 at the age of 63. The divine journey back to Midland in 1979 would also call Farris to start a track club with his own kids and his nieces and nephews, so that they would be afforded the opportunity to participate in competitive track and field. This is where the Tall City Christian Track Club tradition began. For 37 years Farris mentored, taught, coached, spiritually guided, and led individual athletes to heights of achievement and personal success through the sport of track and field. Achievements included but were not limited to ribbons, moments of recognition, medals, plaques, and awards of full athletic scholarships to colleges and universities of all divisions. The Reverend Farris Strambler became an ordained minister in 1977. For 36 years, Farris served as a faithful and dedicated member of the New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, where Reverend Michael D. Wheeler is pastor. Alongside serving as an associate minister, he fervently devoted his energies in worship by serving in the youth and Sunday school ministries, various committees, as well as the Minister’s Alliance. He also served as church janitor and cleaned the church carpets for several years. He gave of himself generously, living and loving life with all his heart; a kind man, full of laughter and wisdom near and dear to many hearts. There was nothing above God, his wife, his children, and the closeness and unity of family that brought him more joy and peace of mind. Reverend Coach Farris Strambler was the epitome of a “Good and Faithful” servant. He was truly loved and cherished by all and will be eternally missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Weise Strambler, his daughter,S hena De Mell Cooper, 4 brothers, Bobby Ray Strambler, Teddy Strambler, Charles Ray Strambler, and Willie Lee Strambler. To cherish his memory, he leaves his children, Tekeira Strambler and Chris Strambler, both of Midland, TX. Four sisters, Gladys Thompson of Big Spring, TX, Gracie White (Tommy White), Margie Goodley, Hattie Tennon (L.E. Tennon) all of Midland, TX. Four brothers, Pastor Allen B. Strambler (Aretha) of Hobbs, NM, Alexander Strambler Sr. (Jackie ), Jerry Strambler Sr. (Letha ), Marcus Strambler Sr., all of Midland, TX. Six grandchildren, Brittany and Tara Cooper, Anique Strambler, Avion and Kasia Strambler and Tekorian Ray. One great-grandson, Karter Malik Ivy. To further cherish his memory, he leaves a host of extended family, nieces, nephews and friends.
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West Texas Track Club
NATIONAL QUALIFIERS 2015
Dexter Neboh
Charles McClure
Keely Kirk
Taylor Ricks
Sametria Smith 19
TRACK CLUBS
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THE WEBMASTER
MARK FUNDERBURG The West Texas Track Club would like to recognize Mr. Mark Funderburg. He is a graduate of The University of Texas of the Permian Basin where he obtained a Computer Science Degree. Mark has been a supporter of youth sports for several years, and this year single handedly created a web site for the track club. What a relief it is to have a website where people can conveniently register online. Mark has been a great asset to our club and we are fortunate to have him helping West Texas youth.
Thank You Mark and we appreciate all you do for us.
D ONATED I TEMS F OR RAFFLE C O U RT E S Y O F Walgreens (Midland - Odessa)
Raffle Items 2-Altitude 2.4 GHZ Drone with/Camera 1-Sony DVD Player 1-Canon Pixma MG3220 Color Printer 1-Canon Pixma iP2820 Color Printer $50.00 Gift card Walmart $50 gift card Logan Restaurant $50 gift card Olive Gardens Drawing will be Friday June 24, 2016 at Ratliff Stadium. 22
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USATF
TM
WEST TEXAS COMING TO RATLIFF STADIUM TUESDAY JULY 5th - SATURDAY JULY 9th, 2016
USATF Region 12 State Track Meet (Over 2,500 athletes or more expected from all over Texas)
Sponsorship Needed Athletes will eat, drink, shop, and spend 5 days at local hotels. For all donations, please contact Stella Neboh (West Texas Youth Sports Coordinator) at: 432-599-0364 or by email: StellaNeboh@gmail.com
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SUSAN CEPERO REALTOR®
COVENANT
(432) 570-8200 Bus. (432) 685-6075 Fax (432) 686-3513 Direct Line (800) 658-6376 Toll Free (432) 559-5215 scepero@cbcovenant.com 3306 Andrews Highway Midland, TX 79703 www.cbcovenant.com Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated
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FREE for Sam’s Plus Members DRUG
QUANTITY
CLASS
Donepezil 5/19 MG TAB
30
Alzheimer’s Disease
Escitalopram 5/10/20 MG TAB
30
Mental Health
Finasteride 5 MG TAB
30
Men’s Health
Pioglitazone 15/30/45 MG TAB
30
Diabetes
Vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) 50,000 IU CAP
4
Women’s Health
Ralph Rodarte (Club Manager)
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Mayor – David Turner District 1 City Councilman - Amye McNeil District 2 City Councilman - Dewey Bryant District 3 City Council - Barbara Graff District 4 City Councilman - Michael Gardner District 5 City Councilman - Filiberto Gonzales
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WEST TEXAS ATHLETES
Welcomes
’ Renee
Earls To Odessa Chamber of Commerce
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