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MARCH MADNESS BEGINS <<<Page 40 Rowe, Weslaco Top Ranked Teams To Watch

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High School Sports Magazine Sharyland H.S. Defender

Scores Title Goal!

Amaury Lozano Proudly displaying his title ring one year later

Defending

>>>>>>>>> Inside Look At Top Soccer Teams from 2013 >>>>>>>>>

State 5A Soccer

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INSIDE January 31, 2013

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It’s All About The Game

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Tddave talks about the Class 5A Soccer Champions and Past RGV Soccer Champs.

Players of the Week Honored

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State Farm agent Robert Elizalde Congratulates Top Athletes for their performances.

The Playoffs. Which Way will teams ride?

9

Teams closing in ob playoffs.

Top Teams get ready for state basketball playoffs.

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UIL Region IV Director

Joe Filoteo, Edinburg C.I.S.D. Athletic Director talks about first-time hosts for Class 5A Region IV Boys and Girls Basketball Tournament.

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It’s All About

the Game

By David A. Amador HSSM Sports Director

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UIL 5A State

Champs

It was the season to talk about and yet, nobody seemed to care.

It seems forgotten.

The Rio Grande Valley crowned its fourth state champion since 2004 in UIL Sports. Well, since 1961 when the Donna Redskins won the State 2A title in football.

This title was almost the same but it was called futbol...or soccer. The Sharyland High School Rattler Boys Soccer team won their first-ever State 5A title in 2012 by defeating Katy Morton Ranch in a 3-2 shoot out. The road to winning the state title was long and challenging. Playoff wins over Laredo Johnson (3-0), Edinburg Economedes (5-1), Brownsville Porter (2-0), San Antonio Northside Jay (2-1), and

Brownsville Lopez (2-1) crowned the Rattlers as the Class 5A Region IV Champion and earned them a spot to play in the State Tournament at Birkelbach Field in Georgetown ISD, north of Austin, Texas. More than 1,000 fans traveled to watch the Rattlers take on Mansfield in the semifinals.

Head coach Reveriano Hernandez watched in disbelief as his team won 3-1. Speechless, “Rev” maintained his cool and knew that the next game won would mean a state title for someone.

The Rattlers return 13 lettermen in 2013 all proudly wearing their championship rings but still “Rev” knows that repeating a state soccer title in 2013 will be difficult.

Why? Because only Lewisville Marcus High School has won the State 5A title in back-to-back seasons in 2007 and 2008.

From the Rio Grande Valley, Brownsville Lopez (5A title 2004), Brownsville Porter (5A title 2006), and Hidalgo Early College ( 4A title 2009) have all won state titles, but not back-to-back.

The University Interscholastic League decided to create two classifications in 1999 with Class 4A and 5A Divisions, instead of all Texas teams playing in one classification since 1982.

In 2013, we could see another State Champion in Class 4A and 5A from the Rio Grande Valley. Boys teams to watch are Hidalgo, Valley View, Roma, La Joya Juarez-Lincoln, Donna, and practically all the Brownsville Schools. On the girls side, Edinburg Economedes, McAllen H.S., McAllen Memorial, Los Fresnos, Harlingen, and Sharyland could make regional runs.

“It will be tough to repeat as state champions. The teams from the Valley will be tough to beat,” says Sharyland soccer head coach, Reveriano Hernandez.

We Deliver!

Class 5A Defending Soccer Champions! Head coach Reveriano Hernandez proudly hoist his regional title. The Rattlers went on the win the state title for the first time in school history.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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How They HSSM TOP TEN POLLS

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Girls Division

HSSM TOP 10 POLLS

Boys Division

1. Weslaco H.S. 30-2* 2. Los Fresnos 26-5 3. Edinburg 22-10 4. Edinburg Vela 24-8 5. Harlingen South 21-8 6. Weslaco East 26-6 7. Sharyland 20-12 8. Harlingen 25-6 9. Mission Veterans 21-9 10. Rio Hondo 24-3

HSSM TOP 10 POLLS

1. McAllen Rowe 25-4 2. Edinburg North 21-5 3. Harlingen South 24-5 4. Sharyland 25-8 5. McAllen Memorial 19-11 6. Los Fresnos 18-9 7. Bro Porter 23-5 8. Harlingen 22-7 9. Roma 17-10 10. Hidalgo 23-10

Angela

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Weslaco H.S.

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McAllen Nikki Rowe H.S.

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Players of the Week Presented by Robert Elizalde, agent

CIARA BRISENO, Senior 5’6” point guard

NIKKI ROWE H.S.

Led Lady Warriors to their first-ever 30-5A in 2012 and a playoff spot in 2013. She has signed a scholarship to play basketball at Our Lady of The Lake University.

She scored a game-high15 points against PSJA North in a key 31-5A win.

LAURA VAN TILBURG, Junior 6’3 center

Weslaco H.S.

Van Tilburg has led the the Lady Panthers to the 31-5A District title in 2013 and a State 5A ranking No.25. The junior averages 20 points per game and hauls down another 13.0 rebounds. Against Nikki Rowe, Van Tilburg scored 20 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocked shots last week.

MICHELINE MERCELITA, Senior 5’11 forward

Edinburg H.S.

Leads team with 18.0 points per game and a whopping 15.0 rebounds per contest. The senior also helped Lady Bobcats clinch another playoff spot in Class 5A in 2013. The Lady Bobcats are tied for second in District 30-5A. She will attend Our Lady of The Lake University on a basketball scholarship.

BRIANA CASAS, Senior 5’11 post

Mission Veterans H.S.

Leads District 32-4A in assists with 4.0 per game and also ranks third in the Rio Grande Valley with 13.8 rebounds per game and scores 19.0 points per outing.

She also has helped the Lady Patriots win the 32-4A title and playoff spot in Class 4A in 2013.

EMILY AZUBELL, Senior 5’10 center

Edinburg Robert Vela H.S.

Led first year high school, Robert Vela Saber Cats to the State 5A playoffs. The Lady Saber Cats are 23-8 overall and 12-2 in District 30-5A. Azubell averages 18.1 points per game and 13.0 rebounds per game.

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The P Predi (McAllen, Tx)-Which way will the signs point as the season comes to a close? There are some teams that have already punched their tickets to the postseason while a few of them are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive.

But one thing that isn’t clear is the seeding in each District as this last week should separate the Ladies from the Girls.

With two games remaining in the District season, it’s truly going to get hot and heavy.

District 30-5A already has their four teams locked in for the playoffs. Edinburg High (13-2), Edinburg Vela (12-3), Sharyland (12-3) and Edinburg North (11-3) are in and now it

Playoff ictions

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will be a battle to see who will reign supreme as the District Champs. This race is anyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ball game when it comes to the District title.

In 31-5A, all four teams are set as well as Weslaco (13-1), Weslaco East (12-2), PSJA North (9-4) and McAllen Rowe (11-4) have clinched playoff spots. However, the big game will be Weslaco and Weslaco East on Friday which will determine the District champ. McAllen Rowe looks like a lock for the third spot while PSJA North will take the fourth one.

In 32-5A, Los Fresnos (13-1) and Harlingen South (12-2) are still in the hunt for the title. However, the Lady Falcons have the upper hand with their remaining schedule. Harlingen (11-3) has the third spot locked up and Brownsville Rivera secures the fourth seed at 9-5.

Mission Veterans (12-0) has already secure the District 32-4A title while the rest of the seeds are up for grabs. Roma currently sits in the second spot at 9-3 and can lock it up with

The Road to the State 5A title begins in the RGV with the Region IV-5A Tournament. Which Valley Teams will Represent?

BY JOHN CANNON HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR Pictured are l-r Kevin Andrade of Roma; Ruben Arrambide, Donna; Jerry Flores, Valley View HS; Stephen Gasca, Harlingen; Gio Bentacourt, Porter; Ilse Mojarro of Edinburg North; and Lottie Zarate, head coach of Edinburg Vela. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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a win on Friday. Edcouch-ElBOYS DISTRICT STANDINGS sa is holding down the fort for Overall District Team 30-5A third at 8-4 but has heat from 21-5 11-0 Edinburg North Mercedes and Valley View 25-8 11-1 Sharyland 16-12 7-5 Edinburg HS who are at 7-5 and are battling 15-12 6-5 LJ Palmview HS for the fourth and final spot.

13-13 5-6 Economedes All E-E needs to do is win and 9-19 5-7 Donna HS 7-19 2-9 Edinburg Vela HS they at least secure a spot in 7-21 2-10 LJ Juarez-Lincoln 6-20 1-10 the playoffs. However, MerLa Joya HS cedes and Valley View cannot Team 31-5A afford a loss.

25-4 12-0 McAllen Rowe Rio Hondo (6-0) has already 19-11 9-2 McAllen Memorial 19-9 7-5 PSJS North clinched the District 32-3A 16-12 6-6 San Benito title and now will sit back and 18-10 6-6 PSJA HS watch who the remaining two 14-14 5-6 McAllen HS 10-17 3-8 Weslaco East teams will be. Port Isabel (5-2) 12-16 3-9 PSJA Memorial will be heading to the postsea10-16 1-10 Weslaco son as they secured the second Team 32-5A seed while La Feria took the 10-1 24-5 Harlingen South third and final spot.

9-3 18-9 Los Fresnos 8-3 23-5 Brownsville Porter With March Madness almost 8-3 22-7 Harlingen here, the boys playoff picture 6-6 18-12 Brownsville Hanna is starting to come clear in 5-7 13-13 Brownsville Veterans 3-8 12-15 Brownsville Lopez quite a few Districts. Edinburg 2-10 5-22 Brownsville Pace 1-11 North (12-0) looks to be in the 5-24 Brownsville Rivera drivers seat for the District 30Team 32-4A 5A title. However, Sharyland 17-10 8-1 Roma is still lurking behind at 11-2 16-12 7-2 Valley View 21-8 6-3 MissionVeterans and sits in second. Edinburg 20-8 5-4 Mercedes High (8-5) sits in third place 18-13 5-4 Edcouch-Elsa right now and is in good po18-13 4-5 Mission High 8-17 1-8 Rio Grande City sition to clinch a playoff spot.

8-19 0-9 PSJA Southwest But nipping at their heels is La Joya Palmview (7-5) who Team 32-3A 23-10 4-0 Hidalgo Early College is a half game behind them 13-7 3-1 Port Isabel in fourth. Donna (6-7) and 9-15 2-2 La Feria 8-10 1-3 Rio Hondo Economedes (5-7) are still 6-13 0-4 Progreso in the hunt but need to string

HIGH SCHOOL As of January 29th

Team 31-3A Kingsville King Lyford Raymondville Grulla Zapata

24-3 11-16 7-7 6-19 10-17

4-0 2-1 1-2 1-3 1-3

Team 32-2A Santa Rosa Falfurrias Santa Gretrudis Aca Bishop IDEA Frontier IDEA Quest Hebbronville Kaufer

6-5 22-4 7-9 6-13 11-9 7-10 1-12 1-11

5-0 7-1 5-1 4-4 3-4 3-5 0-5 0-7

Team 32-1A DI San Maria Monte Alto LaSara La Villa Bruni

3-1 2-11 2-8 0-9 0-10

5-1 4-1 2-8 1-8 0-6

Team 32-1A DII San Isidro San Perlita McMullen County London CC College Prep

18-7 5-6 14-9 0-5 0-5

5-0 1-1 2-2 0-2 0-3

Jose Daniel Alanis of Palmview High School is hoping to lead the Lobos to back-to-back playoff appearances in Class 5A for the first time in school history.

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Dominique Spear of the McAllen Nikki Rowe and Summer Smith of the state-ranked No.25 Weslaco Lady Panthers will lead their teams in the State 5A playoffs.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

Itzayana Sanchez of the 32-5A Harlingen Lady Cardinals will lead her team back to the State 5A playoffs. The Lady Cardinals lost in the 2012 Regional quarterfinals.

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HIGH SCHOOL As of January 29th

GIRLS DISTRICT STANDINGS

Team 30-5A Edinburg Vela* Edinburg* Sharyland* Edinburg North* Palmview HS La Joya Donna Edinburg Economedes LJ Juarez-Lincoln

Overall District

24-8 22-10 20-12 16-13 15-16 9-21 13-15 10-19 3-25

12-2 12-2 11-3 10-3 6-7 4-9 3-10 3-10 0-14

Team 31-5A Weslaco* Weslaco East* McAllen Rowe* PSJA North* McAllen HS San Benito McAllen Memorial PSJA Memorial PSJA

30-2** 26-6 18-14 22-8 11-20 13-16 9-20 11-22 10-14

12-1 11-2 10-4 9-4 5-7 5-8 3-10 3-11 0-14

Team 32-5A Los Fresnos* Harlingen South* Harlingen Brownsville Rivera Brownsville Pace Brownsville Hanna Brownsville Veterans Brownsville Porter Brownsville Lopez

26-5 21-8 24-6 17-12 15-16 10-15 14-17 8-23 0-14

13-1 11-2 10-3 8-5 6-8 6-8 5-9 0-13 0-14

Team 32-4A Mission Veterans* Roma Edcouch-Elsa Mercedes Valley View Rio Grande City Mission PSJA Southwest

21-9 16-15 11-17 14-15 13-15 11-16 7-22 5-16

11-0 8-3 8-3 6-5 6-5 4-7 1-10 0-11

Team 32-3A Rio Hondo* Port Isabel La Feria Hidalgo Early College Progreso

24-3 10-15 13-8 13-16 0-14

6-0 3-2 3-2 1-4 0-4

Team 31-3A Zapata Lyford Raymondville Kingsville Grulla HS

7-5 3-3 3-6 2-9 0-5

1-0 1-0 2-2 0-1 0-1

Team 32-2A Bishop Hebbronville Falfurrias Santa Gertrudis Kaufer IDEA Quest IDEA Frontier Santa Rosa

12-6 9-3 7-5 4-9 2-10 4-5 1-6 0-6

6-0 4-1 3-1 2-2 1-3 1-3 0-3 0-4

Team 32-1A DI Santa Maria La Villa LaSara Monte Alto Bruni

2-0 10-12 11-8 0-2 0-10

2-0 2-1 1-1 0-1 0-2

Team 32-1A DII San Perlita London McMullen County CC College Prep San Isidro HS

5-1 11-6 6-3 0-3 1-3

2-0 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-1

Playoff Bound! Matthew Cervantes of Harlingen High School is guarded by Brownsville Veterans Memorial’s Rogelio Garza in aDistrict 32-5A game. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

some wins together and hope for losses to Palmview and Edinburg.

In 31-5A, McAllen Rowe (13-0) has already clinched a share of the District title and can win it outright with a win this Friday. McAllen Memorial holds on to the second spot at 10-3 and PSJA North is sitting in third with an 8-5 record. Battling for the fourth spot is San Benito and PSJA High who both stand at 7-6.

Harlingen South’s (11-1) magic number is two in order to clinch a share of the 32-5A title which looks very promising. The other three spots are going to be a dogfight as Porter, Harlingen High and Los Fresnos all sit at 9-3.

Roma (9-1) sits atop 32-4A and just like South, their magic number is two. As for the remaining spots, Valley View (7-3), Mission Veterans (7-3), Mercedes (6-4), Edcouch-Elsa (5-5), and Mission High (4-6) will be involved in a knockdown drag out to see who’s in and who’s out.

Hidalgo (5-0) sits atop 32-3A and should lock up that spot. As for the second and third spot, Port Isabel (3-2), La Feria (3-2) and Rio Hondo (1-3) will duke it out.

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Sharyland Looking To Defend

State 5A Soccer Title

BY VINCENT DAVIS HSSM Sports Writer

(Sharyland, Tx) – Last year, the Sharyland Rattlers Boys soccer team won the Class 5A State Championship for the first time in school history.

Sharyland’s Rev Hernandez, who was an Assistant Coach for three years and has been the Head Coach for the last 13, knows that all eyes are on his team to see how his team will perform this year.

“The expectations are always high,” said Hernandez. “There are so many good teams in the Valley that make getting through the Regional Tournament so tough that it’s difficult to get to State.”

Sharyland finished the season 31-3-3 and defeated Katy Morton Ranch in the final game of the State Tournament to win the prized championship.

“It’s something you work for your

whole life,” said Hernandez. “It was really special for the kids who were a part of that.”

It has to be really special because it was a win the Rattlers had to work for and there were moments in the game when their dream had a chance of slipping away.

Sharyland was trailing 2-1 near the end of regulation before tying up the game. When the game went to shootouts, the Rattlers were down 2-0 before they came back with three goals to win it all.

“We had games like that throughout the season in which we were trailing,” said Hernandez.

“But we always have that never give up attitude and found ways to win.”

Hernandez knows that it isn’t just

Defending State 5A Soccer Champions! The Sharyland Rattlers will be favored to return to the state tournament in 2013 with ten starters back from last season. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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one thing that makes up a championship team. “You need good players, but you also need good team chemistry,” said Hernandez. Though Hernandez lost about 50 percent of his team due to graduation, it’s something he deals with every year. “It’s just part of the High School program. Lucky for us we have a good bench and are going to be fine.” The team is already gearing up and working towards another great season. Now that some of the players went to the State Tournament last year and won it, they know what it takes to do it again. “You have to work hard, be good and have a little bit of luck,” said Hernandez. “It was a year-long effort by everyone to accomplish that moment. Never once did the kids complain because they had one goal in mind.” Recently, the Rattlers traveled to Brownsville to play in their first tournament of the season. Out of 24 teams, Sharyland played against eight teams and won every game while walking away the winners of the tournament. “We are off to a good start and I feel that we are on the right track,” said Hernandez.

2012 Class 5A Region IV Champions! The Sharyland Rattlers defeated Brownsville Lopez High School 2-1 in the regional finals. Pictured is senior Santiage Velez of Sharyland against Lopez defender. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador) www.kidzcrusade.org

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Sharyland Lady Rattlers Top-Ranked Team in HSSM Soccer Polls

(Sharyland, Tx)-The Class 5A Region IV Girls Soccer Tournament is headed back to San Antonio, Texas after the University Interscholastic League awarded the Rio Grande Valley a twoyear bid in 2011 and 2012. The host site was the Brownsville Sports Complex. This year, the Blossom Athletic Center will be feature the top four teams from the region. As for the Sharyland Lady Rattlers, they could end up back in the regional tournament. But it will not come easy as any number of teams could qualify too.

The Sharyland Lady Rattlers enter the season as the top HSSM team to beat in 2013. The Lady Rattlers went 27-4 in 2012, won District 30-5A and advanced to the Region IV-5A Tournament

final before coming up one win short of advancing to the UIL State Tournament. Instead, a missed blocked shot with minutes left to play against San Antonio Churchill gave the Lady Chargers a ticket to the big show in Georgetown, Texas. A 1-0 loss to San Antonio Churchill left the Lady Rattlers with a bitter taste.

Sharyland returns four starters, including forward Daniela Cantu, who scored 31 goals last year as a sophomore. “We will be okay. That loss is already forgotten and with ten lettermen back, we will competitive,” Sharyland coach J.J. Lopez said.

“We have a strong tradition at Sharyland. This keeps our expectations high.”

Teams to watch in Class 5A from districts throughout the Rio

2012 Class 5A Region IV Girls Soccer Finalist! The Sharyland Rattlers lost to San Antonio Churchill in the finals held at the Brownsville Sports Complex last season. The Lady Rattlers are ranked No.1 in the HSSM polls. (HSSMImages/David Saldana)

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Soccer Teams Grande Valley include Harlingen High, Los Fresnos and much improved McAllen Memorial.

Defending District 32-5A co-champion Los Fresnos returned forwards Ariana “Pinky” Castillo (15 goals last season) and Nora Cordova (23).

Five other starters back for the Lady Falcons, including Linette Cuvillier. Three different coaches have plagued the Lady Falcons program since 2011, despite advancing at three rounds in the playoffs during each of the past three seasons, including trips to the Region IV-5A Tournament in 2010 and 2011. Another team to watch in 32-5A will be the Harlingen Lady Cardinals who ended their season 22-51 won District 31-5A and also advanced made to the Region IV-5A Tournament in 2012.

Probably the team to watch will be the McAllen Memorial Lady Mustangs, with eight starters back including midfielder Maggie Calderon, and they will be favored to win the District 31-5A title. Other teams to watch are Brownsville Rivera and Lopez.

Even though the Roma Lady Gladiators soccer Team lost a lot of players due to graduation, injuries and transfers, head coach Francisco Jaime still believes this year’s team

District 30-5A Edinburg Economedes Lady Jaguars Soccer team will be favored to make the Class 5A playoffs in 2013. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

District 61-4A Roma Lady Gladiators Soccer team will be much improved in 2013 with plenty of returning lettermen. They favored to win the title.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

is going to have a great season. “It’s difficult to lose so many players, but it happens,” said Jaime. “But with my soc-

cer experience, I know how to develop players and am confident we will be fine.” There has been proven success in the

program as two years ago, the Lady Gladiators won the District 61-4A title and picked up a Bi-District and an Area

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

17

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As of January 29th Texas Association of Basketball Coaches

TOP 10 BOYS POLLS

9. North Crowley 20-6 10. El Paso Coronado 23-1

Class 2A State Rankings 1. Kountze 25-3 2. White Oak 23-1 3. Brock 20-5 4. Taum 21-7 5. Jim Ned 19-5 6. Idalou 21-3 7. Holliday 21-3 8. Brechenridge 19-3 9. Ponder 21-8 10. Clarksville 13-4

Class 4A State Rankings 1. FB Marshall 25-4 2. SA Brennan 27-2 3. Dallas Carter 22-4 4. Dallas Lincoln 18-6 5. Arlington-Seguin 22-4 6. Austin LBJ 23-3 7. Dallas Wilson 17-6 8. Dallas Kimball 11-8 9. Houston Wheatley 18-4 10. Beaumont Central 20-4

Class 1A Division I 1. Triple A 15-5 2. Mumford 26-0 3. Grapevine 21-4 4. Oleny 18-4 5. Port Aransas 20-7 6. Cayuga 16-6 7. Big Sandy 20-6 8. St. Agustine 12-6 9. Kerens 14-6 10. Thorndale 12-4

Class 3A State Rankings 1. Yates 20-4 2. Dallas Madison 18-4 3. Kennedale 23-2 4. SA Houston 11-6 5. Abilene Wylie 22-4 6. Princeton 18-5 7. Burkett-Burnett 17-7 8. Stephenville 18-7 9. Silsbee 18-7 10. Argyle 16-8

Class 1A Division II 1. Roxton 18-3 2. Water Valley 21-2 3. Eula 21-4 4. Huckabay 19-4 5. Calvert 14-5 6. Texline 18-5 7. Oakwood 12-5 8. Graford 17-5 9. Sands 20-3 10. Laneville 17-8

Class 5A State Rankings 1. DeSoto High School 24-1 2. South Grand Prairie 25-2 3. Lewisville Hebron 25-2 4. Plano East 20-4 5. SA Bradeis 25-2 6. FB Bush 22-5 7. Fort Bend Travis 20-4 8. Richardson Berkner 20-5

Round title as well. Last season, Roma took 2nd place in District 61-4A and lost in the 4th round of the State Playoffs to Beeville. With what the Lady Gladiators have accomplished in the past two years, Jaime hopes that the third year will truly be a charm. “This year, we want to win District and go further than the 4th round of the playoffs,” said Jaime. When Jaime took the Head Coaching position four years ago, he set his goals high for Roma and so far they have accomplished most of them. From those original goals, he feels the Lady Gladiators are about four years away from winning the State Championship. “I really believe that we can do it,” said Jaime.

Just recently, the Lady Gladiators went to the Edinburg CISD Lady Cats Soccer Tournament this past weekend and came in 4th place out of 16 teams. There are several players on the team will definitely make a huge impact for Roma this season and no doubt one of their standout players will being Alondra Gonzalez.

The First Team All-District Goalie is very aggressive in the net and is willing to throw herself at the ball to defend the goal. Another impact player is Senior Captain Andrea Jaime who runs the whole field throughout the entire game and even when she gets knocked down, Jaime gets up to fight for the ball. Center Casandra Alvarez is a relentless type of player that possesses strong defensive skills. The top Valley girls teams in 4A this season figure to be Roma, Mission Veterans, Mission High, Hidalgo and Mercedes.

In boys action, District 30-5A will feature some of the toughest match ups in the state. Playoff hopefuls Donna, La Joya Palmview, Juarez-Lincoln, Edinburg Economedes, and Edinburg HS, will have to deal with the State 5A defending champions, Sharyland. Last season, the Donna Redskins defeated the Rattlers twice in district play and then were eliminated in the playoffs, only to watch the Sharyland Rattlers win the state title.

Newly realigned District 31-5A will be a toss up between

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District 30-5A Palmview Lobos Soccer team members pictured l-r are (front) Roel Hernandez, Damain Pena, Jessus Cacino, Alejandro Jimenez, Marcis Solis, Luis Rodriguez, Erick Jimenez, Minguel Ponce, Adrian Pina, and Francisco Guerra. Back row l-r are Edilberto Maldonado, Lazaro Hernandez, Samuel Rodriguez, Christian Elizondo, Jose Carmona, Carlos Hernandez, Jose Carmona, Heriberto Maldonado, Leonel Martinez, Joel De La Garza, Israel Vera, Roberto Espinoza, and Ruben Casas. Head coach is Juan Medina. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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Weslaco East, McAllen, McAllen Nikki Rowe, and PSJA Memorial could be looking at playoff spots in Class 5A while District 32-5A feature Brownsville Lopez, Los Fresnos, Brownsville Hanna with Brownsville Rivera as the team to beat. Last year the Lobos advanced to the State 5A Region IV finals and lost to defending State 5A champions, Sharyland.

In 61-4A, sometimes, a big win over a powerhouse can fire up a team and Roma Head Boys Soccer coach Joe Cortez hopes that truly is the case for his squad.

The Gladiators picked up a huge win recently when they defeated last year’s State Champions, The Sharyland Rattlers, and Cortez hopes it will lead to huge success for his team this year.

“It was a tremendous win for us and a huge confidence builder,” said Cortez. “Everyone wants to beat Sharyland and we were able to do that.”

Cortez admits the hardest part of that win definitely came after the game.

“I have to keep the guys focused because now they think they can beat the world,” said Cortez.

Cortez has been the Head Coach at Roma ever since the Soccer program was initiated at the school 15 years ago.

“It took some time for our team to come around, but now we are getting invited to soccer tournaments and gaining a lot of respect along the way,” said Cortez.

All those years of hard work and determination finally paid off when the Gladiators won the District 61-4A title and had an unblemished 10-0 record last year. The Gladiators captured a Bi-District Title, but were knocked out in the Area round at the hands of La Feria.

This year, Roma wants to repeat as District Champs. However, they have much higher Nice Kick! Brownsville Pace Adolfo Cardvillo defends against his opponent.

The Pace Vikings will be looking to win a 32-5A title. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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goals for this season.

“We want to get further in the playoffs, but our main goal is to get to State,” said Cortez. “I think we have a chance.”

Their chances are better this year now that Forward Leo Guerra is back on the team after suffering an ACL injury that kept him from playing early in the season last year.

“Leo scored a lot of goals for us in the past and is going to be a key player this year,” said Cortez.

Two years ago, Guerra was the Most Valuable Player of District 61-4A and even though he isn’t a Captain on the team, the other players definitely look to him as a leader.

“The guys look up to him because of his playing abilities,” said Cortez.

Senior Omar Garza, who has been the Team Captain for the last two years, possesses excellent defensive skills at the Sweeper position.

“Omar is a special player and has gotten a lot of looks from Universities who are very interested in him playing

Dr. Rene Gutierrez, Superintendent

Good Luck in The Legacy of the UIL State Basketball Playoffs Excellence Continues Joe Filoteo, Jr. Edinburg Consolidated Independent School District 411 North 8th Ave, Edinburg, Texas 78541 Ph: 956-289-2300

ECISD Director of Athletics 2013 Region IV UIL Athletic Director

Edinburg Lady Bobcats Basketball Team

District 30-5AAAA

Head Coach: John David Salinas

Pictured are l-r Lexus Ortiz, Chelsea Cortez, Ashley Moralez, Eileen Martinez, and Brittany Roxburgh. Back l-r are Megan Soliz, Brisela Curiel, Sera Tamez, Micheline Mercelita, Gabriella Cruz, and Jessica Leal.

Edinburg North Lady Cougars Basketball Team

Head Coach: Jenny Rae Gaytan

District 30-5AAAA

Pictured are Sarah Pedraza, Kimberly Garcia, Dulce Pena, Larissa Arriola, Rita Sandoval, Maribel Quiroz, Natalie Alaniz, Ilse Mojarro, Savannah Garza, Pamela Cantu, Ashley Serda, Klarissa Viduarri, Charlene Flores, and Briana Garza.

Edinburg Vela Lady Sabercats Basketball Team

District 30-5AAAA

Head Coach: Lottie Zarate

Pictured are front l-r are Ashleigh Lopez, Lyssa Garcia, Maranda Washington, and Ariel Rodrizguez.

Back are Valerie Camacho, Leazhane Reyford, Larissa Navarro, Vanessa Perez, and Emily Azubell.

Soccer Season Begins! Pedro Alvardo of PSJA Memorial H.S. hopes to lead his Wolverines to a State 5A playoff spot in 2013. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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soccer for them,” said Cortez.

Cortez credits the success they are having to the coaching staff as well as the team’s hard work. ”The kids know they have to invest in this sport and they have,” said Cortez. “Roma has been known as a Basketball town for a long time. But now, people know we have a Soccer team too and it feels great.” Teams to watch in District 61-4A Valley View, Hidalgo Early College, Progreso, Mission High School, and Mercedes could surprise teams down the stretch.

The Class 4A Region IV Tournament will be played at Cabaniss Field Field in Corpus Christi while the Class 5A Region IV Tournament has moved to San Antonio, Texas at the Blossom Athletic Center. All games will be played April 12-13th.

The Best of the Best Boys HSSM Top Ten Girls HSSM Top Ten 1. Sharyland 2. Valley View HS 3. Edinburg Economedes 4. Brownsville Rivera 5. Donna HS 6. LJ Juarez-Lincoln 7. Brownsville Lopez 8. Hidalgo Early College 9. Roma HS 10. Los Fresnos

1. Sharyland 2. McAllen Memorial HS 3. Harlingen 4. Edinburg Economedes 5. Roma HS 6. Mission Veterans 7. McAllen Rowe 8. San Benito 9. McAllen HS 10. Los Fresnos

Pictured are the 2013 Hidalgo Early College Soccer team pictured l-r (front) Victor Castaneda, Oscar Cerda, Jose Aleman, Cesar Ornelas, Julio Gallardo, and Raul Ramos. Back row l-r are Miguel Rodriguez, Benito Salinas, Hilario Bermundez, Alexis Caballero, Edgar Mireles, Luis Villarreal, Hector Reyes, Brian Lince, and Jesus Cavazos. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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HIGH SCHOOL As of January 29th GIRLS DISTRICT leaders Assists Sifuentes,PSJA North Canas, Rio Hondo Resendez, Roma Casas, Miss Veterans Gutierrez, Los Fresnos Wright, Los Fresnos Martinez, Harlingen Villanueva, Weslaco East Suarez, Economedes Perez, Harlingen

Gms Avg 22 5.3 22 4.5 29 3.7 22 3.6 23 3.5 23 3.3 29 3.2 31 3.0 26 3.0 28 3.0

Steals Sanchez, Harlingen SiFuentes, PSJA North Martinez, Harlingen South Martinez, Port Isabel Smith, Miss Veterans Cavazos, Harlingen South Galzez, La Villa Robles, Harlingen South Garcia, McAllen Canas, Rio Hondo

28 23 29 22 22 29 25 26 29 22

6.1 5.9 5.3 5.1 4.7 4.4 4.4 4.1 4.0 3.9

Rebounds Mercelita, Edinburg Azubell, Edinburg Vela Casas, Mission Vets Perez, Mission Gonzalez, La Villa Ebanks-Texada-LF Dominguez, PSJA North Swink, Port Isabel Ortiz, La Villa Garcia, McAllen

27 30 22 23 23 23 25 24 25 29

14.9 13.6 13.5 11.9 11.0 10.0 9.5 9.2 9.0 8.0

Top Scorers Rodriguez, Palmview HS Azubell, Edinburg Vela Casas, Miss Veterans Vasquez, Lyford Mercelita, Edinburg Martinez, Harlingen South Martinez, Harlingen Cavazos, Harlingen South Ebanks-Los Fresnos SiFuentes, PSJA North

25 30 29 26 27 29 29 29 23 23

20.0 18.6 18.1 17.6 17.6 16.9 16.7 16.6 15.1 14.5

Have Information Regarding This Hit-and-Run... or want to donate to help Leslie, call HSSM at 956-929-4700.

High School Sports Magazine 801 East Fern Suite 131 McAllen, Texas 78501

15-Year Old Sharyland HS Student Leslie Mercado loved playing basketball and track. On September 4, 2012 her life changed. She became a victim of a hit-and-run car accident. Here’s her story.

S

BY VINCENT DAVIS HSSM Sports Writer

haryland High School sophomore, Leslie Mercado was like most high school students who had high hopes and aspirations. She played the trombone in the school band and also planned on trying out for the varsity basketball and track team.

But all that changed on September 4, 2012 when she was a victim of a hit-and-run car accident.

“I was walking home and was at the cross walk,” said Leslie Mercado. “I looked both ways and started to cross the street. All of a sudden, I felt something and before I knew it I was hit.”

Mercado was hurt badly as she injured her clavicle and severely pulled some ligaments in her lower back.

“She wore a neck brace for such a long time and was in a lot of pain,” said Sharyland Varsity Girls Basketball Coach Dale Whitaker.

Because of the accident, Mercado has a limp, has trouble turning her head, and still can’t stand the pain that comes with sitting for long periods of time. The accident had a huge impact on her life and the constant pain she has reminds Mercado about the accident every day. Also, Mercado can no longer march with the band and has trouble sitting through band practice. “My doctor says I need an MRI, but our insurance won’t cover it,” said Mercado. A police report was filled out, but Mercado and her family have not heard much about the case. “The police didn’t seem to make that big of a deal out of it,” said Whitaker. “Getting hit by a car hurts and I don’t think people understand what kind of a road she’s been down.”

The road hasn’t been easy for the 15-year old that aspired to play basketball. “It’s changed my life a lot.

I miss being able to do the things I used to do,” said Mercado. “I have a lot of limitations and I am losing hope.” Her injuries might have kept her from trying out for the sport she loves, but they haven’t kept her from being a part of it. Mercado is the team manager for the junior varsity basketball team and she also helps out with the videotaping for the varsity girls team when they play. “I get the equipment ready and wash the uniforms,” said Mercado. “I make sure everybody has what they need.”

Whitaker said he is grateful to have her around and be a part of the team.

“In my 15-years of being a head coach, I have had a lot of managers that I would have to give direction to.

Not Leslie,” said Whitaker. “She does things without being told because she knows what needs to be done.”

With all the pain and the difficulties that the accident has brought upon Mercado, it’s the basketball program at Sharyland High School that is getting her through this tough time in her life.

“Being around the team is what keeps me going and motivates me,” said Mercado. “I really look forward to the days I’m with the team.”

Whitaker feels that what Mercado has overcome is an inspiration to the team and her fellow classmates.

“She never gives up and comes to school every day,” said Whitaker. “She shows us that there is hope and a light at the end of the tunnel.” Even though many see her as an inspiration, the ordeal of the accident sometimes takes a toll on the young lady who was once quite active. “When I go to school, I try to keep a smile on my face even when I don’t feel like smiling,” said Mercado. “I just hope everything is going to be okay.”

Okay for Mercado means getting through her day without pain and hopefully, someday she will be able to get back to her normal life of being a teenager. And maybe, just maybe, the driver of this accident will come forward someday.

24 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

un...

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Team Player. Watching the basketball game is Leslie Mercado of Sharyland High School during a recent basketball game. She is the game day clock operator and team manager. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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District Wrestling Championships

Rio Grande City H.S.

Boys Wrestlers Win Title

BY JOHN CANNON

HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR

(Rio Grande City, Tx) – Rio Grande City Senior Wrestler Lisa Gonzalez has been to the Class 5A Regional Wrestling Meet for two years in a row now and was hoping to make it for a third time.

Well, there is good news and bad news pertaining to that.

The bad news is Gonzalez will not be making an appearance at the 5A Regional meet this year due to the fact that Rio Grande City moved down to 4A after the split by the UIL. But the good news is she will be heading to the class 4A Regional meet in Austin next week.

Gonzalez defeated Diana Palomares from Corpus Christi Ray by second round tap out to become the District 16-4A Champion in the 148-pound weight class on Thursday at Rio Grande City High School.

“It really feels good to win the

District title with this being my senior year,” said Gonzalez. “Now I will get a chance to defend my Regional title, even though it is at the 4A level now.”

Besides making it to Regionals for two straight years, Gonzalez has been to the State meet two years in a row. However, the Region IV champion, hasn’t been able to secure a State championship just yet.

But Rio Grande City Head Wrestling Coach Ronald Pratt feels that this could be the year she will do it. “Lisa was very competitive while wrestling at the 5A State Meet and now that we are competing in 4A, I think she is going to go all the way and become state champion,” said Pratt.

Also capturing a District Championship was RGC’s Alex Barreto who captured the 170-pound weight class after

Teams Playoff Action District & more!

Danny Salinas of La Joya Palmview head locks his opponent. (HSSMIMages/David Saldana) defeating Rey Rodriguez of Mission. Barreto was so happy to win a title after sitting out last year as a junior because of an injury.

“Having to sit back and be a spectator last year was tough,” said Barreto. “But winning

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the championship this year is very rewarding. Now I want to complete my main goal and that’s to win a regional championship and became an AllState Wrestler.”

The Rio Grande City Boys Team was very successful as they captured the first ever District 16-4A title while Corpus Christi Ray won the girls division.

Girls 16-4A District Champions: 95 Lb: Safira Perez, Grulla 102 Lb: Alexandra Zurita, RGC 110 Lb: Alex Sanchez, CC Ray 119 Lb: Christina Silva, Grulla 128 Lb: Nykea Salinas: Mission High 138 Lb: Lucy Hamilton, CC Ray 148 Lb: Lisa Gonzalez, RGC 165 Lb: Jackie Gonzalez, Miss. Vets 185 Lb: Raven Garcia, CC Ray 215 Lb: Christin Chessher, CC Ray Boys 16-4A District Champions: 106 Lb: Victor Segura, Grulla 113 Lb: Leo Tanguma, Grulla 120 Lb: Eradio Montalvo, Grulla 126 Lb: Orlando Garcia: RGC 132 Lb: Josh Crow, CC Ray 138 Lb: Valentin Cantu, RGC 145 Lb: Jr. Briceno, RGC 152 Lb: Victor Trevino, RGC 160 Lb: Dominique Munoz, CC Moody 170 Lb: Alex Barreto, RGC 182 Lb: Robert Pierce, CC Moody 195 Lb: Rogelio Valladoild, CC Moody 220 Lb: Paul Briceno, RGC 285 Lb: Andrew Cuellar, CC Ray

GET GAMEDAY ACTION PHOTOS AT WW

www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net Schools. 2012 All Valley pitcher Sandy Guerrero and 32-4A All DisCollege Prep Signings trict catcher Reneal Rodriguez are E-E’s standout pitcher/catcher battery and are poised for another great season for E-E coach Joey Palacios. 32-1A All District 1st basemen America Ortiz is looking forward Edinburg, Rowe, Los Fresnos Players Ink Letters to another stellar year at La Villa. La Villa coach Marlene Hinojosa spoke highly of America at the event, “a natural leader”.

(Edinburg, Tx) – Micheline Mercelita signed to play basketball at Our Lady Of The Lake University on January 16th and said she is excited about this opportunity. “It’s really exciting and it is truly a blessing more than anything,” said Mercelita. “Now I can focus on the remainder of the Basketball season.” The Lady Bobcats are headed to the state playoffs. Mercelita has been a strong force for the Lady Bobcats this year as she is averaging 17.6 points per game and leads the Valley in rebounds averaging 14.9 per contest.

At Los Fresnos High School, senior Debbie Lozano signed a letter of intent with the University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College to play volleyball. The Lady Ocelots have had quite a bit of success over the past couple of years as they won the National Championship in 2011 and made it to the Final Four and the NAIA Tournament last year while comprising a 30-2 record. I’m excited to get my college career going,” said Lozano.

A joint signing took place between Edcouch-Elsa and La Villa High Mercelita Signs With OLLU! Edinburg High Senior Micheline Mercelita signed to play Basketball with Our Lady Of The Lake University while her father Randolph Mercelita and Our Lady Of The Lake Head Girls Basketball Coach Christopher Minner.

RGV Players Sign Scholarships

(HSSMIMages/Courtesy Photo)

District 16-1A Division I

UIL State Football Playoff Appearances: 2012, 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, & 2002.

Los Fresnos Signs with UTB-TSC! Sitting (L/R): UTB-TSC Head Volleyball Coach Todd Lowery, Debbie Lozano, Deborah Lozano, Jesus Lozano. Standing (L/R): Los Fresnos Asst.

Coach Julie Breedlove, Los Fresnos Head Volleyball Coach Becky Woods, Los Fresnos Athletic Director Clint Finley, Los Fresnos High School Principal Ronnie Rodriguez.

(HSSMImages/Courtesy Photo)

La Villa

2012 16-1A Division I District Champions

Independent School District Playing College Softball for Coastal Bend College in Beeville are Edcouch-Elsa High School softball players l-r Reneal Rodriguez, Sandy Guerrero, and America Ortiz.

500 E. 9th Street La Villa, Texas 78562

(HSSMIMages/Courtesy Photo)

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State 5A Region IV Championships

UTPA to Host Class 5A Region IV

Basketball Tournament Girls Tournament February 22 & 23rd

(Edinburg, Tx)-The Road to the Final Four begins in the Rio Grande Valley. The UIL State Committee approved for the Class 5A Regional Tournament to be played at the University of Texas at Pan American over the next two to three years for both the Boys and Girls Class 5A teams. Joe Filoteo, Edinburg CISD Athletic Director and Region 4-5A Director, talks about the process of being able to get the Tournament here in the Rio Grande Valley.

“Traditionally for the last 20 years, the Regional Tournaments and other Regional Events for Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Individual Sports have been held in the San Antonio Metroplex,” said Filoteo.

“So about five years ago, Delegates from the Rio Grande Valley, Local Athletic Directors, Superintendents and Civic Leaders went before the UIL State Committee and proposed a rotation for sites in Region Four,” said Filoteo. “We submitted a proposal and the UIL felt that it merited consideration. Bringing the Regional Basketball Tournament is huge and we are excited about hosting it,” said Filoteo. “Some of the best

Boys Tournament March 1 & 2nd

teams from Region IV-5A will be participating here and the fans will truly see some quality basketball and talent,” says Filoteo.

Four teams from the San Antonio, Laredo, Corpus Christi, and Rio Grande Valley areas will meet in Edinburg in the semifinals and finals.

The Regional winner in both boys and girls will qualify for the State 5A Basketball Tournament to be played in Austin, Texas at the Frank Erwin Center. The girls will play on February 28th through March 2nd.

The boys games will be held on March 7-9th. All Class 1A through 5A divisions will meet.

In the 2012 Region IV-5A Tournament, San Antonio Northside Warren was the boys representative and San Antonio Reagan advanced in the girls regional finals. Reagan defeated Laredo Alexander 44-38 in the regional semifinals while Warren knocked off Laredo United 83-50 in the semifinals. Valley teams Harlingen South lost to Laredo United in the boys regional quarters while Harlingen lost to Alexander in the girls regional quarters. “It’s a must see event,” says Filoteo.

Chris King, Univeristy of Texas-Pan American Athletic Director and Joe Filoteo, Edinburg CISD Athletic Director and Region IV Director display the Class 5A Region IV Championship trophy that will be given to the winning teams. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

28 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Region IV-5A Director Joe Filoteo Jr Edinburg CISD Athletic Director

BI-DISTRICT Feb 11-12

W28

AREA Feb 14-16

F27

REGIONAL QTR Feb 18-19

R25 T26

REGIONAL SEMI Feb 22nd

W26 F25

UTPA Field House 6:00 p.m.

R27 T28

2013 Girl’s 5A Region IV Tournament Feb. 22nd

W32 F31 R29

(Upper Bracket) Finals Februay 23rd 1:00 p.m.

T30 W30 F29 R31 T32

CLASS 5A REGION IV BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT BOYS MARCH 1-2, 2013 GIRLS FEBRUARY 22-23, 2013

BI-DISTRICT Feb 11-12 AREA Feb 14-16 REGIONAL QTR Feb 18-19

W27 F28 R26

REGIONAL SEMI Feb 22nd

T25 W25 F26

UTPA Field House 6:00 p.m.

(Lower Bracket) Finals Februay 23rd 1:00 p.m.

2013 Girl’s 5A Region IV Tournament Feb. 22nd

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R28 T27

W31 F32 R30 T29 W29 F30 R32 T31

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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A Coaching Legacy HSSM Special Tribute

Cuellar Retires East Side, StrongSide; Coach Gave Credit To His Staff B Y JOSHUA JURADO, HSSM SPORTS WRITER

Weslaco East Head Football Coach Armando Cuellar led the Wildcats to Back-to-Back Class 4A Regional Finals in Division I against Cedar Park at the Alamodome in San Antonio in 2010 & 2011.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

30 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

(Weslaco, Tx)-After 38 years, Weslaco East Head Football Coach and Athletic Coordinator Armando Cuellar feels it’s finally time to call it quits.

“I just feel it’s time,” said Cuellar. “There are things I want to do now like, spend time with the family. I have some grandkids and there are things I would like to do with them. I just feel it’s time. (I need to) start taking care of myself a bit.”

The 61-year-old has held

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his current positions at Weslaco East since 2002 and prior to that, Cuellar served at Weslaco High from 1992 to 1999.

In his 38 years of coaching, 28 of them have been with the Weslaco Independent School District and 15 of those years were as a Head Coach. Cuellar was the Head Coach at Weslaco High from 1996 to 1999 and from 2000 to 2001; he was an Assistant to Pete Vela who was the Athletic

Director at the time.

Throughout his career, Cuellar had coaching stints at Mercedes, McAllen Memorial, Progreso, Donna, Weslaco High and last, but not least, at Weslaco East.

While at Weslaco High, Coach Cuellar comprised a 21-22 record and made the playoffs in two out of the three years there. Also, Cuellar won a Bi-District title in 1987 and a District Co-Championship in 1998 along with Brownsville Rivera.

At Weslaco East, Cuellar went 59-61 and made the playoffs for six consecutive years. His first three playoff appearances were close losses from 2007 to 2009.

It wasn’t until the 2010 season that the Wildcats would be crowned CoDistrict Champions in 324A along with Mission

up winning another BiDistrict and Area round title. However, their season ended once again in the Regional Semi-Finals.

In 2012, the Wildcats won the District 31-5A Championship in their first year in class 5A but were immediately eliminated from the postseason after losing to Brownsville Veterans Memorial in the Bi-District round.

Oscar Riojas, Weslaco ISD Athletic Director, said that he was surprised Cuellar decided to hang them up. “I am surprised and we are definitely going to miss Coach Cuellar. He served Weslaco ISD well and loved coaching,” said WISD Athletic Director Oscar Riojas.

For some time now, Cuellar said there were many times he felt that it was finally time

The First Years 2004 Weslaco East HS 3-6 2005 Weslaco East HS 2-8 2006 Weslaco East HS 3-7 4A State Bi-District Finalist 2007 Weslaco East HS 4-7 2008 Weslaco East HS 8-3 2009 Weslaco East HS 8-3 2010 Weslaco East HS 11-2 District 32-4A Co-Champions 4A DI Bi-District Champs 4A DI Area Champions 4A DI Regional Finals 2011 Weslaco East HS 11-2 District 32-4A Champions 4A DI Bi-District Champs 4A DI Area Champs 4A DI Regional Finals

“ “

2012 Weslaco East HS 7-4 District 31-5A Champions

leave.

“I feel comfortable leaving with the success the school has had,” said Cuellar. “And

You always want to leave on a good note and I’m very fortunate to be leaving on a successful note...

Armando Cuellar

Head Football Coach

Veterans for the first time in school history. That same season, Weslaco East won their first Bi-District and Area title. But, the Wildcats ended up getting eliminated from postseason play in the Regional Semi-Finals against State-Ranked Cedar Park.

The 2011 season for Cuellar was a mere image of the previous year as the Wildcats would see a similar playoff run during their last season in Class 4A. Weslaco East ended

to call it a quits. “I realized I really wasn’t (ready to retire a couple of years ago),” said Cuellar. “I’m glad I didn’t leave back then, but I’ve gotten older and worn out.” “What has made this career very rewarding is the excellent staff I had and because of them and the kids, the administrative support, community and my family, I’ve been able to be a part of something that’s special.”

Coach Cuellar believes that right now is the time to

I feel with the staff we have in place, I don’t think the program is going to skip a beat. You always want to leave on a good note and I’m very fortunate to be leaving on a successful note.”

“I’m very confident that the program will continue to excel with the staff that is in place. They’re the ones that have been a big part of the success we have had here and it’s because of them that everything worked well.”

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McHi Gets New Bulldog Coach www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

New Coaches & Athletic Directors

Kevin Brewer of Rowlett High School Accepts Football Position

By John Cannon, HSSM Assistant Sports Director

(McAllen, Tx.) – The McAllen Independent School District Board of Trustees selected Kevin Brewer as the new Head Football Coach/Athletic Coordinator for McAllen High School during their School Board Meeting on Monday night.

Brewer comes from Rowlett High School, which is part of Garland ISD where he was the Offensive Coordinator and served the school district as a coach for 10 years. Besides being the Offensive Coordinator, Brewer was the Varsity Offensive Line Coach, Strength and

Conditioning Coordinator as well as the Head Powerlifting Coach.

While at Rowlett, Brewer helped lead the Eagles to eight straight playoff seasons in District 10-5A; including two District titles and four straight Bi-District titles. Also, Brewer assisted in 46 students from Rowlett earning College scholarships in the past six years and two former Eagles are currently eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft.

Besides his impressive coaching resume, Brewer had quite an impressive career as

a football player as he was a member of the TCU Horned Frogs from 1991 through 1995 as an Offensive Lineman.

Brewer played under Coach Pat Sullivan and was a member of the 1994 SWC Championship team.

This will be Brewer’s first Head coaching job and McAllen ISD Athletic Director Paula Gonzalez said that she is thrilled to have someone with the credentials that he has.

“We are thrilled to have someone like Kevin Brewer coaching the McAllen Bulldogs,” said Gonzalez.

Kevin Brewer is named new McAllen High School Athletic Coordinator and Head Football Coach. (HSSMImages/Courtesy)

Progreso ISD Selects Jimenez as Next AD (Progreso, Tx.) – Progreso ISD didn't have to look far in naming their new Athletic Director. Margarito Jimenez, current Boys Cross-Country and Soccer Coach, was named the new Athletic Director

by Superintendent Fernando Castillo on Wednesday, January 8th and is ready to take on his new role.

“I am excited and ready for the challenge,” said Jimenez.

“This is truly a big opportunity for my career and after 20 years with the school, I am thrilled about this new role.”

Previously, Elvis Hernandez held both positions for nine seasons and was reassigned back in December. Jimenez

said that the transition from being a Head Coach to Athletic Director has been quite a challenge.

“The hardest transition has been a whole different work ethic from being a Head Coach to Athletic Director,” said Jimenez. “Also, the hardest part has been getting coaches to adjust to my work ethic now as Athletic Director and seeing me in another position.”

Salazar New Red Ant (Progreso, Tx.) – When Tom Salazar found out there was a Head Coaching position for football in Progreso, he knew he had nothing to lose by attempting to apply for the

32 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

position. After all, it’s been Salazar’s dream to become Head Coach and now his dream has become a reality.

The 65-year-old, who has 42 years in the business, was hired on January 14th as the new Head Football Coach of the Progreso Red Ants and will take over for Elvis Hernandez who had been Head Football Coach for the past nine years but was reassigned back in December.

“It’s been a dream of mine and now it finally happened,” said Salazar.

In 2012, Progreso went 2-8 with wins coming off of nondistrict games and was winless in District 32-3A.

Named First Red Ant Athletic Director, Magarito Jimenez takes over top position at Progreso ISD. (HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

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Donna ISD Names

New Coaches & Athletic Directors

New Athletic Director Longtime Assistant Leal New Donna Football Coach

By Vicent Davis, HSSM Sports Writer

(Donna, Tx)-After six years of being the head coach for the Donna Redskins, Manny Moreno stepped down to take over the position as Athletic Director at Donna ISD. Replacing him at head football coach and athletic coordinator will be former Assistant Head Coach, Ramiro Leal.

Moreno led the Redskins to the 2007 District title and BiDistrict Championship in Class 5A. With a second high school coming to Donna, (North High School Chiefs 2013), Moreno knows that his job as athletic director will be challenging.

A new athletic complex opened and it was named after the 1961 State 2A Championship coach, Earl Scott. Moreno will now operate from his new offices, next to the Bennie La Prade Football Stadium.

says Leal. The Donna Redskins have a rich history which dates back to 1961 when they won the Class 2A State Championship over the Quanah Indians.

“The community support is so strong and it is wonderful to see.” Originally Leal wanted to major in Engineering, but UTPA did not have an Engineering program at the time so he set out to use his Math Degree to help pay the bills with the intention of returning back to college to get his Engineering Degree.

Leal was hired at W.A. Todd in 1989 and as opportunities in education and coaching started to come his way, the thought of going back to school became further from his mind. “I couldn’t have done what I’m doing with these kids if I was an engineer,”

Moreno’s Coaching Career 2012 9-2 Bi-District Finalist 2011 7-4 Bi-District Finalist 2010 4-6 Missed Playoffs 2009 7-4 Bi-District Finalist 2008 6-4 Missed Playoffs 2007 9-3 Won District Title Bi-District Champs Area Finalist

After the football season, Donna ISD named Moreno the new athletic director and a few weeks later, Leal was chosen to take over the Redskin football program. Leal has taught and coached for the Donna Independent School District for the last 24 years and is excited about his new position. “To be the new head football coach at Donna is special,” said Leal. “It’s an honor to coach here because of the football tradition the school brings,”

Pictured are Manny Moreno, Donna ISD Athletic Director and Ramiro Leal Jr., Donna High School Athletic Coordiantor and head football coach.

(HSSMImages/Alec Amador)

said Leal. “As an educator, I can help them change their lives.”

Leal coached the freshman football team for three years and served as an assistant coach for the receivers for six years and the assistant head coach and offense coordinator for six years as a member of the varsity coaching staff. “The more I work with these kids, the more I found out it is my calling,” said Leal.

“These are lifelong experiences.”

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

33

One On One I NT E RV I EW www.HighSchoolSportsMagazine.net

with

STEPHEN SAENZ

BY JOHN CANNON, HSSM ASSISTANT SPORTS DIRECTOR HSSM: Welcome back to the Rio Grande Valley. How does it feel to be back and has anything changed since you have been gone?

Stephen: One thing I noticed is that Rio Grande City has grown.

I only come down once a year for Christmas so it’s always good to see my family and friends.

HSSM: What has been the difference between competing in High School meets as opposed to the Collegiate meets?

Stephen: The season is longer and we travel all over the country to compete at various NCAA meets.

HSSM: Even though you are a U.S. citizen, how were you able to compete as a member of the Mexican National Team?

Stephen: My grandma is from Mexico and my mom has a Mexican citizenship. Thru them I was able to get my Mexico citizenship.

HSSM: Why weren’t you able to compete as a member of the U.S. Olympic Team?

Stephen: The U.S. is the best throwing team in the world. If you are ranked seventh in the U.S.,

you are ranked 10th in the world.

Only three get to represent the U.S. in the Olympics.

HSSM: You took a lot of heat for competing with Mexico from a lot of people. How did that make you feel?

Stephen: When I saw the comments that people were posting, I was a little upset.

Mexico gave me an opportunity of a lifetime and I took it. I was an Olympian and I achieved my dream.

HSSM: What was your most memorable moment while in London?

Stephen: Waking up one morning and while I was eating breakfast, Reese Hoffa, Chris Cantwell and the U.S. Olympic Throwers walk in and sat around me.

HSSM: How did it feel to

represent the Rio Grande Valley?

Stephen: Everyone asked me where I was from and I would tell them the Valley; In South Texas.

It really felt good to be able to represent Hispanics.

HSSM: Were you satisfied with your overall performance at the Olympics?

Stephen: Even though I didn’t do as well, the experience I gained was everything to me. Now when I go to the World Championships, I will know what to expect.

HSSM: What would your message be to young Rio Grande Valley athletes who want to compete at the level that you have been at?

Stephen: Believe in yourselves.

Research and be a student of your event. If you have a dream, pursue it and work hard.

Photos by Alec Amador/HSSMImages

HSSM: You were able to compete as a member of the Mexican National Team at the Olympics this past summer. How did that end up happening?

Stephen: It all started at the Indoor Nationals in Boise, Idaho for the NCAA’s and the Mexican National Team said that if I could hit the “B” standard, which is the World standard for the Olympics, I would be able to go and represent them. On my last throw I hit a 20.08 and qualified.

Stephen Saenz talks about his experience as an Olympian competing in the 2012 London Games this past August. He is currently the No.1 Shot put contender in the NCAA from Auburn University.

34 HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE

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Weslaco East Lady Wildcats

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Head coach: Weslaco East Head Coach William Kromer

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District 31-5AAAAA

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Weslaco Lady Panthers Head coach:

Griselda Fino Weslaco HS Head Coach

2012-13 31-5AAAAA District Champions

Weslaco H.S. Lady Panthers

2012 Donna ISD Administration Superintendent of Schools Roberto F. Loredo Donna H.S. Principal Nancy Castillo Donna ISD Athletic Director Manny Moreno Donna H.S. Athletic Coordinator Ramiro Leal Jr.

2012-13 Donna ISD School Board Ernesto Lugo President Michael Flores, M.D. Vice-Pres Nick Castillo Secretary Rey Alegria Board Members Efren Ceniceros Angel Magallanes Alfredo Lugo

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Varsity Schedule August 31 Weslaco Sept 6 PSJA North Sept 21 Laredo United Sept 28 Roma* Oct 5 Mission* Oct 12 Mission Vets Oct 19 PSJA SW Oct 26 Mercedes* Nov 2 Valley View* Nov 9 Rio Grande City* 32-4A Tri-Champs W Nov 13 CC Miller (Bi-District Champs) W Nov 24 Port Lavaca (Area Champs) L Nov 30 SA Brennan (Regionals Finalist) W L W W L W W W W W

Edcouch-Elsa High School Principal Rene Ramos Edcouch-Elsa ISD Superintendent Frank Perez Edcouch-Elsa ISD Athletic Director Christian Navarro

Pictured are Jacob Barrera, Edward Hermosillo, Robert Trevino, Diego Garcia, and Brandon Villa. (Not pictured is Brian Valle)

2012 32-4A All-District Football Selections

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