Victoria Advocate Varsity Cup 2023

Presented by

Ryan Peterson shiner high school

Abby Yanta goliad high school

Varsity Cup honors standout student athletes

Mike Forman Sports Editor

Area athletes competed on the field, worked hard in the classroom and spent time in the community in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

State championships were won by Refugio boys (2022) in track and field, Hallettsville (2022) in softball, and the Hallettsville Sacred Heart girls (2023) in basketball.

There were also a number of inspiring individual performances.

The 2023 Varsity Cup presentation will be held in person and online to honor area athletes for their performance on the field, in the classroom and in the community.

Nominations from different sports and cheerleading were sought from coaches of participating sports.

Student-athletes needed to maintain at least a 3.0 GPA during the current school year, have at least 10 hours of community service, and have displayed leadership skills that had an impact on

their teammates.

A committee met to decide who would receive awards for each sport, as well as awards for special achievement.

We appreciate the coaches who took time to submit nominations. Without their effort, the Varsity Cup awards would not be possible.

We would also like to thank Gary Moses for graciously donating his time to serve as master of ceremonies.

We also extend special thanks to guest speaker Jerheme Urban. Urban is a graduate of Victoria Stroman High School and played football and ran track at Trinity University.

He played in the Super Bowl for the Arizona Cardinals, and is currently the head football coach at Trinity.

We congratulate the athletes who were nominated in the Varsity Cup.

The program serves as a reminder of the outstanding young people in the area.

Chase Cofield/ccofield@vicad.com

Jerheme Urban speaks at the Varsity Cup awards program.

2023 Victoria Advocate Varsity Cup Nominees

Sarah Castaneda, Victoria East High School

Caroline Cohen, Victoria West High School

Maddie Niemann, Woodsboro High School

Ayana Longoria, Yorktown High School

BOYS CROSS COUNTRY

Alexander Tafolla, Calhoun High School

Eli Garrett, Cuero High School

Elijah Lyford, El Campo High School

Alan Baez, Ganado High School

Hunter Williams, Goliad High School

Nathan Sandelovic, Hallettsville High School

Ryan Janak, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Jacob Twyford, Shiner St. Paul High School

Samuel Whitaker, St Joseph High School

William “DJ” Hopkins, Victoria East High School

Taggart Silvas, Woodsboro High School

Jonathan Guerrero, Yorktown High School

GIRLS CROSS COUNTRY

Phoebe Huang, Calhoun High School

Mykenna Zarate, Edna High School

Brooke Bacak, El Campo High School

Juana Zamudio, Ganado High School

Ashtyn Franke, Goliad High School

Olivia Etzler, Hallettsville High School

FOOTBALL

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Gage Spencer, Calhoun High School

Sean Burks, Cuero High School

Dreydan Ashford, Edna High School

Kyle Bures-Guerrero, Ganado High School

JP Reyes, Goliad High School

Michael McAfee, Hallettsville High School

Klayton Chance, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Aidan Baker, Industrial High School

Caleb Hesseltine, Refugio High School

Ryan Peterson, Shiner High School

Josh Bonorden, Shiner St. Paul High School

Gavin DeLaGarza, St Joseph High School

Jacoby McElveen, Victoria East High School

D’Andre Fillmore, Victoria West High School

Adam Dominguez, Woodsboro High School

Andres Archuleta, Yorktown High School

VOLLEYBALL

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Anne Ihde, Bay City High School

Morgan Gray, Calhoun High School

Arissa Carbonara, Cuero High School

Emily Keith, Edna High School

Isabella Adrian, Ganado High School

Kendall West, Goliad High School

Bailee Wagner, Hallettsville High School

Jules Janak, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Pacie Roe, Industrial High School

Sara Henning, Refugio High School

Rylee Vancura, Shiner High School

Ashlyn Pesek, Shiner St Paul High School

Hannah Zimmerman, St Joseph High School

Katie Kostelnik, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Ashanti DeLeon, Refugio High School

Riley Rainosek, Shiner High School

Brooke Cerny, Shiner St Paul High School

Megan Miori, St Joseph High School

Isabella Roth, Victoria East High School

Cami Patek, Victoria West High School

Jaqulynn Tully, Woodsboro High School

Gabrielle Romans, Yorktown High School

BOYS BASKETBALL

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Ayden Maddux, Calhoun High School

Jesse Cruz Gonzales, Faith Academy

Logan Tupa, Ganado High School

Dasen Tinney-Anderson, Goliad High School

Cam Alamilla, Hallettsville High School

Micah Carson, Shiner High School

Jacob Wachsmuth, Shiner St Paul High School

Caden Williams, Victoria East High School

A’zorea Morgan, Victoria West High School

Blake Boyd, Yorktown High School

GIRLS BASKETBALL

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Arissa Carbonara, Cuero High School

Mariana Salazar, Edna High School

Christina Cole, El Campo High School

Taylor Ortiz, Ganado High School

Gabriela Sertuche, Goliad High School

Briley Rother, Hallettsville High School

Alijah Avery, Refugio High School

Bailey Haas, Sacred Heart Catholic School

Callie Sevcik, Shiner High School

Anna Reeves, Shiner St. Paul High School

Isabella Mikus, St Joseph High School

Ariel Haas, Victoria East High School

Brooke Henry, Victoria West High School

Kenzie Scott, Woodsboro High School

Ayana Longoria, Yorktown High School

BASEBALL

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Iann Cobos, Calhoun High School

Jacob Baker, Cuero High School

Kollin Graham, Edna High School

Brock Rod, El Campo High School

William Hayden, Ganado High School

Kolton Duval, Goliad High School

Brandt Trlicek, Hallettsville High School

Ethan Wendel, Louise High School

Drew Wenske, Shiner High School

Jackson Ulcak, Shiner St. Paul High School

Jonah Cantu, St Joseph High School

Hunter Baros, Victoria East High School

Justis Trenck, Victoria West High School

SOFTBALL

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Andrea Hataway, Calhoun High School

Audrey Kremling, Cuero High School

Laney Doelitsch, Edna High School

Kate Bubela, El Campo High School

Jaxyn Bures, Ganado High School

Morgan Young, Goliad High School

Katelyn Pustejovsky, Hallettsville High School

Kyleigh Matula, Industrial High School

Kaylor Freeman, Refugio High School

Paeden Vincik, Shiner High School

Julia Machacek, Shiner St. Paul High School

Aleyna St. Jean, St. Joseph High School

Brooke Escalona, Victoria East High School

Grace Weiler, Victoria West High School

Hailey Allen, Woodsboro High School

Jasmine Hernandez, Yorktown High School

BOYS SWIMMING

Michael Vargas, Bay City High School

Zane Garner, El Campo High School

Samir Shamma, Victoria West High School

GIRLS SWIMMING

Megan Moya, Bay City High School

Holly Foegelle, El Campo High School

JuliAnna Stevens, St. Joseph High School

Shelby Travis, Victoria West High School

BOYS POWERLIFTING

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Pavan Patel, Calhoun High School

Javaree Bacon, Cuero High School

Alex Figirova, El Campo High School

Cain Hayden, Ganado High School

Leverius Gage, Goliad High School

Josh Henry, St. Joseph High School

Daniel Martinez, Victoria East High School

Seth Neibrandt, Victoria West High School

Adam Dominguez, Woodsboro High School

GIRLS POWERLIFTING

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Victoria Valera, Calhoun High School

Kennedy Garza, Cuero High School

Kaylynn Mendez, El Campo High School

Braelynn Ullman, Ganado High School

Aerianna Segura, Goliad High School

Avery Chapa, St. Joseph High School

Alyssa Sauceda, Victoria East High School

Karla Linares, Victoria West High School

Aubriana Longoria, Yorktown High School

CHEERLEADING

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Avery York, El Campo High School

Hannah Kelly, Ganado High School

Delaney Huber, Goliad High School

Riley Rainosek, Shiner High School

Tristyn Howard, St. Joseph High School

Mya Norphlet, Victoria East High School

Aubriana Longoria, Yorktown High School

BOYS GOLF

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Karson Martin, El Campo High School

Bryce Ullman, Ganado High School

Bechtel Bishop, Shiner High School

Trent Brown, Shiner St. Paul High School

Jack Wise, St. Joseph High School

Taggart Silvas, Woodsboro High School

GIRLS GOLF

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Paisley English, El Campo High School

Kara Tupa, Ganado High School

Abby Yanta, Goliad High School

Cortney Touch, Shiner St Paul High School

Anna Llompart, St. Joseph High School

Emma Koch, Victoria East High School

Harper Edwards, Victoria West High School

Emie Bolting, Yorktown High School

BOYS SOCCER

Luke Schaper, St. Joseph High School

Nicholas Alfaro, Victoria East High School

Clayton Sciba, Victoria West High School

GIRLS SOCCER

Magdalena Montenegro, Calhoun High School

Diana Mejia, El Campo High School

Grace Henneke, Hallettsville High School

Emily Dickinson, St. Joseph High School

Evelyn Garcia, Victoria East High School

Cleo Prejean, Victoria West High School

BOYS TENNIS

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Elijah Lyford, El Campo High School

Kobi Valchar, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Connor Griffith, Industrial High School

Blake Koonce, Refugio High School

Bode Prove, Shiner High School

Aryan Gaalla, St. Joseph High School

Fernando Moreno, Victoria East High School

GIRLS TENNIS

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Celeste Kwi, Calhoun High School

Emily Glaze, El Campo High School

Melea Henke, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Emma Wilfert, Industrial High School

Quetzal Vasquez, Refugio High School

Jordan Munsch, Shiner High School

Lisa Du, St. Joseph High School

Brylie Koopman, Victoria East High School

BOYS TRACK

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Mason Notaro, Cuero High School

Bryce Ullman, Ganado High School

Braylon Perry, Goliad High School

Jason Moore, Refugio High School

Dalton Brooks, Shiner High School

Joseph Twyford, Shiner St Paul High School

Luke Schaper, St. Joseph High School

Matthew Jackson, Victoria East High School

Logan Cooper, Victoria West High School

Aydan Joe, Yorktown High School

GIRLS TRACK

Kamryn Kestler, Calhoun High School

Natalie Tello, Edna High School

Kamilah Stafford, Faith Academy

Mary Reid, Ganado High School

Kyla Hill, Goliad High School

Katherine Pavliska, Hallettsville Sacred Heart Catholic School

Brooke Warzecha, Industrial High School

Addison Lewis, Louise High School

Peyton Oliver, Refugio High School

Lauren Faldyn, Shiner High School, Faith Machart, Shiner St Paul High School

Marina Balboa, St. Joseph High School

Maddisin Ruiz, Victoria East High School

Jasmine Hernandez, Yorktown High School

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award for football

Gage Spencer

Calhoun High School GPA 4.068

What his coach said

“Gage Spencer is a coach’s dream come true. Gage is highly intelligent, he is physically a man among boys, he is an unbelievable leader by example and vocal. He plays at a level that has earned him a full ride scholarship to the United States Air Force Academy. This young man’s work ethic over the past few years has been second to none. Gage pushes himself everyday to the brink and demands that his teammates do the same. He is an amazing young man off the field as well with a great sense of humor and a very caring heart that reaches out to all and any. I have been blessed to coach such a terrific young man and I know in my heart he will accomplish and achieve great things throughout his life.”

What her coach said

“Caroline Cohen is the greatest example of a student-athlete, teammate, friend and leader. She competes on the court, as well as in the classroom. Ranked third in a class of 385 students, being president of the National Honor Society, receiving VISD’s Academic Excellence Award and earning the College Board AP Scholar Award. Athletically, Caroline stands out as a strong leader on the volleyball court. As a captain of the 2022 West volleyball team, she led the team in the number of kills and was selected as the MVP for the 29-5A All-district Superlative Team. If you have ever watched Caroline play, you would have seen a natural leader with a commanding presence coupled with the ability to encourage her teammates and rise-up in tough situations. Caroline is the kind of person you just want to be around. She’s generous, fun loving, caring, and an all-around great person.”

award for boys cross country

Nathan Sandelovic

Hallettsville High School GPA 4.0

What his coach said

“Nathan was always the first one to practice and the last one to leave. Often times, he would have already put in miles before the rest of us showed up. His dedication to his academic excellence carries over into his cross country training; as he puts in hour upon hour and mile upon mile to be able to compete at his absolute best.”

award for girls cross country

Brooke Bacak

El Campo High School GPA 3.968

What her coach said

“Brooke is a very determined and hard working young lady. She would step up and take charge of the girls team without any hesitation. Brooke is seen as a role model by her teammates and peers which I believe is why people will follow her lead. She is ranked No.1 in her class and this speaks volumes of her work ethic on and off the field.”

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Alex Figirova

El Campo High School GPA 4.01

What his coach said

“Alex is my Varsity Cup nominee because he is a special athlete that does things the right way. He was an athlete that went above and beyond my expectations and was one of the hardest workers in the room. He understood the importance of the classroom and was always a student -athlete. In his first year of powerlifting, Alex was able to show constant growth and development in the sport. He did the extra work to have the type of season he did. He was a regional qualifier in one of the hardest weight classes in the hardest region in the state. He improved throughout the whole season and never settled for anything less. Alex is a great example of what student athletes should be.”

by

award for Boys Powerlifting award for girls Powerlifting

Aubriana Longoria

Yorktown High School GPA 3.6

What her coach said

“Aubri has been working to be a successful powerlifter since before she was able to be on the team. She would come to the weight room with her older sister just to be around the sport. Through the years, she has grown as a lifter and a leader, mentoring her fellow lifters on technique as well as encouraging them. She was also very helpful to me as a coach by getting her younger teammates into their suits and other equipment.”

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Congratulations to

Aubriana Longoria from Yorktown High School for winning the Varsity Cup 2023 Girls Powerlifting

Alex Figirova from El Campo High School for winning the Varsity Cup 2023 Boys Powerlifting

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award for Boys basketball

Caden Williams

Victoria East High School GPA 3.74

What his coach said

“Caden Williams is a true student athlete. He gets amazing grades and plans to attend Texas A&M. He is a leader in our locker room, he is always positive in every situation. Caden is very responsible and dependable.”

CARRIE HELDT-MYERS award for girls basketball Bailey Haas

Sacred Heart Catholic School GPA 4.0

What her coach said

“Bailey is a 4-year starter at Sacred Heart in basketball. Her passion is helping her fellow teammates, that is what makes her a great teammate. She is a very respectable person and cares about others. She is willing to help others be the best that they can be. Always encouraging others to strive for the best.

award for Baseball

Kolton Duval

Goliad High School GPA 4.3857

What his coach said

“Through heavy engagement in various extracurricular activities and the ability to demonstrate high performance in the classroom, Kolton displays the necessary components of character to be successful in any walk of life. As Kolton’s football and baseball coach as well as his digital arts instructor, I have witnessed his strong work ethic and components of good character firsthand. While remaining dedicated to academics, Kolton works equally as hard on his competitive playing fields. He is usually one of the first to arrive and the last to leave the fields during practice as well as putting in the extra voluntary work to ensure he is doing everything possible to be successful. During competition, Kolton displays sportsmanship and respect to all opponents. Through examples of sportsmanship, Kolton easily fulfills the role as a leader on his teams. Nevertheless, he shares the same qualities in the classroom and other extracurricular activities. Kolton continues to establish his legacy on the fields by leading his teams to the playoffs and playing an instrumental role in making it possible.”

award for softball

Aleyna St. Jean

St. Joseph High School GPA 4.0

What her coach said

“Aleyna is the co-captain of our team. Her work ethic and leadership has been an inspiration to her teammates. She leads by example.”

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Aleyna St.Jean

St.JosephHigh School Softball

Harper Edwards

Victoria West High School GirlsGolf

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award for GIRLS golf

Harper Edwards

Victoria West High School GPA 4.2

What her coach said

“Harper is a great leader and captain for the Victoria West girl’s golf team. She leads by example and tries to lift up the rest of the team. She is by far the best player on the team but you would not know it when everyone is together. Harper is very humble and kind in social situations. In my 30+ years of coaching many different sports I have never coached an athlete so focused and hardworking. She is already great, but practices 4 hours a day, at least, to continue to improve. The last 2 years she was the girl’s golf state runner up at the TAPPS level. In my opinion no one has ever been more deserving of a Varsity Cup award.”

award GIRLS TRACK & FIELD

Kyla Hill

Goliad High School GPA 3.9

What her coach said

“Kyla Hill is track and field in Goliad. She is only a junior and yet is a 4-time state champion and has won 7 medals at the state meet so far and looks to add to that total this her junior year. She is also very active in the community participating in 4-H activities and volunteering hours to our local Baptist Church and to activities such as our summer track camp and mini volleyball camps. She is ranked in the top 10% of her class with a 3.9 GPA.”

Photos by Chase Cofield/ccofield@vicad.com

Student athletes, family members, supporters and sponsors participated in the 5th annual Varsity Cup awards on May 16 at the Victoria College Emerging Technology Complex. Stroman High School graduate, current head football coach at Trinity University, Jerheme Urban was the guest speaker. Gary Moses was the emcee.

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award for Boys track & field

Mason Notaro

Cuero High School GPA 4.0

What his coach said

“Mason is a leader on and off the field. He participates in multiple sports, he is currently splitting his time between track and field and baseball, where he is highly competitive in both sports at the varsity level. He also led our football team to a state-seminal appearance as our QB. What makes Mason stand out from the crowd is his character. He has no problem helping his team make good decisions. He also has the ability to communicate with his teammates and coaches. Most importantly, Mason is a champion in the classroom maintaining a 4.0 GPA with his busy schedule.”

award for boys soccer

Clayton Sciba

Victoria West High School GPA 4.0

What his coach said

“Clayton Sciba is the prime example of what a student athlete should be. He participated in multiple sports and has learned to balance athletics and academics putting him in the top 2% as the 6th ranked student in his class. Clayton has also received the VISD top 10 board of excellence award each of his 4 years of high school.”

award for GIRLS soccer

Emily Dickinson St. Joesph High School GPA 4.0

What her coach said

“Emily was a stand-out leader for our team this year, earning her the only captain role. Emily played in every game she was healthy and played a pivotal role in the midfield as she help us keep possession. As a leader off the field, she coordinated fundraising opportunities, team events, and created a positive team culture by encouraging her teammates. Emily is a wonderful example of a student-athlete and her strong character will insure her a brilliant future ahead.”

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award for boys tennis

Connor Griffith

Industrial High School GPA 4.0

What his coach said

“Connor is an outstanding young man and an excellent tennis player. He is a leader on and off of the court. He is an unselfish team-mate, always helping and working with his team to get better at the sport of tennis. He is a straight A student and is ranked 3rd in his class.”

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award for GIRLS tennis

Brylie Koopman

Victoria East High School GPA 4.0

What her coach said

“Brylie is one of the hardest working students at our school, working a nearly fulltime job while maintaining her grades as the valedictorian of the 2023 class and multiple extracurriculars. Her participation on our team won us vital matches that meant the difference between winning and losing it all. She is a remarkable and deserving young lady.”

CONGRATULATIONS

Brylie Koopman

Victoria EastHigh School

—GIRLSTENNIS WINNER —

up

CONGRATUL ATIONS

Connor Griffith

Industrial High School

—BOYSTENNIS WINNER —

WE ARE PROUD TO SPONSOR GIRLS&BOYSTENNIS

award for boys swimming

Zane Garner

El Campo High School GPA 4.2608

What his coach said

“ I have watched his growth improve exponentially over the past year. As a swimmer-elected team captain last year, I watched his eagerness and dedication as he led by example in practice and at meets. As a team captain again this year, he has consistently exceeded my expectations. He has developed as a more effective leader by becoming more vocal, understanding when teammates need to be challenged and when a kind positive word of encouragement may be required. I could always depend on him to give his all on every lap. He managed these athletic accomplishments in addition to excelling in his classes to be number 10 in his class of 267. It is exciting that he will be swimming as a student-athlete at UT Permian Basin next year.”

award for GIRLS swimming

Megan Moya

Bay City High School GPA 5.13

What her coach said

“Megan Moya was the key factor in our girl’s swim team’s success this year. She did an outstanding job as captain – and found a way to lead our tiny group in a way that resulted in everyone achieving individual, relay, and team goals. Megan is truly an “outside the box” thinker who found ways to solve serious issues that faced this year’s team. We juggled facility issues, scheduling conflicts, illnesses, etc. but had one consistent and steady influence through it all. Megan was the glue that kept our group together and helped get our team of just four girls to the state meet in six events. Our girls’ trust in this remarkable young lady made all the difference for our program this year.”

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award for cheerleading Hannah Kelly Ganado High School GPA 3.76

What her coach said

“Hannah is the captain of the cheer squad and has been on the varsity cheer squad for 4 years. She is a positive role model to her peers as well as younger students. Hannah is always willing to help others who are struggling to learn the cheers.”

award for heart and desire Sean Burks

Cuero High School GPA 3.6

What his coach said

“Sean is known around our area for his football skills and he is one of the best players I have ever coached, but what makes Sean great is his passion, work ethic, and character. Sean has a drive to be the best he can be in all he does. He will go out of his way to make sure everyone is involved. He has the leadership skills of someone who is going to make a positive difference in our society today which I believe we need more of.”

award for Going the extra mile

Jason Moore

Refugio High School GPA 3.9

What his coach said

“Jason is a coach’s dream. He consistently puts forth unbelievable effort and does more than what is required. He is a member of the defending 2A state champion track team. In the first game of the year he tore his ACL and underwent surgery. We thought track was in jeopardy for him. Since the surgery, he has worked tirelessly to make a comeback and now holds one of the best times in the open 400 meter dash and is a member of 2 relay teams. He is a vital part of our team’s success. His ability to be as good as he is stems from his outstanding work ethic and refusal to let anything hold him back.”

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award for Academic Achievement

Phoebe Huang

Calhoun High School GPA 4.6

What her coach said

“Phoebe is a leader of our cross country team and our team captain. Her teammates look up to her when they need encouragement. She is also vocal when needed and dependable, responsible and an honest member of our cross country team.”

award for sportsmanship

Dreydan Ashford

Edna High School GPA 3.7

What his coach said

“Dreydan is a highly accomplished varsity athlete. His stats are overwhelming on the football field, but since this award is about other important qualities and characteristics, I will just speak of those since he consistently demonstrates plenty. Dreydan is one of the most focused, hard-working, and disciplined young men I have coached in 3 decades. Yes, he has natural ability, but it’s his commitment to doing the little things right and being a great teammate that make him stand out among other talented players. He is the first one here and usually the last to leave. He picks up his teammates when they need it, while also requiring (not just modeling) hard work, perseverance, discipline at all times. He studies film on his own time like a coach. Because of all this, and many other attributes, Dreydan was a vital part of our football program for the past 4 years. His teammates look up to him tremendously and trust him completely.”

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award for beating the odds

Ryan Janak

Sacred Heart Catholic School GPA 4.0

What his coach said

“Ryan is a remarkable student and athlete. As a freshman, he led his cross country team to a top 10 team finish at the TAPPS 2A State Cross Country Championships. Earning many medals throughout the season, Ryan strived to be the best, never missing practice, and running extra miles on the weekends while also working for his family business and being involved in local 4-H activities and commercial heifer program. Ryan is a leukemia survivor. He was crushed when the doctors said he couldn’t play football, but has found a love for another sport - running. I am very proud of Ryan as he gives 100 percent to everything he does. I can’t wait to see what he accomplishes for Sacred Heart cross country in the future.”

award for community excellence

Brooke Cerny

Shiner St. Paul High School GPA 3.52 THANK YOU,

What her coach said

“Brooke Cerny is an excellent example of a student- athlete. She is extremely dependable. A coach’s dream athlete, willing to work hard for the best end result. Brooke is coachable and an amazing leader. Many times I see her leadership through her actions. She handles most every situation with grace and poise. Brooke is loved by her peers, always with a smile on her face. So, if you could only imagine a cross country state champion behaving in such a manner. Pretty cool, huh. And here is the best part, I get to work with this young lady daily. Brooke is a junior and I am so grateful we have another year together.”

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maleathleteof the y e a r

Ryan Peterson

Shiner High School GPA 4.0

Ryan Peterson tore the ulnar collateral ligament during his sophomore season in baseball.

He was limited during Shiner’s run to the 2021 Class 2A, Division I state football championship. But he returned and helped the Comanches reach the Class 2A state final in baseball and was named the Player of the Year on the all-state team.

Peterson did not rest on his laurels as a senior, as he played quarterback and in the secondary for the football team,

helped the basketball team secure a playoff berth, and returned to pitch and play shortstop in baseball. His busy schedule did not prevent him from accumulating a 4.0 grade-point average.

He also found time to participate in the Shiner Elementary Field Day and volunteer to work in the concession stand for younger grades basketball games.

Peterson will continue his athletic and academic career at Sam Houston State University in the next school year.

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femaleathlete of t h e y e ra

Abby Yanta

Goliad High School GPA 3.71

Abby Yanta was the captain of Goliad’s volleyball and basketball teams that made deep playoff runs. She was the district MVP in volleyball and the district’s offensive player of the year in basketball.

Yanta stayed busy in the spring during her fourth season on the varsity of the golf team by qualifying for the state tournament.

Yanta’s athletic schedule hasn’t deterred her from achieving in the classroom where she has a 3.71 grade-point average.

Yanta also participates in FFA, and is active in the Adopt a Senior and Project Graduation for the school district. Yanta will continue her athletic and academic career at Schreiner University in Kingsville in the next school year.

coachoftheyear

Adam Spiegleman Refugio High School

Refugio had won a record 10 state boys track and field championships going into the 2021-2022 school year.

But the Bobcats had not won a state title in track and field since 2001, and fans in a town that loves the sport were more than anxious to win another.

Refugio finished as the runner-up to Shiner in 2021, and firstyear head coach Adam Spiegleman’s was anxious to continue the success that Kent Hawthorne had started.

Refugio won the team title at every invitational meet except one and took home district, area and regional meet championships.

The Bobcats added their 11th state championship by winning the 2022 team title with 77 points.

Refugio won gold medals in the 400-meter and 800-meter relays and the 100-meter dash, and a silver medal in the 1,600-meter relay.

The Bobcats had competitors in eight events and scored points in seven of them.

Spiegleman, who has been at Refugio since 2017, also coaches football and basketball. He was an assistant when the Bobcats won the 2019 Class 2A, Division I state championship.

Jimmie Mitchell

Edna

High School

Jimmie Mitchell was determined to turn Edna into a regional and state contender when he took over as the school’s athletic director and head football coach in January 2020. Mitchell had more than two decades of coaching experience and a history of success at Sinton, Sealy, Beeville and Manor before coming to Edna.

Edna battled through the COVID-19 pandemic in the 20202021 school year before turning the corner in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years.

The Cowboys advanced to the state semifinals in football, and the regional quarterfinals in basketball.

The Cowgirls advanced to the bi-district playoffs in volleyball and the area playoffs in basketball.

In addition, Edna was a regional finalist in cross country, sent powerlifters to the state powerlifting tournaments, had regional finalists in golf and state finalists in track and field.

Edna will be the favorite to repeat as District 15-3A, Division I champion, and is likely to go into the 2023 football season ranked in the top 10 in the state.