2021 Varsity Cup special section from Victoria Advocate

2021

Presented by

Cup SPECIAL SECTION • SUNDAY, MAY 30, 2021

2 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

Victoria Advocate honors area athletes

Go ahead and breathe a sigh of relief.

The 2020-2021 school year is coming to a close and it appears every sport will be able to complete its season. Some modifications and changes were made to deal with COVID-19, but it’s likely a state champion will be crowned in every sport. This may come as small consolation to last year’s seniors who had their spring seasons taken away by the pandemic. But it appears high school athletics is on the road back to normalcy.

The 2021 Varsity Cup presentation was held online again this year. We would have preferred to honor athletes in person as we did in 2019, but we are still thankful to be able to recognize athletes from around the area.

Nominations for athletes from different sports and cheerleading were sought from coaches of participating schools based upon their contributions on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Once the nominations were submitted, a committee met

to decide who would receive awards for each sport, as well as the awards for special achievement.

We thank the coaches who took time to submit nominations. Without their contributions, the Varsity Cup awards would not be possible. We also thank Gary Moses for graciously donating his time to serve as master of ceremonies.

Hopefully, next year’s awards presentation will be held in person so each of the athletes nominated and those receiving awards will be able to celebrate their accomplishments with their friends, families and fellow athletes.

We congratulate the athletes who were nominated and recognized in the Varsity Cup broadcast. This program is a reminder of the outstanding young people in the area.

Mike Forman

2021

Cup

Sports Editor

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 3

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2021 Victoria Advocate Varsity Cup Nominees FOOTBALL Sponsored by Zboril Dental Center

Jordan Kelley - Refugio High School Matthew Janak - Victoria St. Joseph High School Elijah Perry - Victoria East High School Jarius Stewart - Calhoun High School Clayton Klekar - Goliad High School Noah Thedford - Ganado High School Jackson Hardwick - Cuero High School Tyler Palmer - Shiner High School Avery Smith - Bay City High School Jonathon Brooks - Hallettsville High School Reed Kallus - Industrial High School Blake Buzzell - Victoria West High School Chris Johnson - Yorktown High School Zak Johnson - Shiner St. Paul High School Rogelio Gonzalez III - Woodsboro High School Alex Angerstein - Hallettsville Sacred Heart Dawson Kallus - Edna High School

BASKETBALL - BOYS

Sydney Green - Shiner St. Paul High School Alexis James - Woodsboro High School Olivia Blank - Cuero High School Kailey Sinast - Yorktown High School Halle Sumpter - Goliad High School

BASEBALL Sponsored by Prosperity Bank Ethan Perez - Refugio High School Jared Shimek - Shiner High School Rylan Schindler - Hallettsville High School Lane Benavides - Ganado High School Kaden Kolle - Victoria East High School Orlando Di Leo - Victoria West High School Ted Machacek - Shiner St. Paul High School Sean Flores - Calhoun High School Hayden Zbranek - Bay City High School Austin Schwarz - Cuero High School Ben Bauer - Victoria Faith Academy Caleb Huber - Goliad High School Weslee Jochetz - Woodsboro High School

Sponsored by Kelly Garrett Kucera, Attorney

CROSS COUNTRY - BOYS

Casey Nunley - Calhoun High School Kyler Chovanetz - Hallettsville High School Rogelio Gonzalez III - Woodsboro High School Kevin Rankin - Victoria West High School Devonte Perry - Goliad High School Julian Martinez - Ganado High School Caleb Hesseltine - Refugio High School Lane Remschel - Shiner High School Austin Kutac - Hallettsville Sacred Heart Sam Benes - Shiner St. Paul High School Brady Parker - Victoria East High School Evan Tijerina - Victoria Faith Academy

Lucas Falcon - Victoria East High School Nicholas Rodriguez - Victoria St. Joseph High School Justis Trenck - Victoria West High School Aaron “Bryce” Wilfert - Industrial High School Benjamin Balderaz - Goliad High School Felix Rodriguez - Bay City High School Rylan Schindler - Hallettsville High School Bechtel Bishop - Shiner High School Geovanni Villeda - Edna High School Dylyn Gonzales - Calhoun High School Taylor Robinson - Shiner St Paul High School Kyle Walker - Refugio High School Brady Haas - Hallettsville Sacred Heart

BASKETBALL - GIRLS Sponsored by Kelly Garrett Kucera, Attorney

Haleigh Reyes - Victoria West High School Maiya Tillman - Victoria St. Joseph High School Celeste Lara - Refugio High School Clayre Pullin - Cuero High School Wendy Blanco - Ganado High School Sydney Migura - Hallettsville High School Kaysa Wunsch - Goliad High School Kadie Dueser - Yorktown High School Rebecca Wagner - Shiner St. Paul High School Morgan Daniel - Bloomington High School Samantha Velazquez - Victoria East High School Kila Rodas - Edna High School Hannah Bazar - Victoria Faith Academy Ja’Brion Thrift - Bay City High School Emma Herman - Shiner High School

SOFTBALL Sponsored by Ventura’s Tamales

Hollie Eads - Refugio High School Hana Lehnert - Shiner High School Mariah Steen - Victoria East High School Brianna Villarreal - Calhoun High School Emma Grahmann - Hallettsville High School Kaylee Hanys - Edna High School Kayanna “Cosmo” Kramer - Ganado High School Sarah Kolodziejczyk - Industrial High School Christine Wenske - Victoria West High School Abby Clark - Hallettsville Sacred Heart Kearsten White - Bay City High School

CROSS COUNTRY - GIRLS Sponsored by Formosa Plastics

Isabella Roth - Victoria East High School Lauren Theroit - Victoria St. Joseph High School Kailee Marques - Victoria West High School Emme O’Donnell - Calhoun High School Macie Kolodziejcyk - Industrial High School Hailee Lopez - Edna High School Lauren Bond - Goliad High School Marian Grosenbacher - Shiner High School Emma Etzler - Hallettsville High School Julianna Davis - Shiner St. Paul High School Quetzal Vasquez - Refugio High School Brooke Wendel - Cuero High School Rebekkah Hurt - Victoria Faith Academy Kathryn Kostelnik - Hallettsville Sacred Heart Kylie Nance - Yorktown High School

SWIMMING - BOYS Branton Rainey - Victoria West High School Jordan Wright - Bay City High School Dallas Layton - Hallettsville Sacred Heart

SWIMMING - GIRLS Bailee Wagner - Hallettsville High School Glory Vargas - Bay City High School Elizabeth Ventura - Hallettsville Sacred Heart

POWERLIFTING - BOYS Javier Ontiveros - Refugio High School Damian Chavez - Calhoun High School

Tyrin Brito - Ganado High School Ceyth Grevey - Victoria East High School LeVerius Gage - Goliad High School Seth Neibrandt - Victoria West High School Jacob Guerrero - Yorktown High School Logan MacLennan - Bay City High School Landon Sluka - Hallettsville High School

POWERLIFTING - GIRLS Sponsored by Formosa Plastics

Naidelyn Martinez - Refugio High School Eh Naygay Hso - Calhoun High School Alyssa Sauceda - Victoria East High School Viviana Hernandez - Goliad High School Jazmeen Reyna - Victoria West High School Lizbeth Amezquita - Bay City High School Kora Gonzalez - Victoria Faith Academy Kaitlin Rother - Hallettsville High School Kylie Nance - Yorktown High School

CHEERLEADING Isabella Katzer - Bay City High School Avery Baker - Industrial High School Kynleigh Jimenez - Victoria West High School Alanna De Leon - Refugio High School Wesley Hajek - Shiner High School Ayanna Moten - Victoria Faith Academy Desirae Flessner - Cuero High School Lauren Garza-Mischer - Hallettsville High School Ashley Fleener - Victoria St Joseph High School

GOLF - BOYS Aaron Holochwost - Victoria East High School Ty Winkenwerder - Shiner High School Jared Lofland - Victoria West High School Tristan Switzer - Yorktown High School Jacob Denton - Cuero High School Trent Brown - Shiner St. Paul High School Kyle Gaskamp - Goliad High School Cole Henrichs - Hallettsville High School Jacob Pena - Victoria St Joseph High School

GOLF - GIRLS Megan Winkenwerder - Shiner High School Amber Short - Victoria East High School Clayre Pullin - Cuero High School Paige Brown - Shiner St. Paul High School Madelyn Reitz - Goliad High School Shaye Woytek - Hallettsville High School Laney Glass - Victoria West High School Emma Milam - Victoria St Joseph High School

SOCCER - BOYS Caden Allen - Victoria East High School Jose Ledezma - Calhoun High School Damian Rojas - Victoria West High School Victor Morales - Bay City High School

SOCCER- GIRLS Isabella Martinez - Victoria East High School Jaydn Rangel - Victoria West High School Amy Vestal - Bay City High School Crystal Rodriguez - Calhoun High School

TENNIS - BOYS Seth Darilek - Industrial High School Jayden Carson - Shiner High School Hunter Williams - Goliad High School

Caden Malinovsky - Shiner St. Paul High School Luke Guevara - Hallettsville High School Kyle Yang - Victoria East High School Joshua Huang - Calhoun High School

TENNIS - GIRLS Sophia Davis - Cuero High School Brooke Pesek - Shiner St. Paul High School Jayme Kurtz - Shiner High School Daniela Sierra - Goliad High School Emily Cotton - Victoria West High School Sarah Pearson - Hallettsville High School Kinsey Faltysek - Victoria East High School Angel Tung - Calhoun High School

VOLLEYBALL Sponsored by DOCPAC

Lauren Williams - Industrial High School Emme O’Donnell - Calhoun High School Shelby Keith - Edna High School Sydney Migura - Hallettsville High School Presleigh Barber - Refugio High School Clayre Pullin - Cuero High School Alexis James - Woodsboro High School Kiley Michalec - Shiner High School Madison Korinek - Victoria St. Joseph High School Trinity Morris - Victoria East High School Sawyer Broughton - Victoria West High School Brooke Pesek - Shiner St. Paul High School Mollee Henicke - Goliad High School Elizabeth Grahmann - Hallettsville Sacred Heart Kailey Sinast - Yorktown High School Jaylen Dorsett - Victoria Faith Academy Cameryn Webernick - Ganado High School Renna Breazeale - Bay City High School

TRACK - BOYS Zavien Wills - Refugio High School Trevor Haynes - Shiner High School Darrell “Mack” Cihal - Ganado High School Evan Brown - Victoria East High School Caleb Moore - Woodsboro High School Luke Bludau - Hallettsville High School Devin Johnson - Victoria St. Joseph High School Wade Leath - Victoria West High School James Fikac - Shiner St. Paul High School Brice Turner - Bay City High School Johnathan Garcia - Industrial High School Sam Speed - Yorktown High School Cutler Zamzow - Goliad High School John Notaro - Cuero High School

TRACK - GIRLS Hannah Rifenburgh - Woodsboro High School Brooke Wendel - Cuero High School Maddisin Ruiz - Victoria East High School Karleigh Hill - Goliad High School Emme O’Donnell - Calhoun High School Haley Eidlebach - Bay City High School Dailynn Zarate - Victoria West High School Sadie Mikes - Shiner St. Paul High School Briley Rother - Hallettsville High School Camille Darilek - Shiner High School Kamilah Stafford - Victoria Faith Academy Sarah Brogger - Industrial High School Kailey Sinast - Yorktown High School Shelby Keith - Edna High School Jai’lin King - Refugio High School

4 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

award for boys swimming

Jordan Wright Bay City High School | GPA: 3.92

What his coach said “When we’ve needed someone to take charge in either a practice or meet, Jordan has been our go-to guy for several years. He is not our strongest or fastest kid, but he isn’t afraid to mix it up in any workout set or event. We’ve used him in every event and every relay over the course of his high school career. As a coach - or as a teammate - one could not ask for more. He sets a positive example for our younger swimmers. He models our expectation that everyone will contribute to the team. “

2021

Cup

award for girls swimming

Glory Vargas Bay City High School | GPA: 3.34

What her coach said “We sent four girls to the region championships this year, three freshmen and one senior. Glory managed to guide our wide-eyed rookies through with flying colors. She is a take-charge young lady who is well-liked and respected by her teammates. We counted on Glory’s leadership from the locker room to the final relay and she never disappointed. “

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 5

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Sponsored by zboril dental Center

2021

award for football

Cup

Tyler Palmer Shiner High School | GPA: 4.0

What his coach said “Tyler is a natural leader who is very coachable, dependable, responsible and honest.

He is respected and looked up to by his peers as well as everyone in school and in the community. He has had a positive impact on his teammates all four years of high school by being the guy that encourages people and helps them become the best they can be on and off the field, which led to him being a team captain. He is always willing to step up and take charge in good times and bad and his teammates have full confidence in him as he makes it easy to follow his lead.“

Congratulations to all the Varsity Cup Winners

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6 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

Award for boys track & field

Zavien Wills

Refugio High School | GPA: 3.935

What his coach said “Zavien is a strong leader on the football and track team. He is a responsible student-athlete and has maintained an A+ average in all his classes, while also holding a job after school. He is a mentor for all students entering the athletic program by being a positive role model on and off the athletic field. “

2021

Cup

Award for girls track & field

Brooke Wendel Cuero Senior High School | GPA: 4.1

What her coach said “Brooke is exemplary in everything she does. Her track teammates nicknamed her Bot. She got that because she gets an amazing grade and on the track team and she never gets tired. She is exemplary on the track. She just broke the mile record for Cuero. She also is the salutatorian for the high school.“

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 7

Sponsored by Dorothy O’connor Pet Adoption Center award for volleyball

Sydney Migura

2021

Cup

Hallettsville High School | GPA: 3.968

What her coach said “Sydney Migura makes an excellent candidate for the Varsity Cup. She reflects and exemplifies all of the unique qualities necessary to lead on and off the court. She is always dependable, coachable and in turn has helped other athletes reach their athletic and academic goals.“

8 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

award for boys cross country

Aaron “Bryce” Wilfert

Vanderbilt Industrial High School | GPA: 3.96

What his coach said

“Bryce is a hardworking young man who strives to be the best he can be in all activities he participates in. He is a great example as to what hard work can accomplish as he has qualified for the state cross country meet the last two years, finishing 25th at state this year. Bryce is a natural leader and is a great example to his peers who very much admire and respect him. He has shown to be a great student as well as his GPA can attest.“

2021

Cup

award for sportsmanship

Karleigh Hill Goliad High School | GPA: 3.96

What her coach said “Senior Karleigh Hill is the team captain and our leader in practice and in the weight room. She is a four-year letterman ranking in the top 5 in class 3A in the state in all five of her track events. Karleigh is ranked third in her class and will make the all-state academic track team. She always puts the team first and it shows the respect she has from her teammates. All around, she is one of the best kids I have coached in my 25-year career.

Currently in the Victoria Area she is ranked as the No. 1-4x4 relay, No. 1- 300 hurdler, No. 2 long jumper, No. 3-100 hurdler, and the No. 3 triple jumper. “

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 9

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Sponsored by Formosa plastics

award for girls cross country Emme O’Donnell

2021

Cup

Calhoun High School | GPA: 4.0

What her coach said “Emme O’Donnell is a one of a kind athlete. She is not only extremely talented but she is a very kind Christian valued student athlete, team conscientious, incredibly hard working and academically outstanding. There are very few athletes that actually epitomizes what we want in all our athletes to be; but Emme O’Donnell does just that. She has a way of bringing joy and delight everywhere she goes. Not only do her teammates love her and her school but she makes friends at every track meet and has a way of bringing out the best of all the athletes she competes against. “

Congratulations to Emme O’Donnell from Calhoun High School for winning the Varsity Cup 2021 in Girls Cross Country

10 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

VictoriaAdvocate.com

2021

Cup

award for boys golf

Jared Lofland

Victoria West High School | GPA: 3.6667

What his coach said “Jared Lofland is one of the most outstanding young men attending Victoria West High School. He thrives in both the classroom as well as the golf course. Jared was the District Co-MVP last year and was named Team MVP the past two years. Jared is always working hard on his game and is a great leader in terms of both work ethic and attitude. In his final nine holes of district tournament this year, he shot -2 par and had the low score of the day.

He leads by example and is the hardest working player on our team. “

2021

Cup

award for girls golf

Amber Short

Victoria East High School | GPA: 4.0

What her coach said “Amber has been a member of the Victoria East Varsity Girls Golf team for the past four years. She was newcomer of the year her freshman year and first team All District every year. Her morals, work habits, academic skills, and her commitment to always do the right thing are absolutely outstanding. She was one of the captains this year and is a great leader. Because of these achievements and her drive to be the best she can be, Amber has been awarded a full four-year academic scholarship to study environmental sciences and engineering.“

VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 11

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Sponsored by prosperity bank

award for baseball Jared Shimek

2021

Cup

Shiner High School | GPA: 4.0

What his coach said “Jared stands out when it comes to leading, being coachable, respectful, dependable, responsible and honest. He is a great leader and respected by his teammates. He leads by example and has a great work ethic and won’t stop until he gets it right. His work ethic translates to his success in the classroom and on the playing field. He is always one of the first to step up and lead in good times and when things may be tough. “

Congratulations

JARED SHIMEK Shiner High School B OY ’S B A S E B A L L W I N NER

Here’s a high five to all of the 2021 Varsity Cup Winners.

We are proud to be the sponsor for Boy’s Baseball.

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12 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

award for boys soccer

Damian Rojas

Victoria West High School | GPA: 3.95

What his coach said “Damian is a four-year varsity starter that came back from an injury he suffered last year.

With COVID-19, his surgery was pushed back and he needed to work harder and stronger than anyone to come back in time. At the time of his return, he came back even stronger than before and earned an athletic scholarship to continue playing soccer at the next level. He also served as a four-year captain for varsity and his influence on our team will go beyond the years he was here.”

2021

Cup

award for girls soccer

Isabella Martinez Victoria East High School | GPA: 3.8

What her coach said “Our program would not be what it is today without the four years on varsity Isabella has put into molding her teammates to achieve their goals. I have no doubt that Isabella will excel in any endeavor she undertakes. She is an extraordinary young woman who knows what she wants out of life. She is dedicated enough to make her dreams come true while being there for anyone who needs her assistance. I am extremely proud of the young woman Isabella has become as I have watched her grow in soccer, but more importantly in life. She is well-deserving of this award and I am honored to nominate her.“

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 13

Sponsored by ventura’s tamales

award for softball Emma Grahmann

2021

Cup

Hallettsville High School | GPA: 4.0

What her coach said “Emma has been a great leader for our softball team this year. She works hard in practice every single day and is always setting a great example with her actions in school and on the playing field. She understands that to find success in life you must be willing to put in the time, effort and work. “

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL ATHLETES! Full Service • Dropoff • Carryout

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14 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

Sponsored by kelly garrett kucera, Attorney award for boys basketball

Rogelio Gonzalez Woodsboro High School | GPA: 4.1

What his coach said “Rogelio is a natural born leader on our basketball team. He is always encouraging his teammates to do their very best and to focus on the next play. He is one of those young men who will lead by example with his hard work and dedication on and off the court.“

2021

Cup

Sponsored by kelly garrett kucera, Attorney award for girls basketball

Hannah Bazar Faith Academy Victoria | GPA: 3.8

What her coach said “Hannah has been on varsity for four years. She has made first team All-District each year and All state twice. She has won the school’s best female athlete of year since her sophomore year. She is a dedicated athlete.“

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Proud Sponsor of Boys Basketball and Girls Basketball in the 2021 Varsity Cup Awards.

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16 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

award for boys powerlifitng

Jacob Guerrero Yorktown High School | GPA: 3.0

What his coach said “In the spring of Jacob’s eight grade year it was discovered that he had a growth developing behind his heart. The growth was attached to his heart and was causing him to have trouble breathing when he was participating in athletic events. It had to be surgically removed and the doctors told him that more than likely he wouldn’t be able to participate athletically again. Well, through his hard work and attitude Jacob was released to participate again and he became a state champion in the 114-pound weight class. He also plays varsity football, basketball, and track.“

2021

Cup

Sponsored by American Shield Roofing and Construction award for community excellence

TED Machacek

Shiner St. Paul High School | GPA: 3.72

What his coach said “Ted has been our leader the last two years. He always conducts himself on and off the field in a way that always represents our school the right way. I could not be happier to nominate Ted for this award.”

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 17

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award for girls powerlifting Eh Naygay Hso

2021

Cup

Calhoun High School | GPA: 3.96

What her coach said “Eh Naygay is one of the elite powerlifters in the state of Texas. She won an individual state championship at the Texas State Powerlifting championships and was a senior leader of the Calhoun High School girl’s powerlifting team that won its 14th team state championship in 15 years. Eh Naygay not only won a state championship but also set a state record for her lifts and was awarded an “Outstanding Lifter of the State Meet” award. These awards are only awarded to the “best of the best” among all lifters in the state of Texas.”

Congratulations to Eh Naygay Hso from Calhoun High School for winning the Varsity Cup 2021 Girls Power Lifiting

18 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Cup

award for cheerleading

Alanna De Leon Refugio High School | GPA: 4.0

What her coach said “Alanna is more than a committed student-athlete. She is kind, hardworking, positive, energetic, and full of determination. Alanna is my Varsity Cup nominee because she embodies everything a cheerleader should strive to be: spirited, an admirable role model and a team player.“

2021

Cup

award for going the extra mile

jayme Kurtz Shiner High School | GPA: 3.99

What her coach said “Jayme has been a leader and winning competitor for the past six years in Shiner tennis.

She comes to practice ready to work and get better. She played singles at first but has switched to doubles and has won four tournaments this year and the only two that she played in last year. Any coach here is glad to work with her because of her good attitude while the younger players look up to her for her good example and desire to help others.“

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VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 19

2021

award for boys tennis Seth Darilek

Cup

Vanderbilt Industrial High School | GPA: 4.1

What his coach said “Seth has been an integral part of our tennis team since his freshman year. He has been a leader on and off the court- advancing to the regional tournament his sophomore year, and was poised to repeat and improve the outcome last year, but COVID-19 cut our season short. This year he and his partner are undefeated and district champions, looking for a good showing at the regional tournament.“

2021

Award for girls tennis Brooke Pesek

Cup

Shiner St. Paul High School | GPA: 3.95

What her coach said “Brooke shows leadership throughout the athletic program and is one that other athletes can look up to and depend on. She is known as someone who is honest, responsible and coachable. Both on and off the court, this student is a leader. “

20 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

2021

Sponsored by Victoria advocate

Cup

award for male athlete of the year

Jarius Stewart Calhoun High School | GPA: 4.0

What his coach said “It’s not always a perfect scenario where your absolute best athlete is your hardest working athlete, but that is the case with Jarius. Nobody outworks this young man. To this day, Jarius will still go to the track at 5 a.m. just to work on his speed. He was a true leader for Calhoun this year. Anything he did not say was simply exhibited through his actions. Jarius as a three-year, two-way starter for Calhoun football who never came off the field. He will continue playing football next year for the United States Air Force Academy.“

2021

Sponsored by Victoria advocate

Cup

award for female athlete of the year

Clayre Pullin Cuero High School | GPA: 4.0

What her coach said “Clayre Pullin is the perfect example of what servant leadership is. She is the embodiment of hard work and commitment. Clayre has been a three-sport athlete all four years of high school while maintaining a 97.34 GPA and compiling an impressive list of community service activities. She has laid a foundation for our future athletes to build on and will leave a legacy for our girls to live up to.“

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2021

Cup

THANK YOU,

SPONSORS!

Title Sponsor: American Shield Roofing & Construction Football: Zboril Dental Center Boys Basketball: Kelly Garrett Kucera Girls Basketball: Kelly Garrett Kucera Softball: Ventura’s Tamales Baseball: Prosperity Bank Volleyball: Dorothy O’Connor Pet Adoption Center Girls Cross Country: Formosa Plastics Girls Powerlifting: Formosa Plastics

Boy Athlete of the Year: Jarius Stewart from Calhoun High School.

Will attend The United States Air Force Academy in the fall Girl Athlete of the Year: Clayre Pullin from Cuero High School.

Will attend Texas Woman’s University in the Fall.

The Victoria Advocate is proud to awards each of these amazing student athletes a $500 scholarship to continue their education.

22 — VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021

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Shiner’s Boedeker, Hallettsville’s Psencik claim awards

By Mike Forman | Advocate Sports Editor Hallettsville traveled to Shiner’s Comanche Stadium to open the 2020 football season. The two teams weren’t sure what their fate would be or even if they would finish the season. The UIL instituted a number of restrictions to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shiner defeated Hallettsville 44-34 and would go on to win the Class 2A, Division I state championship with a 14-0 record. The Comanches beat Post 42-20 in the state final at AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Football was not the only sport at Shiner to enjoy a successful season. The Shiner boys also won a state championship in track and field, the girls qualified for the state cross country meet and the boys qualified for the state golf tournament.

Shiner teams advanced to the playoffs in every sport but boys basketball.

“Coming into the year, there was a lot of uncertainty with all the new restrictions and guidelines we had to follow,” said Shiner athletic director Daniel Boedeker, who is also the head football and head baseball coach. “It’s a credit to our kids and our coaches to adapt to the new guidelines we had to follow and still be able to be successful on the field in whatever we were playing and it’s definitely a tribute to our kids” Shiner’s overall success led to Boedeker’s selection as the 2021 Varsity Cup athletic director of the year.

“It’s definitely been a special year,” Boedeker said.

“We’ve had a lot of success with all the sports. The coaches did a tremendous job of getting the athletes prepared. At the same time, our athletes really worked hard to try to gain success.”

Hallettsville bounced back from its loss to Shiner to win the District 12-3A, Division I championship.

The Brahmas weren’t done, putting together a playoff run that would lead to the school’s first appearance in the state football final.

“It was very special,” said Hallettsville coach Tommy Psencik. “You kind of work your whole life kind of pursuing those things. It’s really not anything I did. I was very fortunate to have the kids that I had and the coaching staff. Everything — I mean the administration, the community and all that stuff were the key ingredients and I was a part of it. I was trying to help the kids be the best they could be and it just worked out that way.

The Brahmas dropped a heartbreaking 29-28 decision in overtime to Tuscola Jim Ned in the championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington to finish at 13-3, but Psencik was selected as the 2021 Varsity Cup coach of the year.

“We had a lot of question marks,” Psencik said.

“After the Shiner game, we had a lot of question marks coming out of that game that we had to answer. We had to figure out if we were a good football team after that. The kids didn’t like the feeling of getting beat like that. The next thing you know, the kids really stepped up. That woke them up.”

award for award for athletic coach of the year director of the year Coach Tommy Coach Daniel Psencik Boedeker Hallettsville High School

Shiner High School

VictoriaAdvocate.com

VICTORIA ADVOCATE • Sunday, May 30, 2021 — 23

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Shelby Keith

2021

Cup

Edna High School | GPA:3.95

What her coach said “Although she is quiet and humble, Shelby is one of the strongest people (not just kids/ athletes) I know. She was captain of our volleyball team this year as a senior, and led the team in kills (159) and blocks (71). On March 25, 2019, her sophomore year, she underwent open heart surgery due to pulmonary stenosis, a condition she was born with, and it was uncertain if she’d ever be released to play again. However, after wowing her surgeon, family, trainer, coaches and teammates with her determination and quick recovery, she was fully released two-days before her junior season.“

Sponsored by Victoria Advocate award for outstanding Academic achievement

2021

Cup

Maiya Tillman St. Joseph High School | GPA:4.0

What her coach said “Maiya Tillman represents all that is positive for a female student athlete and provides leadership in order to support her team combined with positive energy everyday. Ms. Tillman not only supports her team but coaches as well as I can always trust her to get us out of a negative play into one that best fits the situation. Always positive and supportive, she was the glue that held our team together when needed the most.“

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