Feature Stories
I come from a unique sports background; the granddaughter of one of the winningest baseball coaches in NJCAA history, Leroy Dreyer, and the daughter of the 1969 University of Texas football champion, Jim Dreyer, who went on to have a successful career in professional baseball scouting for many years. My childhood and early adult years were spent at the diamond with my father as we often traveled hours a day, from city to city, stadium to stadium, as I took in everything I could about the sport of baseball and the culture surrounding sports. Eventually my passion led me to The University of Texas at Austin where I received a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, a Master of Education in Kinesiology with a sports management concentration, wrote for the award-winning Daily Texan, and worked for the Texas Longhorns baseball, cheer, and pom programs.
I recently spent four years as the sports information specialist at Blinn College where I provided extensive coverage of Blinn College's 12 athletic programs on BuccaneerSports.com and the Blinn College Athletics social media pages. I was named the 2020-21 NJCAA Sports Information Director of the Year and produced the athletic media guide that won the 2020 Collegiate Advertising Gold Award. In addition, I served on the NJCAA Division I Men's Basketball Poll Committee for two years. Prior to working at Blinn College, I worked in the news industry for six years as a sports editor, news and sports writer, and sports broadcaster.
My Grandfather:
My grandfather, Leroy Dreyer, spent 36 years at Blinn College as the athletic director. He spent 27 seasons as the head baseball coach where he compiled a 653-249 (.724) record, coached five teams to the NJCAA World Series and was a 12-time Texas Junior College Coach of the Year. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, NJCAA Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame, the NJCAA Football Hall of Fame and the Blinn College Hall of Honor. The Blinn College baseball field is named after him.
My Dad:
My dad, James Dreyer, won a national championship with the Texas Longhorns in 1969 before moving into professional baseball where he scouted for the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and San Diego Padres. He was the Scout of the Year for the Rangers in 1994 and the Padres in 1999. He won a National Championship ring with the Padres in 1998. He was inducted into the Texas Scouts Association Hall of Fame in 2016. Notable players he signed are Kevin Walker, Jeremy Fikac, Josh Barfield, Cliff Bartosh, Josh Vitek, Mike Bell, Jeff Frye, Dan Smith, Steve Dreyer, Kerry Lacy, Mark Little and Matt Whiteside.
Feature Stories
Dreyer leads media relations efforts for 12 athletic programs
For every untaken path, there is something to be found. Take former professional baseball player Kevin Walker, who pitched behind Kerry Wood in the pitching rotation at Grand Prairie High School.
On Tuesday, it was announced that the former Blinn College athletic director and head baseball coach Leroy Dreyer will be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
Nurse reflects on time with Bucs after signing with the Baltimore Ravens
WACO - On Friday, former longtime Brenham head baseball coach, Jim Long, and former 1967-68 Blinn Buccaneer second baseman, Rudy Alvarez, were inducted into the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame at the Waco Convention Center.
University of Texas pitcher Blake Wellmann first set foot on UFCU Disch-Falk Field when he was just 6-years-old after his aunt and uncle, both Texas alums, bid on an opportunity for him to be the bat boy for the day for the Texas Longhorns baseball team at a silent auction for a birthday gift.
KETTLER FINDS A GEM Brenham native Elwood Kettler knows a thing or two about football to say the least as one of 35 of the surviving Junction Boys who made it through the 10-day Texas A&M football
Following high school, the first baseball diamond that Charlie Corbell set foot on was at the Blinn College campus as a Buccaneer. It would be his first experience with a junior college baseball program, but not his last, as Corbell would go on to revive Galveston College's baseball program, along with Dick Smith, and take it to its first and only NJCAA Division I baseball national championship.
The University of Texas men's swimming and diving will hold its annual Orange-White Classic today at 3 p.m. at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. This will be the first ...
Videos
Blinn dance and cheer teams talk about recent success in Daytona Beach, Fla
The Buccaneers talk about entering the national tournament with a 24-2 record
Blinn College
Corrion Ballard and Javier Edwards signed to the NFL as undrafted free agents
BRENHAM, Texas - The No. 4 Blinn College Buccaneers fell to the No. 14 Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College Norsemen, 35-26, in the final game of the regular season on Saturday afternoon at Cub Stadium in Brenham.
Brock Landis tallies over 480 yards for six touchdowns
The Buccaneers pull off second upset to jump eight spots
Bucs score 14 points in third quarter to seal victory
Mahon sets the bar high for his first recruiting class as head coach
Williams and Grace combine for 360 yards against top-ranked defense
Brock Landis scores three touchdowns to lead Blinn to first bowl game victory since 2011
Cleveland Browns pick up Damion Ratley in the sixth round
Three Buccaneers join Jackson with first team all-conference honors
The Buccaneers take on No. 14 Scottsdale on Dec. 1
Mays and Westbrook listed on 53-man roster with Packers and Jaguars
Buccaneers draw inspiration from students at Ron Watson Middle School in Yuma, Ariz.
Antwuan Jackson Jr. and Vonte Davis receive honors after leading Blinn's defense
Blinn College will face No. 6 Snow College in the El Toro Bowl on Dec. 2
Quarterback Devin Williams leads Bucs with three touchdowns
Nineteen Buccaneers earn all-conference recognition
Brenham Banner-Press
On Saturday, the Region XIV-South All-Stars took down the Region V- North All-Stars, 3-1, to conclude the Texas- New Mexico Junior College Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Games hosted by Blinn College at Leroy Dreyer Field. Sophomore catcher Colton Parrish was the only Blinn Buccaneer to compete in the final game of the tournament for the Region XIV-South All-Star team in which he went 1-for-4.
Heading into Saturday night's game against the Kilgore Rangers (2-1, 1-1), the Blinn Buccaneers (3-2, 2-2) were determined to snap a two-game losing streak even if it meant putting up 45 points in the second half against the 16th-ranked team in the nation.
The Burton Panthers are soaring high after defeating Normangee 48-14 in their biggest win of the season on Friday. "It was a good win; we scored lots of points early and held them scoreless in the first half," Burton head coach Jason Hodde said.
"I am about doing it for the community; I will make my money no matter where I'm at but I wanted to help people that I was raised with and that I know and Texas itself." - RB Film Productions owner Roy Burger
Washington County commissioners today proposed to increase the property tax rate to the effective rate.
Blinn College trustees approved a list of items Tuesday, including ratification of an amendment to the contract between the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service and the college.
Martha Haydon God had a plan all along and he knew that music was a passion in both of our lives so he just brought it together." - Martha Haydon
Washington County commissioners today approved an interlocal cooperation agreement with Grimes County regarding housing prisoners in the Grimes County jail.
Blinn trustees Tuesday approved six legislative priorities for the 85th session of the Texas Legislature, including a call for more state funding.
Jeremiah 29:11: "Bringing hope and a future" is the Bible verse that the organization Hope Rising Ministries is named after.
Washington County commissioners today approved two subcontract agreements with the Heart of Texas Regional Advisory Council (HOTRAC) to facilitate development of a coordinated regional medical response plan for disaster preparedness efforts.
Blinn College trustees Tuesday approved the adoption of the 2016-17 fiscal year budget and stipends that will be implemented on Sept. 1.
The Galveston Railroad Museum is partnering with BNSF Railroad and Amtrak to present Galveston Railroad Days Saturday and Sunday.
Washington County commissioners today approved a joint election agreement with the Burton school district on Nov. 8.
Blinn College board of trustees Wednesday authorized the president Mary Hensley to execute a guarantee maximum price (GMP) with Vaughn Construction for the college's new campus in College Station.
Blinn College trustees today approved a new design for a student housing project that will be built the college's property here.
Washington County commissioners today accepted an Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Division of Emergency Management.
Blinn College's fall enrollment numbers increased over the previous year in distance learning, dual credit, the Health Science Center and on the Schulenburg and Sealy campuses.
Washington County commissioners today accepted an Emergency Management Performance Grant from the Texas Department of Public Safety Texas Division of Emergency Management.
The Blinn College board of trustees Tuesday authorized administrators to move ahead with approximately $1 million in improvements to the college's Bryan campus.
Washington County commissioners today accepted two public assistance subgrants from the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) for road damages resulting from the April 2016 storms and flooding.
Washington County commissioners today authorized the county engineer to advertise for bids regarding a list of items.
Washington County commissioners today granted the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) the authority to purchase a new ambulance.
BURTON - Tuesday, the Burton Lady Panthers hosted the No. 20 Weimar Lady Cats for the first time this season, but it was the third time the two teams faced off this year. The Lady Cats edged the Lady Panthers out 3-2 in late August before Burton came back with a 2-1 victory over Weimar to take first place in the Weimar Tournament.
The Blinn Buccaneers (2-0, 1-0) opened the Region XIV Conference season with a 26-13 victory over the Cisco Wranglers (0-2, 0-1) at Cub Stadium on Saturday. "It's something that you wait your whole career for," Ryan Mahon said of his first conference win as Blinn's head coach.
The Blinn Buccaneers (2-2, 1-2) are out to snap a two-game losing streak against last season's Southwestern Junior College Football Conference champions, the No. 16 Kilgore Rangers (2-0, 1-0), on Saturday. The Buccaneers, who are 1-0 at home, return to Cub Stadium after suffering two road losses against No.
BURTON - The No. 10 Burton Panthers (4-1) are rolling into district just as they imagined after defeating the No. 16 Iola Bulldogs (2-3) 49-14 in their last pre-district matchup of the season on Friday. "I just thought we played hard and things went our way, but we made them go our way; our effort was great," Burton head coach Jason Hodde said.
The Blinn Buccaneers (5-4) dished the No. 7 McLennan Highlanders (11-1) their only loss this season last weekend, but couldn't get it done in their second meeting as the Highlanders took a 7-4 victory on Monday afternoon at Leroy Dreyer Field.
The Blinn Buccaneers split a two game home series against the Alvin Dolphins on Saturday at Leroy Dreyer Field after falling 8-2 in the first game before coming back 11-6 in the final game. The victory was the first conference win against Alvin for the Buccaneers in four games.
The Blinn College baseball team (5-6, 0-2) opened its Region XIV conference season with two losses against the Galveston College Whitecaps at Leroy Dreyer Field on Thursday. After being dealt a 6-0 loss in the first game, Blinn fell 12-3 as the game ended after eight innings due to the mercy rule.
The Blinn Buccaneers (13-6, 4-6) couldn't stop the Region XIV South Zone Division leaders, the San Jacinto College- Central Ravens (15-4, 7-2), who came into the Blinn P.E. Building on Wednesday with a seven-game winning streak that they extended after dishing the Bucs a 95-73 loss.
They say that everything is bigger in Texas, so it is no wonder that the Canadian center on the Blinn men's basketball team, Link Kabadyundi, has found the Lone Star State the perfect fit as he stands at 7-foot-1 with an even bigger defensive presence.
The Burton Lady Panthers (5-20, 3-6) snapped a two game losing streak to defeat the La Marque Premiere Learning Academy Lady Knights 49-46 on Friday night in the Burton gym. Turnovers were the key to the Lady Panthers' success as Ebony Hinze led Burton in rebounds with 16, Mariam Hutchins followed with 15 and Lareesa Pleasant had 13.
The Burton Panthers (9-10, 4-3) are a force to be reckoned with in District 30-1A after downing the La Marque Premiere Learning Academy Knights, 61-55, to claim the third place spot in the district standings.
The Brenham Cub soccer team (1-0-1) kicked off the Brenham Select Cup tournament on a high note Thursday, sealing their first win of the season after defeating the District 24-4A Bay City Black Cats, 2-0. As of now the Cubs are tied for second place in the 5A category with Valley View and trail Pharr-San Juan Alamo.
BURTON - The Burton Lady Panthers (4-18, 2-4) have finally hit their stride, taking down two of their last three district opponents, the latest being the Fayetteville Lady Lions in a 60-48 win on Tuesday night in the Burton High School gym.
An intense battle was expected when the No. 23 ranked Blinn Buccaneer (13-3, 4-3) basketball team took the court against Region XIV conference leader, Navarro, (11-6, 7-0), inside the Blinn P.E. Building on Saturday.
The Blinn College men's basketball team suffered its second consecutive conference loss Wednesday, the second straight in overtime, falling to the Lee College Rebels, 105-96.
The Blinn Buccaneer basketball team (11-2, 2-2) took a 113-64 victory over the Houston Community College-Southwest Eagles in its last non-conference match-up before a string of conference games in the P.E. Building Wednesday. "I feel like this game did exactly what we needed it to do," Blinn head coach Scott Schumacher said.
It is no secret that the Brenham Cubs are a powerhouse in soccer, making it to the state playoffs for 19 consecutive years until last season's District 19-5A realignment pitted eight playoff caliber teams against each other keeping Brenham out of the playoffs for the first time in decades.
SOMERVILLE - The Burton Panthers (5-8, 0-1) are ready to resume their district season after taking down the Somerville Yeguas 57-55 in their last non-district match of the season. "We finally got the close one," Burton head coach Kurt Ramsey said.
It didn't take long for the Blinn College men's basketball team to dust off its only loss of the season, as it bounced back against Concordia University JV in a 94-86 victory on Monday night inside the Blinn P.E. Building.
BURTON - The Burton Lady Panther basketball team (1-7) endured a 67-21 loss to the Anderson-Shiro Lady Owls in its home opener Tuesday inside the Panther Gym. "We call this the first season, because it is prior to district, and it is where you want to get all your rust out," said Burton head coach Kathy Shedd.
The Burton High School boys basketball team is ready to jumpstart its season tonight in an away game against the Milano Eagles under first year head coach Kurt Ramsey, who comes to Burton via Hearne High School where he was an assistant football, basketball, track, and powerlifting coach.
Austin American-Statesman
Former Bastrop and Smithville High School golfers Taner and Kraig Zimmerhanzel have more in common than their last names.
Unfortunately for the Cedar Creek Eagles, history often repeats itself, as it did at Hippo Stadium tonight when the Eagles were dealt a 49-20 loss in their fourth appearance against the Hippos.
The Cedar Creek Eagles are soaring high coming off a 3-0 (25-8, 25-21, 25-14) victory against the Pflugerville Connally Cougars on Friday, Aug, 14.
The Daily Texan
Senior Ricky Berens and sophomore Jimmy Feigen pushed the Orange team to a 149.5-127.5 victory with three wins each in the men's swimming and diving team's Orange-White Classic...
This weekend, the men's swimming and diving team claimed its second win of the season when it topped Indiana 179-149.
Texas' women's swimming and diving team will begin their regular season with a dual meet at Missouri today at 6 p.m.
After taking first at the Southwest Collegiate Plunge last weekend, the Longhorns look to stay on top as they host Indiana today in their home opener.
Head coach Eddie Reese begins his 32nd season at Texas in the Southwest Collegiate Plunge in Mansfield, Texas. The four-team meet, which includes Missouri, SMU and Texas A&M ...
Head coach Eddie Reese begins his 32nd season at Texas in the Southwest Collegiate Plunge in Mansfield, Texas, The four-team meet, which includes Missouri, SMU and Texas A&M...
The women's swimming and diving team starts the 2009 season with the annual Orange-White intrasquad meet at the Lee and Joe Jamail Texas Swimming Center. The team...
Elgin Courier
The Cubs had accumulated eight penalties throughout the game, the first for roughing the passer, and another for a late hit on Wildcat quarterback Kyle Snell. Elgin had been called for just three penalties up to this point, all in the first quarter.
"I just had to stay positive and do the job," said Gonzales, who would score later in the inning off of a sacrifice fly to center field by Eric Schnenk. Zach Evans anchored the Wildcats on the mound by only surrendering two hits and two runs in seven innings of work.
It was brothers Kyle and Colin Snell who put up the first points of the game for the Wildcats. Colin caught a 31-yard pass from quarterback Kyle for the first touchdown, and another 25-yard toss for the second touchdown, followed by a two-point conversion by Jordan Smith.
Elgin trumped Waller 5-3 last Friday to win the bi-district title. The Elgin Lady Cats entered into the playoffs after being crowned District 17-4A champions. The Little Cypress- Mauriceville Lady Bears were runner ups in District 20-4A. They ended regular season with a 24-6 record and went a perfect 7-0 in the second half of district.
"I think [the talent] has always been here in Elgin, I just don't think it has been tapped. Our job as coaches is to get our athletes promoted and marketed and get their names out to colleges."
Is it possible for the Elgin Wildcats to have another undefeated season? “I think we have the chance to do that,” said head coach James Garfield. “It is going to come down to the players accepting the challenge and responsibility.”
"We want one of those things up there," said Larson, pointing to the volleyball team's banner with postseason achievements hanging in the gym. "We want 2014 bi-district qualifier and beyond." Elgin was 3-3 going into the match and Temple was 2-4.
With the district season weeks away, Wolf's main goal for her team isn't their ranking, but "just keeping the kids excited about being out here and keeping them as a team," she says. "The reason why the last couple of years we've had such good strong ending is because that chemistry has been there and the kids haven't wanted it to be over."
Her latest outing was against the Temple High School Lady Cats, on Tuesday, March 31, when Elgin took the Tem-Cats down 7-0, and Johns continued her streak after posting seven more scoreless innings. "When it was preseason, I wasn't performing as well as I should have been and that was really a wake-up call," said Johns, who has only surrendered three runs in the last six games.
"It definitely helps our confidence, being 5-0 in district," said senior quarterback Kyle Snell. "It feels great right now, and everyone is in a good mood, and it will help us continue next week to improve and get better." The Wildcat offense came to life, accumulating a season-high 523 yards against the Lions with 336 yards on the ground.
One of those state finalist appearances was last season when the Cubs fell just short of the Class 4A Division I championship, losing to Aledo, 38-10. There is nothing that Brenham head coach Glen West would desire more than another state finalist appearance in his 17th year as head coach, but there is one thing standing in their way - the Elgin Wildcats.
"It is a really big blessing," Wright said about making it to state for the first time. The first event she ran in was the 100m hurdles where finished in last place with a time of 14.94. She ran the event alongside tough competitors.
The sophomore at Texas Tech is currently ranked seventh in the nation by the NCAA in the 400-meter hurdling event and is in the midst of his best season to date. Smith ran a personal best at the Texas Relays in one of the first meets of the outdoor season, finishing the 400 meter hurdles in 50.73 seconds for a seventh place overall finish.
Jake Smith was the first Wildcat on defense to make a statement by recovering a fumble committed by Manor in the first quarter of the game. Not only did he recover it, he ran it for 21 yards for the first touchdown of the night.
The district realignment has put Elgin in the same district as University, which won the 2013 Class 4A State Championship, and were named regional finalists last season. They will be the first district team Elgin faces on Tuesday, Jan. 27.
"One of the things we talked about tonight was getting off to a faster start," said head coach John Morgan. "So that we give ourselves a better chance to compete and win." Dexter Sephus scored the first five points of the game for the Wildcats, while Kris Wyche, Tariq Buchanan, Jordan Smith, and Gene Hopkins each scored two-point shots for the first 13 points of the game.
"We play hard, but we always have a period where we let the other team get the stretch," he continued. "If we can just knock that out and play together, we can win this game. We can win." The Wildcats will have one last chance to do that in the final game of the season against the Temple Wildcats on Tuesday, Feb.
However, it was the District 18-5A second ranked team, the Lady Tigers (16-3-3), who walked away with a 2-0 victory on Thursday, Mar. 26. The odds were seemingly in favor of the Lady Tigers, who possessed home field advantage, but it was the ankle injury of Elgin's senior Dania Mendoza with 12:27 remaining in the first half that put a strain on the Lady Cats.
A member of both the junior varsity football and baseball teams, the baseball program will honor him by placing his baseball number, the number four, behind the home plate area of the baseball field for the remainder of the season.
Snell passed for 266 yards and Smith rushed for 120 yards and caught four passes for 76 yards, as they were close to leading the Wildcats to a win with a late 22-point rally in the fourth quarter. "I am very excited about what Kyle did tonight," Elgin head coach James Garfield said of Snell's first outing as the starting quarterback.
The Eagles tied the game, 2-2, and then took off with the next nine points for an 11-2 lead. Meme Roberson halted Akins' scoring streak, shooting a three pointer. After Akins took a 13-5 lead, the Lady Cats scored the next five points.
Elgin hammered the ball off the Connally pitching staff, putting 20 runs on the board to end the game in the fifth inning. The Lady Cats' line up had a combined 21 hits, 17 RBIs, and zero strike outs against Connally.
The Lady Cats were just one spot away from making the playoffs for the first time since 2010. "10-19 doesn't sound great, but for what we started with, how we were so far behind, and being a small school in the district, I am happy."
HUTTO-What happens when last season's District 17-5A softball champions, the Elgin Lady Cats, and the runner-up, the Hutto Lady Hippos face off for the first time in the 2015 season, each with undefeated district records? One would think an intense game, instead of the 11-0 blowout victory, ended by the ten-run-rule in the sixth inning that the Lady Cats claimed on Tuesday, Mar.
Green only had to face three batters at the top of the first, throwing three strikes in a row for the first out, and forcing a ground out and fly out for the next two. The Wildcats took an early lead with three of their runs coming in the first inning due to consecutive errors committed by Connally.
Although Selena Wright, Tierra Wright, and Karla Zachary combined for the next eight points and pulled ahead 59-51, the Trojans answered back with an eight-point rally to tie the game, 59-59, with 1:03 remaining. A traveling call against Elgin gave the Trojans an opportunity to take the lead, but a missed shot allowed Anitria Hubert to rebound the ball and draw a foul.
Leslie Arce scored two goals, while Calista Pena scored one with an assist from Isabella Turrubiartes Flores, for a 3-0 first half lead. With 18 minutes remaining in the second half, Dania Mendoza added to the lead after shooting in a direct kick.
"This game was a must win to stay in the top four for district," said head coach Chad Macik. "We had four starters out with injuries and needed our bench players to step up and play big, and they did. I was so proud of how they responded."
Elgin only needed one more win against Bellaire to be named champions, and despite dominate performances on the mound by Hayden Johns and Wesley Harkins, Elgin fell to Bellaire in a 4-3 loss, forcing a game two. During the second game, played on Wednesday, July 23, Elgin was finally crowned the state champion in a 9-6 victory over Bellaire.
"Before district we weren't the best," said sophomore Kenzie Harkins. "Now we are fighting back and showing what we are made of." Harkins has been filling in as the setter for freshman Makenna Schultz, who has been out with an injury. Harkins contributed 28 assists in the win against the Lions.
The Elgin minor baseball all-star team made history on Tuesday, July 15, when they clinched the section one championship title in one game, sending them to the state tournament and making them the only baseball team in Little League history to ever advance to a state tournament.
Allison Tangeman, a dental hygienist in Elgin, began her profession while serving our country in the United States Navy.
Offense struggled at times as the Wildcats put up a season low 17 points and only completed four passes in 12 attempts for 82 yards. On the flip side, Connally only completed two passes in 11 attempts for 52 yards. "It is hard after a big game like Manor," said head coach James Garfield.
Elgin took an early 3-0 lead against the Bulldogs in the third inning. The Wildcat pitcher Staci Johns had two RBIs in the inning when she singled and brought home Victoria Gonzales and Haley Krenek. The scoreboard lit up again for the Lady Cats when Abby Prinz scored on a sacrifice fly by Theresa Gonzales.
She started out the game with a scoreless first inning, striking out two. The Lady Cats took an early 5-0 lead in the first inning forcing the Manor pitcher to face all nine Wildcat batters in the lineup. With one out, second baseman Victoria Gonzales was the first on base with a single through the infield.
A free throw shot by Manor gave the Mustangs a two-point edge with seven seconds remaining as Selena drove the ball down the court, hoping to draw a foul until the clock ran out, allowing Manor their second two-point victory over the Lady Cats this season.
The win for the Lady Cats allowed them to snap a three game losing streak against the Lady Hippos who beat out Elgin 15-0 and 3-2 in the two district games played last year.
"They got some confidence in the Waco game even though we lost it," said head coach Lee Essman. "They saw that they can compete in this district and against these girls." Temple took an early 5-0 lead before Karla Zachary and Tierria Scott were fouled and each made free throws for Elgin's first points of the game.
The Elgin High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders will enter the upcoming season under the direction of Megan Hancock, who was named the new cheer coach last spring.
Things were a little different going into Tuesday night's game against Bastrop for Darryl Scott. Scott who usually takes his spot behind home plate as the team's catcher found himself on the pitcher's mound against Bastrop with Sam Chasteen catching for him.
An interview panel consisting of administrators, teachers, a community member, and a parent interviewed all of the candidates, and after Dunnam was selected by the committee, he was approved by the board at the last school board meeting. Dunnam graduated from Texas A&M Kingsville with a Master's of Kinesiology and received his Bachelor's of Science from Texas A&M College Station.
The Lady Cats haven't been to the playoffs in basketball since 2010, but this year it is a possibility. The Lady Cats are 2-4 in district with six games remaining, and came close to a third win, but fell to Manor by two points. "Even though we lost, we shouldn't have," said Zachary.
The Lady Cats took an early 6-1 lead on the Trojans as Karla Zachary, Rebekah Prinz, and Tierra Wright each put up two-point shots before University rallied for nine points, grabbing a 10-6 lead and ending the first quarter ahead, 10-8.
Having a marching band with a history of success makes for a good halftime show as is, but now the Elgin High School band will be accompanied at halftime by the new drill team, the...
The game marked the last game before the Lady Cats began their district season against the Waco Trojans on Friday. Burnet came into the game with clean record, accompanied by 11 wins and one tie, but a standout performance in the circle by Johns, who recorded 12 strikeouts, while only surrendering one hit, gave the Lady Bulldogs their first loss of the season.
Head Coach Keith Willis The 2014-15 season will be Willis' second season as the Trojan's head coach. Willis has passion for this team, especially considering that he was once a star football player for University High School as a defensive back and running back.
However, after working three years at a clinic as a rehab technician, he decided that physical therapy wasn't his only passion. "It was always the same three things you are fixing - the knee, hip, and back - and you do it the same way every time," he said.
Both the Lady Cats and Trojans had clinched postseason spots heading into the game, but this win meant a shot for the first district title in volleyball history for the Trojans, which they claimed this season following wins over Elgin and Hutto.
Garfield stated that they will run 10-15 plays with one group of players and then 10-15 plays with another group, and so on and so on. "There will be a live quarter and we'll keep score, and then we'll also run an overtime period," he said.
Haley Krenek led off the Elgin offense with a base hit, and sisters Victoria and Theresa Gonzales loaded the bases following two errors on Bastrop. Elgin pitcher Staci Johns not only dominated in the circle, throwing three scoreless innings, while only surrendering two base hits, but also helped her own case with a two-run RBI single for Elgin's first runs of the game and to take a 2-0 lead.
With only two returning varsity players, Elgin head coach Russell Larson is relying heavily on a young team, many whom have never seen varsity volleyball before.
Milligan was announced as a Class 5A all-state honorable mention honoree. Nine Elgin Wildcats were selected to the 2014 District 17-5A all-district football team. Senior Colin Snell was announced as a first team wide receiver, outside linebacker, and utility player.
Elgin Independent School District superintendent, Dr. Jodi Duron, announced Jim Garfield as the new athletic director and football coach on March 17. Garfield spent the last four seasons as the head football coach at Rider High School in Wichita Falls. He is leaving there with a 39-15 record.
Prior to starting their season, the Lady Cats faced Austin Travis, Taylor, Smithville, and McCallum in scrimmages. The Lady Cats beat Austin Travis, 50-5, in two 20 minute halves. In three 10-minute scrimmages, the Lady Cats defeated McCallum, 10-3, Smithville, 28-13, and tied Taylor, 17-17.
She placed second place in the 100 meter hurdles and the 300 meter hurdles, which advanced her to state for both events. The preliminary rounds of the regional meet were on the first day and the finals were on the second day for the running events. The top eight advanced to the final round.
Jen Mikeska piled up 16 of Elgin's 36 kills in the match. The Lady Cats combined for 18 aces, with six coming from freshman Makenna Schultz and eight from sophomore Kenzie Harkins. The team recorded a season-high 82 digs, with Haley Krenek leading the team with 23.
He attended Topeka High School in Topeka, Kansas where he led his team to a state championship as the team captain his senior year. He then went on to play collegiately, first at Allen Community College in Iola, Kansas and transferred to Texas State University, then known as Southwest Texas State University.
Starting this football season, a 40-second play clock will be implemented in addition to the 25-second play clock that already exists. The 40-second clock will begin counting down once a play ends, so there will no longer be a lapse between the end of a play and the referee signaling for the clock to start.
Although Selena Wright, Tierra Wright, and Karla Zachary combined for the next eight points and pulled ahead 59-51, the Trojans answered back with an eight-point rally to tie the game, 59-59, with 1:03 remaining. A traveling call against Elgin gave the Trojans an opportunity to take the lead, but a missed shot allowed Anitria Hubert to rebound the ball and draw a foul.
The Elgin Wildcats and the No. 3 state ranked Temple Wildcats defenses went head to head in the first quarter as neither team scored, but it was Temple's offense that would strike first and continue to strike as they took a 21-0 lead in the second quarter.
"I'm not going to be satisfied with just making the playoffs. Coming into this, my mind-set is we are going to try to win district," said Essman. Essman has led seven out of the 11 teams that he has coached to a district title.
Prior to starting their season, the Lady Cats faced Austin Travis, Taylor, Smithville, and McCallum in scrimmages. The Lady Cats beat Austin Travis, 50-5, in two 20 minute halves. In three 10-minute scrimmages, the Lady Cats defeated McCallum, 10-3, Smithville, 28-13, and tied Taylor, 17-17.
Although the Wildcats covered more yards (528-456) and gained more first downs (25-17) than the College Station Cougars who they faced on Friday, they came up short ...
Next, they will take on Smithville on Tuesday, Dec. 9, before taking on their first two district opponents - Waco and Temple. After beating Waller, 44-30, and Austin Crockett, 34-26, on the first day of the tournament, they went on to beat Foster, 44-36, for their third consecutive win.
Saturday, March 28, the boys' and girls' track teams participated in the Wildcat relays at Wildcat Stadium. Out of 17 events that were scored, the varsity girls' placed first with a total of 154 points, and the varsity boys' placed seventh with a total of 37 points.
Waco, who the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches has ranked third in district, was the first to take a 6-2 lead on the Lady Cats, with Elgin's first two point shot coming from Roberson. Two free throw shots from Rebekah Prinz and a two-point shot from Scott enabled the Lady Cats to even the score, 6-6.
"We wanted to very much win this game to have that momentum and enthusiasm going into district," said Schultz. Kills by Schultz, Selena Wright, Kenzie Harkins, and aces from Jen Mikeska and Harkins put the Lady Cats ahead 8-2 in the first set.
After the Buffaloes took a 4-0 lead, the Wildcats evened the score, 4-4, with Zachary making two free throw shots in two attempts and Prinz adding two points. The Buffaloes pulled ahead, 12-8, but two pointers by Hubert and Ebony Kegler allowed the Lady Cats to tie the game, 12-12, heading into the second quarter.
Cedar Creek took an early 9-0 lead before Wyche, who scored four points in the first quarter for the Wildcats, made a two-point lay-up.
The Elgin Lady Cats were dealt a disappointing 10-9 loss by the Pearland Dawson Eagles. The game was played at the Texas A&M softball field on Friday, May 16. Elgin was determined the away team in the one game semifinal regional playoff that would determine who would move on to regionals.
This season she hopes to rank higher and make it to state. Her passion for competitive swimming started when Young was just in the fourth grade. "I was taking private lessons at our local pool and the lady that taught them was a coach at the club that I now swim for," she said.
The Wildcats, who lost their last two games prior to University, cut down on penalties and turnovers for their second win of the season. "We have stepped up from our first week," said senior defensive back Douglas Irby, who came into the game leading the district in interceptions and has come up with key defensive plays that have impacted the Wildcats.
The Elgin Lady Cats trampled the Manor Mustangs in a 15-2 victory highlighted by pitcher Staci Johns striking out 10 in five innings, and an explosive offense, including sisters Theresa and Victoria Gonzales combining for five hits and four RBIs to propel the Lady Cats to a 2-0 district record on Monday, March 16.
As one of the most successful runners on the boys team, this was Cox's third appearance at the regionals. "I finished a lot stronger this year than previously," he said of his 81st place finish out of 176 runners, finishing with a time of 17:53.4.
With seven runs scored in the first three innings, the Lady Cats left no doubt about the eventual outcome. An RBI double by Staci Johns, and two RBI singles by Theresa Gonzales and Tori Nunez kicked off an early first inning lead for Elgin.
Hippo quarterback Tyler Herrick and Davion Davis connected on two passes for touchdowns - one for 58 yards, the other for 35 yards - for the early 14-0 lead, but it was the Wildcats who would end the game with more yards 328-291, more first downs 15-11, and more points 21-17 as they dealt the Hippos their second loss of the season.
This will be William Cox's second time to appear at regionals, both times representing Elgin as the other member of the Elgin cross country team. He finished the district meet in fifth place in 17 minutes and 1.9 seconds.
Evans started the top of the first inning, by quickly retiring the first two batters. After walking one, he gave up a homerun to give the Hippos an early 2-0 lead. The Wildcats were quick to respond with their bats.
It was in the bottom of the sixth that Carson Skinn came in to pitch for the Panthers and allowed a hit for the Wildcats. The Wildcats, who were down 5-0, began the inning with a leadoff hit by Zach Evans.
"Cross is a real emotional leader for us and keeps everyone pumped," said Remschel. "He is playing two sports right now. He comes out with us on Tuesdays and Thursdays and he is out with football the rest of the week." Elgin won all four doubles in the matches played.
"This is the furthest I have gone in the four years that I have played," said Clark, who went into the tournament ranked fourth. Clark beat Hutto High's Tallya Lutfak, 7-6, 6-3, and Waco High's Sarah Sriram, 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the semi-finals on the first day of the tournament.
The Temple Wildcats are new to Elgin's district this season and will be under the lead of new head coach, Courtney Pleasant Mitchell. A former Tem-Cat volleyball player, who played at Tarleton State, Mitchell will begin her coaching career this season. "I think they are going to be young and rebuilding like us," Larson said.
The Lady Cats were just one spot away from making the playoffs for the first time since 2010. "10-19 doesn't sound great, but for what we started with, how we were so far behind, and being a small school in the district, I am happy."
"It is going to be a challenge because there are predominantly 6A schools in the Westwood tournament, but it will be a good gauge for us to see where we are and what we need to continue to work on," head coach Russell Larson said.
Selena Wright had first place finishes in the 100-meter hurdles (16.15) and 300-meter (46.54) hurdles, while Tierra Wright was the runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 16.58, and Anitria Hubert followed closely behind in the 300-meter hurdles with a third-place finish in a time of 55.85 seconds.
After losing game one to the Dayton Broncos 3-1 on Friday, May 9, the Elgin Lady Cats softball team dominated the rest of the regional quarterfinals playoff series. In the first game of the series Dayton was assigned to be the home team. Staci Johns of Elgin faced Chelsea Hostetler in the circle.
In the live quarter Friday, McCallum did not get a first down in their first possession, while Elgin scored a touchdown in theirs. Quarterback Kyle Snell connected with Jake Smith for a first down on Elgin's first drive of the live quarter. In the next drive, running back Jordan Smith carried the ball to McCallum's 33-yard-line.
What makes Gigout unique, is that among all of the hundreds of athletes who compete in the competition, he is the only one who relies on a wheelchair. "I am the only disabled athlete that competes for the U.S.A," he says.
The Lady Cats took the first set with a 25-23 score. A string of kills from Heather Herndon and an ace by Jen Mikeska gave Elgin an early 5-3 lead in the set. Connally would later even the score 7-7 and take then take the lead.
The Lady Cats took an early 6-1 lead on the Trojans as Karla Zachary, Rebekah Prinz, and Tierra Wright each put up two-point shots before University rallied for nine points, grabbing a 10-6 lead and ending the first quarter ahead, 10-8.
Gigout, who was born with spina bifida, has only competed in non-disabled competitions thus far. "It is definitely competitive, and a lot bigger than the competitions I have been competing in," he says of the Paralympics, which will be held in Brazil in 2016. "With training, I can do it," he continues.
The Cougars were the first to strike in the third inning to take a 3-0 lead. Deion Hofling led off the inning with a single and Nick Mendez followed with a walk. With zero outs, Caleb Justice used a sacrifice hit to move Hofling and Mendez to scoring position.
Navejas finished the race in 12 minutes and 56.10 seconds for a 10th-place finish out of 89 runners. "I have been training all summer," said Navejas, who qualified for area in both cross country and track last season. This season her goal is to "make it to regionals" and she wants her teammates to find the same success.
Tariq Buchanan led the team with 17 points against Sealy and 17 points against Columbus, while Kris Wyche led the offense with 26 points against Bloomington. The Wildcats took a quick 9-0 lead against the Sealy Tigers with five points being put up by Will Cox.
Elgin powerlifter Gabe Gigout competed at the 2014 Longhorn Open on Saturday, Nov. 22, at the Recreational Sports Center at The University of Texas at Austin. Gigout placed first in the competition while setting a new state record for the 123-pound classification after lifting 285 pounds.
With three starters out, the Lady Cats suffered a 62-29 defeat. Tierria Scott started the game with a two-pointer to give the Lady Cats a 2-0 lead, but Taylor quickly evened the score.
The Eagles tied the game, 2-2, and then took off with the next nine points for an 11-2 lead. Meme Roberson halted Akins' scoring streak, shooting a three pointer. After Akins took a 13-5 lead, the Lady Cats scored the next five points.
Powerlifters compete in three events and the total of those three lifts comprise their total score. Elgin's Victoria Murrieta and America Osorio both medaled with third- and fourth-place finishes. Murrieta placed third in the 198-pound classification after totaling 775 pounds, from a 325-pound squat, 140-pound bench press, and 290-pound deadlift.
The match showcased vast improvements made by Elgin as they came close to winning the first two sets played against Hutto (26-24, 25-21) before losing the third set 25-11. Hutto took an early 2-0 lead in the first set with aces aimed at the back row.
The Tigers, who were undefeated in district and have an overall 14-3 record, began the match by defeating five of the seven Elgin doubles teams, 6-0, 6-0. Sarah Clark and Jordan Lehtola managed one point off of the Tigers as they won, 6-0, 6-1, in the girls doubles match, and Elizet Gomez and Jack Nisimblat produced one point in the mixed double match with a score of 6-0, 6-1.
William Cross and Mayson Morales proved to be a dynamic duo as they ensured another win in the boys doubles match, taking Manor in two sets, 6-0, 6-1. Sara Clark and Jordan Lehtola sealed a victory in girls doubles, shutting Manor out in two sets, 6-0, 6-0.
With the new district realignment this season, Elgin wonʼt be the only team with the Wildcat mascot, and both teams will be after the same thing – back-to-back district titles.
Josh Bedolla shined for the Wildcats with his golden performance, taking a first-place finish in the 132-pound classification, which qualified him for state. Bedolla squatted 415 pounds, bench pressed 265 pounds, and deadlifted 475 pounds for a 1,155 pound total, 90 pounds better than the second-place finisher.
Smith who bronzed at the Texas State Championship in the 300 meter hurdles for Elgin last season just competed in the Big 12 Championship as a freshman on May 18. Texas Tech men's track and field team took first place in the conference meet with 160.5 points, which marks the most points scored by a men's team since Texas A&M scored 175 in 2011 and the third most all-time.
Elizet Gomez was the only one to come up with a win for Elgin as she defeated her opponent 6-3, 6-4, in a girls singles match. "We knew that Connally would be a tough test for us and they were," said head coach Daryl Remschel.
The Manor Mustangs were the first district opponent of the season that the Wildcats faced at home on Tuesday, Sept. 16, where they showed no mercy against their rivals in a 3-1 victory. The Lady Cats dominated defensively, only allowing the Mustangs to score 10 points in the first set before ensuring a 25-10 win.
Last season, the Lady Cats' season ended short, without an appearance at playoffs. Head coach Chad Macik, the third girls soccer coach at Elgin in four years, asked the then juniors, "Is this the way you want to walk off your senior year?" They responded "no."
Elgin as a “foodie” destination may not be out of reach, according to Elgin Mayor Marc Holm.
It was early trouble in the first quarter that cost the Wildcat as they fell behind, 11-3. Tariq Buchanan, who led the offense with 17 points, kicked off the game for Elgin with a 1-0 lead, while Kris Wyche accounted for the other two points.
Although Southside Market and BBQ is opening a new location in Bastrop, Elgin will always be home to the company.
An athlete once himself, Larson graduated from Whitney High School in 1979 with a class of 27 students. He played football, baseball, tennis, ran track, and was a part of speech and drama.
She has yet to be beat in the 100 meter hurdles and 300 meter hurdles, dominating both events with first place finishes at the district meet, and most recently at the area meet in Bastrop on April 16. She completed the 100m in 14.88 seconds and the 300m in 44.18 seconds.
In the second half of overtime, Daniel Ochoa scored Elgin's final goal of the game. This win led the Wildcats into the area round of the playoffs against Marble Falls at Wildcat Stadium on Thursday, March 27. Marble Falls defeated Elgin 2-1, ending their season.
Now Victoria Gonzales was up to bat with Hernandez on third. She swung at the first pitch that Little Cypress- Mauriceville's pitcher Hope Russell threw, and sent the ball through the infield to bring Hernandez home for the winning run.
This will mark the first time that the Elgin tennis team advances to playoffs in school history. "The Temple match is going to be really important for us," said head coach Daryl Remschel. "It is going to be tough, but we will make our lives a little bit easier at the area tournament by winning it."
Connally, who remains undefeated, started the match strong, taking an early 11-3 lead. A kill by Heather Herndon, ace by Makenna Schultz, and blocks by Zarria Jackson and Selena Wright allowed the Lady Cats to close in on the Cougars, 16-8.
Elgin High School (5-1) pitcher Zach Evans claimed his third win of the season, after taking the mound on just four days rest for the first time in his career, to not only pitch a season-high 18 strikeout game, but also give the Temple Wildcats (5-1) their
Kris Wyche dominated the first quarter for the Wildcats, putting up eight points. Elgin started the game with a 4-0 lead before University made a three-point shot. Buchanan shot in a two-pointer to maintain a 6-3 lead for the Wildcats, but University soon found its rhythm, sinking in the next six points for a 9-6 lead that the Wildcats would never get back.
Leslie Arce scored two goals, while Calista Pena scored one with an assist from Isabella Turrubiartes Flores, for a 3-0 first half lead. With 18 minutes remaining in the second half, Dania Mendoza added to the lead after shooting in a direct kick.
In the freestyle event, Young placed third, finishing in 2 minutes and 11.57 seconds and in the backstroke she took fourth place, finishing in 1 minute and 9.86 seconds. Haley Krenek was five spots shy of qualifying for regionals in the 50-yard freestyle, finishing it in 30.69 seconds for an 11th place finish.
Johns received the award for district MVP based on her season performance both offensively and defensively. Offensively, she ended the season with a .394 batting average with 39 hits in 99 plate appearances. She scored 3 runs with 24 RBIs this season. Johns pitched 203 innings in 2014.
The Elgin Lady Cats faced off in the last of two district matches against the Hutto Hippos on Friday, where they results were the same as they suffered another 3-0 (25-13, 25-19, 25-16) loss to the district leaders. The Lady Cats totaled 18 kills in the match with Zarria Jackson leading the offense with six.
Wildcats junior Zach Evans pitched a shutout seven innings giving up two hits, striking out five, and walking four. Craig Lynch came up with a base hit, a RBI sacrifice fly and stole two bases in the fifth inning, including stealing home for the final run of the game.
The Lady Cats only managed four hits against Hostetler and never could catch the lead. They tied the game 1-1 in the fifth inning, when Victoria Gonzales was batted in by Andrea Gonzales. The Dayton Broncos scored the final two runs of the game at the bottom of the same inning.
The win snapped a four-game losing streak and was crucial in keeping the Wildcats in the postseason race with only four games remaining. Currently, Elgin is tied with Manor for fourth place in the district standings and will face the Rebels next Tuesday.
Elgin pitcher Staci Johns, who is 5-4 this season, recorded the loss after allowing three earned runs. The Lady Cats were the first to strike as Victoria Gonzales jump-started the offense at the top of the first with a two-out single to right field.
The Elgin Courier stated on June 10, 1954, "Those of us who have watched Elgin High School athletics during the school year realize that it may be many moons before another such year is ours to enjoy." The El-Hi Wildcats football team went undefeated and were crowned district champions for the first time in the school's history in 1953.
"We have a good football team," he said. "At times we looked like a state caliber team." Running back Jordan Smith played at a state caliber level, rushing for a season-high 208 yards and accounting for all 22 points scored in the game with three touchdowns and two 2-point conversions.
He was the only member of the boys varsity cross country team to advance to regionals last season. So far, he has been the first to finish for the Elgin varsity boys team in four out of five meets that he competed in.