WRITER’S NOTE: This story is part of a series highlighting The Monitor’s boys soccer all-area award winners. The Monitor’s coverage area ranges from Mercedes to Roma. Check back throughout the week as we reveal the Upper Valley’s other superlative winners and be sure to pick up a copy of Saturday’s newspaper for a complete list of the all-area winners. 

Progreso’s Hicker Segura and Sharyland Pioneer’s Hector Veliz looked like anything but freshman during their first season on the pitch for their respective teams.

Segura played a pivotal role in the Red Ants march to the Region IV-4A championship game, while Veliz served as a catalyst in the Diamondbacks return to the postseason for the first time since 2019.

For their immediate impact in their respective program’s success, Segura and Veliz are The Monitor’s 2024 All-Area Boys Soccer Co-Newcomers of the Year.

“I feel great,” Veliz said. “We worked so hard during the season. The coaches pushed us to work hard. I’m just happy it showed on the field, and I got this recognition.”

“I feel super happy,” Segura said. “It’s a great accomplishment. I honestly didn’t expect it, but it makes me happy and motivates me.”

Segura needed little time to earn the trust of his coaches and his teammates despite being a freshman, being named one of the team’s three captains for the 2024 campaign.

The first year forward rewarded his coaches and teammates for their trust by emerging as an impact player for the Red Ants.

Segura helped spearhead a powerful Progreso offensive attack, scoring seven goals in 14 district appearances, while also setting up his teammates for goals with numerous assists.

More impressively, the Red Ants striker rarely played the whole game, usually being subbed out during the second half due to the team’s dominance.

“All the offseason work and training, it helped me going into this year,” Segura said. “In the beginning it seemed complicated to me, but little by little I started to feel looser and finding the rhythm.”

Segura finished the year with a combined nine goals during district and the postseason, helping the Red Ants advance to the Region IV-4A championship game for the first time since 2019.

Though falling just short of the goal of a state title during Year 1, the breakout freshman is primed for an even bigger year as a sophomore, eyeing a return to regionals and more.

“After losing in the regional championship we were down,” Segura said. “As a captain though, I just had to help bring those guys up. This year didn’t end the way we wanted to, but we know we can reach our goal. Next year, more than anything we want to be state champions. It starts with a district title though; we have to win that then focus on state.”

At Pioneer, Veliz emerged as one of the Valley’s top strikers this season, netting 20 goals in 18 district appearances.

The mark ranked in the top 10 in the Valley during district play this season and second in District 31-5A.

“I definitely felt some growing pains early on,” Veliz said. “My coach helped me a lot though. Then our game against PSJA North, when we were losing 2-0 and came back to win 3-2, that game everything just really clicked for me.”

Veliz was as consistent as they came this season, finding paydirt during 12 of the Diamondbacks 18 district contests. Among those games were six contests with two or more goals, including a four-goal performance during a 6-1 victory over Edinburg Vela.

Veliz’s breakout year was a key contributor to Pioneer’s first winning season since 2019, also marking a return to the postseason for the Diamondbacks.

Led by Veliz, Pioneer finished the year with a 10-4-4 mark during District 31-5A play, earning the No. 4 seed.

The Diamondbacks season came to an end during the Class 5A bi-district round to Region IV-5A runner-up Brownsville Lopez, falling 4-1 to the Lobos.

“This team started from the lowest,” Veliz said. “We’ve put in the work. I think next year will be great. Our goal is to get out of that first round next and my next goal is to lead the Valley in scoring and win MVP or offensive player of the year.”

[email protected]

The post Pioneer’s Veliz, Progreso’s Segura named The Monitor’s co-newcomers appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

WRITER’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of stories highlighting the Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star boys soccer all-area award winners. The Herald/Star coverage area ranges from Brownsville to La Feria. Check back throughout the week as we reveal the Lower Valley’s other superlative winners and be sure to pick up a copy of Saturday’s newspaper for a complete list of the all-area winners. 

Brownsville St. Joseph head coach Edgar Tovar had to watch his team’s season end in heartbreak last season, falling in the TAPPS DII state championship game.

One year later, Tovar regrouped his troops and guided them back to the state finals, this time finishing the job with a 1-0 victory over Austin St. Michael’s for the TAPPS DII state crown.

For leading his team to a 19-5 overall record and a state title, Tovar is the Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star 2024 All-Area Boys Soccer Coach of the Year.

“Honestly, I’m surprised in winning this award. I didn’t expect it,” Tovar said. “As a coach we work to get the results on the field, regardless of what league or conference we’re in. We’re never thinking about getting any individual type of award.”

The 2023 TAPPS DII state runner-up opened the new district season hot out of the gate, outscoring opponents 29-2 through the first round of play en route to a 6-0-0 mark.

The dominance carried over into the second round of district, capping league play with a 11-1-0 mark while outscoring opponents 63-14.

In the postseason, the Bloodhounds faced their fair share of challenges, including a area round matchup against Houston Second Baptist.

Trailing 3-0 at the break, the Tovar-led Bloodhounds exploded for five second-half goals to complete the comeback and secure a spot in the TAPPS DII south regional championship game.

“Someone had said that I was going to come in at the half and yell at the kids,” Tovar said. “All I thought during that moment was that we couldn’t go home like this, losing our first playoff game at home. I just told them to keep calm. I told them that the team wasn’t better than us and that we don’t lose at home. We just had to do our part and we did.”

Brownsville St. Joseph capped its dream season in thrilling fashion, with the Bloodhounds scoring the game-winning goal in the championship game with just roughly 10 minutes remaining in regulation.

The victory marked the first state title for the Tovar and the Bloodhounds, a program which first took the field in 2008.

“I believe that we have crossed the line from being a small school to knowing that we have a program that year after year the goal is to reach the playoffs and more,” Tovar said. “Reaching that state championship last year, the difference this year is that the boys already know it. They’ve already experienced it before, and it showed.”

[email protected]

 

The post St. Joseph’s Tovar tabbed as Herald/Star boys soccer coach of the year appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

WRITER’S NOTE: This is the first in a series of stories highlighting The Monitor’s boys soccer all-area award winners. The Monitor’s coverage area ranges from Mercedes to Roma. Check back throughout the week as we reveal the Upper Valley’s other superlative winners and be sure to pick up a copy of Saturday’s newspaper for a complete list of the all-area winners. 

Three RGV teams reached the regional finals in their respective classes this season, two of which resided in Hidalgo County.

The Edinburg North Cougars (Class 6A) and Progreso Red Ants (Class 4A) each reached the fifth round of the playoffs this past season, tied for the furthest of any UIL boys soccer team in 2024 with Brownsville Lopez.

Leading the charge for the two program were Elias Moran at Edinburg North and Damian Magallan at Progreso.

Magallan and Moran are The Monitor’s 2024 All-Area Boys Soccer Co-Coaches of the Year.

“First, I want to thank my family for all their love and emotional support during the most difficult moments of my career,” Moran said. “I feel extremely honored to receive this prestigious recognition. I am overwhelmed by the gratitude I feel towards all those who have supported me throughout my career.”

“First and foremost, I’m thankful for the opportunity given to me by the people at Progreso,” Magallan said. “They showed confidence in me and gave me the chance to be there. We worked hard and this season was a dream one for each of us. We’re just happy with the thing we were able to do in Year 1.”

Moran’s journey with the Cougars goes well beyond his time as a head coach, spending his prep days as a part of Edinburg North’s team from 1999-2002, including a district championship season in 2001.

His coaching career with the Cougars began just over 10 years later, taking the reins in 2013. Since then, Moran has helped establish Edinburg North as one of the RGV’s most consistent soccer program, qualifying for the postseason every year except his first.

“I feel very fortunate to work at Edinburg North,” Moran said. “Leading this team has always been the biggest dream of my life, and I believe that the love I feel for the shield and colors of this school is the reason that motivates me to inspire these young people to have the discipline and to fight for their dreams every day.”

This season proved to be Moran’s best to date, winning his third district title as head coach of the Cougars while leading the team to the Region IV-6A finals for the first time since 2017.

The Cougars finished the year with a 16-7 overall record, including playoff wins over San Benito (4-1), San Antonio Jay (3-1), Edinburg Economedes (4-1) and San Antonio Johnson (2-0) before falling the fifth round to Class 6A state semifinalist Austin Vandergrift.

“This recognition not only represents the invisible work that as a team we put on and off the field every day, but also of the dedication and effort of my soccer boys and my amazing coaching staff,” Moran said. “The success we have achieved together would not have been possible without their valuable contribution and commitment. I’m very grateful for them.”

Over at Progreso, Magallan entered the scene this past offseason, moving over from Valley View after 15 years with the program.

Magallan’s first year with the Red Ants was far from a rebuilding project, leading Progreso to a 14-0-0 mark during district en route to the 31-4A crown.

The Red Ants dominated on the pitch nearly every time they stepped onto it, outscoring opponents 157-19 this year, including 91-5 during district.

“Imagine after 15 years working at Valley View and taking them to the highest level, coming over to Progreso, which is a lot smaller school,” Magallan said. “It was different from me. Still, you get close to the kids and you work with them daily. Getting the opportunity to work with these kids and have the season we did, what else could I want?”

Progreso’s dominance continued through the early rounds of the playoffs, outscoring their first four opponents 19-3 en route to a Region IV-4A finals berth.

The Red Ants march came to a halt during the fifth round, however, losing to eventual state runner-up Boerne 1-0 despite being short four starters.

Progreso finished the year with a 27-1-2 overall record, their lone loss coming to the Greyhounds during their final game of the year.

The Red Ants are just getting started, however, with nearly all the team’s starters set to return next year.

“It was a dream season,” Magallan said. “We missed some opportunities or luck, whatever you want to call it. We’ve talked to the kids going forward. This season is out of our hands now. Since I got there though, I’ve said this is a four-year project. We’re going to keep working harder to reach the goals we set out from Year 1. We want to get that state title.”

[email protected]

The post Magallan, Moran earn The Monitor’s boys soccer co-coach of the year honors appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

WESLACO — Roughly one year ago, Weslaco High’s softball season came to an end in heartbreaking fashion, losing in 10 innings during Game 3 of a third round series against San Antonio O’Connor.

There’d be no heartbreak in Round 3 this season, however, with the Panthers completing the sweep of La Joya with a 5-3 victory over the Coyotes during Game 2 of a best-of-3 Region IV-6A quarterfinal series Friday at the Weslaco High Softball Field.

The victory advances to the Region IV-6A semifinals for the second time in three years, where they’ll take on Lake Travis at a date, time and location to be determined.

“It is a big win. First, hats off to La Joya. They’re a tough program,” Weslaco High head coach Mario Rodriguez said. “Our girls came out ready to play. They overcame some errors in the beginning and in the end, we got the win.”

Base running proved an issue early on for the Panthers, with a pair of runs called back during the bottom of the second and third due to missed bases.

Senior Elizabeth Craig looked to have scored on a La Joya error during the second, but the run was ultimately called back by the umpire due to her stepping out, while an inside the park home run by Dayla Hinojosa during the third was also erased after the sophomore missed third base on her way to home plate.

The errors proved costly for the Panthers, with Weslaco High falling behind 1-0 after a solo home run by La Joya High’s Jenessa Cortinas during the top of the fourth.

“The errors happened early in the game, so we knew we still had more innings and more at bats still left in us,” Rodriguez said. “We just had to take advantage of those.”

While early mistakes plagued the Panthers through the first four innings, the tides turned during the fifth and sixth, with La Joya High on the wrong side of errors during that span.

A single by Hinojosa during the bottom of the fifth turned into the game-tying run for the Panthers, with Ema Galvan getting home on an error by the Coyotes first baseman.

The go-ahead run came not long after, with Mia Rodriguez hitting a pop fly to La Joya third baseman Cortinas, who dropped the ball and allowed Hinojosa to reach home plate.

The Panthers weren’t done scoring yet, with Craig scoring on another Coyotes’ error during the sixth, followed by a pair of runs batted in by Alexis Soliz to give Weslaco High a 5-1 advantage heading into the final inning.

“We just kept chipping away. We used a little bit of small ball. We had our slappers on today, then we got the big hit down the stretch when we needed it.”

The Coyotes didn’t go down without a fight, with Jordan Reyes and Arlette Hernandez each bringing in one run during the top of the seventh to cut La Joya’s deficit to two, but it proved too little too late as the Panthers held on for the win.

Hernandez took the loss in the circle for the Coyotes, striking out eight, walking three and allowing eight hits in six innings pitched. She also led La Joya at the plate, going 2-of-4 with one RBI.

Meanwhile, Madelynn Cantu earned her second win of the series in the circle for the Panthers, striking out four and walking none in seven innings pitched.

Hinojosa led the Panthers at the plate, going 3-of-3. Craig and junior Lola Reyes each added two hits, while Solis led the team with two RBIs.

“I feel really happy for the girls because they put in a lot of work from the minute, we lost last year to know,” Rodriguez said. “This is all their hard work paying off. I’m just happy for them because they deserve it.”

[email protected]

The post Panthers sweep Coyotes, punch ticket to regional semis appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

LA JOYA — Weslaco High’s defense turned three double plays, and Dayla Hinojosa brought in the game’s only run as the Panthers won Game 1 of a best-of-three Region IV-6A quarterfinal series against La Joya 1-0 on Thursday at the Leo Garza Jr. Baseball/Softball Complex in La Joya.

The victory puts the Panthers in position to close the series out at home tomorrow.

Defense took centerstage during the class between the District 31-6A champion Coyotes and 32-6A champion Panthers, with the two teams combining for just four hits in seven innings played.

La Joya junior Arlette Hernandez commanded the Coyotes’ defense from the circle, recording 14 strikeouts, including three during a nine-pitch sixth inning.

On the other side, senior first baseman Elizabeth Craig anchored the Panthers defense, helping out on all three of the Panthers’ double-plays.

Stout defensive performances on both sides made it difficult for either team to get on base, with neither the Coyotes nor Panthers posing any real scoring threat through the first five innings.

A single by Lola Reyes during the top of the fifth, followed by a stolen base by the junior centerfielder presented Weslaco High with its first real scoring opportunity of the game.

An error by the Coyotes defense advanced Reyes to third on the ensuing play, placing Dayla Hinojosa in position to bring in the go-ahead run.

Hinojosa did just that, recording a groundout RBI to first to bring in Reyes and give Weslaco the lead.

With the lead in tow, the Panthers defense buckled down over the final three innings, never allowing the Coyotes to get into scoring position en route to the Game 1 victory.

The Panthers can punch their ticket to the Region IV-6A semifinals with a win against the Coyotes tomorrow, with Game 2 set for 7 p.m. at Weslaco High.

The Coyotes will look to stave off elimination and force a Game 3, which is set for 7 p.m. Saturday at the Leo Garza Jr. Baseball/Softball Complex in La Joya if needed.

[email protected]

The post Panthers outlast Coyotes, take 1-0 series lead appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

The 2024 high school track and field season came to an end this past weekend, with a combined 28 individuals and four relay teams competing at the UIL and TAPPS state track and field championships.

From that group, five individuals earned state crown, including a pair of double champs. Another five individuals managed to reach the podium in their respective events, bringing the RGV’s state medal count for the 2024 season to 13.

Here’s a look at each individual to reach the podium during the three days of competition in Austin and Hewitt.

CLASS 6A

SAN JUANITA LEAL, SR., EDINBURG NORTH: No RGV competitor reached the podium more times during either of the two meets taking place this past weekend than Leal.

The Texas A&M signee entered Saturday’s competition as a state qualifier in three events after earning regional titles in the 800-, 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs two weeks prior at the regional meet.

Leal made the most of her three state berths, reaching the podium in each, including back-to-back UIL 6A state crowns in the 1,600 and 3,200.

The Cougars’ distance runner opened her final high school meet by defending her state title in the 3,200, setting a personal-best time of 10 minutes, 2.1 seconds to break her own Valley record.

She followed it with a bronze-medal performance in the 800, an event she added to her plate this season. Leal clocked in at 2:08.88 during the race, just .24 seconds short of her personal best.

Leal put the final touches on a decorated four-year career during the 6A girls 1,600, setting another personal best and breaking her own RGV record with a time of 4:42.30 en route to her second gold medal of the day.

The Edinburg North senior wraps up her career with five state track medals under her belt, including a pair of golds in the 1,600 and 3,200.

It feels so surreal,” Leal said. “My freshman self would have been so shocked at this. From not even qualifying for state back then, to medaling in three events and defending my state titles as a senior. I’m so grateful and really happy to be able to run again here.”

 

JAZMINE THOMPSON, SR., HARLINGEN HIGH: The third time was the charm for Thompson, who reached the podium during her third state meet appearance for the first time in her career.

Thompson didn’t just reach the podium during her final meet, she reached the top of the mountain, winning the Class 6A girls shot put title.

The Cardinals’ thrower saved her best throw of the season for her final high school meet, recording a personal-best mark of 47 feet, 8 inches on her second attempt of the day to secure the state crown. The attempt was more than one foot farther than the next closest competitor.

Thompson capped her senior season by competing in the Class 6A girls discus, finishing sixth with a throw of 142-6. The Harlingen High senior nearly made her way on to the podium on her final attempt of the meet, but the mark was ultimately not measured after being labeled a scratch.

The Wake Forest signee finishes her career as a three-time state qualifier, with her gold medal also making her the first Harlingen High female athlete to win a state title in track and field.

“It feels amazing,” Thompson said. “I’ve been working for this for three years. Finally coming here and getting the gold, third time’s a charm. I’ve been through it. Senior year was hard. I guess I just let everything come out of me on that throw. It was kind of an accident. After I realized it was good. I just ended up breaking out.”

 

CLASS 4A

FATIMA MONTES, SR., GRULLA: Montes waited four years to make her state debut, with her season ending in the district meet as a freshman and at the regional meet during her sophomore and junior years.

The Gators’ senior broke through this season, winning District 32-4A, Area 31/32-4A and Region IV-4A titles en route to her first state meet appearance.

Montes made the most of her lone state berth, reaching the podium with a silver-medal performance in the 4A girls discus during Day 1 of the UIL state track and field championships.

The Grulla thrower only recorded two throws during the state competition, scratching on her four other attempts. That was all Montes needed, however, with her mark of 132-4 good enough to capture second place.

Montes also added a fifth-place finish in the Class 4A girls shot put during the state meet with a throw of 39-3.25.

She finishes her career as a three-time district champion in the discus, a one-time district shot put champ, and area and regional title holder in both events this year.

“This is definitely a dream come true,” Montes said. “At the start of this season, I had this down as a goal for myself. I just worked hard every single day, including practicing hard on the weekends. It definitely has been a long process, but it worked in my favor. I feel very emotional. It feels surreal. I never believed I’d be here. To medal in this big of a competition, it is a dream come true.”

 

LIANA NAVARRO, SR., LA FERIA: Navarro made her first state appearance as a freshman in 2021, just missing out on the podium that year in the 1,600 and 3,200, finishing fourth in both events.

The Lionettes’ distance runner broke through as a sophomore, winning the bronze in the Class 4A girls 3,200 in 2022.

Last year, however, Navarro finished fifth in the same event, leaving her hungry for a podium return during her final season.

The four-time state qualifier did just what she set out to do, wrapping up her high school career by winning the bronze in the 4A girls 3,200.

Navarro ends her four-year run with the Lionettes as one of the Valley’s most decorated runners, leaving as a four-time state track qualifier and a two-time state bronze medalist.

“Last year I was a little disappointed after going from the podium as a sophomore to fifth place as a junior,” Navarro said. “Getting back to the podium and earning a medal my senior year, it made me really happy. I worked so hard for this. I’m just really proud of myself.”

 

ARMANDO MORALES, SO., LA FERIA: Morales was the RGV’s lone male state qualifier to reach the podium during the three-day meet in the UIL and TAPPS state meets, taking home the bronze in the UIL Class 4A boys 3,200.

The Lions’ distance runner entered the state meet motivated after having to watch his twin, Anthony, make his state debut without him last season.

Armando ended up beating his brother for the bronze during his state debut this year, coming just .006 seconds ahead of Anthony to earn a spot on the podium.

The La Feria sophomore also competed in the Class 4A 1,600 during the state meet, finishing fifth in the event with a time of 4:19.39.

Armando and Anthony enter next season as two of the top returning distance runners not only in the RGV but in the state after qualifying for the state meet in both cross country and track as individuals.

“Of course, last year motivated me,” Armando said. “It just sucked seeing him run and not being to be out there with him. Today just being able to stand next to him and race with him, it gave me so much motivation coming into this race.”

 

CLASS 2A

KAYCEI SALAZAR, JR., LA VILLA: An injury nearly derailed Salazar’s junior track season one year after earning a pair of medals at the state meet as a sophomore.

The 2023 Class 2A girls 1,600 champion wouldn’t let her injuries hold her back from competing, however, and she qualified for the state meet in the 1,600 and 3,200 once again.

While Salazar was unable to defend her state title from a year ago, the junior distance runner still managed to reach the podium in the event, capturing the silver with a time of 5:15.54.

Salazar also was the lone RGV athlete to medal during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships, which featured Class 2A and 5A athletes.

The La Villa junior just missed out on another medal during the Class 2A girls 3,200, finishing less than a second behind bronze medalist Yarida De Leon out of Chilton.

Salazar enters next season with three state medals under her belt in two state meet appearances. Still, she remains motivated to reach the top once again and capture gold in both events during her final run.

“When I crossed in second, I was speechless,” Salazar said. “I didn’t know if I could do it this year after all the setbacks. Cross country I couldn’t run and that hurt me. Just coming back here and doing this in my favorite race, it feels so good.”

 

CLASS 1A

XIOMARA RODRIGUEZ, SR., LASARA: It is hard to find another Valley athlete with a resumè as impressive as that of Rodriguez. The Lasara senior entered this season as a four-time state medalist, including a pair of golds in the Class 1A discus.

Just for good measure, Rodriguez added another pair of state medals during her final high school meet, completing the three-peat in the Class 1A discus and capturing her first career gold in the Class 1A shot put.

The Lions’ thrower was one of two Valley athletes to earn double gold during the UIL state meet, joining Leal.

Rodriguez began her final high school meet by capturing her third straight Class 1A discus title in the morning, recording a personal-best mark of 154-7 for the win.

She followed it by setting another PR in the Class 1A shot put, throwing 41-5.5 on her fifth attempt to move from silver to gold in the event.

Rodriguez wraps up her career as a four-time state qualifier, winning six medals during that span, including three golds in the 1A discus and one in the 1A shot put.

“It is honestly an overwhelming feeling,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve worked so hard throughout these four years. My goal this season was to break the state record. I came close to it, but I gave it my best. Having this feeling though is awesome. Capping off my senior year is kind of sad, but at least I came out here and competed and got my third straight gold medal.”

 

TAPPS 5A

ALONDRA LOYA, SR., BROWNSVILLE ST. JOSEPH: While most of the Valley’s athletes were competing at the UIL state meet in Austin, Loya was putting the final bow on her decorated career in Hewitt while competing in the TAPPS state meet.

The four-year letter winner ended her 2024 season just as she has since her sophomore season, capturing the TAPPS 5A discus title for a third straight year.

Loya won the event with a mark of 135-10, nearly 16 feet farther than the next closest competitor.

The UIW signee has been among the Valley’s best throwers all season regardless of classification, showcasing her ability with a gold-medal performance during the RGVCA Meet of Champions.

She wraps up her career as a four-time state qualifier, three-time district champion, three-time regional champion and three-time state champion. Loya also leaves as the school record holder in the discus (145-0), breaking the record as a sophomore and surpassing it three times since.

“It means everything to me to complete the three-peat,” Loya said. “I’m just really grateful for everyone that has supported me the last three years. I would not have been able to do this by myself. I think it is special. Right now, I’m full of emotions and can’t really blurt it out, but it means everything to me.”

 

NICOLE RICHER, SO., BROWNSVILLE ST. JOSEPH: One year after earning bronze in the TAPPS 5A pole vault as a freshman, Richer reached the top, winning the gold in the event this season.

The Bloodhounds’ vaulter tied her personal best during the state meet, clearing 11 feet on her first attempt to win the gold. Woodlands Christian’s Reese Muzny also cleared the mark but did so in two attempts, giving Richer the advantage for the gold.

Richer, who won gold in the pole vault during six of her nine meets this year, enters next season as one of the Valley’s best vaulters and a favorite to repeat as the TAPPS 5A champion.

“It makes me feel really good that I’m an underclassmen and I could go up against these older girls and still put up a fight,” Richer said. “We do have D1 commit in my division so it is a little tough, but somehow we pulled through and we won. We almost got a school record too, just two inches short.”

 

OLIVIA WOOD, SO., BROWNSVILLE ST. JOSEPH: For the past three years, the TAPPS 5A discus crown has belonged to Loya.

While it will change hands next year with Loya graduating this spring, it might not change schools, with Wood a top contender to take the throne next season.

The sophomore thrower finished as the silver medalist in the event this year behind Loya with a mark of 119-11, giving the Bloodhounds the top two spots on the podium in the discus at the state meet.

The two-time state medalist isn’t far from Loya’s sophomore season marks, with Wood recording a personal best of 121-4 this season. Loya’s top mark as a sophomore was 128-8.

The shoes left by Loya are big ones to fill, but Wood seems primed to step into them for the next two years.

“Today was a very emotional day because it was my last day throwing with my favorite thrower of all time,” Wood said. “Waking up this morning and go through the last steps of doing everything together, I think it was really sad but I’m happy to see where she is going.”

[email protected]

The post Medal Haul: Five win state gold, five others reach podium appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

BROWNSVILLE — The past few days have been a rollercoaster of emotions for Brownsville St. Joseph’s Alondra Loya.

On Thursday, the Bloodhounds’ senior announced her commitment to the University of Incarnate Word.

One day later, Loya was competing in the last high school meet of her career, the TAPPS state track and field meet, where she captured her third straight 5A girls discus title.

Monday marked the end of the rollercoaster for Loya, who capped her wild five days by officially joining the NCAA DI ranks and signing her National Letter of Intent to join UIW during a ceremony in front of family, friends and coaches at Brownsville St. Joseph High School.

“It has been a rollercoaster, truthfully,” Loya said. “I don’t always process it right away but after a couple of days it hits me, I’m doing this. It was just super emotional. It is sad I have to leave this school, but I am excited for what is to come. Although it didn’t start the way I hoped it would have, I am taking on a journey I never thought I would. I’m just really excited for the future.”

Loya’s rise from small school product to NCAA DI athlete hasn’t been without obstacles. After setting school records as a sophomore, Loya felt she had plateaued during her junior season after not receiving college offers and being unable to break her own personal bests.

The senior thrower broke through this year, however, surpassing the 140-foot mark in the discus for the first time during the Rio Hondo Roberto Garza Relays on March 1.

She followed it by eclipsing the mark twice more during the season, including a throw of 140 feet, 10 inches during a gold-medal performance at the RGVCA Meet of Champions and a personal-best mark of 145 feet during the TAPPS 5A South Regional Championships.

“At the end of my junior year I started thinking high school was the end for me,” Loya said. “I would push and push, and it felt like no matter how hard I trained I never got better. That was the most frustrating part. I think my senior year, though, just being surrounded by such amazing people let me know that in the end it is possible. Seeing myself set records and set personal bests again, that’s when it started to really become a reality for me.”

Loya ended her senior season with gold medals in the discus during nine of her 10 appearances, according to her Athletic.net profile, including a gold medal during the TAPPS 5A state meet this past weekend.

More importantly, her senior year brought in the offers she was looking for as a junior, and she took multiple visits before ultimately deciding on UIW.

“These past few days mean a lot to me,” Loya said. “It has been a really big journey. From starting out not knowing what it was to being a Division I collegiate athlete. I’m grateful for everything that has happened. I feel like it has been a journey that is bigger than me. It is bigger than me. It has so much to do with everybody who has been there for me and supported me. From my mom, who has moved mountains for me, to my coaches. I’m just overall grateful and full of emotions. I’m excited, ready and scared.”

[email protected]

The post Three-time state champion Loya signs with UIW appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

AUSTIN — San Juanita Leal’s status as the Valley’s greatest distance runner of all time could hardly be called a debate heading into this year’s state meet.

The Edinburg North senior already owned the RGV record in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter run heading into Saturday’s events.

Leal also came in as a two-time state champion, winning gold in the same events during last year’s state meet.

If there was any doubt of Leal’s “GOAT” status there shouldn’t be after her performance during Day 3 of the UIL state track and field championships, with Leal defending both her state titles while adding a bronze in the 800-meter run Saturday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

The three medals earned Leal the Class 6A female athlete of the meet award, which is given to the athlete who scored the most points during the meet. She finished with 26 points during the meet.

“It feels so surreal,” Leal said. “My freshman self would have been so shocked at this. From not even qualifying for state back then, to medaling in three events and defending my state titles as a senior. I’m so grateful and really happy to be able to run again here.”

Leal’s three-medal day began during the morning round of events, competing in the Class 6A girls 3,200-meter run.

The reigning state champ cruised to her second straight title in the event, finishing over 15 seconds ahead of the next closest competitor.

Leal clocked in at a personal best time of 10 minutes, 2.1 seconds during the race, with Denton Braswell’s Macy Wingard the next closest finisher with a time of 10:17.71.

“It felt really good to come back and defend my title,” Leal said. “I was really nervous for this race, but then I just thought back to last year and let the race play out. I just trusted my instincts and in the end I had it. I’m just really glad.”

Leal’s victory in the 3,200-meter run was just the beginning of a dominant showing by the Texas A&M signee.

Hours after earning her first podium finish, Leal made her second appearance on the stand, capturing the bronze in the Class 6A girls 800-meter run.

The Cougars senior had to battle to earn the bronze in the event, fighting past a pair of runners during the final 100-meters to move from fifth to third.

“I felt really nervous before all my races, but my uncle really calmed me down and made sure I came in ready. I owe a lot of this to him,” Leal said. “I just had to take it one rest at a time. I’m so happy for this result.”

Leal put the exclamation point on her decorated high school career not long after, cruising past the competition in the Class 6A girls 1,600-meter run for her second straight title in the event and second gold of the meet.

The Edinburg North distance runner clocked in at 4:42.30 seconds during the win, over eight seconds faster than the next competitor.

Leal finishes her Edinburg North career as a three-time state qualifier and four-time state gold medalist. She also leaves as the Valley record holder in multiple cross country and track events.

“I feel like I wasn’t really getting recognized all year,” Leal said. “To come out here and show who I am and what I can do is really special. I’m so happy to be able to represent myself and the Valley at the state meet and hopefully in some national meets in the future as well.”

[email protected]

The post Triple Threat: Edinburg North’s Leal nabs three medals during Day 3 of state meet appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

AUSTIN — Third time’s a charm.

The adage is thrown out left and right nowadays, with it not always ringing true.

For Harlingen High senior Jazmine Thomspon, however, the saying couldn’t be more accurate.

After three state meet appearance Thompson is finally a state champion, capturing the gold in the Class 6A shot put during Day 3 of the UIL state track and field championships Saturday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

The podium finish marked the first of Thompson’s career in three state meet appearances, never finishing higher than sixth prior to today.

“It feels amazing,” Thompson said. “I’ve been working for this for three years. Finally coming here and getting the gold, third time’s a charm.”

Thompson sat on the outside of a podium finish through the first round of throws in the event, recording a mark 42-11.25 on her first attempt to put her in fourth.

The Wake Forest signee let it all out on her second attempt, however, shouting a battle cry heard across the stadium en route to her new PR.

“I’ve been through it,” Thompson said. “Senior year was hard. I guess I just let everything come out of me on that throw. It was kind of an accident. After I realized it was good. I just ended up breaking out.”

The throw put Thompson in first through two rounds of attempts and the rest was history, with the senior thrower never relinquishing the top spot again.

Thompson’s mark was nearly two feet further than her previous personal best of 45-10.75 inches set during the regional meet two weeks ago.

The throw was also over a foot further than the next closest competitor, with Klein Cain’s Tirea Reed coming in second with a mark of 46-04.5.

“I felt really excited after that,” Thompson said. “Like I’ve said before third time’s a charm. This was my moment. I came and seized it.”

Thompson wrapped up her high school throwing career during the afternoon’s throwing events, competing in the Class 6A girls discus.

After a shaky start, which included Thompson scratching on two of her first three attempts, the Wake Forest signee battled back from the bottom of the standings to finish sixth with a mark of 142-06.

Thompson nearly placed herself at the podium during her final throw of the day, but the attempt was ultimately not measured due to it being labeled a scratch.

The Wake Forest signee finishes her career as three-time state qualifier, while also heading to the collegiate ranks as a state champ.

[email protected]

The post Harlingen High’s Thompson breaks through, earns state gold appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

AUSTIN — Lasara senior Xiomara Rodriguez entered the 2024 UIL state track and field championships with a loaded resume already under her belt.

The four-time state qualifier already had back-to-back gold medals in the Class 1A discus prior to Saturday’s events, also holding a silver in the event from 2021 and a bronze in the 1A shot put from last year.

Rodriguez showed she still had more to prove Saturday, setting personal bests in the discus and shot put en route to a clean sweep of the Class 1A throwing events during Day 3 of the UIL state track and field championships.

“It is honestly an overwhelming feeling,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve worked so hard throughout these four years. My goal this season was to break the state record. I came close to it, but I gave it my best. Having this feeling though is awesome. Capping off my senior year is kind of sad, but at least I came out here and competed and got my third straight gold medal.”

Rodriguez wraps up her high school throwing career as a four-time state qualifier, advancing in both events every year since her freshman season.

She finishes with six medals to her name, including three straight golds in the Class 1A discus. She also has a silver in the event from 2021, along with a bronze (2023) and gold (2024) in the shot put.

“I feel happy, excited and just overjoyed,” Rodriguez said. “I was able to hit PRs in both events. It is just amazing. This just means a lot to me. I hope to inspire the future Lasara athletes to be better than me. I want to inspire them to earn those middles and continue growing.”

Last season, Rodriguez waited until her final throw to reach the podium in the Class 1A discus, moving from fourth to first in the event on her last attempt of the day.

The senior thrower left nothing to chance this year, recording her best throw of the day on her first attempt and never looking back en route to a third straight state title. The mark ended up being nearly 20 feet further than the next closest competitor, with Straw’s Milly Hughes coming in second with a throw for 135-02.

“The biggest difference from last year was I got more coaching and just worked harder,” Rodriguez said. “I practiced every day and saw the progress. I will keep getting better though.”

Despite needing only one throw to win the event, Rodriguez simply dominated from start to finish, with three of her other four marks good enough for first in the event. Even her worst throw of the day still would have been good for third in the discus.

Her final mark of 154-7 inches came within just over two feet of a Class 1A record of 156-10 set in the event in 2019 by Rocksprings Zoe Burleson.

“It is honestly an overwhelming feeling,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve worked so hard throughout these four years. My goal this season was to break the state record. I came close to it, but I gave it my best. Having this feeling though is awesome. Capping off my senior year is kind of sad, but at least I came out here and competed and got my third straight gold medal.”

Just hours after capturing gold in the discus, Rodriguez stepped back into the ring to compete in the Class 1A girls shot put.

The event provided a bigger challenge for the Lasara thrower, sitting in second in the event through the first four round of throws.

On her fifth throw, however, Rodriguez put it all together, recording a personal best mark of 41-05.5 to move into position for first.

The PR proved enough for the Lions thrower, holding on for her second gold medal of the day.

“To be honest, the weeks leading up to this meet didn’t go the way I wanted them to,” Rodriguez said. “I had this fear that was eating me, thinking that I wasn’t going to be able to do it. Today I woke up in a good mindset and I was ready for the meet. It just amazes me what the mind can do in helping you overpower certain situations.”

[email protected]

The post Clean Sweep: Lasara’s Rodriguez captures gold in both throwing events appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site