Author: ivan palacios

by ivan palacios

2024 UIL State Track and Field Results – 05/02/24 – 05/04/24

UIL State Track and Field Championships

Mike A. Myers Stadium

Austin, TX

Class 5A

Girls 200m Dash – 1. Saniyah Miller, Lancaster, 23.52; Alyssa Jones, Lamar Fulshear, 23.71; 3. LaMaiya Henderson, Hallsville, 23.97; 4. Aaliyah Barnes, Kileen, 24.02; 5. Jayla Ford, Fort Worth Wyatt, 24.43; 6; Lauren Foxworth, Frisco Lebanon Trail, 24.76; 7. Rakaia Walker, Lockhart, 25.21; 8. Zia Casas, Edinburg Vela, 25.34.

Boys 200m Dash – 1. Kendrick Jones Jr., Lake Belton, 20.83; 2. Blake Holland, Magnolia, 21.15; 3. Elijah Johnson, 21.22; 4. Camrin Jackson, Dallas Kimball, 21.41; 5. Kavion Blackwood, McKinney North, 21.42; 6. Jaeden Servantez, San Antonio Houston, 21.60; 7. Diego Rodriguez, Roma, 21.91.

Boys 400m Dash – 1. Malik Franklin, Fort Worth Wyatt, 47.23; 2. Jordan Riggs, Fort Bend Marshall, 47.55; 3. Taylor Briggs, McKinney North, 47.72; 4. De’Treyvon Goudeau, Marshall, 48.06; 5. Eugene Bynum, Frisco Lone Star, 48.17; 6. Kevon Carter, San Antonio Wagner, 48.30; 7. Cooper Lutkenhaus, Northwest, 48.82; 8. Angel Rodriguez, Sharyland Pioneer, 49.68; 9. Sean Smith, Richmond Randle, 49.91.

Boys 800m Run – 1. Cooper Lutkenhaus, Northwest, 1:49.84; 2. Anthony Zapata, San Antonio Southwest Legacy, 1:53.17; 3. Caleb Adkinson, Red Oak, 1:53.74; 4. Myles Redding, Waco University, 1:54.97; 5. Jack Voehringer, Frisco Liberty, 1:55.31; 6. Eduardo Estrada, Mansfield Summitt, 1:55.52; 7. Diego Pina, PSJA Memorial, 1:56.51; 8. Christian James, Manvel, 1:56.56; 9. Devin Muaina, Lucas Lovejoy, 1:56.57.

Girls 1,600m Run – 1. Elizabeth Leachman, Boerne Champion, 4:41.36; 2. Isabel Conde De Frankenberg, Cedar Park, 4:50.07; 3. Ki Rendon, White Settlement Brewer, 4:53.47; 4. Sara Morefield, Lucas Lovejoy, 4:59.95; 5. Dana Rojas Vazquez, McAllen High, 5:00.51; 6. Camryn Benson, Lucas Lovejoy, 5:01.21; 7. Morgan Campbell, Port Neches-Groves, 5:03.91; 8. Delaney Ulrich, College Station, 5:04.00; 9. Reese Pena, Lubbock, 5:10.66.

Girls 100m Hurdles – 1. Kaylah Braxton, Frisco Heritage, 13.83; 2. Kailyn Head, Denton Ryan, 14.09; 3. Layni Kaase, College Station, 14.10; 4. Kelis Jules, Frisco Lone Star, 14.13; 5. Alleah Krote, Forth Worth Arlington Heights, 14.24; 6. Laila Payne, Houston Carnegie Vanguard, 14.26; 7. Zoe Williams, Mont Belviue Barbers Hill, 14.35; 8. Dariana Luna, McAllen High, 14.46; 9. Jade Selmon, Lockhart, 15.08.

Girls 4×200 Relay – 1. Lancaster, 1:36.86; 2. Fort Bend Marshall, 1:38.21; 3. Bryan Rudder, 1:38.66; 4. Mansfield Timberview, 1:38.78; 5. Red Oak, 1:38.79; 6. Comal Pieper, 1:40.17; 7. Northwest, 1:41.34; 8. McAllen High, 1:42.66.

Girls 4×400 Relay – 1. Lancaster, 3:45.38; 2. Lucas Lovejoy, 3:46.05; 3. Smithson Valley, 3:46.47; 4. Fort Bend Marshall, 3:47.01; 5. Red Oak, 3:49.62; 6. Burleson, 3:51.52; 7. Manvel, 3:51.71; 8. Amarillo, 3:55.31; 9. McAllen High, 3:56.81.

Boys Long Jump – 1. Kendrick Jones, Lake Belton, 23-00; 2. Jaxon Miller, Frisco Heritage, 22-07; 3. Kameron Franklin, Red Oak, 22-06.5; 4. Aushaun Wilson, Amarillo Tascosa, 21-06.75; 5. Michael Henderson, Mansfield Timberview, 21-05; 6. Angel Rodriguez, Sharyland Pioneer, 21-04.75; 7. Cameron Dickson, Corpus Christi Flour Bluff, 21-02.25; 8. Aaron Brooks, North Richland Hills Richland, 21-01.25; 9. Jadon Rodriguez, Mont Belvieu Barbers Hill, 20-05.

Girls High Jump – 1. Niomi Wines, Lubbock Cooper, 5-07; 2. Caroline Peterson, Comal Pieper, 5-07; 3. Brentley Preston, Lubbock Cooper, 5-06; 4. Kchazney Beamon, Mesquite Poteet, 5-06; 5. Kaidyn Johnson-Gilmore, Mansfield Summit, 5-04; 6. Teah Walker, McKinney North, 5-04; 7. Callie Keith, Sharyland High, 5-02; 8. Nichole Thoms, Richmond Foster, 5-02; 9. Layni Kasse, College Station, 5-00.

Girls Shot Put – 1. Lauren St. Peters, Aledo, 48-09.75; 2. Madaleine Fey, Kileen Chaparral, 45-11.25; 3. Courtney Daniel, Humble Kingwood Park, 45-05.75; 4. Briana Davis, Red Oak, 45-01.25; 5. Brielle Lawson, Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated, 42-00. 6. Olamide Ayeni, Denton Ryan, 41-08.25; 7. Kaely Trantham, Edcouch-Elsa, 40-10.75; 8. Jada Owens, Longview, 40-09.75; 9. Kaitlyn Kilgore, 39-05.

Boys Shot Put – 1. Brandon Schirck, Friendswood, 64-01.5; 2. CJ Williams, Frisco Heritage, 60-03.75; 3. Travis Buhake, Mansfield Summit, 59-11; 4. Kyen Purser, Midlothian, 58-11.25; 5. Cameron Morrison, Leander Glenn, 56-10.25; 6. Kristopher Perez, Edinburg Vela, 5409.75; 7. Tyron Schmidt, Gregory-Portland, 50-7.75; 8. Brock Reddic, Longview Pine Tree, 49-03.5; 9. Chance Bryant, Lamar Fulshear, 35-06.5.

Girls Discus – 1. Madaleine Fey, Kileen Chaparral, 164-06; 2. Olamide Ayeni, Denton Ryan, 155-09; 3. Harlee Fonville, Angleton, 149-00; 4. Lauren St. Peters, Aledo, 147-06; 5. Marcela Trevino, PSJA Southwest, 134-08; 6. Courtney Daniel, Humble Kingwood Park, 128-09; 7. Annabelle Jehl, Castroville Medina Valley, 124-05; 8. Brooklyn Lawrenson, Forney, 119-07; 9. Brielle Lawson, Rosenberg Lamar Consolidated, 112-01.

Boys Discus– 1. Blake Goodmanson, Galveston Ball, 185-09; 2. CJ Williams, Frisco Heritage, 184-10; 3. Stanley Tunstall, Hallsville, 184-05; 4. Kyen Purser, Midlothian, 178-11; 5. Brandon Schirck, Friendswood, 176-11; 6. Marcus Garcia, Denton Ryan, 175-07; 7. Dante Barrera, Rio Grande City, 172-11; 8. Micah Johnson, Angleton, 170-05; 9. Jaxson Maynard, Smithson Valley, 164-07.

Class 4A

Boys 1,600m Run – 1. Angel Sanchez, Fort Worth Diamond Hill Jarvis, 4:13.08; 2. Ryan Fernandez, Canyon, 4:13.55; 3. Luke Anderson, Salado, 4:13.97; 4. Alex Niemiec, Canyon, 4:17.90; 5. Armando Morales, La Feria, 4:19.39; 6. Bryce Denton, Anna, 4:22.93; 7. Connor Graves, Hudson, 4:26.93; 8. Evan Torres, La Feria, 4:33.249.

Girls 3,200m Run – 1. Hannah Stuart, Canyon, 10:36.58; 2. Cadence Patterson, Comal Canyon Lake, 10:47.65; 3. Liana Navarro, La Feria, 11:06.26; 4. Ann Claire Cop, Fredericksburg, 11:24.74; 5. Brooke French, Canyon Randall, 11:27.44; 6. Cade Harris, Salado, 11:29.10; 7. Vania Martinez, Gatesville, 11:31.52; 8. Aimee Clarke, Celina, 11:44.68; 9. Tatum Cross, Celina, 11:56.69.

Boys 3,200m Run – 1. Angel Sanchez, Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis, 9:14.44; 2. Ryan Fernandez, Canyon, 9:19.36; 3. Armando Morales, La Feria, 9:20.302; 4. Anthony Morales, La Feria, 9:20.308; 5. Lathan Lewter, Canyon, 9:21.91; 6. Tyler Hamblin, Marble Falls, 9:23.38; 7. Bryce Denton, Anna, 9:36.74; 8. Luke Anderson, Salado, 9:42.50; 9. Coulson Boyd, Salado, 9:51.12.

Girls Discus – 1. Valerie Hunt, Monahans, 151-01; 2. Fatima Montes, Grulla, 132-04; 3. Tynslee Richards, Robinson, 132-01; 4. Iris Dewitt, Bay City, 126-08; 5. Ruth Eyanagho, Frisco Panther Creek, 124-11; 6. Ava Oliva, Seminole, 122-05; 7. Brookelynn Meador, Corpus Christi Calallen, 115-11; 8. Peggy Carr, Forth Worth Young Womens Leadership, 106-10; 9. Shaniece Powell, Houston Washington, 105-04.

Girls Shot Put – 1. Valerie Hunt, Monahans, 46-00.25; 2. Kaylon Metcalf, Giddings, 41-08.5; 3. Mya Jones, Andrews, 39-11; 4. Aubrianna Jordan, Hillsboro, 39-09.25; 5. Fatima Montes, Grulla, 39-03.25; 6. Madison Wright, Fredericksburg, 39-02.5; 7. Ruth Eyanagho, Frisco Panther Creek, 37-04; 8. Toreyna Saddler, Sweetwater, 37-01.5; 9. Madagyn Boudoin, Lumberton, 36-01.5.

Class 2A

Girls 800m Run – 1. Emily Pharris, Shelbyville, 2:17.67; 2. Anna Pearcy, Hamilton, 2:18.72; 3. Graci Brown, Nocona, 2:19.18; 4. Mia Picazo, Santa Maria, 2:20.14; 5. Rylie Hillis, Goldthwaite, 2:20.89; 6. Amira Meeks, Hawkins, 2:22.95; 7. Madilyn Benson, Clarendon, 2:24.46; 8. Abby Brennan, Lindsay, 2:30.88; 9. Saige Conner, Boys Ranch, 2:32.95.

Girls 1,600m Run – 1. Cameron Belcher, Windthorst, 5:08.74; 2. Kaycei Salazar, La Villa, 5:15.54; 3. Calista Turner, Malakoff Cross Roads, 5:16.24; 4. Mia Picazo, Santa Maria, 5:20.06; 5. Logan Lang, Wink, 5:28.00; 6. Agatha Skelton, Haskell, 5:29.29; 7. Payten McGee, Goldthwaite, 5:33.51; 8. Emily Pharris, Shelbyville, 5:35.80; 9. Kali Clausen, Wink, 5:46.78.

Girls 3,200m Run – 1. Calista Turner, Malakoff Cross Roads, 11:07.12; 2. Madison Nunes, New Deal, 11:41.63; 3. Yarida De Leon, Chilton, 11:42.95; 4. Kaycei Salazar, 11:43.94; 5. Payten McGee, Goldthwaite, 11:53.93; 6. Emma Walterscheid, Muenster, 12:07.35; 7. Kaila Mast, Centerville, 12:11.76; 8. Victoria Guerrero, Coleman, 12:44.14.

The post 2024 UIL State Track and Field Results – 05/02/24 – 05/04/24 appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

La Villa’s Salazar nabs RGV’s lone medal during Day 2 of UIL state track meet

AUSTIN — La Villa junior Kaycei Salazar didn’t know if she’d reach the podium just one year after capturing a pair of medals at the UIL state track and field championships.

A stress fracture in her right leg during the fall ended her cross-country season prematurely, leaving her track season up in the air.

A nagging injury to her left leg further clouded her questionability, leaving Salazar questioning her potential.

Despite the numerous obstacles, the Cardinals’ junior pushed through, capturing back-to-back District 32-2A, Area 31/32-2A and Region IV-2A crowns in both the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs to make a return to state.

Salazar left it all on the table in her return to state, coming from behind in the Class 2A girls 1,600-meter run to capture the silver during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin.

The second-place finish marked the RGV’s lone medal during Day 2 of the meet.

“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.”

Salazar’s second state meet appearance didn’t open like planned. One year after capturing the silver medal in the 2A girls 3,200-meter run, the junior distance runner just missed out on another podium finish, coming in fourth with a time of 11 minutes, 43.94 seconds.

Her finishing mark was less than a second away from bronze medalist Yarida De Leon.

La Villa junior Kaycei Salazar (4) competes in the Class 2A girls 3,200-meter run during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez
| The Monitor)

“In the beginning of the season my mentality was bad,” Salazar said. “When it started, I kept telling myself I can’t, and it would beat me up mentally a lot. In practices I felt like I was trying my hardest and I couldn’t move. It hurt and it was just draining. My confidence changed after the Meet of Champs. That race broke me. It changed my mentality for the rest of the season. My brain went from telling me I can’t do it, to me telling myself to stop and just keep on pushing.”

The motivated Salazar refused to leave the state meet without a medal, entering the 2A girls 1,600-meter run hungry for a return to the podium.

After falling behind early, the Cardinals junior battled her way back into third heading into the bell lap, with the second-place competitor in her sights.

Salazar turned on the burners during the final 100 meters, overtaking Malakoff Cross Roads Calista Turner en route to the silver. The La Villa junior clocked in at 5:15.54 for second place, with Turner finishing in third with a time of 5:16.24.

The silver-medal finish marked the third time Salazar has reached the podium in her career, winning the gold in the Class 2A girls 1,600-meter run last year, along with a silver in the Class 2A girls 3,200-meter run.

“This motivates me a lot,” Salazar said. “I’m going to take a break to make sure I’m not hurt. I want to come back even stronger for cross country, powerlifting too. I came in third in powerlifting, and I want to be first. In the 3,200 and the 1,600 it’s the same thing. I’m going to go harder next season, and nobody should beat me.”

Salazar was just one of 15 state qualifiers to represent the RGV during Day of the UIL state meet.

Despite the loaded field, medals were hard to come by throughout the competition, with only Salazar reaching the podium.

Still, the Valley’s best yielded some strong performances.

Santa Maria’s Mia Picazo just missed out on a podium finish, coming in fourth in the Class 2A girls 800-meter run. The UTRGV signee clocked in at 2:20.14, just 0.96 seconds behind third-place finisher Nocona’s Graci Brown.

Picazo closed out her high school career with a fourth-place finish in the Class 2A girls 1,600-meter run, finishing in 5:20.06.

Santa Maria senior Mia Picazo (6) competes in the Class 2A girls 800-meter run during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

Over in Class 5A, Edcouch-Elsa’s Kaely Trantham capped her four-year varsity career by setting a personal best in the girls shot put, recording a throw of 40 feet, 10.75 inches on her fifth attempt.

The mark came in over 10 inches further than her previous personal best of 40-00.25 set during the Area 31/32-5A meet.

Edcouch-Elsa senior Kaely Trantham competes in the Class 5A shot put during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

Meanwhile, Edinburg Vela’s Kristopher Perez made his second straight state meet appearance during Day 2, competing in the Class 5A boys shot put.

Despite an injury to his throwing hand, the junior thrower still managed to improve on last year’s eighth place finish at state, coming in sixth this season with a mark of 54-09.75.

Edinburg Vela junior Kristopher Perez competes in the 5A boys shot put during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

PSJA Southwest’s Marcela Trevino also improved on her state finish from last year, finishing fifth in the Class 5A discus after coming in sixth a year ago.

The Houston signee jumped from sixth to fifth on her final attempt of the day, recording a personal meet best of 134-08 on the throw.

PSJA Southwest’s Marcela Trevino competes in the Class 5A discus during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

McAllen High’s Dana Rojas Vazquez made a return to state as a junior after making it last season in the 3,200-meter run, only this time getting in as a wildcard in the Class 5A girls 1,600-meter run.

The Bulldogs distance runner set a personal best during the state meet, finishing in 5:00.51 for fifth in the event.

Other notable performances by RGV athletes during Day 2 of the state meet included state debuts by several area athletes.

Sophomore Angel Rodriguez recorded a mark of 21-04.75 on his fifth attempt of the day to finish sixth in the Class 5A boys high jump. The sophomore also competed in the 5A boys 800-meter run, coming in eighth with a time of 49.68 seconds.

Sharyland Pioneer sophomore Angel Rodriguez competes in the 5A boys long jump during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

Sharyland High’s Callie Keith, a senior, competed in the 5A girls high jump after finishing second at the regional meet two weeks ago, coming in seventh at state after clearing a mark of 5-02.

McAllen High’s Dariana Luna, who captured the Region IV-5A girls 100-meter hurdle title two weeks ago, finished eighth in the same event Friday, clocking in at a personal best 14.46 seconds.

Rio Grande City senior Dante Barrera wrapped up his high school career with a seventh-place finish in the Class 5A boys discus, recording a throw of 172-11 on his second attempt.

Rio Grande City senior Dante Barrera competes in the Class 5A boys discus during Day 2 of the UIL state track and field championships Friday at Mike A. Myers Stadium in Austin. (Joel Martinez | The Monitor)

The 2024 UIL state track and field championships conclude today with Class 1A and 6A competitors. The final day of the competition begins at 9 a.m. with the field events and 3,200-meter run, with running events to follow at 5 p.m.

For full results from the weekend’s events feature RGV athletes, visit RGVSports.com.

[email protected]

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This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

UTRGV introduces Fennell as men’s basketball head coach

EDINBURG — After a collegiate playing career at the University of Redlands, Kahil Fennell was ready to put basketball behind him.

Shortly after graduation he joined corporate America and spent time selling medical devices. The itch to compete came crawling back, however.

In 2014, Fennell began his journey as a basketball coach, starting off as a junior varsity coach at Alameda High School in California. In just a short 10-year span he’s climbed the ranks, going from a JV coach in California to an assistant coach at Brigham Young University the past two years.

Now he can officially add NCAA Division I head coach to his resumè, officially being introduced as the new head coach of UTRGV men’s basketball during a news conference Wednesday at the UTRGV Fieldhouse in Edinburg.

Kahil Fennell is presented as the UTRGV’s new men’s basketball coach. (Delcia Lopez | The Monitor)

“Being a head coach anywhere would be a tremendous opportunity I’d be thankful for,” Fennell said. “To be a head coach and my first job being here and starting my career here at the head coaching level, it is hard to put into words.”

Fennell’s collegiate coach career has featured more than a handful of stops, first getting his foot into the college world in 2015 as an assistant coach at UT Permian Basin before being promoted to associate head coach in 2016.

A year later, he brought his talents to Portland State, serving as an assistant coach for the Vikings for one year. After a brief stint at Portland State, Fennell made the move to Louisville, where he spent the next four years on the Cardinals’ coaching staff.

During his tenure at Louisville, the Cardinals posted a 70-47 record, including a 24-7 mark in 2020 en route to a second-place finish in the ACC.

His final stop before landing the head coaching job at UTRGV came at BYU, spending the past two years with the Cougars. During his time at BYU, the Cougars amassed 42 wins, including a 23-win season and NCAA tournament appearance this year.

“It’s been an unbelievable journey and an unbelievable ride,” Fennell said. “I’ve told Chasse (Conque) several times that I wouldn’t change it for anything. That linear route that I’ve talked about with other coaches in the industry, I think you can miss a trip. I think it can get a little more stale or a little old for you. You can get a little more frustrated, and the season can feel a little longer if you’ve been doing it for 30 years straight. For me it is still new. It is still something I’m excited for every day. … Every aspect of being a coach is new for me. It is exciting for me and it’s something I’m passionate about. This journey has been a trip so far.”

Fennell takes over a UTRGV team that struggled a season ago. The Vaqueros finished the 2024 campaign with a 6-25 overall record, including a 2-18 Western Athletic Conference record and a 14-game losing streak to close out the year.

He’ll be tasked with guiding the Vaqueros into the Southland Conference as they prepare to make the move to the conference in the summer.

Fennell is ready to take the challenge head on, already gearing up for the upcoming season.

“I’d like to get to building my staff,” Fennell said. “I’d like to have a roster. We need to have 13 scholarship guys. We need our walk-ons to be a part of this. We need our support staff, from student mangers to directors of operations. I’d like to have that true team put in place so we can attack this thing collectively. I think a number of heads is better than one. I think we can come up with different ideas and different areas of approach to be ready to be able to attack things from a holistic level and be pulling in the same direction.”

[email protected]

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This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Weslaco High’s Rodriguez taking talents to TLU

WESLACO — Eli Rodriguez always saw wrestling as his ticket to a free education.

The Weslaco High senior began competing in grappling sports at just 4, showing promise even then while competing against kids nearly two years older.

Then his senior year happened.

After not seeing much playing time his first three years on the gridiron for Weslaco High, Rodriguez was handed the keys to the backfield during his final high school season and ran with them, emerging as one of the top backs in South Texas.

The breakout senior campaign made him once again fall in love with the game of football, the sport he once named his future career during a career day in elementary.

With a reignited love for the game, Rodriguez is now ready to take on the next level of competition, signing to continue his football career at Texas Lutheran during a ceremony Wednesday at Weslaco High School.

Texas Lutheran is an NCAA Division III university located in Seguin that competes in the American Southwest Conference.

Weslaco High running back Eli Rodriguez poses with family, friends and coaches after signing to continue his athletic career at Texas Lutheran during a ceremony Wednesday at Weslaco High School. (Ivan Palacios | RGVSports)

“The initial goal for me was to have my wrestling career take me to college,” Rodriguez said. “After this football season, it lit a fire in me that gave me a love for the game again. It made it into something I wanted to pursue. It just feels amazing. This is truly a dream come true. My hard work has paid off. It is just a fever dream.”

Rodriguez’s breakout season came as no surprise to those who have known the running back for the past four years.

The senior bell cow honed his craft in silence while waiting for his moment, building up his strength and elusiveness through wrestling and developing his speed on the track.

All that came together this past season, with Rodriguez using a combination of power and speed to rumble his way to 1,936 total yards and 26 total touchdowns.

His dominant performance helped earn Weslaco High’s first district title since 2015 and also garnering him The Monitor’s All-Area Football Player of the Year honors.

Weslaco High running back Eli Rodriguez poses during the All-Area media day. (Andrew Cordero | Special to RGVSports)

“Those years in wrestling and track, it developed me into the person I am now,” Rodriguez said. “The wins and losses, it showed me how to treat things and how I can come back from things. It just developed my game. I got better every rep on the mat and on the track.”

More impressive than Rodriguez’s big numbers was his ability to make big plays during the games’ biggest moments.

During Weslaco High’s district-opening victory over Harlingen High, Rodriguez caught the go-ahead score during the final seconds to secure the 35-32 victory.

Against Los Fresnos, he exploded for more than 250 rushing yards and four scores during the second half to lead his team past the Falcons 42-23 on the road.

During Weslaco High’s regular-season finale against San Benito, Rodriguez came up big again, taking a pass from Andres Sepulveda 62 yards to give the Panthers their first lead of the game. They went on to win in double overtime and secure the 32-6A crown.

Weslaco High running back Eli Rodriguez breaks off one of his four touchdowns during a District 32-6A contest against Los Fresnos. (Andrew Cordero | Special to RGVSports)

“Truly the mindset in those moments are my teammates,” Rodriguez said. “They’ve been there for me my whole career. Some of these guys I played with my whole life. If I can do anything to help us out and get a win, I’m going to do it. I just try to go out there and give it my all every play.”

With his high school career in the books, Rodriguez is now set to join a team that fielded seven RGV athletes last season, including San Benito standout defensive back DeAnthony Mireles and Edinburg Vela athlete Justin Navarro.

Whether he sees the field from Day 1 or not, Rodriguez is prepared to wait for his moment once again, knowing when it arrives, he’ll be more than ready to shoulder the load.

“Right now, I can honestly say that I am nowhere near my peak,” Rodriguez said. “I think Texas Lutheran can bring my peak out.”

[email protected]

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by ivan palacios

UTRGV, men’s basketball coach Figger part ways

UTRGV vice president and director of athletics Chasse Conque announced Tuesday that UTRGV athletics and men’s basketball head coach Matt Figger mutually agreed to part ways.

Figger compiled an overall record of 29-65 over three years.

“We thank Coach Figger for his efforts and his contributions to our program over the last three years,” Conque said. “There is no doubt that his team made an impact on our efforts to #RallyTheValley, as the men’s basketball program led all NCAA Division I men’s teams in community service last year. We wish him well personally and professionally moving forward.”

In addition to strong community service, the men’s basketball team excelled academically, with five student-athletes earning athletic director’s honor roll recognition this past fall for achieving a grade point average of at least 3.25. During Figger’s tenure, his student-athletes earned 19 AD honor roll recognitions.

Figger joined UTRGV after the death of former head coach Lew Hill during the 2020-2021 season.

The former Austin Peay head coach went 8-23 during his first season with the Vaqueros, following it up with a 15-17 campaign last year, including a 12-6 mark at home.

This year the Figger-led Vaqueros struggled to find consistency, going 6-25 overall and 2-18 during conference play. UTRGV went winless during the final two months of the regular season, ending the year on a 14-game losing streak.

“I wish to thank Athletics Director Conque, President Bailey, my staff and campus colleagues, and especially my players for the privilege to be the UTRGV head men’s basketball coach,” Figger said. “At this time, I have decided to pursue other professional opportunities. My family and I will always cherish our time in Edinburg, and we wish the entire UTRGV community the very best.”

A national search to fill the position will begin immediately, UTRGV athletics announced. It also state it will have no further comment until the next coach is hired.

The post UTRGV, men’s basketball coach Figger part ways appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Photo Gallery: Harvest Christian captures its second straight TAPPS 1A state title

Harvest Christian’s Ashley Gonzalez (24) celebrates a play during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Jamie Gonzalez (10) fires a 3-pointer during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s bench celebrates a big play by a teammate during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Riley McClaugherty (12) goes up for a layup during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Jamie Gonzalez (10) dishes a pass to a teammate during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Lexi Garcia (1) goes up for a 3-pointer during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Ashley Gonzalez (24) goes up for a layup during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Riley McClaugherty (12) and Jamie Gonzalez (10) double team a player during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Lexi Garcia (1) dishes a pass during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Ashley Gonzalez (24) goes up for a layup during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s bench goes wild after a big pl ay during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Lexi Garcia (1) celebrates a play during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s bench goes wild after a big pl ay during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian senior Lexi Garcia (1) is embraced by head coach Jaime Gonzalez as she checks out for the last time in her career. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s Ashley Gonzalez (24) is embraced by her dad and head coach Jaime Gonzalez as she checks out for the final time in her high school career. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian’s seniors celebrate on the sidelines after subbing out for the last time in their high school careers. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Fans of Harvest Christian cheer during the TAPPS 1A state championship game against Texoma Christian on Thursday at Robinson High School. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
The 2024 TAPPS 1A All-Tournament team. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian head coach embraces his daughter, senior Ashley Gonzalez, after putting her state championship medal on her. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian head coach, left, and assistant coach Juan Landa share a moment after winning the TAPPS 1A state title. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)
Harvest Christian head coach Jaime Gonzalez is handed the TAPPS 1A state championship banner. (Mason Flippin | Special to RGVSports)

The post Photo Gallery: Harvest Christian captures its second straight TAPPS 1A state title appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Staying Home: San Benito running back Garcia signs to UTRGV

SAN BENITO — For three years San Benito running back Fabian Garcia terrorized opposing defenses across the RGV.

From running rampant against bitter rival Harlingen High to pounding his way through the always tough Weslaco High Panthers, Garcia almost always left his stamp on a contest during his three-year career with the Greyhounds.

The 5-foot-8 running back won’t be causing headaches for high school defenses in the RGV next fall anymore, with graduation just around the corner.

RGV football fans will still be able to see the dominant running back over the next four years, however, with Garcia signing his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at UTRGV during a ceremony Thursday at the San Benito Gymnasium.

San Benito’s Fabian Garcia signs his national letter of intent to play football at UTRGV next fall during a ceremony Thursday at San Benito High School. (Ivan Palacios | RGVSports)

“I’m feeling great,” Garcia said. “The main reason I chose UTRGV is because the coaches are really looking out and reaching out. Every game they’d reach out to us. It’s a brand-new program so I don’t know much about it, but when I went to visit, I just felt at home. I know the Valley is already home but this is just 45 minutes away, so it felt good.”

Finding highlight plays from Garcia’s three-year varsity career isn’t hard, with the future Vaquero breaking onto the scene as a sophomore with a 1,204-rushing yard, 11 touchdown campaign.

His debut season was just the tip of the iceberg for Garcia, following it up with 2,230 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior en route to the Herald/Star offensive player of the year award.

San Benito running back Fabian Garcia (14) carries the ball during a playoff game his junior year. (Denise Cathey | Brownsville Herald)

Garcia’s senior year presented new challenges, with defenses formulating game plans to stop the Greyhounds superstar.

None of that mattered, however, with Garcia still putting together an MVP-like season, racking up 1,761 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns along with 332 receiving yards and five scores on 15 catches.

(Video Courtesy of Fabian Garcia's Hudl Profile)

Garcia finished his career as a three-time all-area superlative award winner, earning the Valley Morning Star newcomer of the year award as a sophomore and adding back-to-back Herald/Star offensive player of the year honors as a junior and senior.

He also leaves San Benito as the program’s all-time leading rusher, averaging 8.7 yards per carry en route to 5,193 rushing yards and 61 touchdowns. He also added 22 catches for 455 yards and six scores.

“My older brother played varsity here for about three years I believe,” Garcia said. “I always looked up to him. I wanted to be a Greyhound football player like him. When I was little, I always wanted to set my mark somewhere. I’m realizing now, high school is already pretty much done, but I left my mark here. My biggest memories are always going to be being on the practice field and playing games with my brothers here.”

Garcia joins a UTRGV signing class that features eight other RGV athletes. He’s set to suit up alongside PSJA North’s Alejandro Aparicio, Danny Garcia, Dante Garcia and Joe Derek Vecchio; Edinburg Vela’s Jamal Polley and Jaxson Shupe; Brownsville Veterans’ Nick Tovar and Harlingen Marine Military Academy’s Mehki Blue in the future.

[email protected]

The post Staying Home: San Benito running back Garcia signs to UTRGV appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Staying Home: San Benito running back Garcia signs to UTRGV

SAN BENITO — For three years San Benito running back Fabian Garcia terrorized opposing defenses across the RGV.

From running rampant against bitter rival Harlingen High to pounding his way through the always tough Weslaco High Panthers, Garcia almost always left his stamp on a contest during his three-year career with the Greyhounds.

The 5-foot-8 running back won’t be causing headaches for high school defenses in the RGV next fall anymore, with graduation just around the corner.

RGV football fans will still be able to see the dominant running back over the next four years, however, with Garcia signing his National Letter of Intent to continue his football career at UTRGV during a ceremony Thursday at the San Benito Gymnasium.

San Benito’s Fabian Garcia signs his national letter of intent to play football at UTRGV next fall during a ceremony Thursday at San Benito High School. (Ivan Palacios | RGVSports)

“I’m feeling great,” Garcia said. “The main reason I chose UTRGV is because the coaches are really looking out and reaching out. Every game they’d reach out to us. It’s a brand-new program so I don’t know much about it, but when I went to visit, I just felt at home. I know the Valley is already home but this is just 45 minutes away, so it felt good.”

Finding highlight plays from Garcia’s three-year varsity career isn’t hard, with the future Vaquero breaking onto the scene as a sophomore with a 1,204-rushing yard, 11 touchdown campaign.

His debut season was just the tip of the iceberg for Garcia, following it up with 2,230 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior en route to the Herald/Star offensive player of the year award.

San Benito running back Fabian Garcia (14) carries the ball during a playoff game his junior year. (Denise Cathey | Brownsville Herald)

Garcia’s senior year presented new challenges, with defenses formulating game plans to stop the Greyhounds superstar.

None of that mattered, however, with Garcia still putting together an MVP-like season, racking up 1,761 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns along with 332 receiving yards and five scores on 15 catches.

(Video Courtesy of Fabian Garcia's Hudl Profile)

Garcia finished his career as a three-time all-area superlative award winner, earning the Valley Morning Star newcomer of the year award as a sophomore and adding back-to-back Herald/Star offensive player of the year honors as a junior and senior.

He also leaves San Benito as the program’s all-time leading rusher, averaging 8.7 yards per carry en route to 5,193 rushing yards and 61 touchdowns. He also added 22 catches for 455 yards and six scores.

“My older brother played varsity here for about three years I believe,” Garcia said. “I always looked up to him. I wanted to be a Greyhound football player like him. When I was little, I always wanted to set my mark somewhere. I’m realizing now, high school is already pretty much done, but I left my mark here. My biggest memories are always going to be being on the practice field and playing games with my brothers here.”

Garcia joins a UTRGV signing class that features eight other RGV athletes. He’s set to suit up alongside PSJA North’s Alejandro Aparicio, Danny Garcia, Dante Garcia and Joe Derek Vecchio; Edinburg Vela’s Jamal Polley and Jaxson Shupe; Brownsville Veterans’ Nick Tovar and Harlingen Marine Military Academy’s Mehki Blue in the future.

[email protected]

The post Staying Home: San Benito running back Garcia signs to UTRGV appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Breaking Out: Huerta, Reddick, Trevillion earn Tri-Newcomer OTY honors

Narrowing the newcomer of the year candidates was no easy task in 2023, with several players putting together breakout campaigns.

In the end, three names stood a head above the rest.

Brownsville Veterans’ Alvin Trevillion, Harlingen High’s Noah Huerta and San Benito’s Patrell Reddick are The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star Tri-Newcomers of the Year.

Trevillion played a key role in helping the Chargers secure the outright District 16-5A DI title, rushing for 924 yards and eight touchdowns on 128 carries in 10 gamesf played.

Brownsville Veterans’ Alvin Trevillion (22) carries the ball against Donna High in a game at Bennie La Prade Stadium on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Donna. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

He ramped up his play during the postseason, toting the rock 93 times for 572 yards and two scores in five contests. Among those were three straight 100-plus-yard rushing performances to start the playoffs, including a 25-carry, 154-yard performance against Corpus Christi Veterans in the 5A DI area round.

Trevillion finished the year with 221 carries for 1,497 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Chargers reach a Class 5A DI state semifinal for the first time in program history.

Huerta didn’t expect to see as big a role as he did during his sophomore campaign, but an injury to starting running back Samuel Montejano quickly changed that.

The sophomore running back quickly found his groove, however, exploding for 139 yards and six touchdowns during just his third career varsity game. He continued to display flashes of his potential throughout the year, surpassing the 100-yard mark during four of his six regular-season appearances.

Harlingen High running back Noah Huerta slashes through the Edinburg High defense during a bi-district playoff game on Nov. 9 at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | The Monitor)

In the postseason, Huerta demonstrated that he isn’t afraid of the big moment, rushing for 166 yards and three touchdowns during a 42-0 bi-district win over Edinburg High.

Huerta finished the season with 143 carries for 942 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games played.

Reddick stepped into one of the Valley’s most dominant defenses almost seamlessly as a sophomore, quickly earning a spot on San Benito’s starting defensive line.

The 6-foot-1, 219-pound defensive end looked like anything but a first-year starter this season, terrorizing opponents’ backfields all year long.

San Benito’s Patrell Reddick, back left, chases a Los Fresnos ball carrier during a District 32-6A contest on Oct. 27, 2023 at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium in Los Fresnos. (Miguel Roberts | Brownsville Herald)

Reddick finished the year with 51 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks during his inaugural varsity season.

The sophomore defensive lineman also helped the Greyhounds continue their tradition of dominant defenses, allowing just 210.7 yards and 11.7 points per game during the regular season.

[email protected]

The post Breaking Out: Huerta, Reddick, Trevillion earn Tri-Newcomer OTY honors appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site

by ivan palacios

Breaking Out: Huerta, Reddick, Trevillion earn Tri-Newcomer OTY honors

Narrowing the newcomer of the year candidates was no easy task in 2023, with several players putting together breakout campaigns.

In the end, three names stood a head above the rest.

Brownsville Veterans’ Alvin Trevillion, Harlingen High’s Noah Huerta and San Benito’s Patrell Reddick are The Brownsville Herald/Valley Morning Star Tri-Newcomers of the Year.

Trevillion played a key role in helping the Chargers secure the outright District 16-5A DI title, rushing for 924 yards and eight touchdowns on 128 carries in 10 gamesf played.

Brownsville Veterans’ Alvin Trevillion (22) carries the ball against Donna High in a game at Bennie La Prade Stadium on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, in Donna. (Joel Martinez | [email protected])

He ramped up his play during the postseason, toting the rock 93 times for 572 yards and two scores in five contests. Among those were three straight 100-plus-yard rushing performances to start the playoffs, including a 25-carry, 154-yard performance against Corpus Christi Veterans in the 5A DI area round.

Trevillion finished the year with 221 carries for 1,497 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping the Chargers reach a Class 5A DI state semifinal for the first time in program history.

Huerta didn’t expect to see as big a role as he did during his sophomore campaign, but an injury to starting running back Samuel Montejano quickly changed that.

The sophomore running back quickly found his groove, however, exploding for 139 yards and six touchdowns during just his third career varsity game. He continued to display flashes of his potential throughout the year, surpassing the 100-yard mark during four of his six regular-season appearances.

Harlingen High running back Noah Huerta slashes through the Edinburg High defense during a bi-district playoff game on Nov. 9 at Richard R. Flores Stadium in Edinburg. (Delcia Lopez | The Monitor)

In the postseason, Huerta demonstrated that he isn’t afraid of the big moment, rushing for 166 yards and three touchdowns during a 42-0 bi-district win over Edinburg High.

Huerta finished the season with 143 carries for 942 yards and 18 touchdowns in 12 games played.

Reddick stepped into one of the Valley’s most dominant defenses almost seamlessly as a sophomore, quickly earning a spot on San Benito’s starting defensive line.

The 6-foot-1, 219-pound defensive end looked like anything but a first-year starter this season, terrorizing opponents’ backfields all year long.

San Benito’s Patrell Reddick, back left, chases a Los Fresnos ball carrier during a District 32-6A contest on Oct. 27, 2023 at Leo Aguilar Memorial Stadium in Los Fresnos. (Miguel Roberts | Brownsville Herald)

Reddick finished the year with 51 total tackles, 19 tackles for loss and nine sacks during his inaugural varsity season.

The sophomore defensive lineman also helped the Greyhounds continue their tradition of dominant defenses, allowing just 210.7 yards and 11.7 points per game during the regular season.

[email protected]

The post Breaking Out: Huerta, Reddick, Trevillion earn Tri-Newcomer OTY honors appeared first on MyRGV.com.

This post was originally published on this site