DENNIS SILVA II | STAFF WRITER
In his first year as head coach at McAllen Memorial, Octavio Oyervides’ first initiative was establishing order.
“There was no consistency,” said Oyervides, an assistant coach the previous six years. “It was about guys doing what they needed to do every day in practice. There needs to be a purpose every day. We want hustle. We want accountability.
“If I can’t trust kids to do something simple like being here on time, how can I trust them during a game?”
The Mustangs (5-9, 3-3 District 30-6A) had a rough start to the season, losing seven of their first 11 games, but they had an epiphany of sorts last Friday. Memorial rallied from a four-run deficit to beat rival and district title contender McAllen High 5-4 at home.
“They’re starting to get more confidence in themselves,” Oyervides said. “Any given day, they now believe they can compete with anybody.”
The Mustangs’ mantra is “Embrace the grind.” With only one returning starter, Juan Carreon, Oyervides has been able to install his program around a core of young players.
He directed an offseason structure that emphasized weight-lifting and skill development. The result has been a “scrappy ballclub, a team that doesn’t go away.”
Carreon has led the charge. On the mound, Carreon has added velocity. And off it, it’s his leadership that has made Oyervides’ job easier.
“He thrives on being the guy,” Oyervides said. “He’s a leader. He’s a guy who gives us a chance to win every time he’s on the mound.”
WOLVERINES’ BELIEF SYSTEM
PSJA Memorial has made the playoffs twice in 18 years, the last time coming in 2008. The Wolverines have never been a district champion. They have never won a playoff series.
Marcus Galaviz has made it his duty to change all that. And with the Wolverines 8-9 overall, 2-4 in District 31-6A, things are certainly headed in the right direction for the first-year head coach.
“It’s about getting the kids to believe in themselves,” Galaviz said. “We have to get them to believe they can compete with anybody. We’re proud of those guys.”
Galaviz has brought discipline and accountability. He has four seniors in the lineup, 5-6 guys who will return next season.
Galaviz said fundamentals and execution are keeping the team competitive. The Wolverines have strong pitching and a stronger defense.
Galaviz won’t single out individual standouts because “it’s been a team effort. Everybody is giving us a chance.” But it wasn’t always so easy.
“We’ve had ups and downs,” Galaviz assured. “We’ve had to bench kids, suspend kids. The thing we emphasize is playing for the name on the front of the jersey.”
HITTING A GROOVE
Weslaco High coach Eddie Serna’s Panthers are finally rounding into a rhythm.
And what a sound it is.
After enduring a stretch of 10 days where his team did not play a game because of the inclement weather last month, Serna has watched his team hit its stride. Dominant pitching. Timely defense. Fourteen runs against PSJA North. Eleven against PSJA Memorial. Nine against Edinburg North.
“We’re hitting our groove,” Serna said. “I think we have the balance we need.”
That’s for sure. With Freddy Barrera and Ulises Hernandez battering the strike zone with velocity and variety, the Panthers’ lineup has backed them up.
Catcher Matt Rosales and second baseman Undrae Galindo have been consistent at the plate. Tyler Lopez has emerged as a clutch hitter, always finding a way on base as the lead-off guy. Shortstop Andres Pompa and sophomore infielder Nate Campos have thrived with runners in scoring position.
And it’s needed in a tough District 31-6A.
“We’re always preparing for the best,” Serna said. “I always say, ‘Who’re we playing tomorrow? We’re playing the Yankees.’ Throw away records or whatever, everybody’s 0-0 when we see them. That’s our mental approach.”
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RGVSPORTS.COM H.S. BASEBALL TOP 10 POLL
Rank, Team Record Previous
1, Brownsville Veterans Memorial 13-0-2 1
2, Sharyland High 15-2 3
3, Edinburg North 11-2-2 4
4, Mission Veterans Memorial 14-5 2
5, Edinburg High 11-2-1 5
6, Hidalgo 11-4-1 7
7, La Joya Palmview 11-2-1 8
8, Weslaco High 9-4 9
9, Harlingen South 11-3 NR
10, Brownsville Porter 8-5 NR