Rodolfo “Rudy” J. Torres, a beloved father, friend, and devoted sports enthusiast, entered eternal rest on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at the age of 78. Born on June 13, 1948, in Evanston, IL, Rudy was the cherished son of Martin L. and Rita Juarez Torres.
Rudy’s passion for sports was undeniable, as he proudly wore the colors of his beloved Dallas Cowboys every day and the Chicago Cubs during baseball season. His infectious spirit and love for life resonated with everyone he met, forging friendships that spanned a lifetime. Friends shared comments that he was a friend to many, a great guy, a hard worker, and the sweetest person with a warm spirit.
Growing up with the nicknames “Corona” and “Coyotito,” Rudy embraced hard work from a young age. He began his journey as a migrant worker in his preteen years, moving on to a successful 45-year career as a concrete finisher while working an impressive 63 years of hard labor. He embodied the values of determination and perseverance, earning him the respect and admiration of his peers and community.
Rudy is survived by his loving children, son Darrell Torres; daughters Carrie De Los Santos and husband Pete; Rita Garcia and husband George; mother of his children and longtime friend Odelia Campos Torres; brother Estanislado “Tony” Torres; brother-in-law Macedonia Martinez; Sister-in-law Bertha Campos Garcia; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents; brother Ruben Torres; sister Juanita Torres Gonzales; brother Martin Torres, Jr.; brother-in-laws Valdemar Campos, Ramon Campos, Manuel “Meme” Campos; sister-in-law Soyla Campos Martinez.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 5:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M. with a Rosary recited at 7:00 P.M. at Primrose Funeral Services of Devine. Mass will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at 10:00 A.M. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church with interment to follow in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery.
Pallbearers: Harley Garcia, Riley Torres, Oscar Torres, Frazier Gonzales, David Martinez, Mace Martinez, Gerald Martinez, and John Martinez.
In this moment of loss, we choose to celebrate the beautiful memories, laughter, and love that Rudy brought to our lives. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his spirit continue to shine brightly in our hearts.
Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the online guestbook may do so by visiting www.primrosefuneralservices.com Arrangements are under the direction of Primrose Funeral Services, 303 W. College Ave., Devine, Texas 78016, (830) 663-4445.
Author: admin
Not in Flo’ as DHS Tennis drops 10-9 decision
Varsity Arabian Melanie Cardenas performed well in both her girls double match with Paige Barron and her singles match. Photo by Mandy Geries.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The now-3A Warhorse and Arabian Team Tennis team dropped a 10-9 decision to close-to-5A Floresville on August 15 in Devine. With a ton of close matches throughout the day the winner was not determined until the final match of the afternoon.
“It went down the wire,” stated Head Coach Kandi Darnell. “I’m proud of the way everyone played competitively! Our players gave it all you had in the heat. Floresville was very competitive, and previous to the start of play, I told our kids we would have fight in every match. Even though we lost 10-9, we need these kind of matches to make us better.”
Several matches could…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
JV Arabian Chloe Ornelas was locked in during Devine’s match up against Medina Valley Creek View. Photo by Moose Lopez.
New coaches, new season,same Mustangs
Matthew “Moose” Lopez
Sports Editor
With the Heart of a Mustang tournament wrapped up and the start of the regular season fast approaching, the Natalia Lady Mustangs are primed and ready to make a name for themselves on the court. Their high octane offense, bolstered by their disciplined defense makes them a tough outing for any squad across South Texas.
Last season, Natalia finished with an overall record of 14-19 and a district record of 5-9, placing them fifth in the standings, just barely missing the post season. However, this new season doesn’t just bring a new set of games, but a fresh perspective as Natalia has a new head coach helming the reigns of the Lady Mustangs: Hannah Farruggia.
Farruggia said what excites her the most about this opportunity, is that she has the chance to build something new with this group.
“We have a brand-new group of girls and coaches, so we have the opportunity to create our own culture and establish good habits from the beginning,” Farruggia said
Her coaching philosophy is centered around establishing a strong foundation rooted in accountability, commitment and discipline, while instilling the value of consistency in her players. Although the Lady Mustangs are eager to prove themselves on the court and hope for a deep playoff run, Farruggia knows that tomorrow’s success is built upon the preparation of today.
“I want these girls to understand that success comes from consistency, hard work, and being committed to the team and to each other,” Farruggia said. “More than anything, I want to create a positive team culture where they grow not only as athletes, but also as confident, responsible young women who understand the value of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.”
Despite all the changes, Farruggia says “The vibe in practice has been really positive.” The team has been energetic and completive through all their hard work and are pushing each other to become better while still learning from one another.
“We’re still building our team chemistry, but I like the direction we’re heading and the effort they’re bringing to practice each day.”
The excitement we’ve seen so far from the blue and white has been nothing short of electric. The fluidity and trust the Lady Mustangs have on the court already is scary. As the season goes on they’ll only get more confident and more precise as their chemistry continues to blossom.
Good luck to coach Hannah and rest of the staff as well as the Lady Mustangs!
Varsity: #1 Lilana Saenz, #2 Rilee Carpenter, #3 Paige Key, #4 Kaylee Uviedo, #5 Triss Vera, #6 Lyncie Acosta, #7 Ralynn Juarez, #10 Alani Aguinaga, #12 Karis Jackson, #13 Mia Loza, #15 Alli Kanagusico.
Devine kicks off Cross Country season!
Warhorse XC lung-burns it in Floresville
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine Head Coach Hannah Thompson along with assistant Erica Squier and their band of Warhorse Cross Country runners began their 2026 season in Floresville on August 15.
The Warhorse placed fourth overall out of whopping 21 teams in the 1A-through-4A division only 18 points behind third place Randolph.
With 153 runners overall Devine’s average time was 18:53.
Top 9 Boys Team Rankings
1st Great Hearts Northern Oaks 80, 2nd Gonzales 115, 3rd Randolph 122, 4th Devine 140, 5th Pearsall 189, 6th Cornerstone 208, 7th Northside Sotomayor 221, 8th Eagle Pass 241, 9th Pleasanton 250.
Warhorse results
10th Zach Guerra 17:54.89, 12th Urijah Velasquez 17:55.14, 27th Shawn Lowe 18:54.24, 44th Zane Fritz 19:41.76, 58th Rafael Rodriguez 20:02.53, 68th Ryan Botello 20:15.07, 75th Jesus Cisneros 20:30.26, 90th Caleb Maxwell 20:52.03, 121st Jake Riou 21:56.82, Jaime Rodriguez 23:42.81.
Arabian XC hits the course in Floresville
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
The Arabian Cross Country team under the direction of Head Coach Hannah Thompson and assistant Erica Squier got their 2026 season underway in Floresville on August 15.
Devine placed 10th overall with 271 points, slightly ahead of 11th place Hondo and district rival Hondo who had 301 points.
Out of 17 teams in their field consisting of 140 runners Devine finished with an average time of 15:50.
Girls Team Rankings
1st Gonzales 70, 2nd Pleasanton 115, 3rd La Vernia 118, 4th Great Hearts Northern Oaks 134, 5th Northside Sotomayor 146, 6th Floresville 162, 7th Poth 174, 8th BASIS Shavano 200, 9th Port Lavaca Calhoun 203, 10th Devine 271.
Arabian results
50th Claire Jones 15:26.42, 52nd Jessa Mata 15:28.10, 64th Allison Balencia 15:44.99, 74th Amy Outlaw 16:00.10, 92nd Kaytie Klein 16:33.85, 95th Claira Gulley 16:38.95, 121st Jovianne Gomez 17:44.53.
Warhorses show progress, physicality in scrimmage vs Ingram
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
Devine players got a valuable opportunity to measure their progress Friday night at Warhorse Stadium with Ingram for a football scrimmage, and Head Coach Jacob Campsey saw plenty of encouraging signs from a team that he has been steadily building since the beginning of February when he took over the program.
While a scrimmage does not come with the same scoreboard-pressure as a regular-season game, the Warhorses treated the opportunity as another important step toward becoming the team they want to be when the games begin to count in San Diego on August 28.
“The work these kids have put in since February 1 was evident, and it is a tribute to them and their parents,” Campsey said. “They all deserve a ton of credit!”
Devine’s offense displayed the ability to move the football in a variety of ways throughout the evening as they put together several productive series and showed flashes of big-play ability, particularly through the passing game.
One of the biggest plays of the night came on a 44-yard touchdown pass to Blaze Deshotel, who hauled in the perfectly thrown scoring strike from Nate Valle along the left side of the field. Later, Devine added another long touchdown connection, this time by quarterback Brayden Mann on a 25-yard pass to wide out Brody Lane that covered the final portion of the field and put the Warhorses into the end zone during the live-quarter portion of the scrimmage.
The passing game…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Arabian volleyball open season with win against Wagner
Pictured left to right are: Asst. Coach Alejandra Mora, #1 Margarita Vizcarra, #4 Rylie Wells, #16 Lesslie DeSantos, Head Coach Samantha Mendez, , #11 Kyrie DuBose, #10 Ava Rangel, Assistant Coach Kara Stacy, #2 Greeley Malone, #9 Brooke DuBose, #6 Calleigh Schneider, #13 Kaylee, #8 Hali Carroll, and not pictured is #12 Peyton Dixon-Davis.
Jerel Beaty
Staff writer
By the time readers get this edition of The Devine News, the Arabian volleyball team will be set to take on their second tournament of the season as the Roundup is scheduled for this weekend.
Devine opened their ’26 season by defeating Wagner on the road then followed against some tough competition at the Harlandale Tournament.
vs SA Wagner on Aug11
Coach Mendez submitted the following:
“Our Arabians traveled to Wagner to take on the Lady T-Birds, and what a way to kick off the season—coming home with a 3-1 set WIN!
The varsity team showed incredible hustle, discipline, and determination throughout the match. After a slow start in the first set, both offensively and defensively, we made the necessary adjustments and battled back to take the next three sets.
Offensively…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Local Sports pages!
…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $42 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
STRONGER THAN THE STORM…
Lavish Vibes & Vail’s Photography
Re-Grand Opening this Saturday!
PRESS RELEASE–What began as one of the hardest moments for our businesses became an opportunity to rebuild, refresh, and come back even stronger.
After the storm this past May damaged both Lavish Vibes and Vail’s Photography, we were given the chance to create something new… a beautifully remodeled salon, spa, boutique, and photography studio that we are so proud to welcome our community into.
They say flowers bloom after a storm, and for us, this season has been proof of exactly that.
More than anything, we would like to say thank you to everyone who stood beside us, supported our businesses, checked on our family, offered a helping hand, encouraged us, and prayed for us throughout this journey. Your love and support helped carry us through, and we would love nothing more than to celebrate this new chapter with the community that has meant so much to us.
Jeremy & Leslie Vail would like to invite you to join them for the big Re-Grand Opening on Saturday, August 15, from 3:00–9:00 PM.
Come tour our newly remodeled spaces, meet our team, shop, visit, enjoy food and drinks, and celebrate the blessing that came from the storm.
Lavish Vibes & Vail’s Photography
Saturday, August 15 | 3:00–9:00 PM
Come celebrate with us… everyone is welcome!
Fire burns one of Devine’s most historic buildings, ADAMS NATIONAL BANK
Smoke could be seen all through downtown Devine as one of its most historic structures became engulfed in flames this past Tuesday morning, August 11. First responders from all over the county assisted to control the fire. The building currently has three apartments upstairs, and all got out except…LOGIN TO CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com. You will get instant access to our full E-edition, and begin getting the newspaper delivered to your home next week for $36 a year in Medina County. Support important local city, county, and school news like this!
Devine Class of 1976 to Celebrate 50 years
The 1976 Devine High School Class will be celebrating its 50th year at Homecoming this fall on October 16th and 17th 2026. The Devine Ex- Student / Teacher Association (DExSTA) will be honoring the 50th year class. The weekend will start with the High School Homecoming football game. The Honor class will have special seating and will be recognized on the track at half time. The Class will then meet at Chayitos Mexican Restaurant for dinner and fellowship.
Saturday will be the DExSTA Homecoming meeting. The Class of 1976 will have designated seating and be recognized. There will be a Class of 76 Display as well as a Memory Board and memorabilia.
The Class of 1976 was the Bi-Centennial Class known as the Spirit of 76. We are blessed to celebrate our 50th class reunion with the 250th anniversary of our constitution.
Saturday evening the Class will meet at Triple C Restaurant for dinner and slide show and door prizes while we share memories and enjoy reconnecting with classmates.
Information can be directed to Cynthia Whitaker Sultenfuss 830-879-4504, Karen Howard Muennink 830- 426-1637, Julie Hope 210-215-5322 or Cindy Magnus Taylor 830-426-9113
Also information is posted on facebook at Devine Class of 1976 and Friends.