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Devine Speed AAU Track and Field Team Puts Small-Town Athletes on the Big Stage

Josh Gutierrez and Pierce Carrillo at the Regional Meet.

By Kristi Gentry
DEVINE, Texas — What began in 2024 as a way for a handful of local high school athletes to extend their track season has quickly grown into one of the area’s most exciting youth athletic programs.
Founded by Kristi Gentry, the Devine Speed AAU Track and Field Team started with just a few athletes looking to sharpen their skills beyond the UIL season and gain a competitive edge. In just two years, that vision has blossomed into a thriving program that serves athletes from across South Texas.
This season, Devine Speed welcomed more than 50 athletes between the ages of 10 and 18, along with several younger competitors under the age of 10. The team’s rapid growth reflects the increasing interest in year-round track and field opportunities for young athletes from rural communities.
The 2026 AAU Outdoor season concluded with an impressive list of accomplishments. 18 Devine Speed athletes qualified for the AAU Regional Meet, showcasing the program’s depth and talent.
Among the team’s standout performers, Brooklyn Saenz earned a coveted qualification to the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Iowa, one of the nation’s premier youth track and field competitions. Meanwhile, 3x UIL State Track Qualifier Rowdy Esparza qualified for and competed at the Nike Outdoor Nationals in Eugene, Oregon, competing against some of the top high school athletes in the country.
Devine Speed draws athletes from several surrounding communities, including Devine, Natalia, Lytle, Pearsall, Cotulla, and Carrizo Springs, creating opportunities for young competitors who may not otherwise have access to elite offseason training and competition.
The program offers both outdoor and indoor track seasons, allowing athletes to continue developing year-round while building confidence, discipline, and friendships across school district lines.
What started as an effort to help a few athletes improve has become much more—a program that is creating opportunities, building champions, and proving that small-town athletes can compete on the biggest stages.
As Devine Speed continues to grow, the team is not only developing faster runners and stronger competitors but also helping putSouth Texas Track and Field on the map, one race and event at a time.
A special thanks to our All Volunteer Coaches, Kristi Gentry, Matthew Saenz, Matt Martinez, Cynthia Calame, Candace Esparza and Jazmine Olivas.

John Steffens at the discus event.

Malia and Makenna Esparza.

Liberty Ritchey and Jazlyn Olivas are having a strong season for the Devine Speed AAU team.

Devine Speed’s 10U 4×100 team (left to right) Landrey Martinez, Ainsley Martinez, Brooklyn Saenz and Jolene Medina.

Warhorse Rowdy Esparza competed at Nike Outdoor Nationals.

Better subdivision revenue bond market indicates confidence in Medina County

Medina County commissioners led by County Judge Keith Lutz, center, review a list of line item transfers during the commissioners court meeting Monday. (Photo by Anton Riecher.)

By Anton Riecher
Improved market reception for revenue bonds to support infrastructure and amenities for phase two of the $6.7 million Haby Farms subdivision near Castroville indicates stronger investor confidence in Medina County subdivisions, financial advisors told Medina County commissioners Monday.
Jack McLiney of SAMCO Capital Markets said the latest bond sale netted much improved figures over the previous sale covering phase one in 2024.
“That reflects the perceived risk by investors in the market for Medina County PID (public improvement district) bonds,” McLiney said. “They are not seeing as much risk and that is reflected in our interest rate.”
In finance, municipal market data or MMD refers to a benchmark yield curve that represents the average yields of high-grade, AAA-rated municipal bonds across various maturities. While phase one Haby Farms PID bonds sold at 211 basis points over MMD, bonds for phase two sold at 143 basis points over MMD, McLiney said.
A Public Improvement District (PID) is a designated geographic area created by a city or county. Property owners in the subdivision pay a special assessment to fund roadways, landscaping, and parks that directly benefit their community.
On a motion…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!

Experts update locals on Ag issues

By Anton Riecher
A workshop on protecting herd profitability conducted in Hondo Monday by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension focused on controlling the pasture mealybug as an emerging issue and the potential impact of the New World Screwworm. The presentations explained everything from the biology of the invasive species to practical herd monitoring, wound protection, reporting procedures, controls on the movement of cattle from county-to-county.
Animals should be checked at least every two-to-three days to catch infestations while still small and easier to treat. Newborn calves and recently calved…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!

City of Devine’s “Lift”stations need work, engineer warns

By Anton Riecher
Urgent Assessment…Richard Gibbons with Texas-based E3 Entegral Solutions, a design build contractor and engineering firm retained by the City of Devine to develop a city infrastructure assessment. The city’s most urgent needs according to the assessment presented June 16 to Devine City Council include two lift stations, work on the aeration basin at the wastewater treatment plant and a…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!

Man rescued using Jaws of Life

The driver of this pickup truck was trapped inside. Photo by Lauren Maleske.

y Kayleen Holder
Editor
Lytle and Natalia Firefighters responded to terrible wreck this past Wednesday night where the driver of a pickup truck ended up underneath an 18 wheeler that was parked at the southbound I-35 rest…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!

Several rescued in recent floods

This photo was taken just moments after floodwaters came rushing into Hondo Creek by a resident who watched the dry creek bed seemingly fill within minutes. Photo by Fawn Schott, who said floodwaters reached this part of the creek south of Hwy 90 near Hondo around 10:23 am Saturday.

By Kayleen Holder
Editor
Responders made several swift water rescues from Mico, Hondo, and Rio Medina area where responders were able to rescue a victim stranded in floodwaters after seeing him being swept off the top of his car. Overall, there were around a dozen calls for drivers stranded in floodwaters, though only a few required rescue. Thankfully, due to the efforts of responders from Medina and aid from responders across Texas, we had a good outcome.
“They are top notch. We are blessed to have them here in Medina County,” said Sheriff Randy Brown of the crews who made several rescues this weekend.
Medina County Emergency Manager, Mark Chadwick, said the rescues began around 3am in the northeast part of the county, but by the afternoon the bigger problems were in the Castroville area as floodwaters came down from San Geronomio Creek and into the Medina River.
“When that water got to Castroville, that’s when we had a bigger problem, with such a vast area flooding,” Chadwick said in a quick interview Tuesday.
That flooding…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!

City goes for $46K concrete solution on Colonial Parkway

By Anton Riecher
A motion on $46,750 project to concrete patch Colonial Parkway near Oak Hill was approved unanimously by the the Devine City Council June 16. A low spot where rainwater collects has repeatedly damaged an asphalt topping at that location.
As a permanent solution, the proposed repair will included a 170-foot by 25-foot concrete section that is not expected to solve the flooding but will reduce the repeated asphalt replacement by making the road more durable…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!

Students receive scholarships from Rotary Club of Medina County

President Johnette Dixon presented Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) of Devine with his $1,000 award at a Rotary Club meeting.

The Rotary Club of Medina County awarded $8,200 in scholarships to area students during the month of May. Students from multiple county communities were awarded scholarships – two students from Medina Valley ISD, two from Devine ISD, three from Hondo ISD, and one from Lytle ISD.
Mikaela Trejo and Zamyra Lightsey of Hondo both received $1,000, Jeremy Steinbrunner (Jr.) and Briar Pareson of Devine both received $1,000, Collin Sprenger of Lytle received $1,000. Sabrina Rodriguez of Hondo received the vocational scholarship – $1,200, Nicholas Riff received the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and Kaleigh Lewis received the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarship.
Scholarships, and other club projects, are funded through our Hometown Heroes BBQ Event in October which serves both as a fundraiser and an event to honor the counties’ first responders. The first responders are treated to a catered meal, musical entertainment, a vendor fair, kids activities, and in 2026, we are adding a car show. At the same time, BBQ teams compete in a Champions Barbeque Alliance (CBA) authorized event to earn points towards the state BBQ championship.

Linda Bohlen, Foundation Chair, presented Briar Parson of Devine with his $1,000 award; Briar’s mom, Carlu, is also pictured.

The three Hondo ISD awards – the vocational scholarship – $1,200, the Tim Gillis Merit scholarship – $1,000, and the Ann Peden Merit scholarship – $1,000 – scholarships were presented by President Johnette Dixon to Sabrina Rodriguez, Nicholas Riff, and Kaleigh Lewis, respectively.

Linda Bohlen also presented Collin Sprenger of Lytle with his $1,000 award.

Congratulations Gary!

Gary Escobar graduated Magna Cum Laude from Texas State with a degree in Business Administration, Management. YES, he celebrated by jumping into the San Marcos River as many graduates do in tradition after the commencement ceremony!
Gary is the son of Gary & Andrea (89) Escobar and grandson of the late Joe Villarreal & Janie Villarreal.

Local Police report

Natalia Police Report

June 15, 2026, 11:12 a.m. – Officers responded to a civil matter in the 600 block of 7th Street.
June 15, 2026, 4:32 p.m. – Officers assisted another law enforcement agency in the 2100 block of North State Highway 132.
June 15, 2026, 7:37 p.m. – Officers responded to an alarm activation within the City of Natalia.
June 16, 2026, 4:36 a.m. – Officers investigated an information report at the Love’s Travel Stop located at 21548 FM 471.
June 16, 2026, 12:02 p.m. – Officers responded to an information report in the 700 block of Bartlett Street.
June 18, 2026, 12:44 a.m. – Officers investigated suspicious circumstances in the 2300 block of State Highway 132.
June 18, 2026, 1:40 a.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance in the 100 block of 4th Street.
June 18, 2026, 3:48 a.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance in the 900 block of 4th Street.
June 21, 2026, 1:30 p.m. – Officers responded to a disturbance call in the 400 block of Palfrey Street. An incident report was completed.

Lytle Police Report

Monday, June 15
2:46 PM – 100 Blk. CR 6843 – Officer responded to a report of wild hogs damaging the complainant’s yard but was unable to locate the hogs.
3:00 PM – McDonald St. @ Railroad St. – Officer received a call regarding the train blocking the crossing for over 30 minutes.
5:55 PM – FM 3175 @ IH 35 – Officer responded to a report of an unoccupied vehicle blocking the roadway. The 2002 Jeep Wrangler was towed to Friendly Glenn’s Towing in Devine.
6:11 PM – 19900 Blk. FM 3175 – Officers responded to check on an uncooperative male. Everything was okay upon the officer’s arrival.
8:30 PM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance between two females.
Tuesday, June 16
8:15 AM – IH 35 @ MM 131 – Officer responded to a report of an 18-wheeler blocking the road. The truck was on the shoulder. Everything was okay.
9:22 AM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to speak to a resident concerning her son, whom she hasn’t spoken to since June 10th.
Wednesday, June 17
12:17 PM – 63200 Blk. SH 132 – Officer responded to assist a stranded motorist who did not require assistance upon arrival.
1:40 PM – 15400 Blk. Cottage St. – Officer responded to inform the residents that parking on the sidewalks was illegal.
1:52 PM – 14300 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a suspicious person but could not locate the male.
3:40 PM – Main St. @ Somerset St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal, which resulted in the citation and release of a 43 year old male for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
6:54 PM – John Lott Park – Officers responded to an open 911 call. Everything was okay.
Thursday, June 18
1:40 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. – Officer spoke to a caller on the phone regarding his vehicle that was parked outside the bar that would be picked up on 6/18/2026.
3:19 AM – 15300 Blk. Main St. v- Officers responded to a welfare check to discover everything was okay.
3:55 AM – Assist Medina County Sheriff’s Office – IH 35 Rest Area – Officers responded outside the city limits of Lytle to assist in a major traffic accident with injuries.
3:56 AM – IH 35 @ MM 133 – Officers were contacted about a reckless driver but were unable to locate the vehicle due to working the major traffic accident with the Medina County Sheriff’s Office.
10:00 AM – 19100 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer responded to unlock a vehicle.
10:15 AM – 18900 Blk. FM 2790 – Officers conducted a partial fire line inspection at the new Transportation Facility.
11:09 AM – Cottage St. @ Ruiz @ Foster Way – Officer observed a company stealing water from a water hydrant using a SAWS water meter. The case is under investigation.
2:07 PM – Lytle PD – Officer spoke to a complainant on the phone regarding four puppies at the John Lott Park without shade or water. The caller was referred to the Lytle Animal Control.
2:39 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for no Motor Vehicle Registration Sticker, which resulted in the arrest of a 40 year old male for Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Subject was booked into the Atascosa County Jail.
5:23 PM – 19500 Blk. McDonald St. – Officer was dispatched to the report of a male displaying gang signs in the parking lot, but the call was canceled before the officer’s arrival
Friday, June 19
9:15 AM – 19400 Blk. S. Somerset St. – Officer spoke to a victim at the Lytle PD regarding a stolen orange AMYET electric bike valued at $600 on June 18th.
12:15 PM – 100 Blk. Ala Blanca – Officer conducted a fire inspection for a Certificate of Occupancy for Cheeky’s Barbacoa Food Truck.
3:09 PM – 15100 Blk. Magnolia St. – Officers responded to a verbal disturbance.
5:45 PM – 14800 Lytle-Somerset St. – Officer responded to a verbal disturbance.
5:55 PM – 14900 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a 911 hangup. Everything was okay.
6:23 PM – 18600 Blk. N. Benton St. – Officer responded to a civil matter regarding child custody.
9:10 PM – N. Prairie St. @ Main St. – Officer initiated a traffic stop for failing to signal, which resulted in the impounding of a 2005 Ford F-150. The vehicle possessed two different VINs and wrong license plates.
Saturday, June 20
7:48 AM – 19200 Blk. Blume Dr. – Officer responded to a report of a loose dog. Lytle Animal Control took possession of the dog.
10:12 AM – 14500 Blk. Railroad St. – Officers responded to a call regarding a suspicious person but were unable to locate the male on a bicycle.
11:30 PM – IH 35 @ MM 132 – Officers responded to a report of a silver Dodge Ram swerving all over the road but could not locate it.
Sunday, June 21
6:39 AM – 14700 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of someone attempting to break into the coin-operated washers/dryers, but no sign of criminal activity was observed.
3:15 PM – 15200 Blk. Main St. – Officer responded to a report of a reckless driver. The driver was identified and had mechanical issues, causing the driver to drift out of his lane.
7:00 PM – Main St. @ McDonald St. – Officers responded to a report of a reckless driver to discover everything was okay after identifying the driver.
7:38 PM – 19200 Blk. N. Somerset St. – Officer responded to an active alarm. The business was secure.