Lytle Head Cross Country coach Gilbert Ruiz and Lytle Athletic Director Lori Wilson pose for a picture at the THSCA Hall of Honor Banquet in Houston.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Texas High School Coaches Association recognized Lytle Head Cross Country coach Gilbert Ruiz July 15 in Houston. Ruiz was presented his ring at the Hall of Honor Banquet for his squad’s State Championship performance in November of last year. In attendance along with Ruiz was Lytle Athletic Director Lori Wilson and numerous elite coaches, athletic directors, and fellow state champions from around the state of Texas.. Wilson stated, “It was my honor to escort him to the banquet for the night. Although he did not smile in any of the pictures I got of him, believe me he was smiling throughout the banquet.” Ruiz, assistant coach Sebastian Benavides, and Pirate runners Johnny Alvarez, Brandon Obando, Robert Wagner, Abel Sanchez, Yandel Esquivez, Tristan Lopez, and Luke Estrada not only took the top spot in Round Rock, they also finished the year having won every meet in which they had a full team competing, which is a minimum of five runners. At State, Lytle scored 72 points to beat runner-up Eustace who had 82. Great Hearts Northern Oaks was a distant third place with 126 points. “Congratulations to the State XC boys, his staff and most of all Coach Ruiz!! It was a night we will remember forever! It was a great night for Lytle, Texas. It was so deserving!” Wilson said in conclusion.
Zachery MartinezNoah MaciasJoshua San MiguelJesus GonzalesJacob FloresTheodore HinkleJuan HernandezGeorge HernandezJoselyn GuajardoNivea SanchezAaron SalazarRyan WellsKristina MoralesJordan ErxlebenRyan McLain ConnerAustin SuttonOwen FowlerMackenzie SessomCarlo RiveraAbove are some of the Medina Valley ISD grads who enlisted in the US Military upon graduation. Not all photos were available, but see story for full list. Thank you to all.
By Autumn Copeland As we celebrate our Nation’s Independence Day, we’d like to honor these local Medina County graduates who have made the decision to serve our country. As most of the local 2023 graduates enjoy their summer breaks before college or entering the workforce, these young men and women are getting ready to leave for basic training. In Devine, a total of 10 graduates are planning to enter the military. Jordan Erxleben and Juan Hernandez will be joining the Navy. Theodore Hinkle and Zachery Martinez will be going into the Army. Entering the Air Force are Owen Fowler, Joselyn Guajardo, Noah Macias, and Kristina Moralez. Ryan Mclain Connor, Carlo Rivera, and Aaron Salazar will be joining the Marines. In Lytle, graduates Nivea Sanchez, George Hernandez, and Mackenzie Sessom have committed to serving in the military. Natalia’s graduating class consisted of two military commitments. Joshua San Miguel will be joining the Air Force and Austin Sutton will be joining the Navy. Hondo had seven graduates going into the military. Marco Aguilar Rios and Paul Ramirez will be going into the Army. Benjamin Cardenas, Eric Camjo, Avery Ortiz, and Devin Velasquez are entering the Air Force. Going into the Marines is Hayven Villareal. In Sabinal, there are three graduates entering the service. Jacob Flores and Ryan Wells will be going into the Navy while Jesus Gonzales will be going into the Marine Corps Reserves. Medina Valley’s graduating class consisted of a total of 20 students enlisting in the military. Angel Mariscal, Miranda Salas Perez, and Cristobal Gil will be joining the Army. Garrett Edwards, Sharlotte Sarro, Zachary Guinn, Gavin Guerrero, Alan Segura, and Emiano Rodriguez will be joining the Marine Corps. Rene Contreras, Madaly Gaultier-Soliz, and Clayton “CJ” McCulloch will be joining the Navy. Anberlin MacCauley, Kason Saulter, Natalie Perez, Elisa Simmons, Jaiden Gonzalez, Eric Barrentes, Jacob Lascano, and Cristian Zarazua will be joining the Air Force. The young people of Medina County entering the military have expressed their joy about entering the service and sorrow about leaving the community. Jordan Erxleben will be attending the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. “I’m very excited for the next chapter of my life,” said Erxleben. “I’m sad about leaving my friends, family, and home in Texas, but my time in Annapolis and the assignments beyond inspire great excitement for what is to come.” Erxleben’s mother Lacey Erxleben also had some sentiments to share about the bittersweet feeling of her daughter leaving. “It’s the best of both worlds- getting an education and serving our country,” said Erxleben. “I’m sad but happy for the opportunity for her and I know that, like all of my children before her, I need to let her go in order for her to accomplish great things.” Juan Hernandez expressed how he is happy to be joining the military because he believes it is a great option right out of high school. “I wanted to enlist because I want to travel the world and work out as much as possible, so what better way to do it than to join the Navy,” said Hernandez. Kristina Moralez shared her nervousness and hopefulness in regards to joining the military. “I have always loved challenges, being pushed past my limits, and staying active which is why I think I will love serving my country,” said Moralez. “I’ve always thought of myself as a leader so I would like to show those qualities of myself in the service as well.” We thank the brave young men and women who have made the decision to serve their country, dedicating themselves to the nation’s independence. Please note, unfortunately not all pictures were made available to us as of press time, but we are happy to feature any student who was left out in future weeks.
Soloist Stefan GrigsbyQuartet members Cambri Davila, Victoria Garcia, Citlali Ferreira, and Natalie Williams.
On February 5 Lytle High School Band students participated in Solo and Ensemble and advanced to Texas State Solo and Ensemble Contest in Pflugerville. On Saturday, after the dust had barely settled from graduation, soloist Stefan Grigsby (11) and quartet members Cambri Davila(12), Victoria Garcia(11), Citlali Ferreira(12), and Natalie Williams(12) went to TSSEC held at Hendrickson High School. This was Stefan’s first trip to TSSEC and he earned a 2nd division, silver medal, on his French Horn Solo. For the past six years a flute ensemble has gone to state. This was Cambri and Citlali’s, third time at state. They actually qualified all four years of high school, but were unable to go in 2020 due to Covid. They also received gold medals every year they participated. For Natali and Victoria, this was their second time to qualify and participate at this competition, also receiving gold medals both times. “I am so proud of these young women as they brought home 1st division gold medals, especially since this will be the last event for our seniors,” said MJ Robles, Lytle JH Band Director.
Lady Pirate Track is STATE BOUND; Cook, Lopez, Gomez, & Sevier
Gomez qualified in both the 800m Run and in the 4x400m Relay along with teammates Lopez, Cook, and Sevier. The talented group of girls set a school record finishing with a time of 4:02.88 which was just enough to qualify as the “Wild Card” team going into their last, and biggest, race of their season.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer The Lady Pirate track season continues to Austin, its final destination of the 2023 season as Klayre Cook, Marissa Lopez, Moriah Gomez, and Calyssa Sevier all advanced past the regional round this past weekend in Seguin. Gomez qualified in both the 800m Run and in the 4x400m Relay along with teammates Lopez, Cook, and Sevier. The foursome set a school record finishing with a time of 4:02.88 which was just enough to qualify as the “Wild Card” team going into their last, and biggest, race of their season. “Wow! Did we just do that?” was the initial response by head coach Gilbert Ruiz. “That is what went through my head as Moriah was crossing the finish line as the anchor leg in the 4x400m relay 10 minutes after placing 3rd in the 1600m.” It was a monumental moment in the history of Lytle track and field. “Not only did she become the first Lytle track athlete to get on that Regional Track medal stand three times, but she also helped the team set another school record of 4:02.88, bettering it by 5 seconds. This after placing 2nd in the 800m earlier in the day, breaking her own school record set last week at Area (2:20.28) with a time of 2:18.59 and becoming the first female to make it State since Natalie Cortez did it in 2014 in the 1600m and 3200m.” With nine lanes available at Mike A. Myers Stadium in the state’s capital, there will be two teams from each of the four regions along with Lytle who snatched up that sole spot as the next best team out of all Regional track events. “That 4:02.88 was only good for 3rd place (that time would have won last year), but we knew it would give us a chance for the State Wild Card Slot (Fastest 3rd place of all 4 3A Regions) and it did. This after we just ran a 4:07 the day before and I told them we needed at least a 4:04.” Having yet another goal set in front of them, the Lady Pirates did not blink an eye in going for the gusto for what could have been their last race. “They gave it their all for each other for four laps with Calyssa running a :58 split third leg to get us closer and now becoming the first 4x400m Relay to make it to State and the most we have ever had that will be participating at the State Track Meet.” It was a great day for both the Lady Pirates and the Pirates, according to Ruiz. “We had three Personal Records” Ruiz said in reference to Moriah’s and the 4x400m team and included Pirate Robert Wagner who did so in the 800m Run as well. “They set those records in very windy conditions on Saturday and all of those three efforts helped them get to the State Meet that will be held on May 11th for 3A.” Up next Moriah, followed by Robert will run the 800m at 5:20pm Thursday, May 11 at 5:20pm. Marissa, Klayre, Calyssa, and Moriah run the 4x400m Relay at 8:20pm. Results Sevier placed fourth in the 400m Dash with a time of 1:01.20. Lopez also finished fourth in the 800m with a time of 2:26.83, while Cook came in soon thereafter at 2:33.46. Gomez was so close to qualifying for State in the 1600m Run as she came in third with a time of 5:25.82. Samantha Mujica set a personal record in the 3200m with a time of 12:14.91 that placed seventh overall. Congratulations to all Lady Pirates, and best of luck to Klayre, Marissa, Moriah, and Calyssa in Austin!
Pirate Robert Wagner STATE BOUND in the 800m Run
Robert Wagner gets to run the 800m race one more time on the state’s biggest stage as he qualified for the State Meet to be held in Austin on Thursday, May 11. Wagner placed second in Seguin at Regional last week with a time of 1:58.78.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Robert Wagner gets to run the 800m race one more time on the state’s biggest stage as he qualified for the State Meet to be held in Austin on Thursday, May 11. Wagner placed second in Seguin at Regional last week with a time of 1:58.78 which was less than a second behind the 800m champion Isai Moran of Great Hearts Northern Oaks who crossed the finish line at 1:57.92. Wagner competes in Austin after Lady Pirate Moriah Gomez runs her 800m which begins at 5:20pm. Wagner was also trying to qualify in the 1600m but came in 12th with a time of 4:59.43. Abel Sanches was in the mix for a state-spot in the 800m as well as he came in fifth at 2:03.63. Brandon Obando was 9th at 2:05.68. Sanchez also ran the 3200m, coming in 7th at 10:03.47. Johnny Rey Alvarez placed 7th in the 1600m at 4:44.72 and was 8th in the 3200m at 10:16.30. Tristan Lopez was the last distance runner in competition for the Pirates. He placed 12th in the 3200m with a time of 10:36.75. The lone speedster in the group was Brandon Adkins as he ran the 200m Dash. He placed 12th in preliminaries at 24.72. The Pirates were well-represented in field events too as Conner Martin competed in Pole Vault and High Jump, Alex Medina in Discus, and both William Davalos and Mario Diaz in Shot Put. Martin vaulted and even 13’0 to place third, missing that state-qualifying spot by one. He high jumped 5’10 to place 9th. Medina was also in that third place finish spot as he threw the discus 146’2. Davalos placed 11th in Shot Put, throwing 42’6. Diaz was 15th in Shot Put with an effort of 37’9.75. Congratulations to all Pirate Regional Qualifiers and best of luck to Robert in Austin!
Lori Wilson finalist for TABC 3A Coach of the Year.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Lytle Lady Pirate Head Coach Lori Wilson was one of four finalists from around the state in Class 3A for the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches Dean Weese Outstanding Coach of the Year Award. Wilson recently led her team to another berth in the Regional Tournament before falling in the championship game to Columbus. Wilson guided her team to a 27-10 overall record and won her district’s championship for the third consecutive year. Antonio Burks from Rice was voted as the winner with Kurt Richardson of Shallowater, and Chad Woodard of Paradise joining Wilson as the remaining finalists. Congratulations, Coach Wilson, on being recognized as one of the top coaches from around the state!
Jeremy Davenport filed as a write in candidate running against Jessica Perales, so Lytle ISD will be having an election after all. The ballot will say: Vote for one or none. Trustee Special Election for Single Member District 2 will be on May 6, 2023 between Jessica Perales, and write-in candidate Jeremy Davenport. In order to vote in the trustee Single Member District 2 election voters must be registered to vote in Single Member District 2. Note: Lytle ISD is only conducting a special election. They were able to cancel the general election, which is the annual election due to unopposed candidates. The special election is due to having two SMD vacancies however, they canceled the SMD 5 election, but not the other as there was one write-in candidate for SMD 2 before the deadline. Polling places include the following for both Early Voting and Election Day: Lytle ISD Administration Office, 1537 Cottage St., Lytle, Tx. Medina County Courthouse Annex, 1300 Ave. M Room 108, Hondo, Tx. Medina County ESD No. 1, Station #15, 17934 FM 1957, Rio Medina, Tx. Medina County Pct. 4 Annex, 317 State Hwy. 132 N., Devine, Tx. Medina County Pct. 2 Annex, 8366 FM 471 S., Castroville, Tx. Early Voting weekday dates: April 24-28, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; and May 1-2, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. One Saturday voting day, April 29 from 9am-2pm. Election Day is May 6, 2023 from 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
City of Devine- Vote at City Hall Vote For or Against Bond Election- $18 Million for drainage and flood control Everyone can vote in the Bond election Everyone can vote in mayoral race. Mayor- Cory Thompson (i) and Butch Cook District 2 and 4 get to vote in their races as well Council Dist.2- Angela Pichardo (i) and Michael Hernandez Dist 4 – Debbie Randall
Devine ISD- Vote at County Building Vote For or Against Proposition A- 31.5 Million for Safety and Renovations of Schools, Band Hall Proposition B- 1.5 Million – for 4 New Tennis Courts
Medina County- Vote at County Building (across from Tractor Supply) Medina County ESD 2 (Devine Fire area)- add 1.25 % to sales tax Medina County ESD 5- (Natalia Fire area) add 1.25% to sales tax Medina County ESD 4- (EMS Devine/Natalia areas – add .50% to sales tax ESD4 overlaps both fire districts (2&5), since EMS can bill for services they are asking for only .25 from each district, so .25+.25= .5% sales tax *Note: 8.25% is the maximum any city or county in Texas can charge for sales tax. Medina County is at 6.75% currently, so that leaves 1.5% open.
Lyle ISD- cancelled election, no contested races City of Lytle- cancelled election- no contested races Natalia City/Schools- no elections LaCoste City- no elections
So close! The Lytle Lady Pirates clenched the Bi-District, Area, Regional Quarterfinal, and Regional Semifinal Championships this year before falling to Columbus by only 3 points. Above, Coach Lori Wilson and her team celebrate the Regional Semifinal Championship last weekend. Poster page and story inside. This awesome shot showing all the excitement of the night was captured by Samantha Martinez.
The Lytle Lady Pirates…Pictured in Front row L-R are: Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach Lori Wilson, Amelia Martinez, Cameron “Fizz” Hutton, Calyssa Sevier, Cadee Martinez, Mackenzie Sessom. Back row L-R: Ariana Garcia, Jessica Mata, Valentina Ayala, Lunna Reyes, Katara Whitfield, Assistant Basketball Coach Tammie Tilley, Assistant Basketball Coach Kaitlyn Kyle, Team Manager Lola Patino, Olivia Vielma. Not pictured: Rose Scotello. Photos by Lorraine Migura.
Lytle HS filmmakers at the award show. Front Row L-R: Citlali Ferreira, Sarah Ytuarte, Alexandra Cabrera, Back Row L-R: Clarissa Hernandez, Marissa Hernandez, Elias Moore, Jose Gomez; Not Pictured: Kaden Moore, Chessa Hartley-Mapes, and Naveah Mercer.
By Kayleen Holder Editor It’s easy to see why Lytle students were able to capture the UIL State Championship and the prestigious Nobelity Social Impact Award this past week. The short 7 -minute video titled “Housing for the Un housed” gives viewers a glimpse into an awesome project underway in San Antonio in which a community of 208 housing units are being built for the homeless. The 208 units in Towne Twin will consist of tiny homes, RVs and apartments, and there will also be professional support services on site to help individuals as they start a new life. As one volunteer stated, this project is about showing that “people cherish one another”. Lytle students did an excellent job of presenting an important story in a clear and concise way with short interviews from the volunteers who are making it happen.
Elias Moore focuses on his subject as the lead videographer on the documentary film production.
The following is a press release submitted by Lytle ISD: On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at the University of Texas’ Lyndon B. Johnson Auditorium seven of our top Digital Design / Skull Studios students had the thrill of watching one of our UIL Documentary Film Projects premiere on a theater screen to hundreds of their peers from across the state of Texas. We could hear the audience’s sighs of heartfelt appreciation for our documentary, Housing the Unhoused – affirmation that hard work had produced something lasting, beautiful and important. Thrill number two was even better.
The Nobelity Project founders, Christy and Turk Pipkin entered the stage to announce the winners of the Nobelity Social Impact Award. Out of 125 nominated entries, Lytle’s documentary has been awarded 1st place and the program receives a $1,000 gift certificate to purchase more equipment. After photos on the stage and back to our seats, thrill number three came quickly, they said. The UIL Director Paula Rodriguez announces the Conference 1-3A UIL Young Filmmakers Documentary winners. “The excitement built as they named third place, then second place, and in that final moment, we all hear them say, “and the State Champion Documentary winner is…Housing the Unhoused by Lytle High School!” What a moment of joy and excitement.
Citlali Ferreira and Sarah Ytuarte get the microphone ready for their interview with a Twin Towne Villages staff member.
“After a long drive home from Austin, our awesome Mayor of Lytle, Mr. Ruben Gonzalez still had one more thrill planned for our students. As we arrived back home, all were surprised by a siren-and-lights police escort through town all the way to the High School parking lot where Mayor Gonzalez could be seen in the dark waving a huge black Lytle Pirate Flag. Pirate Pride! He put the icing on the cake for our big day.”
Lytle students would love for you to watch Housing the Unhoused. Let us know what you think: http://bit.ly/LytleHSHousingChamp Please watch through the credits to see ALL our students who worked so hard on this documentary. A special thanks to the following four who went above and beyond. They showed up before school, after school, during lunch, and even on school holidays to complete this video project. They showed true dedication and earned this history-making win. Citlali Ferreira – photographer, video editor and naturally gifted interviewer Sarah Ytuarte – videographer, audio engineer and video editor Elias – videographer and editor Jose Gomez – videographer, music producer and audio editor A special thank you to Skull Studios sponsor, Mr. Andrew Oser who coached this production team well and made all the arrangements for transportation, food and logistics to help our students be successful.
Finally, thank you to Lytle Superintendent Michelle Smith who has always been Skull Studio’s biggest fan. Her support has paved the way for this program’s success. With hundreds of films to compete against each year, we now have 7 film projects make it to the TOP SIX in the state since the UIL competition’s inception in 2014. Our lucky number 7 is our first CHAMPION!” This 2-minute video in the following link is the closest we can get to sharing the thrill of our experience winning the UIL Young Filmmakers Documentary 1-3A State Champion title. https://youtu.be/nGe9q8cGQ3w Lytle ISD extends Thank yous to Libby Stewart and all our Lytle leaders, faculty and support staff whose support made this thrilling trip possible. Special thanks to our Mayor Gonzalez and our Lytle Police Department who made our return home a victory parade.
As of press time on Tuesday, February 14, Lytle ISD has not had any candidates filing for any of the four positions below: General Trustee Election Single Member District 3 – full three year term. Single Member District 4- full three year term Special Election Single Member District 2 – unexpired one year remaining Single Member District 5- unexpired one year remaining The deadline to file for school and city elections is quickly approaching, this Friday, Feb. 17. The election will be May 6, 2023.
