Eric Smith Staff Writer There is a new sense of hope, a new sense of pride, a brand new offense and new leadership at the helm of the Lytle Pirate Football program. Will unstoppable success come overnight? No one will know that, until the lights shine in November. For now, one thing is for sure and that is the boys in black and gold are ready to “Dig Deep” as they welcome the Carrizo Springs Wildcats this Friday at Walter Joyce Stadium.
Mark your calendars. Devine’s Athletic Booster, Band Booster, and community members will host a Meet the Athletes, the Marching Band, and the Cheerleaders Pep Rally Friday, August 18 at Warhorse Stadium.The event kicks off at 7:00pm.Free hot dogs and water add to the excitement and serve as a bonus because all who show up will also not have to worry about cooking dinner that night.
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!
Congratulations to the Devine High School girl’s golf team for making it to state! Pictured above left to right are Arabians Kaylee Romano, Brianna Schafer, Raynee Allen, Gabby Morales, and Kelsey Dishman. The exciting news came in right as we were going to press, so look for full story in next week’s Devine News. We are proud of you Arabians!Devine Tennis players Johnathon Gelinas and Kelsey Dishman are Regional Champs in Mixed Doubles. Now they are headed to STATE! Congrats and good luck!
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Texas Sports Writers of America honored three Warhorse football players by naming them to the TSWA All-State Honorable Mention squad for their performances during Devine’s District Championship, state playoff qualifying 2022 season.
Junior running back Ethan Santos, senior defensive tackle Logan Camarillo, and junior tight end Aaron Bonilla all earned the special recognition. “These young men had very successful seasons and I am excited that they get recognized by the Texas Sports Writers Association for their hard work. These young men put a lot of hours and commitment towards being the best football players that they can be and we appreciate them,” said excited Head Coach Paul Gomez.
Devine senior, Cassandra Elias, First-Team Academic All-State. By CGuerrero
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Three senior Arabian powerlifters fit the term “student-athlete” to a T as they landed on one of three Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association Academic teams at the conclusion of last season. Jordan Erxleben earned the highest possible ranking as she was recognized on the Academic Elite honor roll. Jordan was one of 104 lifters from the entire state to make the Elite list.
Devine senior Jordan Erxleben earned the highest possible ranking as she was recognized on the Academic Elite honor roll. By CGuerrero
Cassandra Elias was tabbed First-Team Academic All-State. Elias was one of 78 to make the First-Team. Victoria Nunez made Second-Team Academic All-State. Nunez was one of 114 honored on the Second Team. “These ladies excelled both in the sport of powerlifting and in academics,” stated Head Coach Paul Gomez. “It is a full time job to be on the top of both of those categories and we are very proud of them!”
Devine senior, Victoria Nunez, Second-Team Academic All-State.
Congratulations Jordan, Cassandra, and Victoria for upholding the academic value of being a true student-athlete and excelling both in the classroom and in athletic competitions.
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!
Devine freshman Mason Saunders won the District 29-4A individual championship.
Jerel Beaty Staff writer Devine freshman Mason Saunders won the District 29-4A individual championship after a three-hole playoff against Blake Mainz of Floresville. Devine finished as runner-up overall for District 29-4A, qualifying for Regional in Victoria at The Club of Colony Creek in Victoria. Saunders won his playoff in dramatic fashion as he and Mainz replayed holes #1, #18, and #1 once again before the individual champ was crowned. Saunders converted a pressure-filled 12-foot putt on the first playoff hole to extend the playoff, then put an exclamation mark on his day with a 30-footer to swing victory in his favor.
The Warhorses shot 681 to finish behind team champion Pleasanton who posted 663. Devine shot 333 on Monday which happened to be a nice, sunny, windless day then followed with a 348 on a windy, cold, cloudy Tuesday. Saunders led the team naturally with a 76 Monday, and an 81 Tuesday for a 157. Jacob Rodriguez was the model of consistency as he tallied 85/85 for a smooth 170. Jameson Ramirez posted 82/95 for 177 and Aaron Gallegos was pretty consistant as well with 90/89-179. Diego Gerlach went 95/93 for 188 to round out the scoring for Devine #1 team.
Congrats to golfers Jacob Rodriguez, Raynee Allen, and Gabby Moralez for finishing in the top 10 at the District Golf tournament and being named 2nd Team All District in District 29 4A.
Devine #2 placed fifth of the eight teams with a 767. Team #2 shot 383 Monday then followed with a 384 Tuesday. Johnathan Gelinas led Team #2 going 91/86 for 177 followed by Wyatt LaFond who posted 91/101 for 192. Gavin Williamson went 108/97 for a two-day 205, Antonio Gamboa shot 93/114 for 207, and Jackson Hagdorn tallied 117/100 for 217. Victory Schaefer posted Devine’s overall second leading score as he shot 75 Monday then followed with 91 Tuesday for a two-day 166. Devine gets a little time to work on their game as Regional is just under a month away. Tee times are to be determined. Team results 1st Pleasanton 663 (322/341) Mark Thornton 82/82-164, Luke Thornton 78/88-166, Levi Turner 82/86-168 Jake Casias 83/85-168, Brady Stevens 80/94-174 2nd Devine 681 (333/348) Mason Saunders 76/81-157, Jacob Rodriguez 85/85-170, Jameson Ramirez 82/95-177, Aaron Gallegos 90/89-179, Diego Gerlach 95/93-188 3rd Floresville 701 (355/346) Blake Mainz 81/76-157, Ray Ramirez 86/81-167, Kollman Street 93/94-187, Luke Martin 95/95-190, Ryan Street 99/97-196 4th Uvalde 702 (355/347) Joseph Roswell 85/86-171, Ryder Torres 90/87-177, Jack Brock 91/87-178, Chance Luevanos 89/89-178 5th Devine-#2 767 (383/384) Johnathan Gelinas 91/86-177, Wyatt LaFond 91/101-192, Gavin Williamson 108/97-205, Antonio Gamboa 93/114-207, Jackson Hagdorn 117/100-217 6th Pearsall 849 (448/401) Cody Sekula 100/88-188, Weston Hurst 117/95-212, Jordan Tagle 97/121-218, Jackson Earley 134/97-231, Jacob Elizondo 143/NS-NS 7th Carrizo Springs 771 (385/386) Abryam Urenda 89/92-181, Jonah Hernandez 94/100-194, Jeremy Escamilla 108/94-202, Reme Jimenez 104/100-204, Evan Castellanos 98/125-223 8th Somerset 855 (429/426) Tyler Corn 93/98-191, Ty Denton 115/106-221, Leo Strozzi 117/104-221, Oscar Hernandez 104/118-222 Medalists Victor Schaefer-Devine 75/91-166, Grant Moos-Pleasanton 94/88-182, Owen Mendez-Floresville 103/93-196, Hazen Manuel-Floresville 103/105-208, Bardo-Guanajuato-Carrizo Springs 93/118-211, Tyler Mutz-Floresville 102/111-213, Jaxon Parker-Uvalde 104/NS-NS.
Eight Devine HS golfers earn All-District for their 29-4A perfomances
Warhorses Mason Saunders and Victor Schaefer and Arabian Brianna Schaefer led the way for Devine High School’s 29-4A All-District teams after their two-day performances in Uvalde last Monday and Tuesday. First team honors went to Saunders who was the boys overall individual champion and to Victor, while Brianna placed third overall on the girls side. Second team honors went to Warhorses Jacob Rodriguez, Jameson Ramirez, and Johnathan Gelinas and to Arabians Raynee Allen and Gabby Morales.
Jerel Beaty Staff Writer Devine powerlifter Seth Deleon moved up from 12th place going into the State Meet to finish at number nine in the 148-pound division by the time it was said and done. DeLeon set personal records in the squat with 465 lbs and with his total lifted which is now 1,225lbs. Congratulations, Seth, on a fantastic junior season and Warhorse Nation is looking forward to what you can accomplish in 2024 as a senior! 148lb results (squat-bench-deadlift) 1st Jeremiah Metzgar-Sealy 510-345-545-1,400 2nd Jessiah Barr-Gonzales 520-330-510-1,360 3rd Weston Hill-Sanger 535-280-520-1,335 4th Javier Martinez-Perryton 500-335-485-1,320 5th Drew Carter-Salado 515-335-465-1,315 6th Noah Garcia-Somerset 525-370-380-1,275 7th Juan Garcia-Beeville Jones 460-310-500-1,270 8th PJ Brown-Alice 425-320-485-1,230 9th Seth DeLeon-Devine 465-320-440-1,225 10th Anthony Cuellar-Brownsboro-465-325-430-1,220 11th Anthony Lopez-Ferris 500-310-400-1,210 12th Chandler Tran-Snyder 470-285-450-1,205 13th Jasael Ruiz-Marble Falls 465-240-500-1,205 14th Rowdy Parker-Bridgeport 485-225-460-1,170 15th Demarion Sanders-Tyler Chapel Hill 380-275-510-1,165 BO Tristian Davila-Corpus Christi Tuloso-Midway BO Roberto Suarez-Lumberton.
