This game was played in ...]]> Big Blue flawless at Sandhills tourney

PRESIDIO – After getting their first win against Mountain View on March 4, the Blue Devils traveled to Midland Greenwood to compete in the West Texas March Classic Baseball Tournament on March 7-9. The Blue Devils brought home the championship trophy after defeating the Greenwood Rangers 9-2.

This game was played in Midland’s Citibank Stadium, home to the minor league Midland Rockhounds.

“Just to get a chance to play in this stadium was exciting,” said Coach Cesar Barriga. “But to perform and win in front of almost 300 fans gives you chills”

This is exactly was the Blue Devils were able to do with three previous games that had to be won in order to get to the championship. Presidio handled Forsan, Eunice, New Mexico, and Midland High JV to reach the gold round.

“Our kids played their hearts out throughout the tournament and it was a pleasure watching the kids play the way they did with a lot of intensity, energy, and mental toughness” said Barriga.  “I’m really proud of the way each game was played and especially the championship game on Saturday night”.

Each member of the varsity squad played a major role in bringing home this championship.  One of the strengths the Blue Devils exhibited was strong pitching and good defense.  Blue Devil bats came alive as well as they were able to score multiple runs since the start.

“The kids are really believing in the system I preach everyday,” Barriga said. “Win and lose with class, focus on fundamentals and play with a great deal of energy, intensity, and good overall discipline.”

The Blue Devils were able to win every game two weeks ago competing in the Monahans Sandhills tournament. Due to the tournament format, which includes pool play, no championship game was played; however, the Blue Devils won every game.

“If we can continue to play the game as we’ve been playing, we should be able to compete and put ourselves in a position to win in district play.” The coach said.

“We, the Presidio Blue Devils baseball team, give thanks to all our supporters who were there Saturday night. Having support really gives the team an extra boost in every game.”

Good luck to the Blue Devils as they continue in district play.

The varsity team placed fifth overall, and the JV unit was third.

In the varsity bracket, Tim Flores was first in ...]]> ALPINE, MARFA – Marfa student athletes Tim Flores, Ricardo Velazquez, Cesar Torres, and the relay team of Orlando Sanchez, Adrian Delgado, Kory Mutters, and Torres took first-place honors at the Buck Relays in Alpine last week.

The varsity team placed fifth overall, and the JV unit was third.

In the varsity bracket, Tim Flores was first in the 110 hurdles with a time of 16.84.

Ricardo Velazquez was first in the Shot Put with a throw of 31 feet, 6.5 inches.

JV Horn Cesar Torres was first in the 3,200-meter run with a time of 15:46.63, and the JV 4×400 meter relay quartet of Orlando Sanchez, Adrian Delgado, Kory Mutters, and Torres was first with a time of 4:23.80.

“This was the first track meet that Alpine has hosted on their new track facility,” said Coach Richard Hibbitts. “It was really nice to go run where it only takes 30 minutes to get to the track meet. Several of our younger boys got to compete in the JV division and did very well.”

Complete Marfa results

Varsity

Eduardo Amaro, 800 meter run, 4th, 2:16.37; 400 meter dash, 4th, 56.08.

George Salgado 800 meter run, 5th, 2:16.90; 1600 meter run, 5th, 5:12.86.

Tim Flores, 110 hurdles, 1st, 16.84 time; 300 meter hurdles, 3rd, 44.43.

David Acosta, 110 hurdles, 6th, 19.07.

Isaiah Martinez, 300 meter hurdles, 5th, 49.12.

Ricardo Velazquez, Shot Put, 1st, 31’-6 ½”.

4X400 Relay, Isaiah Martinez, David Acosta, Eduardo Amaro, & Tim Flores, 3rd, 4:04.15.

JV Boys

Orlando Sanchez, 800 meter run, 3rd, 2:35.81.

Adrian Delgado, 800 meter run, 4th, 3:01.12; 3200 meter run, 2nd, 16:41.19.

Cesar Torres, 3200 meter run, 1st, 15:46.63.

Kory Mutters, 100 meter dash, 4th, 13.38; 200 meter dash, 3rd, 27.12.

Cordell Lewis, 100 meter dash, 6th, 15.00.

4×400 meter relay, Orlando Sanchez, Adrian Delgado, Kory Mutters, Cesar Torres, 1st, 4:23.80.

Other competitors were Rene Granado in the 4×200 relay, Anthony Nuñez in the shot put, discus, Andy Garcia in the shot put and discus.

“Marfa’s team was made up of seventh- and eighth-grade boys,” Coach Richard Hibbitts said. “They did an excellent job at this track meet against teams that were all eighth-graders or larger schools than ...]]> ALPINE, MARFA – The Marfa Junior High School boys track and field team took part in the Buck Relays last week in Alpine.

“Marfa’s team was made up of seventh- and eighth-grade boys,” Coach Richard Hibbitts said. “They did an excellent job at this track meet against teams that were all eighth-graders or larger schools than Marfa.”

Complete Marfa results follow:

Aaron Luna, 200 meter dash, 6th, 28.84 time.

Sal Roman, 300 meter hurdles, 6th, 50.6; Long jump, 4th, 16’ 1”; Triple jump, 3rd, 34’ 10 ½”.

Brandon Leos, shot Put, 6th, 20’ 5”; Discus, 6th, 79’ 1 ½”.

Relays

4×200 – Aaron Luna, Jose Martinez, Julio Baeza & Sal Roman, 3rd, 1:54.40;

4×400- Aaron Luna, Jose Martinez, Julio Baeza, & Sal Roman, 4th, 4:28.96.

Other competitors were Kevin Pippen, shot put & discus; Steven Granado, shot put, discus, & 100 meter dash; Mario Ornelas, 400 meter dash, long jump & triple jump; Greg Tarango, shot put & discus; and David Samaniego, shot put & discus.

In addition, two Sul Ross State University coaches have resigned their positions and a third coach has not been re-appointed to his position.

Whitley, also an assistant ...]]> ALPINE – Kay Whitley, Sul Ross State University athletics director for the past 16 years, has resigned from that position, effective at the end of Spring Semester 2013.

In addition, two Sul Ross State University coaches have resigned their positions and a third coach has not been re-appointed to his position.

Whitley, also an assistant professor in Physical Education and head men’s and women’s tennis coach, will continue in those positions.

Sul Ross State University, home of the Lobos

“We sincerely appreciate Kay’s contributions to Sul Ross athletics during her long tenure and we are pleased that she will continue as a member of our faculty and coaching staff,” said Dr. Ricardo Maestas, Sul Ross President.

Whitley, a native of Brownfield, was named athletics director in 1997. Her long Sul Ross connection began in 1968, when she enrolled as a freshman. She received B.S. (1972) and M.S. (1975) degrees in Biology, then enrolled in the doctoral program at New Mexico State University. She was a science teacher and coach at Rochester High School for three years before returning to Sul Ross in 1979 as head women’s basketball and volleyball coach and instructor in Physical Education. She was later named men’s and women’s tennis coach. Whitley received a Master of Education degree from Sul Ross in 1986. She also serves as compliance officer and senior women’s administrator at Sul Ross.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to have served as Sul Ross athletics director,” said Whitley. “I have enjoyed working not only with Lobo student-athletes, coaches and fellow faculty and staff, but with colleagues at the conference and national levels as well.            “It was not an easy decision to step down, but this may be a good time for me to make this move,” she said. “I hope to stay involved in some capacity in athletics administration.”

Whitley, who began her duties the same year the American Southwest Conference was formed, is the longest-tenured athletics director in the conference. She also served on several NCAA Division III committees, including: Student Athlete Reinstatement  Infraction Appeals, Strategic Planning and Budget, Working Committee on Membership Issues and chair of the Practice and Playing Season sub-committee.

During her 18-season tenure as volleyball coach (1979-1996) her Lady Lobo teams won nine Texas Intercollegiate Athletic Association titles, the last in 1991. In 1979 and 1980, Sul Ross finished eighth and fourth respectively, in the Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women national tournament, and had a total of eight playoff appearances.           Whitley has also coached the Lobo tennis teams to seven women’s conference titles and one men’s championship. Two of her players competed in the NAIA individual championships.

As an undergraduate, she was a member of the first intercollegiate volleyball team at Sul Ross, and played on the 1971 national championship team coached by Paul Pierce. She also competed on the 1972 team, which won the Texas state intercollegiate championship, and placed fifth in the National Association of Girls and Women’s Sports tournament.

Sul Ross State University, home of the Lobos

Volleyball coach Ricardo Garcia and assistant football coach Shawn Brown have submitted their resignations, effective the end of Spring Semester 2013. In addition, ...]]> ALPINE – Two Sul Ross State University coaches have resigned their positions and a third coach has not been re-appointed to his position.

Sul Ross State University, home of the Lobos

Volleyball coach Ricardo Garcia and assistant football coach Shawn Brown have submitted their resignations, effective the end of Spring Semester 2013. In addition, head football coach Wayne Schroeder was not re-appointed.

“We appreciate the years of service and commitment these individuals have given to Sul Ross State University and its student-athletes,” said athletics director Kay Whitley.

Garcia, who holds two degrees from Sul Ross, was named head volleyball coach in 2000. He previously taught and coached at Fort Hancock, Dell City and Marfa, and also served as high school principal at Dell City from 1997-99. A San Elizario native, Garcia received a Bachelor of Science degree (1990) and a Master of Education (1997) from Sul Ross.

After graduating from San Elizario High School in 1980, he served in the U.S. Army for three years, and then attended El Paso Community College prior to transferring to Sul Ross.
Brown joined the Lobo football staff as defensive coordinator prior to the 2012 season. He previously coached at Jasper and Caldwell high schools and had a total of 19 years’ experience in the coaching ranks. He received a Bachelor of Special Studies in Education (1992) and Master of Science in Health and Physical Education (2002) from Louisiana Tech University.

Schroeder was named the 16^th Lobo head football coach in 2008, after spending the previous two seasons as a defensive line coach under Steve Wright. A 1969 graduate of Southwest Texas State (now Texas State) University, he served as athletic coordinator and head football coach at William B. Travis High School in Austin from 2001-06 where he led the team to a bi-district appearance in 2004.

Schroeder, who began his coaching career at Hutto High School (1969-71), also coached at Granger High School and was head football coach and athletics director at Taylor High School from 1987-2000.

A nationwide search to fill the vacated positions will be underway in the near future.

Alpine will go head-to-head with the winner of the semifinal game between the Crawford Lady Pirates and the Danbury Panthers for the 2A state championship.

The state final is set for 6pm today at the Red and Charline McCombs Field ...]]> ALPINE, AUSTIN – The Alpine Lady Bucks softball team is one game away from being state champs.

Alpine will go head-to-head with the winner of the semifinal game between the Crawford Lady Pirates and the Danbury Panthers for the 2A state championship.

The state final is set for 6pm today at the Red and Charline McCombs Field on the University of Texas at Austin.

The game will broadcast live on KVLF AM-1240 and KALP-FM 92.7 and on www.bigbendradio.com.

Jerry Sotello will be calling the play-by-play.

On Wednesday, the Lady Bucks defeated the Mineola Yellow Jackets 4-3 in 8 innings during the semifinal game to advance to the final.

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg ...]]>

Marfa High School student athlete senior Jarett Lujan, center, signs a letter of intent to run track at Angelo State University in San Angelo in the fall, where he will major in biology and pre-medicine. His parents are, from left, Johnny and Tina Lujan. The signing took place Monday afternoon at Gregg Auditorium in front of Jarett’s classmates, who applauded loudly. “I’m very proud and excited to make this announcement,” Marfa ISD Athletic Director Jeff Jones said. “Jarett will become part of one of the top NCAA Division II track programs in the nation.” Lujan was a finalist at the 2011 state track meet. (photo by ALBERTO TOMAS HALPERN)

ALPINE – Alpine born and raised cowboy Turtle Powell is the world champion header in Team Roping. Competing last week with his partner Jhett Johnson at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, header and heeler roped their 10th-round steer in 10 seconds flat, winning the average in the 10-day event and ...]]> By MARK GLOVER

ALPINE – Alpine born and raised cowboy Turtle Powell is the world champion header in Team Roping. Competing last week with his partner Jhett Johnson at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, Nevada, header and heeler roped their 10^th-round steer in 10 seconds flat, winning the average in the 10-day event and bringing home their first gold buckle.

“We’re really proud,” said Richard Powell, Turtle’s father and retired longtime Alpine High School vocational agriculture teacher.

Turtle Powell won $125,625 at the event along with $63,500 from other competitions this year.

At the finals he rode a horse that wasn’t his.

“Vegas got sick,” said Linda Powell, his mother and another retied longtime Alpine school teacher. “Had to ride ‘Jim’, another fella’s horse.”

Turtle Powell and his 4-month-old son Layne at the award ceremony.

Vegas won the Horse of the Year award in 2010, but became sick after the Cheyenne Frontier Days earlier this year.

“He’s crippled,” Linda Powell said.

Turned out “Jim” was no Sunfisher and got his team to the Pay Window.

Jhett Johnson, Powell’s Wyoming partner and the heeler of the team, is 40 and wasn’t sure he’d ever bring home the gold buckle.

“It means everything,” Johnson said. “It means I’ve rodeoed this long and it wasn’t for nothing.”

Showing diligence and hard work can pay off.

“Turtle’s been roping since he was 5,” Linda Powell said.

Turtle lives in Stephenville with his Montana wife, Molly Swanson, and their four-month-old boy, Layne.

When asked how Turtle got his name, Linda Powell explained, “His grandfather said he looked like a turtle as he crawled across the floor. The name just took. Doesn’t go by anything else. In first grade the kids told him he didn’t have to write his name, just draw a turtle. The teacher said, ‘I’ll call you Turtle, but you will have to learn how to spell it.’”

Turtle’s been rodeoing professionally since 1996. His mother hopes he’ll “poke a little” of his winnings into savings.

“He’ll need some of it to start out next year,” Linda Powell said.

You can see Turtle coming out of the chute in Odessa next January 1^st at the Sand Hills Livestock Show and Rodeo.

MARFA, McCAMEY – Inauspicious beginnings rarely lead to anything substantive and the Shorthorn turnover on the first play of the game resulting in a Badger touchdown set the tone for the evening: a 33-0 loss to McCamey on Friday.

“We shot ourselves in the foot early and never really recovered,” said Jeff Jones, head ...]]> By ROBERT HALPERN

MARFA, McCAMEY – Inauspicious beginnings rarely lead to anything substantive and the Shorthorn turnover on the first play of the game resulting in a Badger touchdown set the tone for the evening: a 33-0 loss to McCamey on Friday.

“We shot ourselves in the foot early and never really recovered,” said Jeff Jones, head football coach and AD.

“We were down 14-0 at halftime, and we gave them those 14 points,” he said. The aforementioned, a pass interception returned for a TD and the other, a fumble on the Marfa 2 yard line that became a Badger score on the next play.

“We were also inside the 5 yard line once and inside the 20 once, as well, and couldn’t come away with any points,” Jones lamented.

McCamey dominated the second half, too. Marfa only mustered possession five times as the Badger ground game grinded out long, time-consuming drives.

“McCamey also has one of the best defenses we have seen this year,” the coach said. “Their secondary is hard to pick apart, and their linebackers are very athletic and physical. They have a nose for the ball and make sure tackles. Their defensive linemen were also very big and fundamentally sound.”

The loss put Marfa at 3 wins and 5 losses on the season and 1 win and 2 losses in district action and host the Iraan Braves at 7:30pm Friday at Martin Field in Marfa.

The Horns still have an outside shot at the playoffs. Here’s how, according to the coach:

McCamey is going to win the district, win or lose to Van Horn Friday. Marfa, Iraan, and Van Horn are still alive to get the other two playoff spots.

As of right now the records are:

McCamey 3-0

Iraan 2-1

Van Horn 1-2

Marfa 1-2

Wink 1-3

There are several playoff scenarios for Marfa:

#1, Marfa defeats Iraan, and McCamey beats Van Horn: McCamey wins district, Marfa is 2nd, and Iraan is 3rd.

#2, Marfa beats Iraan and Van Horn beats McCamey: McCamey is 1st, Marfa/Iraan/Van Horn are all tied for 2nd.  If Marfa wins by more than 10 points, Van Horn is 2nd and Marfa is 3rd. If Marfa wins by less than 10, Iraan is 2nd and Van Horn is 3rd, and Marfa is out.

#3, Marfa loses to Iraan and McCamey beats Van Horn: McCamey is 1st, Iraan is 2nd, and Marfa/Van Horn/Wink are tied for 3rd. Wink is out because of the point system tiebreaker. Van Horn has to lose to McCamey by more than 17, and Marfa can’t lose by more than one point. It’s a coin flip for the third playoff spot. If Van Horn loses by  less than 17 and/or Marfa loses by more than one point, Marfa is out and Van Horn is in.

The game was played in Pecos on a neutral court. Marfa started off strong and took down Sierra ...]]> MARFA, PECOS, SIERRA BLANCA – The Marfa Lady Horns’ 2011 volleyball season came to an end Tuesday night as they were defeated by Sierra Blanca 25-19, 17-25, 23-25, and 21-25 in the first round of the state playoffs.

The game was played in Pecos on a neutral court. Marfa started off strong and took down Sierra Blanca in game one and dropped the final three sets to lose the bi-district championship.

For the Lady Horns, freshman Bree’Anna Daugherty provided a spark for the team, both defensively and offensively with 4 kills, 2 blocks, 6 digs, and 2 assists.

Seniors Gabby Cataño, Kimberly Kirkpatrick, and Myra Leos each had 8 kills, 1 block, 10 digs, 3 assists, 4 aces, and Latisha Pippen had 4 kills, 3 blocks, 6 digs, 2 aces as they participated in their last high school volleyball game, and fighting off the Vaqueros in 4 tough sets.

Additionally, Yasmine Guevara, 3 kills, 15 points served, 3 digs; Codie Raby, 12 assists, 4 digs, 1 kill; Kiarra Petterson, 1 kill, 3 digs; and Jenna Conners, 4 kills, 2 blocks, 5 digs, also contributed to Marfa’s hard-fought battle, bringing Marfa’s final record to 11-17 for the season.