SanAntonio’s Favorite Flyweight

This here is not to convince anyone of this. If you know you know.This is from the eyes of a big brother. Who's seen the runt.The youngest one, the baby of 5 excel in his studies and especially sports. (Basketball n football) From flag football at the park as a young boy.To his middle school days at Kingsbrough on the south side of SanAntonio. His coaches would wonder how such a shorty like Eddie was able to hit like a bison? Head first always aiming for the knockout.Alot like nowadays. Fraire infact did have a reason for being so aggressive in an already aggressive sport. He adopted this animal like style by playing with so much raw emotion.

In a house that carried so many emotions and bad energy Anger, abandonment cheated mixed in with a few good times and happy memories.

Due to bad choices and alcohol abuse Eddie's father ended up getting deported leaving the picture when Fraire was only 8. His big brothers lost and adjusting to this new way of life themselves were still just kids. Rebelling, gang banging and growing up fast it's only by God's grace that the now 31 year old father of 6 is on the right track.

With a hard working single mom of 5 now running the house hold by herself. It wouldn't be long before Eddie hit his rebel phase. Quitting sports in high school getting involved in many of the same stuff as his 4 older siblings. In fact we damn near missed out on Hi DEF the fighter As the young man lacked discipline, yearned competition and needed a way to relief stress. He to was starting to make bad choices.The most notable one leaving school in the 10th grade. Never a bad kid just simply lost and nowhere to put all his energy into.

April 9th 2005 that all changed when a new television show premiered calledThe Ultimate Fighter. Where 16 aspiring fighters many with there own bad childhood stories aired. We were hooked. January 05 toApril when the show concluded with a free 2hr card of MMAfights which would ignite a flame in many folks to this day, one of those being Eddie. By the end of those fights my brother told me with the most serious tone in his voice said. "I can do that" Now with a new motivation driving the 14 year old, he all by his lonesome found a gym to train at. Did odd jobs like mow lawns, washed cars, cut hair to save up enough funds to train in the sport.The sport of mixed martial arts.

He found a spot and had saved up enough to start training. He excelled so quickly that he learned all he was gonna learn from that spot and now the 16 yr old soon to be father found his second gym. Lozano Gym where he took 2 amateur fights with. Dusted the competition and went 2-0 while settling down and started growing a family

Taking life and training more serious he took a hire paying job and ramped up his training methods. It was then when he yet again soaked up all he was going to learn from his second gym and with 3 kids and expecting a 4th. Eddie had to step away from his comfort Zone and both find a higher paying job and one that would allow him to still train.Doing just that he started at River City Produce as a part of the production team. Where he now is currently working as a supervisor. Moving up in jobs and finding his 3rd and current gym.Training now more intensified along with more responsibilities at work. He soon found his bad habits declining.

Training under Military vet and one of SanAntonio's staples in combat sports Ray the judge Rodriguez. Under Ultimate SubmissionAcademy now known as UNITYTraining center. That lost young man now transformed into a much different and better person. Loved and respected at work.He started gaining a few sponsors to help with his fighter aspirations. Quit drinking and smoking made a couple more babies. I believe he's at 6 now and happily married.

It was time to go pro as a fighter The hard hitting loved father, husband, son, brother, supervisor, and kid coach at UNITYhas 7 professional fights under him 4 wins with 3 of them coming in a combined 35 sec. I've heard and witnessed the crowd go wild chanting his name. Stomping there feet.Throwing babies up in the air in excitement for this young man. It seems like the city has really gotten behind Hi DEF Eddie Fraire. With his bosses, sponsors, coworkers, child hood friends and alot of his students always at his fights. Not to mention his family there going crazy. Eddie is indeed the city of SanAntonio's favorite flyweight. Which is the division he competes in. We all love us some Hi DEF and I personally can't wait to see how far he can take this fight dream.

This here was the origins of a lost kid who found himself. Worked extremely hard matured and gained respect by all who have gotten to know him. I'm proud of my brother. My baby bro. Keep striving Edward much love from your big bro..

Start the Season 4-0

FAYETTEVILLE, NC -The SanAntonio Gunslingers defeated the Fayetteville Mustangs in Fayetteville this Sunday 40-27 to remain undefeated in the 2023 NationalArena League season.

SanAntonio and Fayetteville traded touchdowns on their first possessions before Rakeem Cato of Fayetteville was intercepted by Kyle Chandler.This was the first of five turnovers committed by the Mustangs. Four plays later, SanAntonio’sArvell Nelson carried the ball into the end zone to give the Gunslingers their first lead of the game.The Mustangs never regained that lead despite tying the game up twice, with their last tie coming at the end of the third quarter on a touchdown reception by Shavarez Smith to make the score 27-27. SanAntonio broke away at the start of the fourth quarter when Nelson threw his fourth and final passing touchdown of the game to Kali Rashaad. Fayetteville turned the ball over on their next two possessions and allowed the Gunslingers to score two more touchdowns before the end of the game.

Fayetteville was held to their lowest scoring output of the season, below the 50 points scored in their win over WestTexas in the previous week. Cato had twenty completions on twenty-seven passes with two touchdowns, two interceptions, and a fumble. Daniel Bender and Shavarez Smith each collected a touchdown pass.The Mustang’s other two scores came on a rushing touchdown byTre’vanta Long in the first quarter and kickoff return by Kendrick Ings in the second quarter. Kicker ErikAmaya finished one for three on extra point conversions but made a deuce in the third quarter.The sole two point conversion attempt by Fayetteville featured two fumbles and a desperate pass to the end zone that was caught for an apparent conversion which was overturned after an official’s review.

For SanAntonio, Nelson completed fifteen of twenty-five passes for four touchdowns and rushed for two touchdowns. Four different Gunslingers pulled in a touchdown in four different quarters. Phillip Barnett caught his in the first quarter, Kadir Chisolm in the second, Brian Robinson in the third, and Kali Rashaad in the fourth quarter. Defensively, Chisolm also made the second Gunslinger interception of the afternoon and Calvin Fance recorded his first sack in a SanAntonio uniform.

SanAntonio has their second bye week before facing the 1-3 WestTexas Warbirds Saturday May 20th in Odessa.The Fayetteville Mustangs also have a bye next week before hosting the Carolina Cobras.

Aboutthe Sanantonio Gunslingers

The SanAntonio Gunslingers are members of the NationalArena League (NAL) and were awarded Franchise of theYear by the NALfor their overall performance during the 2022 season. Gunslingers play all home games at the Freeman Coliseum. Follow the Gunslingers on Facebook at @210sagunslingers, onTwitter @SA_Gunslingers and Instagram @sanantoniogunslingers. For Gunslingers season tickets, group packages or partnerships, visit https://www.sanantoniogunslingers.com/tickets or call (210) 298-6900.

Aboutnationalarenaleague

The NationalArena League was founded in 2016 and hosted its inaugural season in 2017 as the premier league in arena football.The NationalArena League has kicked off its seventh season in 2023. For more information regarding expansion opportunities or partnerships, contact Commissioner Chris Siegfried at chris@nationalarenaleague.com . For more information about the NALvisit www.nationalarenaleague.com, facebook.com/nationalarenaleague, twitter.com/NALfootball, Instagram.com/nationalarenaleague.

TheSanAntonioMissionsaretheDouble-AaffiliatefortheSanDiegoPadres.The2023season isthe121stprofessionalseasonfortheSanAntonioMissions.Seasonseatmemberships,group tickets,andsingle-gameticketsforthe2023seasonareavailablenow.Call210-675-PARKto discusspricingforseasontickets,groupticketsandhospitality.TheMissionsBoxOfficewillbe cashlessthisseasonandfanscanpurchaseticketsattheboxofficeusingacreditcard.Formore informationontheupcomingseasoncall210675PARK(7275)orvisitsamissions.com

Moms and Dogs Homestand BeginsTuesday, May 9th

¾ Hoodie Giveaway, MilitaryAppreciation & Bark in the Park Highlight Homestand

SANANTONIO –The SanAntonio Missions return to Nelson Wolff Stadium onTuesday, May 9th for their third homestand of the 2023 season.The Missions will be hosting a six-game series against the Corpus Christi Hooks (HoustonAstros affiliate) fromTuesday, May 9th until Sunday, May 14th.

Tuesday, May 9 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

AARPTwo DollarTuesday – Fans can purchase parking and outfield tickets for just $2. Domestic draft beers and sausage wraps will be $2 dollars. Bill Miller SweetTea and pizza slices from Sofia’s will also be $2 dollars.

Wednesday, May 10 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 5:05 p.m. (Doubleheader) Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Doubleheader –The Missions and Hooks will be playing two 7-inning contests with game one starting at 5:05 p.m.The two clubs are making up a rained-out game fromApril 23rd. Fans with tickets for tonight can attend both games.

MilitaryAppreciation Night – Courtesy of Chevy, all active and retired military members can receive up to four bullpen or outfield reserved tickets by showing their military ID at the First Base Box Office.

Military City – During the second game, the Missions will be wearing special ‘Military City’ camouflage jerseys.

Thursday, May 11 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Taco Bell Value Night – Fans can purchase half-priced tickets and parking.At the game, enjoy $2 domestic draft beers, sodas, and Hot Dogs.

Flying Chanclas –The SanAntonio Missions will take the field as their Flying Chanclas alter ego.

Friday, May 12 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

Missions ¾ Hoodie Giveaway – Courtesy of Bill Miller BBQ, the first 1,500 fans will receive this comfortable and stylish souvenir

Postgame – Kids will be allowed to run the bases after the game.

Saturday, May 13 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 7:05 p.m. Gates open at 6:00 p.m.

KahligAuto Group Postgame Fireworks – Fans can stay after the game to enjoy a terrific fireworks display!

Texas Lottery Lucky Row - One lucky row will receive free lottery tickets courtesy of theTexas Lottery (Ages 18+).

Circle K Food Drive – In a partnership between the Missions, Circle K and the SanAntonio Food Bank, fans will be able to donate “Summer Meals for Kids” items at Nelson Wolff Stadium. Per donation, fans can receive a pair of tickets to a future Missions game.

Sunday, May 14 vs. Corpus Christi Hooks – 1:05 p.m. Gates open at 12:00 p.m.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Bark in the Park – Courtesy of North Park Subaru, fans will be allowed to bring their four-legged friends to enjoy some Missions baseball!

Postgame – Kids, moms and dogs will be allowed to run the bases after the game.

The global and healing power of the San Antonio Spurs.

Whenever you get a phone call at 5am that’s never good. On April 25th 2023 it was from my wife, she saw a post on Facebook, my Uncle Jack had passed away and she wanted to tell me rather than having me see it on a post. She was right and I was floored, shocked, and worst of all knew I wouldn’t be able to be there for my family.

One of the hardest things about being an immigrant is these moments, someone is sick or passes away and you can’t be there. My Uncle Jack’s wake isn’t the first me I’ve missed one.

But this isn’t a sad story about my uncle, this is about something that we bonded over and the power of sports to heal, and the San Antonio Spurs.

My uncle is from Adelaide, South Australia. Like the Republic of Texas, South Australia was founded in 1836. That’s why the basketball team is the Adelaide 36ers and why it is a sister city of Ausn. That, along with the Spurs history of supporng Australians is why my uncle was a San Antonio Spurs fan.

Before there was Pay Mills there was Andrew Gaze who played for the Spurs in the 1999 season. That happened to be a peak moment for interest in basketball in Australia, the Olympic Games were coming and Luc Longley had just had a period of dominance for the Chicago Bulls.

When I got the opportunity to see all five of the Spurs Championship trophies my Uncle was the first person I showed. He was happy to see them and happy that I got the opportunity.

But there was more to it for my uncle. Like me he had mental health struggles. We both found solace in each other, sharing our struggles and our successes. We also found that solace in sports, and in talking about it together. Whether that be the Spurs or soccer or cricket or my uncle’s beloved horse racing, sports was a phenomenal outlet for both of us. The beauty of sports is being able to forget your troubles for however long the game lasts, we found that together

It's fing that the last me I saw my uncle was when I was back in Australia for my sister’s wedding and sports was involved. My home town Central Coast Mariners was playing Adelaide United the day before the wedding so we went to the game, we talked about our struggles, our successes and how happy we were for each other. And yes, we talked about the Spurs.

For somebody who never had dreams of lacing up the 4 oz gloves. Nor hear that cage door lock behind him 35 year old Jacob Silva will forever be remembered as aTx MMAstaple.

Started with Silverback Fight Club where his coach at the time "CoachTony" approached a 22-23 year old Jacob about fighting. With Silva declining due to him not seeing himself as a fighter.

Once a second opportunity arose a young Silva was in.This wouldn't be jus any debut.This debut had a bit more at stake.

This scrap would be a main event and with a championship at stake.

Fight night came and saw Silva drop a razor close split decision.That however was 2011. Fast forward to 2023 and LilAnimal has been in animal like fights.

The next 12 years flew by with the ninja now fighting out of Metro MMA. He Has made his opponents shed tons of blood while he himself spilled over pints of his.

This back n forth slugfest with flying knees and ultimately a submission win for Silva

In the 3rd.Tough fight as both OG's were really in need of a win. Each planning on turning things around at each others expense.

Take it back some to March 6th 2021.Acard stacked filled with many FuryFC big names. Names that deserve to be inducted into a HOF of there own.(To bad FFC doesn't have one. Which they should)

Especially with fights like Jacob Silva vs C.J Vergara Fury 44.The fight started with an intense face off and no glove touch.

LilAnimal exploded from the first second with a flying knee and a good left hook that sits C.J.Tide would keep turning back n forth making a good fight into a fotn before our eyes.Then like every great scrap it transforms into a real classic fight.

Since then Silva has gone 3-4 and has found himself investing in outside ventures for when that day indeed comes. However it won't be today as that championship just sits there vacant with no owner. The lilAnimal knows what he has to do.

Credit to Hosanna Rull for the awesome pictures I used for the article.