High School Sports Magazine-June 2005 Issue

Volume I Issue No.10

2005-06 Year In Pictures Special Edition

$2.00

HSSM-U.S. Dollars 2.00

Display from May 31-July31, 2006

WE DON’T DO TRAFFIC REPORTS.

When you’re flying an Apache Longbow on a combat mission or a Kiowa Warrior on a recon mission, you’re not in the air to check out the scenery. Soldiers in the Army’s Flight Training Program fly some of the most exciting, technologically advanced aircraft anywhere. And they get paid well to do so. To find out more, go to GOARMY.COM or call 1-800-USA-ARMY.

Where: McAllen Army Recruiting Office, 2901 North 10th Street When: Stop in anytime bewteen 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Who: Sgt. Sam Lopez or Call 956-682-6141 Page 2 HSSM May-July 2006

Thanks,

Touchdown

Dave

HSSM Publisher

www.hssmonline.com

Inside...

5. Year In Pictures...

HSSM/COSTEP Player of Year Jiovanna Martinez of PSJA Northleads the way with photos and Top HSSM Award.

Special Thanks to HSSM Staff members Julian Garcia, Marc Rios, David Morales, Ramon Ramirez, Jason O. Martinez, and Jeffrey Bishop of www.phototexas.com for his Porter HS Soccer photos.

Next issue: Football Preview 2006 August 1st...at most stores in South Texas

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in November, and January, with a total combine issue of 13 by HSSM Media Communications L.L.C., located at our Corporate Home OfďŹ ce, 5717 North 10th Ste B, McAllen, Texas 78504. David A. Amador, Publisher/CEO; Julian Garcia, Executive Vice President, CFO. U.S. subscriptions are available annually for 13 issues/$39.95 plus postage and handling of $2.95 per issue. 2006 Copyright HSSM Media Communications L.L.C.. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Mexico.

Customer Service and subscriptions available 24/7 service, please use our website at www.HSSMOnline.com.

You can also call 956.687-4776 or write to HSSM at 5717 North 10th Street Ste B, McAllen, Texas 78504.

Page 4 HSSM May-July 2006

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HSSM/COSTEP Academic Player of the Year. Jiovanna Martinez of PSJA North, Bronze and Silver medalist in the State 5A Discus throw was awarded a scholarship to attend Texas State University in San Marcos. (HSSM Photo)

by David A. Amador HSSM Sportswriter

(McAllen, Tx) – As this year comes to a close, the final annual edition of High School Sports Magazine “Year in Pictures” Special Issue features the best photos of the year HSSM caught on the field, the side lines, or at places marked with athletes who went beyond their athletic abilities, while others found themselves hurt with the tragedy of loss teammates.

High School Sports Magazine begins its final edition with the HSSM/COSTEP Academic Player of the Year award. The selection merits the athlete who performs on the field and in the classroom.

Jiovanna Martinez of PSJA North takes this award as she demonstrated what it takes to achieved goals.

The three-time Region IV champion and made her third appearance in the State 5A discus event while maintaining an overall 3.4 GPA in her four years at North. She won the Bronze and Silver Medals in the Class 5A Discus throw and was awarded a scholarship to Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas. She will compete now at the college (Continue on Page 8)

HSSM May-July 2006 Page 5

www.highschoolsportsmagazineonline.com State 5A 2005 Rushing Champion. Bradley Stephens of McAllen Memorial will lead his team one more time as the reigning rushing champ in 2006. He rushed for more than 2,630 yards in 2005 in 10 games as a junior. (HSSM Photo)

level and wants to become a nutritionist. HSSM salutes Jiovanna Martinez the HSSM/ COSTEP Academic Athlete of the Year.

Throughout the year, HSSM witnessed the PSJA Bears and head football coach Mel Rios, go undefeated in District 31-5A and made a regional quarterfinals appearance. “It was an exciting year, especially when nobody picked us to be in the playoffs,” said Rios. Another team that surprised many pollsters was the Weslaco Panthers and new head coach Tony Villarreal. “We had a heck of year and despite what this program had to overcome, we made the playoffs,” said Villarreal. Head coach Randy Cretors of Harlingen took his Cardinals to La Joya in a much anticipated rematch from their bi-district loss to the Coyotes in 2004. The Cards would prevail this time with a convincing win and advanced to the State 5A Division I Quarterfinals, losing to Converse Judson at Javelina Stadium in Kingsville. On the same night, HSSM traveled to Corpus Christi, along with more than 10,000 fans wanting to see the EdcouchElsa Yellowjackets meet New Braunfels Canyon in another State 4A Quarterfinals game.

New Braunfels Canyon would win 38-10, ending the Yellowjackets bid for a state title. Head coach Joe Solis also has captured the 32-4A title for the past three years, while Cretors finally brought home the outright 32-5A title to Harlingen in 2005. The Valley was well represented.

In basketball, “I don’t know what to expect from this team,” said PSJA North head basketball coach Jaime Gongora. That was in November, and in March,

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(Continue on Page 8)

www.highschoolsportsmagazineonline.com he was at courtside at the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center sporting a dark suit and coaching his Raiders in the State 5A regional semifinals against San Antonio Reagan along with the Harlingen Cardinals. The Cards made the trip after upsetting Laredo United 59-58 and for the first time in 40 years, Harlingen would be making their first Sweet 16 appearance along with the Raiders. “This was a dream come true for our program. Just amazing! With a team leader like J.C. Herebia, I’m sure going to miss him next year,” added Gongora.

A True Warrior. This is probably one og HSSM’s favorite photos of the year.

PSJA Bear offensive linemen Juan Villanueva led his Bears to the Regional Finals of the State 5A Division II Football playoffs in 2005. (HSSM Photo) Page 8 HSSM May-July 2006

Two teams also advanced to the State 5A regional semifinals in girl’s basketball from the Rio Grande Valley. The Harlingen South Lady Hawks and Edinburg H.S. were both dominate throughout the season as the Lady Bobcats went undefeated in District 31-5A, while the Lady Hawks had to get past the Harlingen Lady Cards to claim their District 32-5A title.

The Lady Bobcats met up with San Antonio Warren (47-50) while the Lady Hawks played Converse Judson (52-79). “If we would have played the last six minutes tough, that would have been the difference against Warren,” said head coach Rachel Carmona of Edinburg. What has made this year even interesting is that, up to this point, six teams from South Texas had already ranked themselves in the Top 16 amongst the some 400 schools listed in Class 4A and 5A football and basketball programs. Then in March, the inevitable happened: the Brownsville Porter boy’s soccer team captured the State 5A Soccer Championship title by defeating Coppell High School, who was ranked No.2 in the nation. This would give B.I.S.D. two state soccer title in the last three years. In 2004, it was Brownsville Lopez winning the Class 4A title. The Rio Grande (Continue on Page 24)

www.highschoolsportsmagazineonline.com Pushing His Way Through. J.C. Herebia, HSSM’s MVP led his PSJA North Raiders to the State 5A Region IV Basketball semifinals for the first in school history. “This was my goal throughout my career. I wanted to come to San Antonio. This was great,” said Herebia. (HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006

Class rings Graduation Invitations Caps & Gowns Diplomas

May-July 2006

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Bobcat Wizard. Myra Guzman, only 5’1” in height, led her Edinburg H.S. team to back-toback appearances in the State 5A Region IV Basketball semifinals. They would lose to San Antonio Warren 50-47 in 2006.

Warren advanced to the Class 5A semifinals losing to eventual state champion Plano West.

(HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006

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Ace of Aces! Pitcher Alicia Guevara of Brownsville Porter H.S. led her team to the 2006 State 5A Softball Regional IV semifinals losing to this year’s state-semifinalist Spring Branch Smithson Valley. (HSSM Photo) Page 14

HSSM May-July 2006

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Go Cougars! The Edinburg North Lady Cougars made the State 5A playoffs behind the pitching of Alyssa Cherry. This was softball at its best with two Valley teams advancing to the Region IV semiďŹ nals. (HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006

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McAllen Memorial’s Quest for Gold. The Lady Mustangs competed in the 200m Free Relay and 200m Medley Relay events at the UIL State 5A Swimming and Diving Championships held in Austin, Texas at the Lee & Joe Jamail University of Texas Swimming Center. Pictured are (not in order) are teammates Kendal Walker, Tiffany Hernandez, Dana De La Garza, Jessica Moore, and Laura Iglesias. Head coach Roxanne Balducci of McAllen Memorial also enjoyed their first Region IV team title. A first for this Mustang program. “This was a banner year. This was great, great, great,” said Balducci. (HSSM Photo)

HSSM May-July 2006 Page 17

www.highschoolsportsmagazineonline.com Sharyland Rattlers State- Ranked No.5!

The Rattlers won the 30-5A District title and advance to the State 5A Baseball Region IV QuarterďŹ nals. This was the only Rio Grande Valley team that made the Top 10 State THSBA polls. Peyton Oakley tosses a pitch to ďŹ rst base. (HSSM Photo)

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UFO? Sometimes baseballs just seem to show up. Luckily, this baseball was caught coming across as pitcher “Ole” Hinjosa of 30-5A La Joya was warming up during innings. The Coyotes advanced to the Class 5A Area Championships.

(HSSM Photo by David A. Amador)

HSSM May-July 2006 Page 19

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Laredo Nixon Wins! The Mustangs celebrate their win at the Weslaco “Tony Rico” Baseball Tournament.

(HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006

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Laredo United H.S. makes it to Region IV Baseball Class 5A Finals! The Longhorns head coach Arturo Contreras watches as his team loses to Region IV semiďŹ nalist Harlingen South at the La Joya Baseball tournament earlier this year. (HSSM Photo) HSSM May-July 2006 Page 21

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Stranger Things Do Happen! Weslaco Panther batter Arnold Cavazos finds himself in a balance act. How this ball managed to find itself in this position, that’s baseball. (HSSM Photo by by David A. Amador)

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Brownsville Porter Class 5A 2006 Soccer State Champs! The Porter Cowboys defeated the Coppell H.S. Cowboys 2-1 OT to win their first state title. The finals was played at the Round Rock ISD Stadium in Round Rock, Texas.

(Exclusive by HSSM/Jeffrey Bishop/www.phototexas.com)

HSSM May-July 2006 Page 23

www.highschoolsportsmagazineonline.com Mission Veterans Memorial Jason De Leon

Vision Quest...

Senior Jason De Leon of Mission Veterans Memorial placed 8th overall at the 2006 UIL State Wrestling Championships and won more than 12 medals in his

career as a wrestler in the 140 pound division. The 18-year-old won the Region IV Championships with a pin over San Antonio Lee’s Fidencio Rubalcava to improve his overall record to 22-2 which earned him the No.1 seed in the 140pound weight class in Class 5A. De Leon went four rounds deep into tournament. He says that this was his “Vision Quest.”

Valley would be no stranger in the State 4A-5A soccer playoffs as boy’s teams from McHi, Pace, Sharyland, and Brownsville Porter challenged San Antonio teams in the regional quarterfinals, for a spot in the State’s Final Four in Round Rock, Texas. First, the Pace Vikings knocked off McHi 3-1 and they would win in a shootout 1-0 over San Antonio Churchill in the regional semifinals, while Porter defeated Sharyland 32 in overtime. The Cowboys would upset San Antonio Warren 1-0 in the regional semifinals. The Region IV finals brought two teams from Brownsville to challenge for a chance of winning a possible state title. Porter would win 1-0 over Pace. In Class 4A, (Continue on Page 31)

UIL Track and Field Championships-Austin

They’ll Be Back! Weslaco Panther Boys Class 5A 4x400 Meter Relay team finished eighth overall at the UIL Track and Field Championships held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas. Pictured are Jorge Rojas, Michael Garza, Mishak Rivas, and Gerardo Espinoza. (Exclusive HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006 Page 25

UIL Track and Field Championships-Austin, Tx.

Great State 5A Effort. Weslaco Panther District 31-5A Pole Vault Champion Karlee Hickman fell short of winning the State 5A Pole Vault title with a height of 10’06” at the UIL Track and Field Championships held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin, Texas. (Exclusive HSSM Photo)

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UIL Track and Field Championships-Austin, Tx.

Fly! Mishak! Fly! Weslaco Panther sophomore Mishak Rivas finished fourth overall in the long jump event with a a mark of 23’5” in the State 5A Track and Field Championships held at the Mike Myers Stadium Field performing before more than 20,000 fans. “I’ll be back next year.

This was fun,” said Rivas. (Exclusive HSSM Photo)

UIL Track and Field Championships-Austin, Tx.

State 5A Bobcat Toss. Eric Rogers powered his way to the State 5A Track and Field Championships by winning the Region IV title. He would ďŹ nish sixth overall at the Mike Myers Stadium Field performing before more than 20,000 fans. (HSSM Photo)

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UIL Track and Field Championships-Austin, Tx.

A Bronze Medal throw. Mike Sanchez of Sharyland won his first Bronze medal in the Discus event with a throw of 177’0 in the State 5A Track and Field Championships held at the Mike Myers Stadium Field. (Exclusive HSSM Photo) HSSM May-July 2006 Page 29

UIL Track and Field Championships

Whatever it Takes. Rio Grande City long jumper Andrea Guerra finished eighth overall with a jump of 16’11” in the Class 5A long jump competition at the State 5A Track and Field Championships held at Mike Myers Stadium in Austin, Tx. (Exclusive HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006

Mission Veterans lost to Boerne 5-0 in the Regional semifinals. In girl’s soccer, the Rio Grande Valley proved that they would be just as tough as McHi and Harlingen South, the top two teams from South Texas both advanced to the regional semifinals with the Lady Bulldogs losing to San Antonio MacArthur 5-0 and the Lady Hawks would eventually fall to San Antonio Reagan 3-0. The Rio Grande Valley, again, would take a legion of runners, jumpers, and long distant runners to the UIL State Track and Field Meet held at the Mike Myers Stadium, next to the University of Texas Longhorns football field in Austin, Texas. In the same category, Mike Sanchez from Sharyland would win the Bronze as he watched his throw of 177’0” sail through the wind before some 20,000 fans, including his father Fred Sanchez, who was watching from the stands too.

Sanchez is the head football coach at Sharyland. Aaron Pena of Mission Veterans Memorial ended his bid for a state title with a throw of 161’05”, good for sixth place. In the Class 5A Shot Put event, Eric Rogers of Edinburg finished six overall with a heap of 51’04” while Mission Veteran’s Alex Vera finished 8th with a toss of 48’08” in Class 4A. Weslaco would be well represented at the state meet with three teams competing in various events. Mishak Rivas, only a sophomore, finished fourth overall in the long jump with a mark of 23’05” while Karlee Hickman crossed the bars at 10’6, good for a seventh place finish for the District 31-5A Pole Vault Champion. The Panthers also feature the 4x400 Meter Relay team, who would finish eighth in the meet’s finale. Members were Mishak Rivas, Michael Garza, Gerardo Espinoza, and Jorge Rojas.

Other Valleyites making the trip were Andrea Guerra (Rio Grande City) 8th in the long jump; Melinda Sarmiento (Progreso) silver in 3A high jump; Mayda Hernandez (Lopez HS) 8th triple jump; Noe Hernandez (Mission) 8th 800 meter run; Ernesto Perales (Valley View HS) bronze in 3A 800 meter run; Oscar Garza (La Joya) 5A 800 meter run 7th; Bianca Alvarez (mission HS) 4A 3200 Meter run; and Ricia Terry (McAllen Memorial) 6th place in the 3200 5A run.

On the same day, Sharyland’s golf team would take fifth place honors at Class 5A Golf Championships held at the Roy Kizer Golf Course in Austin after firing a second day best team total of 286. “We played great and we will be back next year,” said Luis Lemus, standout Rattler golfer. As for senior Dustin Garza’s bid for another top three finish he matched as a sophomore, ended with an overall 14th place finish 74-71.Brownsville Porter and San Benito also made the trip to San Antonio to the Class 5A Regional semifinals, along with Harlingen South. The Hawks lost to Corpus Christi Moody in a onegame playoff while the Lady Greyhounds lost to San Antonio Taft in two games and the Cowgirls bowed to Spring Branch in one game 9-1. All three teams made the trip to the Regional IV semifinals.

High School Sports Magazine ends its season with a salute to every athlete who participated in U.I.L. (University Interscholastic League) sports and get ready for Football Preview 2006 Edition coming to stores Valley wide on August 1, 2006.

Website: hssmonline.com

Advertising Deadlines: July 20, 2006 For Advertising Rates: 956-687-HSSM

2nd Annual

2006 Football Preview Best High School Sports Coverage in South Texas!

The Predictions District by District Football Photoday Pullout Section

Tackling News Stands on August 1, 2006 32-1A 32-2A 29-5A

PreviewingDistricts: 32-3A 31-3A 32-3A 32-4A 30-5A 31-5A 32-5A

2005 Stats Playoff Football Brackets Coaches Interviews Game Schedules HSSM May-July 2006 Page 31

A True Champion. Edinburg H.S. head coach Danny Nelson retired after this season as the longtime head golf coach after winning both 31-5A Boys and Girls District titles. “I always wanted to go out as a champion,” said Nelson. (HSSM Photo)

www.hssmOnline.com Publisher

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Bernie Saenz Email: hssmonline@yahoo.com HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in November, and January, with a total combine issue of 13 by HSSM Media Communications L.L.C., located at our Corporate Home Office, 5717 North 10th Street Ste B, McAllen, Texas 78504. David A. Amador, Publisher/CEO; Julian Garcia, Executive Vice President, CFO. U.S. subscriptions are available annually for 13 issues/$39.95 plus postage and handling of $2.95 per issue.

2005 Copyright HSSM Media Communications L.L.C.. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.

Printed by HSSM Publishing Company in Mexico.

Customer Service and subscriptions available 24/7 service, please use our website at www.HSSMOnline. com.

You can also call 956.687.4776 or write to our Corporate Offices:

www.hssmonline.com

High School Sports Magazine 5717 North 10th Street Ste B McAllen, Texas 78504.

Fax: 956.687-2134

The State Title That Slipped Away.

Sharyland golf sensation Dustin Garza fell short of winning the State 5A Golf title in his second trip to Roy Kizer Golf Course in Austin. He ended his career with a Class 4A Bronze medal as a sophomore. (Exclusive HSSM Photo)

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HSSM May-July 2006 Page 33

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