May 2024 Athletics Newsletter - Year in Review

Our Athletic Department’s philosophy is that our student athlete’s pursuits on the field should be equally measured with those off of it. To that end, a Bloodhound athlete should pursue personal growth through academic work, team experiences, and as an ambassador of our school. The department strives to maintain an outstanding athletics program, conducted in a manner of our Marist faith.

Thank you for being a member of the 101 Club. I hope you remain engaged in our Bloodhound sports and continue to support SJA as we shoot for the stars through life’s difficulties. On behalf of the many athletes we thank you for your unwavering support and spirit Go Bloodhounds!

PLATINUM MEMBERS 101CLUBMEMBERS

Sholom Gorovitz

Tom Cepeda

John Cowen

Terri Cristiano

Luigi Cristiano

John Edge

SILVER MEMBERS

Emilio Hernandez

Kyra Hudson

Mauricio Ibarra

Ernesto Knosel

Joe Lopez

LuisPablo Rhi

Javier Rivera

Michael Rodriguez

Karina Saldivar

RobertShaun Saunders

Gonzalo Garza

Alvaro Garza

Manuel Martinez

Ramiro Munguia

Jim Starkey

Nick Tipton

Estibaliz Gonzalez

Jorge Green

Marco Guajardo

Michael Gutierrez

John Ortiz

Beth Pace

Jorge Puig

Jaime Torres

Eddie TrevinoJr

Kay YoungEzell

Alfonso Zolezzi

Jaime Garza Cristy Ortiz Victor Reis

Claudia Pirtle

Ethan Salazar

Katy Abete

BRONZE MEMBERS

Perla Garza

Nora Anderson

Maria Arellano

Marsha Atkinson

Felipe Barrera

Humberto Garza

ErnestoG Garza

Nicolas Garza

Meme Garza

Paul Marian

Rex Martin

Jorge Martinez

Daniel Matar

Dulce Meyer

SandraM Betancourt

JuanJose Camorlinga

Hugo Cano

Joanna Cappella

Andy Cedillo

Miguel Contreras

Pedro Coronado

Armando Covarrubias

Robert Daniels

Eliseo Davila

Maria DeCoss

Luis DeLaGarza

Adrian DelPozo

Isaac Escamilla

Hector Escobar

Jennifer Esparza

Alejandro Farias

Ricardo Filizola

Humberto Flores

Gerald Gabbert

Venissa Gallardo

Alfredo Garza

JorgeR. Garza

VictorH Gonzalez

Jeff Gowen

Betty Gross

Edith Guerra

Adrian Guerra

Mark Guerra

Hector Guerra

Alejandro Guerrero

Peter Harris

John Herrera

John Herrera

Michael Hoskins

Ronnie Humphreys

Wale Ibarra

Kristi Jones

Donnie Jones

Ruben Leal

Eddie Leandro

Chad Lentscher

Carole Montemayor

Rafael Munguia

Terry Murphy

Martin Olguin

Dolores Olguin-Trevino

Antonio Ortiz

Karla Paez

Daniel Perez

Iran Perez

Sergio Puig

Claudio Reyes

Hortencia Rios

Amy Rodriguez

Cesar Rodriguez

Lalo Rodriguez

Marisela Rodriguez

Gloria Schlatter

Enrique Serna

Houston Simmons

Phillip Steffy

Jose Trevino

Javier Gallegos

Vanessa Garcia

Mike Garcia

Homero Garcia

JuanCarlos Garcia

Joseph LoGiudice

Samuel Lucio

Samuel Lucio

Carlos Luna

Gabriela Luna

Arturo Trevino

Bertha Ukoli

Ingrid Vicent

Raul Villanueva

Teno Villarreal

Patricia Zamora

SJATEXASSTATECHAMPIONS

TRACK AND FIELD 23 State Champions24

LOYACOMPLETESTHREE

PEAT

WACO - The Bloodhounds capped off a memorable year at the state meet with not one, but two state champions. Sophmore Nicole Richer won her first state title in the pole vault while senior Alondra Loya completed her quest for a third straight title in the discus. Heading into the meet, Loya had one goal in mind, and that was to win a third straight title. Along the way, Loya was crowed champion at the highly competitive Meet of Champs, won the district and broke her throwing record three different times and also set a Brownsville record in the process. Loya dazzled at every meet she went to and set

the tone for her eventual state title. “It means everything and I’am greatful to everyone who supported me through the years. I couldn’t have done it alone, I’m just full of emotions right now.” Said Loya. In her final throw, Loya felt the wave of emotions knowing this would be her last throw as a Bloodhound. “It was hard, I realized this was my last career throw and I did my best.” Right behind Loya is Sophmore Olivia Wood, who placed second right behind Loya. Wood will now carry the torch and look to create her own legacy. “She meant a lot to me,” Wood said of Loya. “They are big shoes to fill but I’m ready to put in the work.”

SJATEXASSTATECHAMPIONS

TRACK AND FIELD 23 State Champions24

RICHERSECURESFIRST STATETITLE

WACO - Sophmore Nicole Richer can be spotted on the track year around. Richer’s constant work ethic has placed her in a prime spot as a sophmore. Last year as a freshman, Richer fell just short at the state meet. This year the youngster responded with a dazzling resume. Richer won the Meet of Champions, brought home a district title and placed second at the regional meet. While her second place finish at regional was just a rock in the road, Richer responded with a state title. The last girls pole vault champion was when Megan Lopez won in 2014.“I’m over the moon,” Richer said.

“I am so happy I was able to win state. The weather was tough and I wasn’t sure if I had a chance but I had a great warm up and Coach Teddy got me ready to compete.” Richer used last years results as motivation for this years state run, along with her experience, which also paid off.

“We had some tough competition, there was a Division I athlete but we pulled through and got it done. We fell short of the school record by two inches, so that is the goal going forward. Richer also competed on the relay team and high jump were she qualified for the reginoal meet in both events.

WACO- The Bloodhounds sent eight athletes to the state meet. Claudio Torres, Gavin Cisneros,LeoHernandezandJoseTijerinarepresentedthe4x100relayteam,Tijerinaran the100MeterDash,AndreaFletescompetedintheHighJump,NicoleRichercompetedin thePoleVaultandOlivaWoodandAlondraLoyacompetedintheDiscus.

SJATEXASSTATECHAMPIONS

TENNIS 23 State Champion24

GAMEZCEMENTSSJA LEGACY

WACO -Inevitable. That is the one word we could use to describe Fran Gamez. The senior secured his third straight boys singles state title in Waco earlier this month. “It means a lot, I’m very excited and happy. I really don’t know what else to say I am just glad.” Gamez rolled through the RGV and secured his third striaght district bid in San Antonio. In Waco Gamez sailed through Day 1 with a win over Bishop Dunne’s Kaden Polackek (60,6-0) and later defeated Emery-Weiner’s Alex Aronson (6-1,6-1). “I am happy with both wins. The first match was not too complicated. My opponent in the second

match was more challenging. He had better shots, serves and better technique. It means a lot to be able to make is back to the semis.” Day 2 was a challenge for Gamez. In the semis he rallied past Hyde Park’s Anthony Tegan (2-6,6-1,10-1), and in the championship match Gamez earned every point against Austin Regents Tucker Rannala (6-2,6-4). “I have a lot of emotions right now, it was a tough match. I was down early but I found my rhythm. I’m going to miss everything at St. Joe. the coaches, the matches my team and the environment. I’m thankful for everyone at and I’m ready to see what is next for me.”

TENNIS

WACO-TheBloodhoundssentmixeddoublestothestatemeet.JuniorMaxSalazarand FreshmanNicoleDeLaGarzaeachcompetedattheirfirststatemeet.Theduobowedout toHillCountry8-5.DeLaGarzaandSalazarbothmadetheirstatetournamentdebutin 2024 “Ireallyenjoyedtheexperience,”DeLaGarzasaid “Ilovedtheenergythateveryone hasbroughttothemeet.”Salazaralsotookinthestateexperience.“Ithinkitwasagreat experienceanditissomethingwecanbuildongoingforward.”Salazarsaid.

COLLEGE SIGNINGS

CORTINAS,LOYASIGNLOI ATTHECOLLEGELEVEL

BROWNSVILLE-Senior Deliany

Cortinas signed her letter of intent to play volleyball at Ranger Junior College in Ranger, Texas. Cortinas received a full scholarship and is the first SJA athlete to sign a LOI this scchool year. “I was very happy to see all of my teammates and friends here to support me,” Cortinas said. “I am greatful and I am hoping for the best.” Cortinas shined at the East vs West All-Star game and caught the the attention of Ranger Junior College. “When I got the chance I did what I was supposed to do and I played with a lot of confidence.” Cortinas said. Cortinas recived a full scholar-ship to play volleyball at Ranger College. Alonda Loya followed up with her signing day at The University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. Loya recieved a full scholarship and will continue her discus career for the Cardinals. “I am very greatful,” Loya said. “I am happy to have my family here to support me. It means a lot to me. The fact that I signed is a big deal and the next step in my career. The recruting process was tough but being able to see how much UIW was intrested in seeimg me practice meant a lot.

BASEBALL

SJAWRAPSUP2024 SEASON

BROWNSVILLE- The Bloodhounds season came to and abrupt halt in Beeville.

SJA fell to St. Mary’s Hall 13-3 in five innings in a play in game, ending their season. SJA wound up with a 13-10 record overall and 5-8 in district play. The Bloodhounds will bid fairwell to four seniors, Jorge Albores, Mauricio Gonzalez, Juan Garza and Emilio Cano. “It meant a lot to play for SJA,” Garza said. “We started from the bottom and from our freshman year to last year making the playoffs and up until now. We did miss the playoffs but I am content with our results.” Returning next year will be Gael Ponce who will look to lead the pitching staff. Behind him will be Axel Gonzalez, Emmanuel Mendez who played a solid first base will return for his senior year along with Lalo Braunschweiger who showed versatility in the out field and infield.

BASEBALL

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

GOLF

SJASEASONENDSAT REGIONALMEET

LEAUGE CITY- The Bloodhounds season ended at the Reginoal Meet in League City. SJA sent a total of six golfers. Caleb Zimmer, Ian Meyer, Lucas Cristiano, Wale Ibarra, Juan Kattas and Silvia Martinez. Cristiano shot a 86 and finished 31st, Meyer shot a 83 and placed 28th, Zimmer shot a 94 and finished 42nd, Ibarra shot a 97 and wound up 39th, Martinez also shot a 97 and placed 17th and Kattas shot a 91 and placed 39th. “I’m proud of myself,” said Kattas. “I wanted to finish all 18 holes and I was able to do just that. I was not able to finish tennis so I knew that I wanted to finish my golf season on a positive note.” SJA will lose three seniors in Cristiano, Kattas and JP Viddauri. Heading into next year, the Bloodhounds will look to build on their experience. Martinez led the team with a 17th place finish and will have high expectations heading into her senior year. “I feel we have a lot to build on going forward,” said head coach Alex Cortez. “We gained a lot of experience and it will pay off in the long run. I want to thank my seniors for givning me a complete effort all year.”

SJATEXASSTATECHAMPIONS

23 State Champions24 SOCCER

SOCCERWINS1STEVERSTATE CHAMPIONSHIP

ROUND ROCK - The Saint Joseph Academy Bloodhound Soccer team earned back to back trips to the TAPPS state tournament held in Round Rock Multipurpose Complex on March 7-8 2024. After winning their 4th straight District Championship and three straight comefrom-behind victories in the playoffs; coach Edgar Tovar’s team found themselves back in the State championship game. Last season the team fell short 2-0 to Dallas Legacy Christian but this year would was a different story.

The Bloodhounds captured the schools 1st ever State

Championship after a 65th minute goal from senior captain Diego Saldana. The goal was enough to propel the Bloodhounds to a 1-0 win over Austin St. Michael’s.

Upon arrival to Brownsville city limits the boys were escorted by Brownsville PD and Constables all the way to campus where they were received by fans, family and mariachi’s.

The City of Brownsville recognized the team for becoming the 5th team in City history to be State Champions.

County Judge Eddie Trevino Jr. will also honor the Bloodhounds with a county proclamation next month.

SOCCER

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

SOCCER

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

BROWNSVILLE- The post season awards came in bunches for the state champs. SJA broughthomefourAllStatemembers,sevenAllDistrict,fourAllTournamentandrecieved three acolades from RGV Sports. The soccer team was also nominated for Sub 5A boys teamoftheyearandseniorDiegoSaldanawasalsonominatedforboyssoccerplayerofthe year. c

GIRLS BASKETBALL

LADYHOUNDS’WRAPUP STELLARSEASON

VICTORIA- The Lady Bloodhounds season ended in the TAPPS 5A Region Final against Second Baptist. SJA finished the season (25-10,11-3). The Lady Bloodhounds were ranked 5th in the state via TCBA.

This year the team was led by senior Regina Tovar and freshman Seanah Mireles. SJA will lose Tovar and Eva Frady to graduation. Along with Mireles, Olivia Wood, Mia Villarreal will return as starters. Sarah Pirtle, Clara Frady, Regina and Mariana Martinez will return next season.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

GIRLS BASKETBALL

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

BOYS BASKETBALL

BLOODHOUNDSSEASON ENDSINAREAROUND

HOUSTON-The Bloodhounds overcame a slow start, but managed to finished 3-1 in the final four games. 10th year coach

Sammy Lucio led the Bloodhounds to a playoff berth for a ninth time under his watch.

SJA fell to Second Baptist in the first round of the postseason and finished the season (14-15,6-6) The Bloodhounds will lose just one senior in Lucas Cristiano and will return a bulk of the team next season.

BOYS BASKETBALL

POSTSEASONACCOLADES

SWIMMINGWRAPSUPAT STATEMEET

SAN ANTONIO- The Bloodhounds were led by first year coach Rodrigo Elizondo. In his first year, the boys relay team qualified for the state meet in San Antonio. Sebastian Green, Jorge Gonzalez, Raul Gonzalez and

Allen Hobbs made up of the Boys 200 Yard Free Relay. The team finished 10th at state with a 1:51.29 time. “The swim team’s performance this year was a great start to this new path of something special and we showed progress,” Elizondo said.

POWERLIFTING S

POWERLIFTING WRAPSUP2024

BROWNSVILLE- SJA wrapped up their season at the Port Isabel meet. The Bloodhounds did not qualify for the regional meet. At the PI meet, Hunter Rendon placed third and Jesus Osio placed third. Earlier this month, at the Brownsville Veterans meet, Diego De La Cruz placed first, Osio finished third

and Juan Coello placed fifth. At the Riverview meet, Osio placed second, Coello placed fourth, Alex Morton placed sixth, Jonah Gomez finished in fourth, Patricio Garza finished in fourth and Humberto Flores placed third. “This year powerlifting has returned to SJA and it was an eventful season,” Torres said. “We have a young team and we learned so much together.”

ATHLETIC BANQUET

ATHLETIC BANQUET

ATHLETIC BANQUET

ATHLETIC BANQUET

SJA ATHLETIC AWARDS

Boys Basketball Player of the Year

Lucas Cristiano

Offensive Player of the Year

Claudio Torres

Defensive Player of the Year

Tadeo Garza

Volleyball Athlete of the Year

Boys Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Jorge Albores

Eva Frady

Athletic Booster

Scholorship

Emilio Cano and Andrea Fletes

Girls Cross Country Athlete of the Year

Sarah Pirtle

ATHLETIC BANQUET

SJA ATHLETIC AWARDS

Powerlifting Athlete of the Year

Patricio Garza

Girls Basketball

Athlete of the Year

Regina Tovar

Boys Golf Athlete of the Year

Ian Meyer

Boys Baseball Player of the Year

Juan Garza

Girls Golf Athlete of the year

Silvia

Martinez-Ibarra

Girls Swimming Athlete of the Year

Lorena Silguero

Boys Swimming Athlete of the Year

Sebi Green Soccer Athlete of the Year

Diego Saldana

ATHLETIC BANQUET

SJA ATHLETIC AWARDS

Girls Tennis

Athlete of the Year

Boys Tennis

Athlete of the Year

Nicole De La Garza Fran Gamez

Sweethearts Athlete of the Year

Susana Filizola

Girls Track Athlete of the year

Alondra Loya

Ted Grey Award

Female

Vivian Wood

Cheerleading

Athlete of the Year

Alexia Villarreal

Boys Track Athlete of the year

Jose Tijerina

Ted Grey Award

Male

Robert Guerra

ATHLETIC BANQUET

SJA ATHLETIC AWARDS

“Chiquito” Heart and Soul

Anuar Jobi Memorial Scholarship

Julio Cesar Silguero Evan Avila

Gus Zavaletta Award

Alex Villanueva

Thank you to OFFICIALSPONSOR oftheSJA BLOODHOUNDS

FOOTBALL

SPRINGBALL

KICKOFFSATSJA

BROWNSVILLE-The

Bloodhounds are back on the field for Spring Ball. SJA kicked off spring ball April 29 and will run through May 16th. The Bloodhounds will return multiple weapons in the fall, including QB Gavin Cisneros who will be a junior next fall. Dynamic playmaker Claudio Torres will also return for his senior year. The offensive line will be anchored by senior Diego De La Cruz. On defense they will be led by seniors Alex Garcia and Emile Gonzalez. SJA will kickoff the preseason at home August 16 at home against La Grulla. The regular season will kickoff August 30 at home against Raymondville.

“Anytime you get football going, it is a great time at SJA,” said head coach Tino Villarreall. “We have a great group of guys and have new people at positions and new guys to come in and help. It is a new era for SJA football.”

FOOTBALL

COACHING STAFF

COACHING STAFF

BOOSTER CLUB

The Purpose of the SJA Athletic Booster Club is to promote athletics at Saint Joseph Academy in an atmoshere that is consistent with the mission, academic and athletic philosophy of Saint Joseph Academy. The Athletic Boosters support this purpose primarily through fundraising.

Jaime and Renata Garza

Stephany Luna

Ingrid Vicent

Luigi and Terri Cristiano

Maryana Martinez

Vero Garza

Karina Saldivar

Genaro Martinez

JaimeandRenataGarza BoosterClubPresidesnts

In

180K

TasteoftheTownbreaksrecord again!Raisingover$150,000!!!A totalof$180Kthisyearalone.

30K

3rdAnnualSpringConcerthelped raiseover$30,000in2023

50K

SJABoosterClubhasallocated $50,000forlockerroomand trainingroomrenovationsinboth BoysandGirlsfacilities