(Courtesy photo/SBCISD)
By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS
San Benito High School was the scene of various collegiate signings just as the year ended for dozens of seniors, who also recently graduated.
Many signed their letters of intent in front of dozens of people, including classmates and loved ones, inside SBHS’s gymnasium in May.
Among the eventual graduates who signed were Lesly Camacho (Central Connecticut State University for volleyball), Leandra Machuca (Texas A&M for powerlifting), and Jozana Montes (Midland College for softball). Other graduates who signed were Zaylen Graham (Lamar University for football), Angel Trevino (Texas A&M for powerlifting), and Ryan Lugo (University of Texas for powerlifting).
San Benito CISD Athletic Director Dan Gomez introduced each student upon their signing of the letters of intent and shared thoughts about each one. Gomez said the SBHS seniors were deserving of these opportunities because of their hard work, not only as athletes, but also as students.
Gomez said he hopes their time as San Benito CISD students provided a foundation to enhance their lives and prepare them for the challenges that lie ahead in their futures, which he emphasized look incredibly bright.
All the signees thanked their families and relatives when they spoke.
Some signings were lighthearted and others were thought-provoking and emotional.
Graham, who played offensive lineman for the Greyhounds’ football team, was often the most prominent figure on the football field, both on offense and defense. His gridiron battles against Harlingen, which in his senior year helped the ’Hounds defeat the ’Cards in the Battle of the Arroyo, ironically enabled him to sign with another Cardinals team.
“We won’t use it against you that you’re signing for Lamar,” Gomez said as Graham laughed. The teenager will be wearing red uniforms and playing for the Lamar Cardinals, based in Beaumont.
Lady ‘Hounds’ Head Volleyball Coach Ruby Medina expressed her heartfelt words during Camacho’s signing.
“She made our team stronger and her impact will be felt long after she is gone and will be missed; go show the world what we here already know…that you are exceptional,” Medina said as she attempted to hold back tears.
Camacho helped San Benito earn its first district title outright in her junior year, which was Medina’s 28th season as head coach.
Montes said she would like the opportunity to utilize the next two years at Midland to improve her softball skills further. Her senior year, Montes was known for her leadership on a team full of underclassmen, but the rest of District 32- 6A knew her as a home run queen.
Equally worthy of lofty statuses were the SBHS powerlifting teams. The girls, led by Machuca, placed fourth this spring at the THSWPA State Meet and had five lifters qualify for the state championships. The boys’ team also had strong performances at the THSPA State Championship, with Lugo and Trevino turning in impressive results.
Recent Comments