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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

It’s “March Madness” time, and both Angelina College basketball teams are about to jump straight into the craziness.

The Region XIV Conference Tournament tips off this week at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler, and both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will be there fighting for potential berths in the upcoming NJCAA Division I National Tournament taking place later this month.

Links and other tournament information are included in this press release.

AC baseball and softball had busy weeks, the Roadrunner men’s soccer team is hosting a tryout session this month and there’ll be a special baseball tribute for a special young man coming up in two weeks.

Here’s a recap of this past week, along with upcoming events.

Lady Roadrunners Make History

The Lady Roadrunner basketball team has never missed a Region XIV Conference Tournament under head coach Byron Coleman. The 2019 squad even managed to win the tournament and qualify for the national tourney for the first time in program history.

But a Lady ‘Runner team had never finished as regular-season champs – until now.

AC’s ladies finished the 2023-2024 regular season with a record of 21-9, 13-3, earning the first-seed tiebreaker over Trinity Valley Community College, which also finished with a 13-3 record in conference play.

As such, the Lady ‘Runners will enter this week’s conference tournament as the No. 1 seed for the very first time. AC will face No. 8 seed Coastal Bend Community College at 1 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Lady Roadrunners swept the regular-season series with CBCC, taking wins of 92-68 and 85-63.

Roadrunners Cap Montgomery’s First 20-Win Season

The Roadrunner men also earned a milestone this season in providing head coach J.J. Montgomery – now in his third year at the helm – his very first winning season. AC’s 64-57 win at Victoria College on Wednesday closed out the ‘Runners’ regular season on a high note.

AC (20-10, 11-8) now enters the upcoming Region XIV Tournament as the No. 6 seed and will face 11th-seeded Coastal Bend Community College (15-15, 6-13) in the men’s opening round on Tuesday. Game time is set for 8 p.m.

AC and CBCC split their regular-season series, with the Cougars winning 81-68 in Beeville on Feb. 7 and the Roadrunners taking an 84-60 win at home on March 2.

Kenembeni Earns Player of the Week Honors

For the second time in as many weeks, a Lady Roadrunner basketball player took home Region XIV Player of the Week honors.

Last week it was AC’s Amyria Walker earning her second such honor of the season. This week, teammate Marie Kenembeni picked up the honor after averaging 15 points and 12 rebounds per game over a two-game stretch.

Walker finished the regular season as Region XIV’s leading scorer after averaging 20.2 points per game. Kenembeni finished sixth among conference scoring leaders with a 15.9 points-per-game average; she also finished sixth in rebounding at an 8.7 rebounds-per-game clip.

Roadrunner Baseball

The Roadrunner baseball team suffered a 15-5 loss to the 8th-ranked Tyler Junior College Apaches in Wednesday’s opener, but then AC bounced back with an 11-3 win over the Apaches in the nightcap. Hayden Hupe rocked a grand slam to finish with four RBI, and Jacob Tanguma homered and drove in two more runs. Michael Herndon added a pair of RBI in the win.

The ‘Runners hosted Paris College on Saturday, with the Dragons sweeping the doubleheader by scores of 8-7 (in 11 innings) and 9-3.

AC (10-15, 4-4) will host Joliet College in a single, nine-inning game starting at 2 p.m. at Poland Field. The ‘Runners then embark on a four-game road trip to Northeast Texas CC (Wednesday) and Bossier Parish CC (Saturday).

Lady Roadrunner Softball

An injury- and illness-plagued Lady Roadrunner softball team spent a tough week on the road, dropping a pair of games (10-0, 7-6) at LSU-Eunice on Wednesday – losing the second game on a Lady Bengal walk-off – and dropping three games at this past weekend’s Regional Crossover Tournament in Mesquite. AC fell 7-0 to Bossier Parish CC and 14-3 to Trinity Valley CC on Friday; then dropped a 10-9 decision to Kilgore College on Saturday.

The Lady ‘Runners (10-22) get a much-needed week off before hosting Alvin College this Saturday in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:

Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament Information

This year’s Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament will take place from March 12-16 at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler. The tourney opens on Tuesday, March 12 with the men’s first round starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 features the women’s opening round, also starting at 1 p.m.; Thursday is the men’s quarterfinals round; Friday is the men’s and women’s semifinal round; and Saturday marks the championship games for both women (4 p.m.) and men (7 p.m.). Tournament winner earns an automatic bid to its sport’s respective national tournament (Casper, WY for the women and Hutchinson, KS for the men), and tourney runners-up are virtually guaranteed an at-large bid.

Live streaming for each game will take place on TJC’s YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/@TJCApacheAthletics).

Here’s the Region XIV Tournament link containing all pertinent tourney info: https://njcaaregion14.com/sports/NJCAA_Region_XIV_Basketball_Tournament_2024

Tyler Rayburn Baseball Tribute: Tyler Rayburn was a key (and very popular) part of the Angelina College baseball team for a couple of years. Sadly, we lost Tyler when he passed away in 2023, but the Roadrunner baseball program plans to honor his memory with a tribute tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Poland Field. The Roadrunners host TCS Post Grad in a doubleheader that day, so the ceremony (including a ceremonial first pitch) will take place before the first game, currently scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion: Yes, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Angelina College’s only national title: The Lady Roadrunner Softball team’s 2014 national championship. Current plans include hosting a reunion ceremony tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20, when the Lady Roadrunner softball team will host Blinn College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. We’ll issue more information once we’ve solidified all the plans.

Roadrunner Men’s Soccer Hosting ID Camp March 23

The Roadrunner men’s soccer team has made back-to-back appearances in the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, and the program is doing everything possible to create a “three-peat.”

The program will host an ID camp for prospective players on Saturday, March 23 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. on the AC soccer field at the Larry Phillips Sports Complex on the AC Campus.

I’m attaching the graphic with information; the graphic also contains a QR code for quick access to info.

Here’s the link providing registration and other information:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mens-soccer-id-camp-march-23-2024-9-am-12-pm-registration-824047186317?aff=oddtdtcreator

This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):

Roadrunner Baseball:

Monday, March 11: AC vs. Joliet Junior College, single 9-inning game starting at 2 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.

Wednesday, March 13: AC at Northeast Texas CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Mount Pleasant.

Saturday, March 16: AC at Bossier Parish CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Bossier City, LA.

Roadrunner Basketball:

Tuesday, March 12: AC vs. Coastal Bend CC, 8 p.m. at Tyler Junior College (Region XIV Tournament men’s opening round)

Lady Roadrunner Basketball:

Wed., March 13: AC vs. Coastal Bend CC, 1 p.m. at Tyler Junior College (Region XIV Tournament women’s opening round)

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

Sat., March 16: AC vs. Alvin CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.  

For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard

Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.

Phone: (936) 465-4614

Texans Should Stay Prepared as Extreme Wildfire Danger Increases

Diana De Leon Bon
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Texans Should Stay Prepared as Extreme Wildfire Danger Increases

COLLEGE STATION, Texas — Extremely critical fire weather conditions are expected to be widespread in the Texas Panhandle tomorrow near Amarillo, Borger, Canadian, Childress, Lubbock, Pampa and Perryton.

High winds, above normal temperatures and low humidity will align with dry grass vegetation across the area and may result in large wildfires that are difficult to control.

A Southern Plains Wildfire Outbreak may develop under these conditions. Any wildfire that ignites in dry grass could have forward rates of spread up to 3-5 miles per hour. Forward progress of wildfires may not be stopped until the fire burns into a large barrier, such as an agricultural field or heavily grazed area.

Evacuations may be necessary under these conditions.

Texas A&M Forest Service urges Texans to have an evacuation plan that can be used during a wildfire or other disaster.

“With recent wildfire activity and wildfire potential, Texans should prepare to evacuate at any moment,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief.
When planning for an evacuation consider the needs of every person and animal in your home. Be sure to update your plan regularly to include seasonal changes, the needs of children as they grow and any updates to insurance or medications.

“Don’t wait for an emergency to occur to start planning for it,” said Moorehead. “Be informed about the risk in your area, monitor conditions, stay vigilant for mobile text alerts and ensure that you are prepared.”

Some tips to help you get started in your evacuation planning include:

  • Assemble a Go Kit that meets the needs of all family members and start with the five P’s:
    • People and Pets – plan for the whole family, including pets and livestock
    • Prescriptions – bring extra medication, eyeglasses, hearing aids and medical equipment including necessary batteries and power cords
    • Papers – include copies of insurance information, phone numbers and other important documents
    • Personal needs – pack personal items including clothes, food, water, toiletries, first aid kit, cash, computers/tablets, phones, chargers and sanitation supplies
    • Priceless items – include items of sentimental value, such as pictures, heirlooms and irreplaceable memorabilia.
  • Identify at least two evacuation routes, in case one is impacted, and save them in a navigation system or phone.
  • Practice your evacuation plan. Locate and load your Go Kit into your vehicle and drive your evacuation routes. Include all individuals at your home in this drill and ensure they are confident with the plan.
  • Work with your local emergency responders. Learn what to expect, how you will be notified during an emergency and determine if you need to register for a notification service.

For more about wildfire potential, visit: https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/CurrentSituation/.

Pollen Season Paints Texas Forest Country a Bright Yellow

Lee Allen Miller
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Pollen Season Paints Texas Forest Country a Bright Yellow

As winter fades and spring takes hold, residents of Texas Forest Country are once again greeted by a familiar sight: the vibrant yellow dusting of pine pollen coating every surface in sight. This annual event marks the beginning of pollen season, a time when the region’s abundant pine trees release their pollen into the air, creating a stunning visual display but also triggering allergies for many residents.

The pine trees that give Texas Forest Country its name are responsible for this yearly phenomenon. As the weather warms and the days grow longer, these majestic trees begin to produce vast quantities of pollen. The pollen grains are incredibly tiny and lightweight, allowing them to be carried far and wide by even the gentlest breeze. As a result, the pollen can quickly blanket cars, homes, sidewalks, and everything in between with a fine layer of yellow powder.

While the sight of pine pollen coating the landscape can be breathtaking, it can also be a source of misery for those with pollen allergies. When inhaled, pine pollen can irritate the respiratory system and cause symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion. For some allergy sufferers, the onset of pollen season can mean weeks of discomfort and reliance on antihistamines and other remedies to manage their symptoms.

To combat pollen allergies, there are several steps residents can take. Keeping windows and doors closed during peak pollen hours can help reduce the amount of pollen that enters your home. When spending time outdoors, wearing sunglasses and a hat can help keep pollen out of your eyes and hair. Changing clothes and showering after being outside can also help remove pollen from your skin and prevent it from spreading throughout your home. Over-the-counter antihistamines, nasal sprays, and eye drops can provide relief from allergy symptoms, but it’s always best to consult with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

It’s important to note that while the pine pollen is highly visible, it’s not the only allergen that Texas Forest Country residents need to contend with. In the coming weeks, oak trees will also begin to release their pollen. Although less visible than pine pollen, oak pollen is smaller and can be even more potent for allergy sufferers. As a result, residents may need to remain vigilant in their allergy management efforts even after the yellow coating of pine pollen has faded.

Despite the drawbacks, the arrival of pollen season is also a sign that spring has truly arrived in Texas Forest Country. As the pollen clears and gives way to lush green growth, residents can look forward to enjoying all the outdoor activities and natural beauty the region has to offer. From hiking and camping in the piney woods to fishing and boating on the many lakes and rivers, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the changing of the seasons.

So while the yellow coating of pollen may be a nuisance for some, it’s also a reminder of the vibrant life and natural cycles that make Texas Forest Country such a special place to call home. As the pollen fades and spring turns to summer, residents can take a moment to appreciate the unique beauty and rhythms of this fascinating region while taking steps to manage their allergies and enjoy all that the season has to offer.

Huntington FFA Team Competes in Ag Mechanics at the Angelina County Fair

Diana De Leon Bon
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Huntington FFA Team Competes in Ag Mechanics at the Angelina County Fair

Huntington FFA competes fiercely in the annual Angelina County Fair and among those competing are four young men who have built a trailer for competition in the agricultural mechanics (‘Ag Mech’) division.

Logan Moore, Tyson Frazier, Caleb Johnson, and Kaisen Skilling have each put over 450 hours into the construction of a specialized welding trailer. This trailer is unique in that it will be used for years in competitive “build-offs” that high school students can compete in.

When asked what they hoped to gain from the build, both Caleb and Tyson said, “Experience. Experience and skills in welding and metal fabrication.” Kaisen added, “And I hope this leads me to a future career working on a pipeline.” Logan said “You took the words right out of my mouth. I will be graduating and want to start making a living doing just that. I’m gaining employable skills doing this work.”

Logan continued, “The best part of this construction has been learning how to properly build a solid trailer, a quality trailer.”

Above is the fully decked out Huntington FFA welding trailer enroute to competition earlier this month in San Antonio.

The Ag Mech Division is broken into five parts: agricultural machinery and equipment; livestock & poultry equipment; tractor restoration; home & recreational use; and the one these gentlemen will be competing, the trailer division.

In addition to the safety components and documentation, the Ag Mech entries will be judged on aesthetics, authenticity, mechanics, safety components, documentation of the build (both expenses and photos), and lastly an oral exam.

Caleb and Kaisen agreed that learning work together and control frustrations has been a challenging part of the build. Tyson added, “We’ve certainly had to overcome some challenges. Keeping it perfectly square has taken some work. We had to go over some welds and improve them also!” Logan says, “We had to go back to get it right. When a fender didn’t fit, that took some re-doing.” 

Caleb stated, “I learned a whole lot working on the hydraulics.” They all agreed that was a new and involved part of the construction. Tyson says, “There was a lot more involved in the sequence of the valves and the inclusion of a needle valve than I knew existed.”

The trailer has already seen competition at the San Antonio Stock Show where it earned a blue ribbon. A blue ribbon is recognition of the highest quality work that did not make it to a final top placing. They received a great deal of praise for their work and they have continued to improve upon it. This coming week, they will compete with it at the Houston Stock Show.

Their entry is a 14-foot-long welding trailer with two 3,500 lb. axles. It holds two gas-powered welders, six adjustable jack stands, lots of space in two tool boxes, acetylene bottles, and a hydraulically lifted oxygen bottle storage box. When completely rigged out, the students said it weighed close to 5,000 lbs. It’s been nicknamed, “Klose Enuff.”

The best part? Logan said, “The best part is seeing all the hard work come together into something that we can be proud of.” Kaisen, the youngest and only sophomore on the team, stated the best part for him was, “Seeing my first project in an ag-class come together.”

The rest of the team, Logan, Tyson, and Caleb, are all seniors looking forward to graduation later this spring. Caleb Johnson will be attending Texas State Technical College in Waco next year to study instrumentation technology. Tyson Frazier is planning to start work in Beaumont soon as an electrician. Logan Moore is looking to work on the pipeline soon after graduating. He said he knows he’ll have to be a “helper” first but wants to become a welder on the pipeline in time.

Colby Crawford is the Huntington High Ag Science teacher who has taught this team and has supervised their construction. Mr. Crawford said, “They have worked hard on this trailer. It is really a niche trailer project for competition and it will help with future builds at the school.” He went on, “I hope they have learned a lot. I’m proud of them and what they have accomplished.”

On Monday, March 18 from 1 to 4 pm the Ag Mech entries will move in to place at the Angelina County Fair. The judges will evaluate the entries on Tuesday. Often a crowd favorite, the public will be able to view the entries on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The Salvation Army Receives Grant from Texas Veterans Commission to Help Veterans in Need

Diana De Leon Bon
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The Salvation Army Receives Grant from Texas Veterans Commission to Help Veterans in Need

Lufkin, Texas (March 5, 2024) – The Salvation Army of Lufkin is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to provide rental and utility assistance to veterans and their families in Angelina and Nacogdoches Counties. The grant, totaling $100,000, aims to support at least 125 households and alleviate the financial burden faced by our local heroes.

“We are so appreciative to receive this grant from the Texas Veterans Commission to help veterans in need through rental and utility assistance,” said Captain Jenifer Philips, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army of Lufkin. “This funding will enable us to make a significant impact in the lives of our veterans and their families.”

The Salvation Army of Lufkin is committed to ensuring that every dollar of the grant is utilized effectively and efficiently. The organization is actively working to raise awareness about the available assistance. Veterans and their families who are struggling with rent and utility payments are encouraged to reach out to The Salvation Army of Lufkin to access the support they deserve.

The Texas Veterans Commision’s mission statement is to advocate for and provide superior service that will significantly improve the quality of life for all Texas veterans, their families and survivors. The grant from the organization comes at a crucial time, as many veterans and their families continue to face financial hardships. The Salvation Army of Lufkin recognizes the sacrifices made by these brave individuals and is dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources to overcome their challenges.

To apply for rental and utility assistance, veterans and their families can contact The Salvation Army of Lufkin at 936-634-5132 or visit their website at https://southernusa.salvationarmy.org/lufkin/. The organization’s dedicated team will guide applicants through the process and ensure that they receive the support they need.

Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Gary Stallard
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Angelina College Athletics Weekly Update

Angelina College’s basketball teams wrapped up their final homestand on Saturday. The Roadrunner baseball team opened conference play. The Lady Roadrunner softball team went 3-1 against some of the league’s best teams. A Lady Roadrunner basketball player earned her second Player of the Week honor this season.

To top it all off, AC on Saturday hosted “AC Against Cancer,” with four AC teams playing six games – and coming out with six wins on the day. There were ceremonial first pitches from cancer survivors, an induction into the AC Athletics Wall of Honor, Sophomore Day celebrations, a dynamic performance of the national anthem, tiny dancers from the Academy of Gymnastics and Dance and the Diboll High School band on hand to blast the walls of Shands Gymnasium.

Whew. Did we miss anything?

Here’s a recap of the week’s action, along with upcoming events.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball on Verge of Clinching Conference Title

AC’s ladies won two big home games this past week, beating Paris College 87-66 on Wednesday and following up on Saturday with an 85-63 win over Coastal Bend Community College on Sophomore Day at Shands Gymnasium.

With a win in the regular-season finale this Wednesday at Panola College, the Lady ‘Runners will clinch at least a share of the Region XIV conference title – something no Lady Roadrunner basketball team has ever done. Currently, AC (20-9, 12-3) sits a game ahead of Trinity Valley Community College with the Lady Cardinals having two more games to play. A TVCC loss leaves the Lady Roadrunners all alone as league champs; if TVCC wins out, the two teams will share the title.

In the win over Paris College, AC got 18 points from Jade Fry, 17 points and 10 rebounds from Marie Kenembeni, 11 points from Alecia Rivera-Scott and 10 points from India McMahon.

Against Coastal Bend CC, AC’s Amyria Walker – who last week picked up her second Region XIV Player of the Week award this season – led the way with 19 points, followed by Rivera-Scott and Kenembeni with 13 points each and Fry with 10 points.

The Lady Roadrunners take on the Fillies at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at Carthage.

Roadrunner Basketball Close Home Schedule on Strong Note

AC’s men shrugged off a tough 75-66 road loss Wednesday at Blinn College, bouncing back with a vengeance Saturday at home against Coastal Bend CC. Eddie Evans and Nehikhare Igiehon each scored 20 points in the win, with Daniel Sanchez adding 15 points.

The Roadrunners (19-10, 10-8) have locked down third place in Region XIV’s South Zone.

The team’s record also gives head coach J.J. Montgomery, now in his third season at the helm, his very first winning season.

The Roadrunners close out the regular season at Victoria College on Wednesday. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

Roadrunner Baseball Gets off to Hot Start in Conference Play

The Roadrunner baseball team served notice this week that it plans to be a serious contender in Region XIV play, going 3-1 in the first four conference games of the season.

Wednesday at Navarro College, the ‘Runners earned a road split with the Bulldogs, winning the opener 9-3 before dropping the nightcap by a 10-1 score. In the win, Dalton Mullins drove in three runs, while Sam Hardcastle drove in another two with a pair of doubles. Sean Bazmore, Christian Letendre and Hayden Hupe also added an RBI each. Pitcher Ethan Jezierski earned the complete-game win, striking out six hitters while allowing just four hits and three earned runs.

On Saturday, the ‘Runners pulled off an impressive sweep over Panola College, winning 7-5 and 17-7 at Poland Field. Hupe homered and collected a pair of RBI, Mason Lampe drove in two more and starting pitcher Gabe LeBlanc picked up the win after striking out five in five innings pitched. Brad Burkhardt threw two scoreless innings of relief.

The AC bats got even hotter in the late game, with the team scoring 17 runs on 18 hits. Bazmore and Michael Herndon each homered, with Herndon finishing with five RBI in the game. Mullins and Letendre drove in three runs each, and Bazmore and Jacob Tanguma each added two RBI. Pitchers Hunter Ditsworth and Bebo Hinojosa worked the mercy rule-shortened game, lifting the Roadrunners to 3-1 in conference play.

AC will host two big conference home stands this week: Wednesday against Tyler in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m., and Saturday against Paris College, also at 1 p.m. Both doubleheaders take place at AC’s Poland Field.

Lady Roadrunner Softball Picks Up Three Big Wins

After suffering a 7-1 loss to Navarro College in Game 1 of Wednesday’s doubleheader, the Lady Roadrunners roared back with three straight wins, including an 11-3 win over the Lady Bulldogs in the nightcap followed by Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of No. 19 Tyler Junior College – a team that had already beaten the Lady ‘Runners three times.

In Wednesday’s 11-3 win over Navarro, Riley Davila, Kaetlyn Dunbar and Makenzi Johnson each drove in three runs, with Skyer Martin, River Hulsey, Brianna Collazo and Kayla Olson adding an RBI each. Pitchers Paige Castillo (the winning pitcher) and Madison Johnson teamed up to hold Navarro to just three runs.

Saturday’s home sweep, however, may have been the most impressive wins yet for the young Lady ‘Runners (just three sophomores on the team). AC beat the Lady Apaches 8-5 and 7-3 behind some timely hitting and clutch pitching.

In the 8-5 win, AC’s Makenzi Johnson and Skyler Martin homered, with Johnson finishing the day with three RBI and Martin two. Pitcher Jocelyn Cantu gave up just two earned runs in 4.1 innings pitched, with Madison Johnson keeping the Lady Apaches scoreless over her 2.2 innings of work.

The late game, a 7-3 AC win, saw Martin homer again while driving in another four runs. Davila, Collazo and Lorelei Graham added an RBI each, and Madison Johnson came on in relief of Paige Castillo to pitch 5.2 innings in which she allowed just a single Tyler-earned run.

The Lady Roadrunners (10-17) play at LSU-Eunice in a Wednesday doubleheader scheduled for a 2 p.m. start in Eunice, LA.

Then, on Friday and Saturday, AC’s ladies will be in Mesquite for the Regional Crossover Tournament. (See the full schedule below.)

Powers Earns Wall of Honor Induction

Martha Powers has been a fixture at Angelina College for years, working behind the scenes at the Power Plan to help keep the college humming along.

Her most visible role, however, has been in her work at the official scorer’s table at Angelina College basketball games, where she’s been part of a team one official called “the best scorer’s table in the league” for more than 20 years.

On Saturday, Powers was inducted into the Angelina College Athletics Wall of Honor.

Congratulations, “Darlin’.”

Cancer Warriors Brumley, Berry Throw Out First Pitches

With Saturday’s “AC Against Cancer” events going full blast all day, softball and baseball fans were treated to some examples of real courage.

Daisy Brumley, Director of Student Affairs at AC, and Ashley Berry, a local entrepreneur, threw out the ceremonial first pitches for baseball and softball, respectively. Both ladies have beaten cancer like the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners have been beating baseballs and softballs, and their presence at the games provided a huge lift to everyone present.

UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:

Tyler Rayburn Baseball Tribute: Tyler Rayburn was a key (and very popular) part of the Angelina College baseball team for a couple of years. Sadly, we lost Tyler when he passed away in 2023, but the Roadrunner baseball program plans to honor his memory with a tribute tentatively scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at Poland Field. The Roadrunners host TCS Post Grad in a doubleheader that day, so the ceremony (including a ceremonial first pitch) will take place before the first game, currently scheduled for a 1 p.m. start.

Softball National Champions 10-Year Reunion: Yes, 2024 marks the 10th anniversary of Angelina College’s only national title: The Lady Roadrunner Softball team’s 2014 national championship. Current plans include hosting a reunion ceremony tentatively scheduled for Saturday, April 20, when the Lady Roadrunner softball team will host Blinn College in a doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. We’ll issue more information once we’ve solidified all the plans.

Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament Information

This year’s Region XIV Basketball Conference Tournament will take place from March 12-16 at Tyler Junior College’s Wagstaff Gymnasium in Tyler. The tourney opens on Tuesday, March 12 with the men’s first round starting at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 13 features the women’s opening round, also starting at 1 p.m.; Thursday is the men’s quarterfinals round; Friday is the men’s and women’s semifinal round; and Saturday marks the championship games for both women (4 p.m.) and men (7 p.m.). Tournament winner earns an automatic bid to its sport’s respective national tournament (Casper, WY for the women and Hutchinson, KS for the men), and tourney runners-up are virtually guaranteed an at-large bid.

Tyler JC has ticket information available at www.apacheathletics.com/tickets.

Full brackets won’t be available until after the final regular-season games on Wednesday, March 6.

This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):

Roadrunner Baseball:

Wednesday, March 6: AC vs. Tyler Junior College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.

Saturday, March 9: AC vs. Paris College, DH starting at 1 p.m., Poland Field.

Lady Roadrunner Basketball:

Wed., March 6: AC at Panola College, 5:30 p.m. in Carthage.

Roadrunner Basketball:

Wednesday, March 6: AC at Victoria College, 7 p.m. in Victoria.

Lady Roadrunner Softball:

Wednesday, March 6: AC at LSU-Eunice, DH starting at 2 p.m. in Eunice, LA.

Friday–Saturday, March 8/9: AC at Regional Crossover Tournament in Mesquite, TX. Friday’s schedule: AC vs. Bossier Parish CC, 1:30 p.m.; AC vs. Trinity Valley CC, 6:30 p.m. Saturday’s schedule: AC vs. Kilgore College, 1:30 p.m.; AC vs. Northeast Texas CC, 6:30 p.m.

For up-to-date information on any potential schedule changes, AC fans can visit the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com) or follow on social media (@ACAthletics on X/Twitter, or Angelina College Athletics Facebook page.)

For any other information, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.

We’ll see you at the games.

Gary Stallard
Email: gstallard@angelina.edu.
Phone: (936) 465-4614

TxDOT, Students Team Up to Prevent DUI Crashes During Spring Break

Diana De Leon Bon
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TxDOT, Students Team Up to Prevent DUI Crashes During Spring Break

LUFKIN – As spring break approaches, TxDOT is teaming up with college students to make sure their celebrations don’t have catastrophic consequences.

The Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is traveling to college campuses and spring break hot spots across the state to spread the message that there is always a safe and sober way to get home.

“Every death due to drunk driving is preventable,” TxDOT Executive Director Marc Williams said. “We want students to understand that it’s easy to celebrate spring break safely. By finding a sober ride, taking a cab, using a rideshare, or simply staying put after drinking, students can make sure their families gather for graduation and not a funeral.”

In 2022, there were 810 DUI-alcohol-related traffic crashes during the spring break period, killing 44 people and seriously injuring 90 others. All because someone chose to get behind the wheel while impaired.

In the Lufkin District in 2022, there were 5,127 traffic crashes, resulting in 76 fatalities and 319 serious injuries. Of that number, 315 crashes were DUI-related which resulted in 17 fatalities and 51 serious injuries. During Spring Break 2022, there were 10 alcohol/DUI related traffic crashes in the Lufkin District that resulted in two serious injuries.

The Lufkin District urges students and parents traveling for Spring Break to make a plan to stay safe and sober. Remember, crashes caused by drunk driving are 100-percent preventable. Always designate a sober driver, plan ahead to call a taxi or rideshare service, stay put, or call a friend or a family member for a safe ride home if you plan to consume alcohol at events or parties.

TxDOT’s Drive Sober. No Regrets. campaign is a key component of #EndTheStreakTX, a broader social media and word-of-mouth effort that encourages drivers to make safer choices while behind the wheel to help end the streak of daily deaths. Nov. 7, 2000, was the last deathless day on Texas roadways.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 404-7485.

The information contained in this report represents reportable data collected from the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report (CR-3). This information was received and processed by the department as of November 16, 2023.

This weekend on FreeCast

Lee Allen Miller
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This weekend on FreeCast

Capitol Update: Reflecting on Texas Independence Day and Community News

Rep. Trent Ashby
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Capitol Update: Reflecting on Texas Independence Day and Community News

Last week, Texans from every corner of the state celebrated our Independence Day. Let us never forget that glorious day on March 2, 1836, when 59 brave delegates met at Washington-on-the-Brazos and declared their independence from Mexico and the tyranny of Santa Anna’s authoritarian government. A little over a month later, The Republic of Texas was born at the Battle of San Jacinto, when General Sam Houston and his ragtag group of volunteers charged Santa Anna’s army on hallowed ground and secured the future of our homeland.

Texas remained a sovereign state until 1846, when it was annexed and became the 28th state admitted into the United States of America. The same principles of liberty, pride, and sovereignty, for which our ancestors fought so fiercely, persist to this day. Each one of us bears a responsibility to live up to the legacy of our forefathers and work together to build an even brighter Texas for our children and future generations of Texans to come. God bless Texas!

With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…

Capitol Update

Last week, the Veterans Land Board, which the Government Land Office administers, announced that it will partner with the Texas Veterans Network, a non-profit that seeks to connect veterans with a variety of resources across Texas, to connect veterans with benefits they are eligible to receive as a result of their service. I applaud the GLO for their commitment to our men and women who served their country and hope that any veteran in need of services will take advantage of this opportunity. For more information on the services offered by this unique program, please visit combinedarms.us/tvn.

On a more somber note, and as many of you are aware, a family in House District 9 from Polk County is experiencing unimaginable heartache after losing their 11 year old daughter, Audrii Cunningham. Please join me in praying for the family and all those affected by this devastating tragedy, and may God impart His comfort and peace to fill the absence felt across our community.

If you’d like to honor Audrii’s memory, please consider making a donation to the Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship that was recently established at Livingston ISD. This scholarship was created as a way to honor Audrii and her love for school. Donations may be made to the Audrii Cunningham Memorial Scholarship by mailing funds to “Green & White Scholarship Fund – Audrii Cunningham,” PO Box 1297, Livingston, TX 77351.  

The mobile office is on the road again this month, and our District Director will look forward to seeing you on the following dates, in the following locations: March 6 at the San Augustine County Courthouse in San Augustine from 9-11 a.m.; March 13 at the Polk County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Livingston from 9-11 a.m. and at the Tyler County Commissioner’s Courtroom in Woodville from 1:30-3:30 p.m.; March 20 at the Houston County Courthouse Annex in Crockett from 9-11 a.m. and at the Trinity County Courthouse in Groveton from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762 and my Capitol office may be reached at (512) 463-0508. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will be posting regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and sharing information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.

McMorries Adding New Doctor, Changing Name, Expanded Services

Diana De Leon Bon
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McMorries Adding New Doctor, Changing Name, Expanded Services

McMorries Obstetrics Gynecology & Infertility is planning several upcoming changes, including a new name, the addition of board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist Brian Drake, MD, FACOG, more services, renovations, updated signage, and an expanded service footprint in East Texas.

The practice officially became Nacogdoches Women’s Center this month and will continue serving patients from its location at 4710 N.E. Stallings Dr. in Nacogdoches.

“Creating ways to better serve our patients is part of our calling,” said Kyle McMorries, MD, FACOG. “We want to make evidence-based, compassionate women’s care as accessible as possible to as many women in East Texas as possible. We’ve been working hard to offer a wider range of services to a wider range of women. Our new name better defines our comprehensive commitment to caring for women in our community.”

Dr. Drake joins Dr. McMorries, providers Kristin Reese, RN, FNP-C, and Mallory Maisel, RN, FNP-C, and a full staff committed to caring for women through all ages and stages of their lives. provides a range of services, including obstetrical care for high- and low-intervention pregnancies, vaginal delivery and cesarean section, vaginal hysterectomy, cancer screening, treatment of endometriosis, fibroids and pelvic pain, evaluation and treatment of infertility problems, contraception and family planning and evaluation and treatment of menstrual problems. His specializations also include minimally invasive, and Da Vinci robotic-assisted gynecologic surgery. 

“The whole team at Nacogdoches Women’s Center is excellent, and they have created a wonderfully comfortable environment where women can feel heard, supported and cared for,” Dr. Drake said. “I’m looking forward to settling in and getting to work serving patients old and new.”

Dr. Drake graduated from the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at Lubbock in 1997. He completed his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Akron General Medical Center/NEOMED and is board-certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He is an American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Fellow, has been named a Checkbook Top Doc, has received a Patients’ Choice Award, and has been named to the Health Grades Honor Roll.

Nacogdoches Women’s Center will be expanding in-office and area services, including expanding access to DaVinci surgical procedures. In-office services will include nitrous for procedures requiring local anesthesia, hysteroscopies, and expanded treatment for urinary incontinence.

In addition, Dr. McMorries will continue to serve as supervising physician for Rusk Women’s Center, providing support to Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Robbin Langston and reducing the travel time for many East Texas women who need access to professional women’s care.

With the recent changes announced for area maternal programs, Dr. McMorries wants to assure East Texans that maintaining and expanding access to comprehensive women’s care is a primary focus of his and his peers.

“There is a drastic shift towards regionalization of maternal care,” Dr. McMorries said.  “In the last few years, we have seen the closure of maternal services in Center, Carthage, Marshall, Crockett and Jasper, and patients are migrating to regional centers like Nacogdoches. In the long run, the consolidation of maternal services into one facility at Nacogdoches Medical Center will ultimately increase the quality and types of services available in a sustainable and scalable way. We have an excellent group of doctors and midwives in town with years of experience. I’m confident that Nacogdoches will position itself solidly as a regional center equipped to manage women’s health for many years to come.”

Nacogdoches Women’s Center provides preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic women’s health and wellness care and comprehensive treatment from adolescence through post-menopause. Providers deliver care using evidence-based practices and meet individual patient needs in a comfortable, efficient, and independent medical office environment.

Nacogdoches Women’s Center is located at 4710 N.E. Stallings Dr. in Nacogdoches. To schedule an appointment, call 936-560-2666.

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