In the heart of Nacogdoches, Texas, a unique community has been flourishing, one swing step at a time. Nac Swing Dance, founded by Catie Munguia, isn’t just about dance; it’s about connection, history, and joy. This swing dancing community, offering lessons, social dance events, workshops, and performances, has become a vibrant part of the Texas Forest Country region.
A Dance of Passion and Purpose
Catie Munguia’s journey into the world of swing dancing began in 2006, in the very same Rec Center dance room in Nacogdoches where Nac Swing Dance now thrives.
“I really loved it,” Munguia recalls about her first encounter with swing dancing.
Her passion for the dance took her to Austin, where she became deeply involved in the swing dancing scene. However, upon returning to Nacogdoches in 2016, she realized something was missing — the swing dance community she loved. Inspired by swing dancing groups in Tyler and Rose City Swing in Longview, Munguia decided to bring swing dancing back to her hometown in February 2020.
Building More Than Just a Dance Community
What sets Nac Swing Dance apart is its commitment to building a community that extends beyond the dance floor.
“What we’re really doing here is building a community, and that extends well beyond Nacogdoches,” Munguia explains.
This initiative has led to connections with swing dancing groups in Tyler and Longview, creating a network of dancers that support and strengthen each other’s communities.
Dancing Through the Decades
Nac Swing Dance offers a variety of events and classes, from beginner swing dancing lessons followed by social dances to more intermediate level workshops. One of the signature events, Swing In The Streets, sees the community coming together to dance under the moonlight in downtown Nacogdoches.
“To me, it’s powerful to see my community coming together through dance,” Munguia says, highlighting the joy and playfulness that swing dancing brings to people’s lives.
A Legacy of Joy and Connection
Munguia’s vision for Nac Swing Dance is clear: to grow the community and create more opportunities for people to learn and enjoy swing dancing.
“This was never meant to be a personal project; I want this to become a community that is much larger than me!” she states.
With local teachers emerging and the community taking ownership, Nac Swing Dance is on its way to becoming a permanent fixture in the area’s cultural landscape.
Swinging Forward
Looking ahead, Munguia is excited about the possibility of expanding the East Texas Swingout event, a collaborative effort with swing groups in Tyler and Longview. This event symbolizes the growing interest in swing dancing and the potential for even greater community engagement.
A Dance for Everyone
Through Nac Swing Dance, Catie Munguia has not only revived swing dancing in Nacogdoches but has also created a space where everyone is welcome.
Nac Swing Dance stands as a testament to the power of dance to bring people together, fostering a sense of belonging and joy that transcends the dance itself.
“People are so hungry for connection,” she reflects, emphasizing the importance of a community where people can connect with each other and themselves.
Next week, voters will make their voices heard in the Texas primaries. Don’t forget to make a plan to vote on March 5!
Here are five things happening around your state:
1. TEA announces the opening of Texas Student Heroes Award nominations
This month, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) announced that nominations for the annual Student Heroes program are open. The program recognizes Texas public school students in prekindergarten through high school who do an outstanding volunteer service that benefits their fellow students, schools, or communities. One student from each of the 15 State Board of Education districts is recognized. Nominations can be submitted by anyone, including school personnel, other students, parents, or community members. To nominate a student, fill out the nomination form on TEA’s website and include a brief essay submitted by the nominator describing the student’s work. For questions, please email heroes@tea.texas.gov or call the SBOE support office at (512) 463-9007.
2. William B. Travis’ letter returns to the Alamo
This month, the Texas General Land Office (GLO) announced that the original letter from Travis written at the Alamo pleading for back up and aid will return to the Alamo for a month to be displayed. The letter is on loan from the Texas State Library Archives Commission to the Alamo Exhibit at the Ralston Family Collections Center from February 23 through March 24. This comes just in time for Texas to celebrate Texas Independence Day on March 2. Because of the brave sacrifices of the men who paid the ultimate price defending the Alamo, Texas went on to win the war for independence from Mexico and the Republic of Texas was born. We celebrate that independence 188 years later. Viewing this historic document, which famously declared ‘Victory or Death,’ is a remarkable opportunity for the public to enjoy.
3. Comptroller marks Unclaimed Property Day, $4 billion in unclaimed property
On February 1, the Comptroller joined other states’ unclaimed property administrators to celebrate the fourth annual Unclaimed Property Day. Unclaimed property includes things such as forgotten utility deposits or other refunds, insurance proceeds, dividends, mineral royalties, dormant bank accounts, and abandoned safe-deposit boxes. The Comptroller’s Office reported it has returned more than $4 billion in unclaimed property since the program began in 1962. The state currently holds more than $8 billion in cash and other valuables through the program. The average value of an approved claim is more than $1,000. To check to see if you have Unclaimed Property, visit www.ClaimItTexas.gov.
4. Wildfire rages in the panhandle, already one of the worst in state’s history
This week, Governor Abbott issued a disaster declaration for 60 Texas counties in response to the ongoing and widespread wildfires. The Texas Panhandle is facing losses to life and property as over a million acres have burned. These fires are already considered the worst in state history. The largest active fire is the Smokehouse Creek Fire, which started in Hutchinson County. Firefighters from across the state have been deployed to the region to help contain the fires, as well as the Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas Division of Emergency Management, and other emergency response personnel. Our prayers are with our West Texas friends during this difficult time.
5. Texas School Safety Center releases District Audit Report on safety and security in school districts
This month the Texas School Safety Center (TxSSC) released the 2020-2023 District Audit Report (DAR). The purpose of the DAR is to provide key results of the safety and security audits completed by school districts over the three year period. To be clear, this is a self-assessment completed by districts and submitted to the TxSSC for review. The report reflects insights developed from those audits on an aggregate level. The findings in this report highlight districts ongoing commitment to safety – 99.4% of districts reported completing audits for all of their instructional facilities during this cycle, 99.7% of districts reported having a school safety and security committee, and 98.7% of districts reported adopting a multi-hazard emergency operations plan for use in their district’s facilities. However, there were some key findings that need improvement, namely only 35.8% of districts had not reported their safety and security audit results to their district’s board of trustees and only 40.5% of districts reported conducting an active threat exercise, including an active shooter simulation during the 2020-2023 audit cycle. While much has been done over the past several years to improve school safety, these audit reports show that there are still improvements to be made.
COLLEGE STATION, Texas — The largest wildfire in Texas history is actively burning today. The Smokehouse Creek Fire in Hutchinson County is burning a total of 1,075,000 acres across Texas and Oklahoma and is 3% contained.
Since Sunday, February 25, Texas A&M Forest Service has responded to 56 wildfires burning more than 1,256,328 acres.
There are three additional active wildfires in the Texas panhandle today: the Grape Vine Creek Fire in Gray County at 30,000 acres and 60% contained; the Windy Deuce Fire in Moore County at 142,000 acres and 30% contained; and the Magenta Fire in Oldham County at 2,500 acres and 65% contained.
The potential for wildfire activity will increase again for the Plains region Saturday and Sunday due to strong winds and dry fuels.
“Strong winds and warm temperatures have resulted in grasses drying across many portions of Texas,” said Wes Moorehead, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Chief. “As firefighters continue to suppress active fires, we urge Texans to be cautious with any outdoor activity that may cause a spark.”
Areas with dry grass may support wildfire activity due to accidental ignitions from activities that cause a spark, including fireworks.
As Texans make plans to celebrate Texas Independence Day March 2, they should use extreme caution when using fireworks or any other outdoor activity.
“Let’s celebrate Texas Independence Day with pride and responsibility,” said Karen Stafford, Texas A&M Forest Service Fire Prevention Coordinator. “This weekend, let’s honor our heritage by preventing fires. Do your part to prevent wildfires and be safe this holiday.”
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public show hosted by professionals. If you plan to set off your own fireworks, please follow these safety tips:
Before you celebrate, always check and comply with local government officials for any burn bans or other restrictions.
Read and follow all warnings and instruction labels on fireworks.
Use fireworks only under close adult supervision and in safe areas away from structures, dry grass and brush.
Keep a hose, bucket of water and wet towels nearby in case of a malfunction or fire.
Dispose of used fireworks in a bucket of water.
Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially glass or metal.
To help prevent wildfires during windy and dry conditions:
Avoid parking and idling in tall, dry grass. Catalytic converters can get hot enough to ignite the grass under a vehicle.
Ensure chains and other metal parts aren’t dragging from your vehicle — they throw sparks.
Avoid placing your grill near flammable vegetation or materials, never leave your grill unattended and ensure coals are completely extinguished when you are done.
Note: Burn bans and fireworks restrictions are determined by county government. Texas A&M Forest Service does not determine, set or lift these restrictions.
Friday evening at the Angelina County Fair is the market steer show. Garrett Thornton, a Senior at Hudson High, has been showing steers since he was in 10th grade. Outside of raising cattle, his other favorite activities include hunting, golf, tennis, metal forging, writing, and photography. Garrett has three siblings and his parents are Ty and Julie Thornton.
“All of our kids have participated in youth fair projects over the years,” said Ty, “with animal projects including meat rabbits, goats, lambs, steers, and commercial heifers. We have encouraged them to have animal projects primarily because it teaches responsibility for something other than self.”
Garrett’s mom, Julie states, “I think a lot of folks view the fair as just ‘kids and their farm animals.’ Animal projects are certainly a big part of it, but it’s about so much more. Garrett and our other children have always enjoyed participating in the food show, in which they not only have to prepare food, but they have to present it to judges and be able to answer questions and discuss nutrition facts, for example.” She continues, “Another important lesson kids learn is how to win, and how to lose. There are obviously some times when they can enjoy winning and a great financial return with their project, but there are other times when they don’t win, when they don’t make the sale, or even when an animal can get sick and die.”
Sponsored by Southside Bank, the Market Steer division has 32 steers entered. After all the steers are weighed in on Wednesday evening, March 20, the superintendent will break the steers into classes based upon weight. Only 23 of the 32 entered will make the sale on Saturday afternoon.
Garrett states, “The best part of being in the fair is making memories with family and friends. I love the atmosphere during the week, hanging out with friends and eating ribeye sandwiches!”
“The hardest part of being in the Fair,” he continues, “is the time commitment that is required for about a full year after you purchase the animal, to work with them and get them prepared for the show ring.”
His dad affirms, ““These animals require them to get up a little earlier every morning and go out to the barn, rain or shine, to feed and water them, and do it again every evening. They have to spend time working with their animals to prepare them for the show ring, and they learn to know their animals and to watch for signs when something isn’t right. These are life skills that will help them even with their own families one day.”
Garrett adds, “Taking care of an animal project taught me responsibility, discipline, and devotion to tasks. For instance, the animal needs to be fed twice a day no matter where you are, what you are doing, or how you feel. For any plans you make, you still have to consider how you will take care of your animal.”
Steers at our County fair are judged solely on their carcass merit. Breeds and hair color is not considered in the division of classes or in the judge’s placing.
This year’s steer show will be held on the floor of the Expo Center starting at 5 pm on Friday, March 22. Looking ahead, Garrett plans on attending Texas A&M University to major in Molecular Biology and eventually on to Medical School.
Homes and other property have been destroyed by extensive wildfires in the Panhandle – and many more have sustained smoke damage. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service offers information for those affected by these fires and what to do next to recover from them.
AgriLife Extension provides Texans and others with free, objective, research-based information to help with emergency and disaster preparation and recovery, said Monty Dozier, Ph.D., AgriLife Extension Disaster Assessment and Recovery, DAR, program director, Bryan-College Station. The information is available through websites as well as through agency personnel in county offices throughout the state.
The DAR site contains a variety of disaster preparation and recovery materials, including those related to wildfires.
The Texas A&M AgriLife Learn site also provides informational materials on emergency and disaster preparedness and recovery. Most of these materials are free downloads, and several are available in Spanish.
Be Wary of Unexpected Safety Issues
“There are a number of potential safety issues when returning to a home or business after a wildfire or other disaster, such as structural damage, electrical or gas issues and even the risk of contaminated water,” Dozier said. “Texans affected by wildfires and other disasters need to know what new dangers may crop up after a disaster, and their primary concern should be for their own safety and that of their family members.”
Dozier said those affected by recent wildfires should not attempt to reenter the affected area until the authorities have officially said it is safe to return. AgriLife Extension’s Disaster Assessment and Recovery fact sheet Returning Home After a Wildfire provides guidance on some initial recovery steps.
“Once it’s safe to return, bring supplies and wear clothing that will help sustain personal health and safety,” said DAR region chief Bryan Davis. “Some items you should bring with you when returning are a multi-use fire extinguisher, lots of bottled water and a first-aid kit. You should also wear sturdy shoes with thick, preferably non-rubber soles, a long-sleeved shirt, long pants and work gloves.”
Dealing with Ash and the Smell of Smoke
Avoid exposure to ash when cleaning up after disaster, said DAR agent Kevin Hoegenauer, New Braunfels. This can best be accomplished by wearing a high-quality protective mask and sweeping or dusting gently to avoid stirring up the ash.
“Ash and small particulates entering the lungs are irritants and can cause breathing difficulty in healthy individuals and make pre-existing respiratory and cardiovascular issues even worse,” he said. “Ash is also destructive to painted surfaces, such as cars.”
Hoegenauer said ash from natural sources like grass or brush can be washed from exterior surfaces, as long as care is taken to keep it out of waterways. However, piles of ash and debris from burned buildings should be treated as hazardous waste due to the chemicals stored in them and the chemicals in building materials like treated lumber and plywood.
“Your local emergency management office will have instructions on disposing of that material,” he said.
After a wildfire, the smell of smoke often infiltrates homes, and the lingering odor persists due to tiny microscopic particles that cling to walls, furniture, floors, clothing and various surfaces in the home. Removing the smell can be a difficult job and involve a lot of time, effort and expense. Some useful information on this topic can be found in the fact sheet How to Remove Smoke Smell from a Home on the DAR site.
Reporting Damage to Your Property
Davis added that those with property damage should contact their insurance company, take photos of the damage and begin an inventory of damaged personal possessions for insurance purposes.
“Retain receipts for any supplies purchased for temporary repairs you need to make, as some or all of these costs may be reimbursed by homeowners insurance,” Davis said. “You should also keep a record of any conversations or communications with your insurance company, as well as any contractors or others providing home repairs.”
Those affected by wildfire can also use the TDEM iStat portal to report personal or business property losses directly. This Texas Division of Emergency Management web app does not replace insurance documentation but provides a quick way for individuals to report losses.
Join us on March 3rd at 2:30 pm in the Temple Theater for a musical journey through America’s rich heritage! The Angelina Civic and College Symphonic Bands present “Americana,” featuring a blend of timeless classics and contemporary tunes. Let the melodies celebrate the spirit of the land of the free and the home of the brave. Don’t miss this unforgettable performance!
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – Invasive species cause many negative impacts to the Texas landscape, from the displacement of native trees to potentially wiping out entire species. Because of their widespread impact, Texas A&M Forest Service is taking great lengths to help mitigate their impacts and taking time to highlight those efforts during National Invasive Species Awareness Week.
Invasive species have two main characteristics: they are non-native to an ecosystem and their introduction causes or is likely to cause harm to the economy, environment or human health.
“Invasive species produce a measurable impact,” said Demian Gomez, Texas A&M Forest Service Regional Health Coordinator. “If left unchecked, invasives can threaten native species, biodiversity, ecosystem services, water resources, agricultural and forest production, economies and property values.”
Most often, invasive species have been introduced into an ecosystem through human activity. This can include anything from plants purposefully introduced as ornamentals to insects accidentally transported in imported goods such as through wood packaging materials.
Invasive species succeed because of their ability to grow in favorable environments and their lack of natural predators, competitors and diseases that normally regulate their populations.
Texas A&M Forest Service is mitigating the impacts of invasive species in Texas through several efforts.
Emerald Ash Borer
The emerald ash borer (EAB) is a destructive, invasive borer beetle native to Asia. After being discovered in Michigan in 2002, EAB was first detected in Texas in 2016 in Harrison County. Since then, EAB has been positively confirmed in Bowie, Camp, Cass, Cooke, Dallas, Denton, Marion, Morris, Parker, Rusk, Tarrant, Titus and Wise Counties.
EAB is responsible for killing millions of ash trees across much of the country, and each year, Texas A&M Forest Service places traps throughout the state to proactively monitor for the spread of the pest.
“The agency began monitoring for the pest in 2012 by strategically deploying detection traps each spring,” said Gomez. “We continue to set traps and monitor because early detection of the beetle is the best way to limit the spread and avoid high ash mortality.”
Texas A&M Forest Service works with communities to develop, communicate, and implement local EAB preparedness plans. And while the agency assists with planning, trapping, and monitoring, the Texas Department of Agriculture is ultimately responsible for EAB management and coordination in Texas.
Oak Wilt
Oak wilt is one of the deadliest tree diseases in the United States. Since its first detection in Texas in 1961, it has killed millions of trees across 76 counties.
Oak wilt is caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum, thought to have originated in Central America. The fungus invades and disables the water-conducting system in oaks.
Any new wound on oaks can be an entry point for infection. Very active in late and early spring, small native sap beetles transfer spores of the oak wilt fungus, infecting new trees. Additionally, the pathogen can spread through interconnected roots, particularly impacting live oaks in Central Texas.
“Texas A&M Forest Service works with public and private partners to minimize the spread of the fungus across the state through the Oak Wilt Suppression Project,” said Gomez. “We help by providing public education and awareness, identifying and mapping mortality centers, and providing treatment recommendations and cost-shares.”
Brazilian Peppertree
The Brazilian pepper tree was first introduced to Texas in the 1950s and has since invaded thousands of acres in coastal habitats, shading and killing native vegetation and even causing allergic reactions in some people.
Since 2014, Texas A&M Forest Service has worked with the Texas Gulf Region Cooperative Weed Management Area in Port Aransas to address Brazilian peppertree in the region through eradication and education.
Since 2023, the agency has also been collaborating on a project to reduce the impacts of the invasive Brazilian peppertree in the Texas Gulf Coast with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, the University of Texas Marine Science Institute and the City of Port Aransas, studying biological control options.
As part of this study, a small thrips insect, known as the Brazilian Peppertree thrip, was released on plots to study their control of the invasive plant. The study aims to integrate the insect, referred to as a biocontrol, with ongoing mechanical and herbicide management of the Brazilian Peppertree.
Researchers will release new insects and monitor the trees over two years to evaluate the impacts. The U.S. Forest Service provided funding for the project.
Laurel Wilt and the Red Bay Ambrosia Beetle
The red bay ambrosia beetle, responsible for spreading laurel wilt, has killed more than half a billion trees in the Lauraceae family, with high impacts on red bays, sassafras, and the avocado industry in the southeastern U.S.
“This vascular fungal pathogen, transported and cultivated by the beetle to be used as a food source for larvae, can kill trees in less than a month,” said Gomez. “It was first reported in Texas in 2015 and since then, has spread across eastern Texas.”
Texas A&M Forest Service is working with public and private partners to study the spread and distribution of the disease/insect complex.
Early Detection and Rapid Response
Early detection, rapid assessment, and rapid response (EDRR) provide the greatest opportunity for eradication and cost-effective management of invasive species. The EDRR program, a network of traps targeting exotic bark and ambrosia beetles, increases the likelihood that invasive species will be found, contained, and eradicated before they become widely established.
In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service, Texas A&M Forest Service deploys 48 traps annually for the program. These traps are located near areas where potentially invasive and problematic bark and ambrosia beetle species may become established or begin satellite infestations such as wood processing mills, ports, and commercial distribution centers.
It is important to monitor your property for invasive species and take steps to control them when possible. To learn more about invasive species, visit https://tfs.tamu.edu/InvasiveSpecies/.
The closer we get to the end of basketball season – and the beginning of conference play for baseball and softball – he hotter things are getting around the Angelina College campus.
AC’s basketball teams have just three games remaining on the regular-season schedule, with the teams celebrating Sophomore Day during this Saturday’s home doubleheader against Coastal Bend Community College.
The ‘Runner baseball team opens conference play this Wednesday, and the AC softball team gets a taste of league competition starting on Wednesday.
Following is the week’s recap along with a list of upcoming events.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Stays Tied for First Place
The Lady Roadrunners bounced back from a tough home loss on Wednesday to take a crucial win at Tyler Junior College on Saturday.
Wednesday at Shands Gymnasium, AC’s ladies fought but fell short in an 80-75 loss to Blinn College despite a 27-point effort from Marie Kenembeni and a 23-point night from Amyria Walker.
On Saturday, however, the Lady Roadrunners picked up a tough road win at Tyler Junior College, knocking off the Lady Apaches behind league scoring leader Walker, who tallied her season high with 36 points in the win. Kenembeni added 23 points and Jade Fry another nine in the win.
AC (18-9, 10-3) remain tied for first place in Region XIV’s conference standings with just three games remaining in the regular season. The Lady ‘Runners host Paris College on Wednesday (6:30 p.m.) and Coastal Bend CC on Saturday (2 p.m.). Saturday’s pre-game ceremonies will include Sophomore Day festivities scheduled to start approximately 15 minutes before game time.
Roadrunner Basketball Takes Two Key Conference Games
The Roadrunner men aren’t about to relinquish their place in the conference standings, taking two big games this week to maintain their hold on third place in Region XIV’s South Zone.
AC beat a tough Jacksonville College team on Tuesday in Jacksonville, with Daniel Sanchez coming off the bench to lead the ‘Runners with 17 points. Xavier Owens added 11 points and 11 rebounds, and Nehikare Igiehon pitched in with 10 points and nine boards.
Saturday at Shands Gymnasium, the Roadrunners handled Lamar State College-Port Arthur, beating the Seahawks 89-75 thanks to a balanced scoring attack.
AC got 14 points from Aaron Carter, 13 points each from Owens and Igiehon and another 11 points from Eddie Evans.
With those two wins, the Roadrunners (18-9, 9-7) kept their hold on the third-place spot in the South Zone standings.
The ‘Runners will play at Blinn College at 7 p.m. on Wednesday before closing out their home schedule on Saturday at 4 p.m. against Coastal Bend Community College. Saturday’s pre-game ceremonies will include Sophomore Day festivities scheduled to start approximately 15 minutes before game time.
Roadrunner Baseball Wins Three of Four This Week
The Roadrunner baseball team offered attending fans a thrill on Wednesday, with AC’s Michael Herndon blasting a two-out, two-run, walk-off homer in the ‘Runners’ 5-3 win over Alvin College in the opener of the doubleheader. Alvin would take Game 2 by a 10-9 final despite homers from Christian Letendre and Taz Pate.
Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of Dallas College-Eastfield (by scores of 15-4 and 8-3) featured homers from Hayden Hupe and Sean Bazmore in the opener and Bazmore’s three RBI in the nightcap.
The Roadrunners (6-11) open conference play Wednesday at Navarro College in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start in Corsicana. AC then hosts conference foe Panola College in a Saturday twin bill starting at 1 p.m.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Drops Four Games on the Road
AC’s Lady Roadrunners are fighting through a grueling road stretch to finish off February, dropping a pair of games at Paris College (11-5, 7-1) on Wednesday and two games at Grayson College (12-3, 8-4) in Denison on Saturday.
The Lady ‘Runners (7-16) host Navarro College on Wednesday in a doubleheader scheduled to start at 1 p.m. AC closes out the week on Saturday with two games at Tyler Junior College. Those games also start at 1 p.m.
Legends Visit Shands Gymnasium
AC LEGENDS: R. L. Lehman helped recruit ’em, Guy Davis coached ’em, and the guys themselves helped hang one of the very first banners in the rafters celebrating an AC basketball achievement. Some of those legends gathered to reminisce during Sunday’s Roadrunner basketball game at Shands Gymnasium. Pictured are (L-R) Chris Hagan, R.L. Lehman, Barnard Pierce and Rodney Darden.
Reading Day at Herty Elementary:
The Roadrunner men’s basketball team continued its focus on contributing to the community with a “Reading Day” this past week at Herty Elementary. Players spent time sharing their favorite children’s books with some of the students present.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:
Women’s/Men’s Basketball Sophomore Day: Saturday, March 2. AC teams hosting Coastal Bend CC in a doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. Sophomore Day festivities will take place before each game.
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.
Full brackets won’t be available until after the final regular-season games on Wednesday, March 6.
Roadrunner Soccer ID (Tryout) Camp:
Fresh off their second consecutive trip to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Soccer National Tournament, the newest version of Angelina College men’s soccer is looking for some future Roadrunners.
AC Soccer will host an ID (tryout) camp from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, March 23 at the soccer field in the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the Angelina College campus.
For further information, click the following link:
Point of contact: Head men’s coach Martin Melchor (mmelchor@angelina.edu)
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Wednesday, Feb. 28: AC at Navarro College (conference opener), DH starting at 12 p.m. in Corsicana, TX.
Saturday, March 2: AC vs. Panola College, DH starting at 1 p.m., Poland Field on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball:
Wed., Feb. 28: AC vs. Paris College, 6:30 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Sat., March 2: AC vs. Coastal Bend CC, 2 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium (Sophomore Day).
Roadrunner Basketball:
Wednesday, Feb. 28: AC at Blinn College, 7 p.m. in Brenham, TX.
Saturday, March 2: AC vs. Coastal Bend CC, 4 p.m., Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Wednesday, Feb. 28: AC vs. Navarro College, DH starting at 1 p.m. at Lady Roadrunner Field.
Saturday, March 2: AC at Tyler JC, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Tyler, TX.
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.)
Aidan Ehrlich poses with his lamb shortly before competing at the San Antonio Livestock Show earlier this year.Aidan Ehrlich (holding the lamb) in a picture with family, friends, and the lamb’s breeder after winning 8th place in his class at the San Antonio Stock show earlier this month. He will be competing at the Angelina County Fair on March 21.
Aidan Ehrlich Shows Lambs for 7th Year at the County Fair
Aidan Ehrlich is the 17-year-old son of Brad and Brenda Ehrlich of Lufkin. Aidan is a senior at Lufkin High School and has participated in the sheep show at the Angelina County Fair since his 6th grade year in the spring of 2018. This will be his 7th year. Aidan is the youngest of 3 boys- his older two brothers also showed lambs at the fair.
In addition to showing lambs, Aidan has been heavily involved in 4-H and FFA over his 4 years of high school attending state and national conventions as well as holding chapter, district and area FFA officer positions.
His mother Brenda says, “Both my husband and I were raised in agriculture and know the work ethic, character and perseverance that is developed through it. We wanted our boys to have the experience of raising an animal and using feed and exercise to develop it to its potential.” She continues, “Plus we wanted our boys to have the friendships and camaraderie that are made and grown through agricultural projects.”
“It’s the friends and hanging out that I like best.” Aidan comments. His parents say he’s also met so many great families through showing lambs. In the beginning families answered his questions and gave him suggestions as to how to improve his lambs. “Now he gets asked these same questions by others,” assured his dad, Brad, “he loves passing along what he’s learned to younger kids that have an interest to grow their skills and confidence.”
Aidan adds that in the beginning it was hard to make mistakes during the show such as placing low in a class or “having my lamb get away from him in the ring and doing so in front of my friends.” But now that he has progressed so far, his mom added, “he’d be lying if he didn’t say that he likes winning, too!” Aidan says, “Now it’s the fear of my lamb not placing as high as my goals are.”
This year’s lamb show at the Angelina County Fair will be on Thursday morning at 11 am, March 21 at the George H. Henderson Expo. The entire County Fair is from Monday, March 18 thru Saturday, March 23, concluding with the sale on Saturday starting at 4pm.
Sponsored by Kirk and Donna Mathis, the Market Lamb division in the Angelina County Fair has 25 lambs entered. With 25 entries, there will be 18 lambs making it to the auction at the conclusion of the Fair.
Judging of lambs, like the other market animals, focuses on the market readiness of the entry. The judge will place a tremendous emphasis on two main areas: muscling and condition. With sheep the exhibitors will “brace” them so that the muscles flex, showing more expression of muscle.
His mom states that she believes Aidan has learned “dedication and perseverance even in the tough days or tough overall projects.” She asserts, “When you start something, you see it through and whether it was a positive or negative experience, you learn from it. He’s become more competitive over these past few years. His sheep have become his passion and where a majority of his time and money has been spent.”
This will be Aidan’s final year at the Angelina County Fair as an exhibitor. Next year he will be attending Texas A&M to major in engineering.
