You’re invited to a special combined event—the AC Library Grand Opening & Dinner at the Diamond Kickoff — in partnership with “Cheers at the Chamber,” on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at 5:30 PM, at the Angelina College Library in Lufkin, Texas.
In an effort to decrease the dangers and consequences of alcohol purchased by minors in our county, The Coalition, Inc., funded in part by the Texas Department of Transportation, partnered with the Angelina County Sheriff’s Department and the Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct alcohol stings. Under the direct supervision of law enforcement officers, juveniles under the legal age to drink/purchase alcohol were used as decoys to enter businesses that are licensed to sell alcohol and then attempt to purchase alcohol.
“Underage drinking has unintended consequences for youth, such as increased risk for car crashes, sexual assault and long-term addiction. Local retailers must train their employees on the laws concerning the sale of alcohol to minors, and they should set an expectation among their staff to ask for ID and deny alcohol sales to anyone under the age of 21,” said Sharon Kruk, Executive Director of The Coalition. “Thank you to the businesses in our community that responsibly sell alcohol; your commitment to preventing underage drinking keeps the youth in our community safe.”
During the January and February minor sting operations, there was one store that sold to minors and 29 that did not. We commend those stores that did not sell alcohol to minors in our community and recognize them for helping to combat underage drinking:
One business did sell to minors and administrative action was taken against the individual who sold the alcohol:
Sale of alcohol to a minor is a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $4,000, confinement up to a year in jail, or both. Persons 21 or older can be held liable for damages caused by intoxication of a minor under 18 if the adult knowingly provided alcoholic beverages to a minor or knowingly allowed the minor to be served or provided alcohol beverages on the premises owned by or leased by the adult.
The Coalition, Inc. is funded in part by a grant from TxDOT to reduce the number of alcohol-related crashes in Texas. Since 1988, The Coalition has focused on eliminating the use of harmful substances by affecting public policy, laws, attitudes and behaviors, all in an effort to foster healthy life-long choices for the local community. For more information on how to prevent underage drinking, contact The Coalition at 936-634-9308.
This week in AC Athletics featured plenty of action on the diamonds, along with a special tribute to a special young man.
Here’s a recap of this past week, along with upcoming events.
Roadrunner Baseball
The Roadrunner baseball team opened the week with a pair of tough conference losses at home, falling to Bossier Parish Community College 5-3 and 12-9 Monday at Poland Field.
However, the ‘Runners would bounce back with a pair of home wins on Saturday, topping TCS Post Grad by scores of 11-4 and 15-6.
Sam Hardcastle and Michael Herndon each drove in three runs in the opening-game win, with Jacob Tanguma doubling twice and scoring a pair of runs.
In the nightcap, Ashton Wagner collected three RBI, while Hardcastle, Tanguma, Herndon and Dylan Hampshire drove in a run each.
The Roadrunners (13-19, 4-8) travel to Corsicana on Tuesday to face Navarro College in the opening game of a three-game conference series. Game time is 2 p.m. for the single, nine-inning game.
On Friday, AC will host the Bulldogs in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start at Poland Field.
Lady Roadrunner Softball
AC’s ladies split their conference-opening doubleheader with Lamar State College-Port Arthur on Wednesday, taking a 13-1 win in five innings in the opener before falling 6-5 in the nightcap. In the win, River Hulsey drove in five runs, including a three-run homer. Skyler Martin doubled twice and drove in another two runs, and Riley Davila, Kayla Olson and Lindsey McKnight each drove in a run.
The Lady ‘Runners fell twice in a doubleheader at Blinn College on Saturday, losing 14-10 and 9-8 (in extra innings) in Brenham.
On Sunday, AC hosted non-conference opponent LSU-Eunice in a twin bill, with the Lady Bengals taking the opener by a 6-3 score and the nightcap in a 13-9 final.
The Lady Roadrunners (11-28, 1-3) on Wednesday travel to Beeville to face Coastal Bend Community College in a doubleheader scheduled for a 1 p.m. start. The team has a bye on Saturday, March 30.
Roadrunner Baseball Pays Tribute to Tyler Rayburn
Tyler Rayburn wasn’t just a member of the Angelina College baseball team. He was a dugout favorite.
His impact with the Roadrunner program began as an unofficial stat keeper with his own, reserved seat in the AC press box. It was his seat, as he would let anyone – including the former Angelina College president – know.
Once head coach Jeff Livin learned of Tyler’s prowess at baseball details, the head guy wanted Tyler next to him in the dugout. For the next two seasons, Tyler would serve as the team manager, commandeering his own place on the Roadrunner roster
Tyler passed away unexpectedly and heartbreakingly in 2023, leaving behind an empty space in the dugout and press box.
However, this past Saturday Livin and the Roadrunners ensured Tyler would have a permanent seat with the team. With Tyler’s family on-hand – and dad Steve throwing out the ceremonial first pitch – the ‘Runners presented the family with a copy of the same framed photo that will permanently occupy a spot in the press box.
After all, Tyler certainly earned his seat with the team.
UPCOMING EVENTS OF NOTE:
Roadrunner Basketball Tryout Session:
The Roadrunner men’s basketball team will host a tryout session starting at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 6 at Shands Gymnasium.
The cost for the session is $50.
For registration and other information, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/angelina-college-mens-basketball-tryout-tickets-866712429207.
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.
This Week’s Schedule (NOTE: Baseball and softball subject to change with pending inclement weather):
Roadrunner Baseball:
Tuesday, March 26: AC at Navarro College, single 9-inning game starting at 2 p.m. in Corsicana.
Friday, March 29: AC vs. Navarro College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at Poland Field on the AC campus.
Lady Roadrunner Softball:
Wed., March 27: AC at Coastal Bend CC, DH starting at 1 p.m. in Beeville, TX.
Sat., March 30: BYE
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
Roadrunner Baseball Pays Tribute to Former Manager RayburnA Permanent Seat to the Game
What started as a young Angelina College student with a passion for baseball eventually evolved into a full-time role with the Roadrunner baseball team – and a permanent seat in the program’s hearts.
Tyler Rayburn was sitting outside the press box during an AC baseball game one spring day in 2014, keeping a scorebook the way he’d done since he was a child. An AC official noticed his knowledge of the game and his meticulous stat-keeping, and in no time, Tyler had his own reserved seat in the press box as the official statistician.
In fact, Tyler once insisted a man remove himself from Tyler’s reserved seat.
The man? Only the Angelina College president, Dr. Larry Phillips.
Phillips graciously acquiesced, but he’d get the seat the very next season when Roadrunner head coach Jeff Livin brought Tyler into the dugout as a team manager.
For the next two seasons, Tyler was an integral part of the team. During one playoff run, the ‘Runners pulled off a big win in late innings. When the players ran to celebrate, many of them ran straight to Tyler.
Tyler would finish his time at Angelina College, eventually transferring to Stephen F. Austin State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Communications.
Sadly, Tyler passed away unexpectedly in January of 2023, leaving behind his wife Tracy, his loving family – and an empty seat in the press box.
On Saturday, March 23, Livin and the Roadrunner baseball program paid tribute to Tyler, with father Steve Rayburn throwing out the ceremonial first pitch prior to AC’s doubleheader with TCS Post Grad. Livin presented the family with a framed photo of Tyler – looking out over the field from the dugout, of course – that will take its permanent place in the AC baseball press box, along with a plaque commemorating Tyler’s time as a Roadrunner.
There’s no doubt the guy absolutely earned his permanent place with the program.
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
LUFKIN – Closures are expected to begin next week on a major construction project in Angelina County.
Much of the work on the Diboll Relief Route has been off the roadway and out of site of the traveling public, but beginning Tuesday, March 26, motorists should prepare for lane closures in Burke, weather permitting.
The daily closures are scheduled for the southbound side of US 59 for crews to begin widening the pavement for the detour section. On Monday, crews have scheduled a shoulder closure in the Burke area for work off the pavement. Also on Monday, East Street and John Means Road will be closed permanently, as determined by construction plans.
Work will continue throughout the project as crews place embankment on the new ramp adjacent to US 59, FM 2108, and the US 59 Direct Connect. Crews will also be working on Morris Road and FM 1818 and Lumberjack Drive turnarounds. Contractors will place asphalt at various locations throughout the project, and they will pour concrete on the Lumberjack Drive southbound bridge. The new Conner Rd is open for traffic.
The Diboll Relief Route is an 8-mile construction project that began in April 2020, and is on schedule to be completed in 2025, weather permitting.
Sacyr Construction USA, LLC, is serving as a contractor for the $140.8 million construction project. The project consists of the construction of a new freeway location on US 59, from FM 2108 to 1.1 mile south of White Oak Creek. Work includes construction of the new freeway, grading, structures, concrete pavement, and freeway signage.
Motorists are urged to reduce speed, obey all traffic control and work zone speed limits. Stay alert for moving equipment, workers and vehicles moving near the lanes of traffic.
For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or call (936) 404-7485.
Sophomores Led Team to Season Milestones
The Angelina College Roadrunners under third-year head coach J.J. Montgomery helped the coach to a couple of milestones in the 2023-2024 season. For their efforts, several ‘Runners earned some coveted postseason hardware.
AC’s Xavier Owens and Nehikhare Igiehon each earned 2nd Team All-Region and 2nd Team All-Conference honors, while Eddie Evans and Patrick Johnson each picked up Honorable Mention All-Conference nods.
Sophomore Owens, from Houston’s Grace Christian Academy, finished the season having averaged 12.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 2023-2024. He also converted 37.7 percent of his three-point attempts, a testament to his versatility both on the perimeter as well as in the post.
Igiehon, the sophomore forward from Austin, TX, averaged 11 points and 6.6 rebounds per game for the Roadrunners. His 74 offensive boards were good enough for fourth among Region XIV players.
Evans, a sophomore transfer from New Jersey, averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He nailed 38.5 percent of his attempts from three-point range.
Johnson, a sophomore point guard from Compton, CA, led Region XIV in assists, distributing 156 (4.9 per game) over the course of the season, giving him a total of 260 for his two-year Angelina College career. Johnson added 9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game to his totals this season.
The Roadrunners, who finished the year with a record of 21-11, boosted Montgomery to his first 20-win season and his very first win in the Region XIV Conference Tournament held earlier this month.
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Coleman Coach of the Year, Walker MVP
The Angelina College Lady Roadrunners in 2023-2024 put together a memorable season, capping the year by making history.
As a result of the team’s success, there were numerous individual honors awarded after the season.
AC head coach Byron Coleman earned the Region XIV Coach of the Year award, while Amyria Walker finished as the Region XIV Most Valuable Player. Walker, along with teammate Marie Kenembeni, also earned 1st Team All-Region honors. Jade Fry earned All-Conference honors, while Janay Quinn picked up Honorable Mention All-Conference honors.
Coleman, who won his 300th game for AC in 2023, has never missed the postseason in his time as the Lady Roadrunners’ head coach.
Walker, a sophomore from Burleson, TX, finished the season as the Region XIV scoring leader after averaging 19.8 points per game – good enough to place eighth in the nation in NJCAA Division I women’s basketball. She finished the season with 635 points – third best in AC program history – topping the league in that category as well.
Kenembeni, the sophomore from Cameroon (and a reigning All-American after the 2023 season), averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. She was also second in the conference with blocked shots with 27.
Sophomore Fry, a native of Denison, TX, helped solidify the Lady ‘Runners’ post play by averaging 11.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Quinn, a sophomore point guard from Miami, FL, was fourth in the league in overall assists with 136, leaving her with a 4.3 assists-per-game average. Defensively, Quinn led Region XIV in steals with 75 (2.3 steals per game).
The Lady Roadrunners went 22-10 overall and 13-3 in Region XIV conference play, finishing as regular-season co-champions for the first time in program history. AC went two games deep into the conference tournament before seeing its season come to an end. The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Just Announced!
Special Event…
BLACKHAWK!
April 13, 2024, 7:30 pm
VIP TABLE SEATS! GENERAL ADMISSION!
DANCE FLOOR! BAR! FOOD!
On sale to the general public on Monday, March 18th at 10:00 am
WWW.PWFAA.ORG
**ATTENTION SEASON TICKET HOLDERS!**
You have the ability to purchase tickets to this event before they go on sale to the public on Monday, March 18th. Get your VIP Table Seats or General Admission tickets by emailing thea@pwfaa.org or calling 936.544.4276
Everyone makes time to attend the celebration on April 13 from 11 o’clock to 2 o’clock for the 120th Anniversary of San Augustine Drug Co. They will have music, food, face painting for the kids, and door prizes for the first 40 people. A fun time to be had by all.
Date/Time Information:
Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 11 am to 2 pm
Location:
104 East Columbia Street
Continuing education units available to participants
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a virtual East Texas Pasture Management Program on April 5.
The online program will run from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. via the Zoom meeting platform. Registration cost is $35. Attendees must pre-register at https://tx.ag/VirtualETPastureMgt before 11 a.m. on April 4.
There will be five Texas Department of Agriculturecontinuing education units available, including one laws and regulations, one integrated pest management and three general units.
Practice sessions will be available the week before the program to allow time for people to become familiar with connecting to the platform.
A morning and afternoon session topics will focus on beef and forage production and will include:
For more information, contact Michelle Sensing at 903-847-6011 or michelle.sensing@ag.tamu.edu.
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