Angelina College’s Jay Head (10) fights his way out of a Lee College triple team during Saturday’s game. Head led the Roadrunners with 19 points in AC’s 81-62 win over the Rebels at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Angelina College’s Mia Perkins (14) scores on a putback during Saturday’s game against Paris College. The Lady Roadrunners moved to 8-3 in conference play with a 98-67 win over the Lady Dragons at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Gary Stallard/AC Athletics
Great starts led to great finishes for both Angelina College basketball teams on Saturday, with the Lady Roadrunners pounding Paris College 98-67 and the Roadrunners taking down Lee College 83-62 at Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunners 98, Paris College 67
AC’s Natasha Mack followed Wednesday’s 29-point performance in the team’s win at Coastal Bend with a 36-point effort against Paris College on Saturday.
Playing just 26 minutes, Mack finished with another double-double – her 11th straight game with the feat – by adding 13 rebounds and four blocked shots.
Adding to the good news for the Lady Roadrunners was a breakout performance from Mia Perkins, who notched a collegiate career-high 22 points with 15 rebounds in the win.
AC’s ladies also did the job from the perimeter, connecting for 11 three pointers – with seven of those occurring in the first half – in the game. Priscilla Murray accounted for three treys, and Mack, Charisma Shepherd and Angelica Darcus hit two each.
BreOsha Scott led the Lady Dragons with 26 points; Lindsey Thorpe added 11.
The Lady ‘Runners roared out to a 22-8 lead to open the game. Murray hit all of her three pointers in the first quarter, and AC led 30-10 after 10 minutes of play. The Lady Roadrunner lead would expand to as many as 33 points by game’s end.
AC improves to 16-5, 8-3 with the win. The Lady Roadrunners will play at Panola College on Wednesday. Game time is 5:30 p.m.
Roadrunners 81, Lee College 62
That would be considered a fast start.
Angelina College’s Roadrunners may not have won the opening the tip, but the next nine minutes were all AC, as the team exploded for a 20-2 lead early before cruising to an 81-62 win over Lee College on Saturday.
Jay Head (10) of Angelina College scores over Lee College’s Ezeoha Santiago (11) during Saturday’s game. Head led the Roadrunners with 19 points in AC’s 81-62 win over the Rebels at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
The Roadrunner bench outscored the Rebels 30-6; the balanced scoring attack featured four AC players reaching double figures, with Jay Head notching a career-high 19 points in the win. Gilbert Thomas added 12 points and eight rebounds; Isaac Beal added 11 points and eight boards; and Kevin Norman finished with 11 points that included a perfect 4-for-4 effort from the free-throw line.
Angelina College’s Angelica Darcus (11) gets sandwiched between Paris College defenders while attempting a layup during Saturday’s game. The Lady Roadrunners moved to 8-3 in conference play with a 98-67 win over the Lady Dragons at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Athletics photo)
Lee’s Shawn Montague, J’Von McCormick and Collin Means scored 14 points each for the Rebels.
AC finished the game having committed just 11 turnovers. Most of those came in a brief second-half stretch that saw Lee climb to within five points of the Roadrunners’ lead.
The ‘Runners collected themselves and proceeded to put together a 14-6 run to keep the game out of reach.
The Roadrunners (12-9, 4-6) travel to Brenham on Wednesday to face Blinn College. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Angelina College’s Jarod Sprinkle delivers to the plate during Friday’s game in Waco. The Roadrunners host No. 6 McLennan College at 2 p.m. on Monday in AC’s home opener at Roadrunner Field. (Doug Boes/Contributed photo)
Angelina College’s Sean Bergeron connects on a wing during Friday’s game in Waco. The Roadrunners host No. 6 McLennan College at 2 p.m. on Monday in AC’s home opener at Roadrunner Field. (Doug Boes/Contributed photo)
For the fans who attend the Angelina College baseball team’s home opener on Monday – and also for those who come to Wednesday’s home doubleheader – there’s something they may need to know:
Bring a pencil. The lineups they witness in one game may change drastically by the next.
The 2018 Roadrunners are stocked all the way throughout the roster, with a number of players ready and able to step into different roles.
Having so many options is the reason head coach Jeff Livin, heading into his 21st season as the Roadrunners’ skipper, is looking forward to needing plenty of pencils when making out his game-to-game lineups.
“I think the overall depth of the team is certainly going to be our strength this year,” Livin said earlier this week. “There’s solid depth at every position, and we’ll have the luxury of moving guys around where we need them the most.”
In 2017, the Roadrunners set several marks offensively, including Jacob Finke’s single-season home run record of 17. This year, according to Livin, the results will be similar although the approach may differ.
“I don’t think we’re going to have the power we had, but I think we’re a more dangerous offensive team,” Livin said. “It seems like the guys were having more competitive at-bats during the fall. I think 1-9 in the lineup, we should be good. Our run production should be the same or better. It’s just going to come in a different fashion.”
One big bat returning to the lineup is Garrett Kochakian, who blasted several majestic shots at Roadrunner field last season.
There will also be some different faces around the infield and outfield. The ‘Runners in 2017 were fortunate to have a solid core up the middle, with Division I signees Tony Lima (second base) and Nathan Miranda (shortstop) serving as the anchors. For now, Livin said a youth movement is unfolding, so it’s hard to write those positions in ink.
“There’s definitely room for competition in the middle,” Livin said. “Last year, Tony (Lima) and Nathan (Miranda) were solid, and they’re tough to replace. But I remember Nate dealing with some inconsistencies at this time last season, and he went on to have a phenomenal year at shortstop.
“We’ll be young, and we’ll make some young mistakes, but I like the way we’re going about our business every day.”
The rest of the defensive spots also are stacked at every position, meaning Livin can go with the hot bat when it’s time to make game decisions. Livin mentioned centerfielder Sam Haley and Tanner Sembera – who arrived as a pitcher but is showing a “middle-of-the-lineup bat” – as two players worth noting. Alec Paz spent 2017 battling various injuries but has “really been swinging the bat and making a lot of noise.” Euro Diaz had a strong fall season and will spend plenty of time in left field. Sean Bergeron, who’s listed as a freshman after injuries forced him to redshirt in ’17, is another player Livin believes will make big contributions to the new squad. Bergeron announced his arrival in the fall with a couple of walk-off homers.
“Sean will be a DH/first base/pitcher for us,” Livin said. “He’s really swinging the bat with some authority.”
Also returning is sophomore Christian Leonard, a sweet-swinging lefty who showed a quick bat in his freshman season.
Angelina College’s Lance Lusk delivers to the plate during Friday’s game in Waco. The Roadrunners host No. 6 McLennan College at 2 p.m. on Monday in AC’s home opener at Roadrunner Field. (Doug Boes/Contributed photo)
“Christian in the fall was working on doing what he thought he should do, which was hit with more power, and I don’t think that’s his game to go looking for that,” Livin said. “I think the power’s in there. He’s got good, quick hands with the bat, and he’s worked hard to hit more consistently. He’s also shown a ton of improvement defensively.”
Other players vying for playing time include Dylan Rivers, Hayden Baker, Grant Jackman, Coy McLarty, Nic Garza, Drake Pierson, Alex Ashby, Brett Mugavero, Hayden Evans and Dylan Murphy.
Another big change in ’18 will be the stable of catchers. The 2017 Roadrunners featured several players highly capable of handling the chores behind the plate. This season, despite the new faces, Livin said he feels confident in the guys behind the masks.
“We’re young there,” Livin acknowledged. “We’ve got two freshmen and a sophomore transfer. Garrett Boes is the transfer. He’s a switch hitter who shows a lot of pop offensively. Sam Gotlieb and Dillon Nesbit are our two freshmen, and they’ll see time behind the plate as well. They’ve all looked good back there.”
Finally, there’s the all-important pitching staff. Depth in both the starting rotation and the relief corps means no single pitcher will have to carry the load.
“Our pitching staff looks a lot stronger than last year,” Livin said. “Not that we have those horses who carry a ton of innings, but I think we’re really going to stay competitive in every game. I think we’ll be a lot more consistent.”
Livin will have at his disposal returning pitchers such as Jarod Sprinkle, Jesse Cravy, Garrett Herrmann, Clayton Hill, Jeremy Rodriguez, Kyle Allen and Nick Bowman.
Those are known commodities, but Livin said he likes what he’s seeing from the up-and-comers as well.
“The youngsters like Lance Lusk and Bergeron are going to figure big in our equation,” Livin said. “We have a freshman from Austin, Jacob Mead, who throws the ball very well, and he’s got some plus off-speed stuff.”
Others expected to see the mound include Huntington freshman Chandler Reece – “he’s flashed some good innings for us so far” – along with Louisiana Tech transfer J.T. Migues, whose arm strength has convinced Livin has the potential to make Migues “a dominant pitcher.” Taylor Meaux, Ty Hoecker, Hagan Hartman round out the overall rotation.
By the time the conference portion of the season rolls around in March, Livin and assistant coach Adam Massiatte will have had time to see their Roadrunners in game situations. Typically, the first month serves as a way of narrowing the lineups down to the players who have established their abilities to perform.
But if 2018 shakes out the way Livin predicts, there will still no need to write any lineup in ink. Having that much throughout the roster ensures the coaching staff will never have an opportunity to copy and paste.
“We like the depth we have,” Livin said. “It gives us a lot of options. It’s a good feeling to have.
“I was sitting here working on lineups for the first couple of series. We’re not going to go deep in the pitch counts in the beginning. You start thinking about when you’re planning to use which guy, and you see how many options we have, and there’s a lot to feel good about.”
The Roadrunners take on No. 6 McLennan College in a Monday doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. at Roadrunner Field. On Wednesday, AC will host Mountain View College. That doubleheader also starts at 2 p.m.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
Angelina College’s Garrett Kochakian, shown here in Friday’s game in Waco, leads the Roadrunners in Monday’s home opener. The Roadrunners host No. 6 McLennan College at 2 p.m. at Roadrunner Field. (Doug Boes/Contributed photo)
Motorists should expect lane closures and a pilot car to lead them on US 69 South from Huntington to FM 844 this week as contractors begin cement treating the subgrade for widening the roadway. Also, mill and inlay work is continuing om US 69 throughout the week inside the city limits of Huntington and moving northbound. Motorists are advised to reduce speed and stay alert through these work areas.
After our bitter cold spell, I’ve been getting a number of questions. What plants may have been killed? Will there be fewer insects this year? How will I know when to replace landscape plants?
First let’s review at the old USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. In Angelina County, we are classified as zone 8b, with annual expected lows to reach 15 to 20 F. When you study plant tags in the nursery or in the catalog, anything with a number 8b or lower would be acceptable in our area.
North of us from Tyler to the Red River is zone 8a, with temperatures expected to be as low as 10 to 15 F. To the south in Beaumont and Houston, you’ll find the boundary for zone 9a, with minimum temperatures expected to be only from 20 to 25 F.
So, if we are zone 8b, then we certainly reached the expected low, if not a bit lower. To be sure, we may have lost some of the more tropical plants that we tend to use in the landscape. We are on the edge of survival for many tropical that will get by for years only to be bitten back by a good long freeze like we just experienced. Tropical plants such as palms and citrus the common victims.
A good buddy sent me a picture of his Sago Palm and asked if it had a chance to live. Certainly, the fronds were damaged but the Sago is one of the more cold-hardy palms. According to the literature on it, Sagos will survive to 5 F. Pruning back the fronds should be done on completely dead, badly damaged or diseased plant tissue.
Citrus plants may also have been affected. Just outside my office window are some cuttings of a Meyer lemon that I’ve been trying to root. They look ok right now, but time will tell. At home, an unknown orange tree variety planted in the yard is looking pitiful.
It is best to plant citrus in a large container so that it can be moved into a protected room during really cold weather. Satsumas or mandarins, kumquats, and Meyer lemons are all classified as semi-hardy. And semi-hardy is supposed to work in our part of the state.
The second biggest question I get is about the insects. After a cold spell, many assume there will be fewer insect pests next year. Well… I know the termites and fire ants were snug in underground or (heaven forbid) in the warm walls of a structure.
But what about mosquitos? My friends from Alaska and another from Minnesota know full well that their hard winters are not enough to get rid of mosquitoes. Perhaps there will be fewer problematic garden insects, but what will be the fate of the beneficial insects like ladybugs and honeybees?
I keep bees. I checked my hives on a sunny day earlier this week and my honey bees are doing just fine. Even my starter hives that are in a smaller box that is made of 3/8-inch plywood came through without any problems.
Honestly, I have no idea what the outcome of so many garden pests will be. I do hope all the bad ones die and every beneficial insect survives gloriously. I’m not holding my breath, though.
Lastly, how do you know when to call it quits on a plant that you believe has succumbed to the freeze? I’d give it a few weeks to a couple of months to green up. Remember that the roots were well protected in the soil.
Leaning towards optimism on my orange tree, I’m going to wait as long as possible.
LUFKIN – Work is beginning on a construction project on the west side of Lufkin that will impact traffic for several months.
Crews have begun work on a construction project on FM 1194 in Angelina County from SL 287 West to FM 3150. The work will include the widening of the roadway and a new asphalt surface. Also included in the work will be safety treating driveway culverts.
“We will be in full work mode this next week at this location and motorists can expect delays here for several months,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District spokesperson. “There will be flaggers instructing motorists and a lead car to lead traffic in a single lane through the work area. If you want to avoid possible delays, alternate routes could be SH 94 or SH 103 West to and from the Hudson area. This is a heavily traveled roadway and we urge drivers to stay alert.”
Motorists are urged to obey all traffic control devices. Traffic fines double when workers are present. Pinto Construction, Nacogdoches, will serve as contractor for the $459,200 construction project that is expected to be completed in June, 2018. Work schedules could change in inclement weather.
For more information on this and other Lufkin District projects, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395. For more information on projects and closures statewide, visit drivetexas.org.
LUFKIN – As primary elections draws near, the Texas Department of Transportation is reminding political parties, candidates and their supporters that the law dictates where campaign signs can be placed along Texas roadways.
March 6 is the scheduled primary election and May 22 set for runoff elections. Candidates can place campaign signs up to 90 days prior to elections.
“We want to remind everyone that TxDOT has guidelines about placing signs on the right-of-way,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “There are usually many signs posted near election time and if a political sign is placed on the right of way, we will be required to remove it without notice.”
Posting signage on public lands is illegal. TxDOT is urging candidates and supporters to remember:
It is illegal to place any signs within the right of way. This includes posting signs on trees, telephone poles, traffic signs and other objects on the right of way.
Campaign signs along Texas roads can be placed on private property with the owner’s permission.
Signs must be made of lightweight material and be no larger than 50 square feet.
Campaign signs may be posted as early as 90 days before an election (no earlier) and must be removed within 10 days after the election.
Before placing a sign inside of incorporated city limits, check city for applicable ordinances.
If a sign is placed in the right of way or poses a traffic hazard, it will be removed. All costs associated with sign removal will be paid by the sign owner.
For more information regarding signage, visit txdot.gov or contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.
Angelina College’s Rexesha Hollis (24) corrals a long pass during a recent game against Kilgore College. The Lady Roadrunners are part of Saturday’s women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)
Angelina College’s Mario Goggins (21) battles for a loose ball during a recent game. The Roadrunners are part of Saturday’s women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium. (Gary Stallard/AC Press photo)
Both Angelina College basketball teams are in action on Saturday, with a women’s/men’s doubleheader at Shands Gymnasium featuring key conference battles.
The Lady Roadrunners beat Coastal Bend 70-55 in Beeville on Wednesday, getting 29 points, 15 rebounds and six blocks from Natasha Mack, who recently was named the No. 1 junior-college recruit in the nation. Mia Williams chipped in with 10 points, and Priscilla Murray came off the bench to contribute 11 points, including a trio of three pointers.
The win moved AC’s record to 15-5, 7-3 for the season.
Paris (10-9, 5-4) upended San Jacinto by an 80-79 score on Wednesday. The Lady Dragons placed six players in double figures, with Makaela Mosley leading the charge with a 17-point output.
The Roadrunners (11-9, 3-6) dropped a 95-78 decision at Jacksonville College on Tuesday. On Saturday, they’ll face a Lee College team mired in a six-game losing streak, with the most recent loss occurring Wednesday at Lamar State College-Port Arthur.
At half time of the men’s game, members of Burley, Slack, Hackney and Garrett schools will compete in the latest round of the Teacher Tussle 2018.
The Lady ‘Runners will tip off at 2 p.m., with the men following at 4 p.m. Fans can view the live stream by logging onto angelinaathletics.com.
The e-mail address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu.
With an average of three credit cards each, Americans use their cards to provide a cushion for emergencies, cash-free convenience, and great rewards. However, while they recognize the value of their credit cards, most still feel their relationship with them is less than ideal. Still, they haven’t given up hope; the majority (64%) believe the perfect card for them is out there, and they just haven’t found it yet.
A recent Experian survey revealed these and other insights into how Americans feel about and use their credit cards. While respondents generally value their credit cards as important financial and credit tools, the majority aren’t as satisfied with their credit cards as they feel they could be. Many also feel the process of finding and applying for a new card is difficult or overwhelming.
College students who borrow to pay for school typically don’t have to start repaying their student loans until six months after leaving school. But when it does come time to start making loan payments, you may find yourself stressing out about the additional monthly expense.
“Properly preparing for this transition can help students successfully manage their payments now and in the future,” says Martha Holler, senior vice president, Sallie Mae.
To help, Holler is offering the following insights.
• Know who and how much you owe. Keep track of lender and servicer contact information and other important details on a spreadsheet. Include the type of student loan, name of the servicer, the servicer’s phone number, interest rate and type, and the ending date of your separation or grace period.
• Tap technology. Set up automatic payments so you’ll never have to worry about missing a payment. You’ll avoid late fees and you might qualify for a discount on your interest rate. For example, Sallie Mae customers may be eligible to receive a 0.25 percent interest rate reduction when they pay on-time via auto-debit. In addition, with the lender’s award-winning mobile app for Android and Apple, customers can make and manage payments anytime, including from an Apple Watch or by using Siri.
• Save money. Make more than the minimum payment each month to pay off your loan faster and pay less interest overall.
• Think long-term. Paying on time consistently can help you establish and build a favorable credit history. This can make a big difference when you apply for a car loan, credit card, lease, mortgage, or even a job.
• Be responsible. Open any mail you receive from your servicer or lender and read it carefully. Update your contact information when it changes, such as when you leave school and “.edu” is no longer part of your email address. If you run into trouble, contact your lender or servicer, touch base with your cosigner if you have one, and look for solutions.
For more tips and tools, visit salliemae.com and check out Sallie Mae’s “Manage Your Student Loans,” a one-stop source of straightforward, comprehensive information featuring practical tools — including a monthly budget worksheet and a loan payment estimator, as well as easy-to-understand explanations of complex subjects, like how interest accrues, how payments are allocated to principal and interest, and how to build a strong credit history.
“Our student loan repayment tips and tools are designed to help new grads adopt responsible personal finance habits now that will serve them well throughout their lives,” says Holler.
Time to repay your student loans? Be sure you have all the tools and facts needed to do so as quickly and affordably as possible.
LUFKIN, TX. The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to present the touring Broadway musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder on Thursday, February 8, at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College Campus.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m.
Getting away with murder can be so much fun… and there’s no better proof than the knock-‘em-dead hit show that’s earned unanimous raves and won the 2014 Tony Award® for BEST MUSICAL — GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE TO LOVE & MURDER! GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE tells the uproarious story of Monty Navarro, an heir to a family fortune who sets out to jump the line of succession by—you guessed it—eliminating the eight pesky relatives who stand in his way. All the while, Monty has to juggle his mistress (she’s after more than just love), his fiancée (she’s his cousin but who’s keeping track?), and the constant threat of landing behind bars! Of course, it will all be worth it if he can slay his way to his inheritance… and be done in time for tea. The Hollywood Reporter raves, “GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE RESTORES OUR FAITH IN MUSICAL COMEDY” and The New York Times cheers, “IT WILL LIFT THE HEARTS OF ALL THOSE WHO’VE BEEN PINING FOR WHAT SOMETIMES SEEMS A LOST ART FORM.” Kindly get your tickets now for the musical that will have you dying with laughter.
“The Angelina Arts Alliance strives to bring the best in touring entertain to Lufkin! It’s how we fulfill our mission to enrich, entertain and educate by presenting and promoting the performing arts. Don’t miss this show!” said Jennifer Allen, Executive Director of the Angelina Arts Alliance. For more information and to purchase tickets visit the Temple Theater Box Office on the Angelina College Lufkin campus, Monday through Friday 11 am – 5 pm or call (936) 633-5454, or go online at www.angelinaarts.org . Details and video clips for this performance and the entire new season are on the Arts Alliance website. Follow Angelina Arts Alliance on Facebook for late-breaking news, photos, videos and ticket giveaways.
The Angelina Arts Alliance is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to present a wide array of diverse, quality performing arts, along with educational and family performances which collectively enrich, engage and educate the community.
LUFKIN, TX. The Angelina Arts Alliance is proud to present the touring Broadway musical A Gentleman’s Guide to Love & Murder on Thursday, February 8, at the Temple Theater on the Angelina College Campus.