Change is everywhere. Technology advances, markets shift, and communities grow in new directions. For leaders in East Texas, the challenge is clear: how do we adapt without losing who we are?
Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…” That means we can welcome new ideas while staying rooted in timeless truth.
Innovation Without Values Is Just Noise
Not every “new idea” is worth chasing. We’ve all seen businesses try the latest trend, only to lose focus. The same can happen in churches or community groups when methods replace mission. Innovation should never come at the cost of integrity.
Values Without Innovation Lead to Stagnation
On the flip side, refusing to change can be just as harmful. In East Texas, families and businesses thrive because they honor tradition and look for better ways to serve. Holding firm to values doesn’t mean clinging to outdated methods. It means finding fresh approaches that carry the mission forward.
Faith Anchors Change
The truth is, innovation requires risk. Launching something new always comes with uncertainty. But faith reminds us our security isn’t in trends – it’s in God’s promises. Joshua 1:9 tells us, “Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Faith gives us courage to move forward, trusting that God guides the outcome.
Three Ways to Lead Change with Integrity
Clarify Your Core Values. Write down what never changes – your guardrails for making decisions.
Test Small. Try new ideas on a small scale before expanding. Learn, adjust, and grow.
Pray Before You Pivot. Invite God into your decision-making. Don’t chase trends; follow His leading.
That’s a Wrap
East Texas has always been a place of resilience and creativity. Our farmers, business owners, and community leaders know how to adapt without losing their roots. That’s what faith-driven innovation looks like: holding fast to eternal values while courageously stepping into the future.
So the next time change knocks at your door, don’t fear it – lead through it with faith and integrity.
What Can We Learn From Jesus Turning Water Into Wine?
“We can learn that you shouldn’t rush Jesus, but put your faith in him,” says Taylor, 11. Also, we can learn that sometimes a good deed goes unnoticed, and that’s OK.”
In the ancient Middle East, wedding celebrations could last for days. To run out of wine would be an embarrassment that might last a lifetime for a bride and groom. The miracle at the wedding feast was the first sign that Jesus performed (John 2:1-11).
When Jesus’ mother told him they had run out of wine, he said his hour had not yet come. One easy way to discover what Jesus was thinking is to see how the word “hour” is used later in the Gospel of John.
On the night before his trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify your son, that your son also may glorify you” (John 17:1).
Jesus had a sense of mission and a timetable. He knew that he was destined to die on the cross for all our sins. God would glorify him by raising him from the dead as victor over death. Jesus carefully unfolded his ministry so that he had time to train disciples to carry on his mission of preaching the good news to the entire world.
No one except Jesus’ mother, disciples and the servants who filled the stone pots with water knew the origin of the wine. The master of the feast who tasted the wine asked the groom why he didn’t serve the best wine first.
The result of the miracle: “His disciples believed in Him” (John 2:11b).
There were times in Jesus’ ministry when he performed spectacular miracles in the open for everyone to see. In the last days of his ministry, Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead in a town close to Jerusalem (John 11). It’s as though he dared the religious authorities to arrest him. The wedding feast at the beginning of his ministry was not the time to call attention to himself in front of a large crowd.
Some people have accused Jesus of being disrespectful by calling his mother “woman” instead of “mother.” Again, a simple word search on “woman” proves this argument false. When Jesus hung on the cross, he looked down and saw his mother standing with the Apostle John. He said, “Woman, behold your son!” (John 19:26). In the next breath, he said to John, “Behold your mother.”
From that day forward, John took Mary into his house and cared for her. How could Jesus not respect his mother when he showed compassion by making provision for her?
Some things don’t translate well from one language to another. In the Jewish culture of Jesus’ day, calling your mother “woman” was not a sign of disrespect.
“The wine was delicious because Jesus made it,” says Anjali, 8.
Some people equate spirituality with being a recluse and living off birdseed. The fact that Jesus accepted the wedding party invitation and turned the water into wine proves otherwise. Some people with a tendency toward asceticism have tried to make the case that this was grape juice. It doesn’t work. The original Greek text of the New Testament uses the word for wine. This text shouldn’t give anyone an excuse for getting smashed either.
Think about this: Like a laser, Jesus focused on his mission of offering himself as a sacrifice for our sins.
Memorize this truth: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4b).
Ask this question: Do you think about a mission God has given you?
Kids Talk About God is designed for families to study the Bible together. Research shows that parents who study the Bible with their children give their character, faith, and spiritual life a powerful boost. To receive Kids Talk About God three times a week in a free email subscription, visit www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org/email.
Soccer’s regular season has reached its end, meaning the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners are about to embark on what they hope will be a long playoff run. We’re including information for their upcoming tournament matches.
Both soccer teams pulled out thrillers in Friday’s matches against Louisiana State University-Eunice after celebrating Sophomore Day just before kickoff.
We also saw the Roadrunner basketball team in action at home during this past Wednesday’s closed scrimmage at Shands Gymnasium. The team showed off its depth in a win over Legacy Houston.
Our baseball and softball teams are nearing the end of their respective Fall Ball schedules, with their action wrapping up this coming weekend.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
AC Soccer Teams Set First-Round Tournament Matches
The No. 17 Lady Roadrunners (9-2-1) will host a first-round tournament match at home by virtue of their Region XIV South Zone championship. AC’s ladies will host Northeast Texas Community College on Tuesday, Oct. 28 at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. That match kicks off at 6 p.m.
The Lady Runners beat the Lady Eagles by a 4-0 score back in August in the teams’ only matchup of the season.
The Roadrunners still have a regular-season match scheduled at 7:30 p.m. on Monday (Oct. 27) against Coastal Bend Community College, but after locking down the third-place spot in the Region XIV South Zone, AC already has its first-round playoff match set.
The ‘Runners (8-4-1) will face Paris Junior College at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the University of Texas A&M-Texarkana. The Roadrunners and Dragons battled to a 2-2 draw back in August in their only meeting of 2025.
No. 17 Lady Roadrunner Soccer Squeezes Past LSU-E
The Lady ‘Runners battled LSUE to a scoreless draw for 85 minutes of Friday’s match – in large part because of stellar net play from Lady Bengal keeper Catherine Beckman, who finished the match with 12 saves – but the lone goal scored was a big one.
Juana Bulla launched a long-range shot from outside the box, going top shelf over the LSUE defense to lift AC to the 1-0 win in the Lady Roadrunners’ regular-season finale.
Prior to Friday’s match, the program held its Sophomore Day ceremony honoring sophomores Brenda Izaguirre, Sarah Riboe, Nerea Garcia, Juana Bulla, Paula Suarez, Emily Vazquez, Sophie Iversen, Becky Emeka, Olivia Sanchez and Michelle Naderman.
Roadrunner Soccer Outlasts LSUE
Friday’s nightcap featured yet another defensive battle, with the ‘Runners and Bengals hammering each other all match long in a scoreless draw – until Eric Ortiz came through in a big way late in the match.
Ortiz took a sweet feed in the box from Kanta Maruyama, with Ortiz heading the ball into the bottom corner of the net for the game winner.
AC will close out the regular season with Monday’s (Oct. 27) match against Coastal Bend Community College. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
Just before Friday’s kickoff, the program held its Sophomore Day ceremony recognizing sophomores Davy Smith, Josmy Ngandola, Adrien Ebersbach, Shuto Ishikawa, Patricio Villalobos, Christian Castaneda, Kaisei Nagayoshi, Eric Ortiz, Lennart Poth and Iori Tanaka.
Roadrunner Basketball Tops Legacy Houston in Scrimmage
Even with several key players sidelined for now, the Roadrunner basketball team nevertheless showed off its depth in a convincing 77-45 win over Legacy Houston in Wednesday’s closed scrimmage at Shands Gymnasium.
Zacc Sells nailed a trio of three pointers to finish with 12 points, Clarence Payia went 5-of-6 from the free-throw line to score 11 points, Milton Rice also chipped in with 11 points and Kai’Ree Murray finished with nine points to lead the Roadrunners’ scoring attack.
The Roadrunners will open the regular season at home on Monday, Nov. 3 when AC faces Hinds Community College. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Falls Against NCAA Competition
Head softball coach Kassie James has made sure her Lady Roadrunners get a taste of big-time competition, going head-to-head against NCAA opponents throughout the fall season.
This past weekend saw the Lady ‘Runners taking their best swings against NCAA Division I’s Houston Christian University and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and NCAA Division III’s Texas A&M-International.
AC fell 20-6 to HCU on Friday, with Jessi Sumpter driving in four runs while Emilee McKee Emily Zunker added an RBI each.
On Saturday, the Lady ‘Runners dropped an 8-2 decision to TAMU-CC, with McKee collecting two hits while scoring a run. Audrey Richardson also scored for AC.
AC’s ladies capped the weekend with a 9-1 loss to TAMU-International, with Eastyn Wilkie driving in the Lady Roadrunners’ lone run.
AC will wrap up its fall season this coming weekend, with a 2 p.m. game on Friday at LSU-Alexandria and a Sunday home doubleheader against Illusions-Smith. That doubleheader is set for a 2 p.m. start at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Baseball Falls to Division II UT-Tyler, Beats Grayson College
The ‘Runner baseball squad on Thursday went head-to-head against NCAA Division II opponent UT-Tyler, dropping a 9-4 decision in Tyler before bouncing back with a 14-4 win over Grayson College in the nightcap.
Against UT-Tyler’s Patriots, the Roadrunners got RBIs from Cole Standley, Marco Bandiero, Jackson Pullen and Colton Haas.
In the evening tilt against Grayson College, the AC bats erupted for 14 runs on 12 hits. Jack Braswell drove in four of those runs, and Jose Arcia-Palma drove in three more with a three-run homer. Bandiero added two more RBIs to his day, and Jon Gonzalez, Ben Welch and Will McKinzie also drove in runs in the win.
AC’s final Fall Ball game takes place at noon on Saturday, Nov. 1 at Sam Houston State University.
Meet the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners
New rosters for the upcoming AC basketball seasons are now available on the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com.).
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Monday, Oct. 27:
Roadrunner Soccer vs. Coastal Bend, 7:30 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Tuesday, Oct. 28:
No. 17 Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. TBA, Region XIV Conference Tournament opener, 6 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Thursday, Oct. 30:
Roadrunner Soccer vs. Paris Junior College, Region XIV Tournament First Round, 6 p.m. at the University of Texas A&M-Texarkana in Texarkana, Texas.
Friday, Oct. 31:
Lady Roadrunner Softball at the Louisiana State University-Alexandria, 2 p.m. in Alexandria, LA.
Saturday, Nov. 1:
Roadrunner Baseball at Sam Houston State University, 12 p.m. in Huntsville, Texas.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
November 5, 2025
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November 6, 2025
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Join us this November for Chamber University, featuring two powerful learning sessions designed to help you lead smarter and serve stronger!
November 5 – The AI Advantage: Lead Smarter, Move Faster with Lee Miller, MSGPR Ltd Co Discover how AI is already transforming local businesses and simple ways you can start using it today.
November 6 – Delivering Beyond the Transaction with Chris Fleniken, Real Graphics Learn how to go beyond customer transactions to build lasting relationships and loyal customers.
AgriLife Extension sessions to cover new legislation, real-world applications for tax practitioners
The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will host a series of online and in-person tax workshops this fall to help tax practitioners navigate the latest changes in tax law and apply them confidently.
Workshops will be held in Dallas, Stafford, Victoria and online. The sessions provide continuing education credits for enrolled agents, certified public accountants, certified financial planners, attorneys and other tax practitioners.
“This year’s tax changes require careful interpretation,” said Scott Youngblood, longtime tax practitioner and AgriLife Extension Tax Workshops presenter. “We want to help people understand what tax rules are staying, what’s going and how to advise clients.”
Led by experienced tax professionals, each workshop goes beyond legislative updates by emphasizing real-world application for individual, small business and agricultural tax returns.
“These sessions combine expert instruction with interactive learning,” said Lisa Patterson, AgriLife Extension Tax Workshops program manager in the Texas A&M Department of Agricultural Economics, Bryan-College Station. “Our goal is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to better serve the community.”
“Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate or get certified,” Youngblood said. “These programs give professionals and individuals a way to keep building their knowledge year after year.”
Stafford workshops will take place at TownePlace Suites, 11031 Fountain Lake Drive.
The Victoria workshop will take place at the AgriLife Extension office’s 4-H Activity Center, 259 Bachelor Drive.
Online webinars: How to Complete IRS Forms Workshops
The registration deadline for each online workshop is Oct.17. Following registration, participants will be sent information on how to access the webinar.
Dates, times and fees are as follows:
Oct. 28: IRS form 1065, online, 8:20-10:10 a.m., $80.
Oct. 28: IRS form 1120S, online, 12-1:50 p.m., $80.
Oct. 30: IRS form 1040, online, 8:20 a.m.-noon, $160.
General Income Tax Workshops
All General Income Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m.-4:35 p.m., and the registration fee is $460.
Dates and locations will be:
Nov. 4-5: Dallas, registration deadline is Oct. 21.
Nov. 12-13: Stafford, registration deadline is Oct. 24.
Nov. 17-18: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 3.
Dec. 8-9: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 24.
Small Business Tax Workshops
All Small Business Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m.-4:35 p.m., and the registration fee is $460.
Dates and locations will be:
Nov. 6-7: Dallas, registration deadline is Oct. 21.
Nov. 10-11: Stafford, registration deadline is Oct. 27.
Nov. 20-21: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 3.
Dec. 11-12: Online, registration deadline is Nov. 24.
Agricultural Tax Workshop
All Agricultural Tax Workshops take place from 8:20 a.m. to noon, and the registration fee is $160.
Dates and locations will be:
Dec. 2: Victoria, registration deadline is Nov. 19.
Fredericksburg, TX – The National Museum of the Pacific War invites the public to its annual Veterans Day Commemoration on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, beginning at 11:00 a.m. CST in the Museum’s Memorial Courtyard. This special event honors the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and recognizes their courage, sacrifice, and enduring commitment to freedom.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Brigadier General Kevin Jarrard, Commanding General of the 4th Marine Division. General Jarrard was commissioned in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from The Citadel in 1995 and has served across Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom. His distinguished career includes leadership roles such as Commanding Officer of 3d Force Reconnaissance Company, Deputy Chief of Staff at Marine Forces South, and Assistant Division Commander of the 1st Marine Division. A U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne School graduate, General Jarrard holds degrees in history, education, and national security studies.
Veterans Day Commemoration Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2025 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Location: Memorial Courtyard, National Museum of the Pacific War Admission: Free and open to the public
About the Speaker Brigadier General John K. Jarrard Commanding General 4th Marine Division
Brigadier General Kevin Jarrard was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps after graduating from The Citadel in 1995. An infantry officer, he has served in various command and staff billets in the United States and abroad in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, including two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
As a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 3d Force Reconnaissance Company and Security Cooperation Team – Jordan. After promotion to Colonel, he was assigned as the Deputy Chief of Staff at Marine Forces South and subsequently commanded a Marine Advisor Company with a second command tour as the Senior Advisor to the Marine Corps Reserve Artillery Regiment. As a General Officer, he served as the Assistant Division Commander of 1st Marine Division and Deputy Commanding General, II MEF (Mobilization), and Commander Task Force 61.2, U.S. Sixth Fleet.
In addition to earning undergraduate degrees in history and education, Brigadier General Jarrard completed two graduate degrees, one in National Security Studies from the U.S. Army War College and the other in Education from the University of North Georgia. His military training includes U.S. Army Ranger and Airborne schools and a variety of specialized infantry, reconnaissance, and anti-terrorism courses.
Brigadier General Jarrard assumed duties as the Commanding General of 4th Marine Division in May of 2024.
About the Admiral Nimitz Foundation The Admiral Nimitz Foundation was established in 1971 as a 501(c)(3) Texas Corporation to provide additional development funding for the Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Naval Museum, a museum honoring Fredericksburg’s native son and Commander-in-Chief of Allied Forces, Pacific Ocean Area. The sole purpose of the Admiral Nimitz Foundation is to raise funds for the National Museum of the Pacific War and to manage its operation.
About the National Museum of the Pacific War The National Museum of the Pacific War (NMPW), founded in 1967, is the only institution in the continental United States dedicated exclusively to telling the story of the Pacific and Asiatic Theaters in World War II. The Museum annually welcomes more than 120,000 visitors, including at least 15,000 students from across the state. The museum sits on six acres in downtown Fredericksburg, Texas featuring three galleries with more than 55,000 square feet of exhibit space, 40 media installations, approximately 900 artifacts, 15 macro-artifacts, and hundreds of photographs. The Museum is a Texas Historical Commission Property, managed and supported by The Admiral Nimitz Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) charitable organization. For more information, visit http://www.pacificwarmuseum.org. Follow the museum on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Smithsonian Affiliations Smithsonian Affiliations is a national outreach program that develops long-term collaborative partnerships with museums, educational, and cultural organizations to share Smithsonian collections, build collaborative networks, and engage learners of all ages with Smithsonian resources. More information is available at www.affiliations.si.edu.
SILSBEE, Texas – Texas A&M Forest Service and the Southeast Texas Forest Landowners Association are hosting a land management seminar for Southeast Texas landowners on Friday, Nov. 7, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
This seminar is designed for landowners who are interested in forestland management and income opportunities through forestry. Continuing education credits are available for professional loggers and foresters.
Topics covered in the seminar include wildlife management; alternative incomes from forestlands, legislative and legal updates from the Texas Forestry Association; forestry best practices for protecting water and soil; importance of joining a landowner association; the Sustainable Forestry Initiative®; the American tree farm system; and the East Texas Prescribed Burn Association.
This seminar will be hosted at Pinecrest Baptist Church, 5660 FM 1122, Silsbee, Texas. Interested landowners should RSVP by Oct. 31 to Donna Work, Texas A&M Forest Service Biologist, at 936-639-8191.
Attendance and provided lunch at the seminar are free thanks to the Sustainable Forestry Initiative® implementation committee. The seminar is sponsored by the Texas Forestry Association.
Here in East Texas, we know what it means to work hard, build families, and grow communities. But great leadership requires more than hard work. It requires vision – the ability to see what others can’t yet see.
Proverbs 29:18 tells us, “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” Without vision, leaders drift, businesses stall, and families lose direction. With vision, the ordinary becomes extraordinary.
Vision Gives Purpose
When leaders lack vision, life becomes reactive – always putting out fires, always chasing the urgent. But vision lifts our eyes above the daily grind. It reminds us of the bigger “why.”
In business, vision is more than profits. In community, it’s more than programs. True vision answers: “What are we building, and who are we serving?”
Vision Inspires Others
People aren’t motivated by spreadsheets. They’re motivated by stories. Vision has a way of pulling people together and giving them courage to act.
Think about our small towns. When a leader casts a vision for a school, a church, or even a business, people rally. They volunteer, give, and work harder because they see the bigger picture.
Vision Requires Faith
Real vision always feels bigger than us. If we can do it on our own, it’s just a plan. Vision requires faith – believing in what’s possible before it exists. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Faith-driven vision sees not just what is, but what could be – and trusts God to bring it to life.
Three Ways to Sharpen Vision This Week
Step Back and Pray. Take time to ask God what He sees for your life, family, or work.
Write It Down. Don’t just keep vision in your head – put it on paper so others can run with it.
Connect It to People. Share how your vision will impact lives, not just numbers.
That’s a Wrap
In Texas Forest Country, we’ve always been a people of vision – from farmers who saw harvest before seed was planted to business owners who saw possibility in small towns. Vision is what keeps communities alive and families thriving.
This week, lift your eyes beyond the daily grind. Lead with vision, and watch how God can use it to change not just your life but the lives of those around you.
Our Lady Roadrunner soccer team, currently ranked No. 17 in the nation, notched another big milestone with a South Zone championship repeat, and our men’s and women’s basketball teams kicked off the upcoming new year with the annual Region XIV Media Day held this past Wednesday in Tyler.
Of course, our baseball and softball teams were busy with some Fall Ball as well.
We are AC, and we’re ready to Run ‘Em.
Here’s a quick rundown of the past week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
No. 17 Lady Roadrunners Clinch Consecutive South Zone Titles
Angelina College women’s soccer coach Sergio Gardea has led the Lady Roadrunners for two years now, and in both seasons, he’s managed to secure the top spot in his conference zone.
AC’s 1-0 win at Texas Southmost College on Friday moved the Lady ‘Runners to 8-2-1 on the season, meaning the team has secured its second straight South Zone title with just one match remaining in the regular season.
Both the Lady Roadrunners and Roadrunners will celebrate their respective Sophomore Night activities on Friday, Oct. 24, when both teams will host LSUE-E at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
The Lady Roadrunners will kick off at 5 p.m., with Sophomore Day festivities scheduled to take place before the match begins.
Roadrunners Drop Heartbreaker at Texas Southmost
The Roadrunner men’s soccer team dropped another heartbreaker – their second one-goal loss in two weeks – on Friday, as AC fell to Texas Southmost College by a 3-2 final in Brownsville.
The Roadrunners (7-4-1, 5-4-1) have just two regular-season matches remaining: Friday at home vs. LSU-Eunice starting at 7:30 p.m., and a home match against Coastal Bend Community College starting at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 27 at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Prior to kickoff for Friday’s match, the ‘Runners will recognize sophomores on Sophomore Day.
Roadrunners Picked 2nd, Lady ‘Runners 7th in Region XIV Coaches’ Poll
The tipoff to basketball season is just a couple of weeks away, and every new season gets its own launching ceremony courtesy of the annual Region XIV Media Day. This year’s event took place this past Wednesday at Tyler Junior College, and coaches got the opportunity to stand before their contemporaries and the media while discussing the new season’s expectations.
The Roadrunner men, fresh off last year’s Elite Eight appearance – and the No. 1 defensive team in the nation – are picked to finish in second place in Region XIV behind defending national champions Trinity Valley Community College.
While lauding last year’s group and its accomplishments, AC head coach and athletic director J.J. Montgomery said he’s excited about this year’s group.
“Last year was special for us in making it to the national stage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids,” Montgomery said. “They competed hard and represented us in the right way.
“Those kids were special, but I can honestly say I think we’ve gotten better because of the overall talent and the depth we have. We brought back eight kids from a team that went 29-6 last year. We added some transfers, and those guys are some dogs. You all know what I mean by that, and you recognize them when you see them. Every team needs guys like that.”
Montgomery closed by sharing how last year’s success has raised the bar in arguably the nation’s toughest junior college conference.
“We have a deep group, a great group, and we’ve set the expectations higher,” Montgomery said. “We know every night in Region XIV is going to be a dogfight.”
Lady ‘Runner head coach Addie Lees, in her first year with AC after having spent four years coaching Region XIV rival Kilgore College, gave a nod to the familiar faces in the crowd while reminding them of her coaching style.
“What can you expect from Angelina College women’s basketball?,” Lees asked Wednesday’s crowd. “A lot of grit, a lot of discipline, a lot of integrity and a lot of gratitude. These are our core values we strive to implement each day.
“We say our players are extensions of their coaches, so you may or may not see a little feistiness from some of our players. That’s me.”
Lees acknowledged her staff – including new assistant coach Mercedes Corona – along with “the people all around me on the Angelina College campus.”
Lees also noted she’s starting the year with an entirely new roster, with not a single player returning from the previous season.
“We have some great new players coming in,” Lees said. “Our focus this entire fall has been on setting a standard and building a strong foundation.
“We’re excited. We prepare to compete, and every day is a game day.”
The Lady Roadrunners will open their new season on the road at McLennan College on Saturday, Nov. 1. Game time is set for 2 p.m. in Waco.
The Roadrunners open the regular season at home against Hinds Community College on Monday, Nov. 3. Tipoff takes place at 6 p.m. at Shands Gymnasium.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Drops Doubleheader to UT-Tyler
Facing the NCAA Division III back-to-back national champions, the Lady Roadrunner softball team got a glimpse of how the competition appears on the upper ends of the sport.
AC on Friday dropped a doubleheader to the University of Texas-Tyler, falling 10-1 in the opening game of the doubleheader before losing 16-5 in the nightcap.
Ella Berger drove in AC’s only run in the opening game, while teammates Emilee McKee, Elizabeth Craig, Jessi Sumpter, and Kassidi St. Clair (two RBI) plated runs in the nightcap.
The Lady ‘Runners travel this week to Houston Christian University (Friday, 2 p.m.) and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi on Saturday. That game starts at 11 a.m.
Roadrunner Baseball Takes Two from TCS Post Grad
AC’s baseball guys handled their business Friday at home against TCS Post Grade, sweeping the doubleheader by scores of 9-3 and 16-4 at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Daigan Venable knocked in three runs in the opener. Jackson Pullen collected two RBI, and teammates Marco Bandiero, Jon Gonzalez (with a solo homer), Cole Standley and Austin Cadroy drove in a run each.
Bandiero showed out in the nightcap, driving in four runs with a 3-for-5 day at the plate. Venable added two more RBI, as did Cadroy and Cohen Babineaux. Rounding out the RBI crew were Jackson Pullen, Connor Ficarra, Will McKinzie and Luke Hamm.
The Roadrunners will play at Friday’s Showcase at the University of Texas-Tyler in Tyler. AC faces UT-Tyler at 1 p.m. and Grayson College at 3 p.m. Both games take place on the University of Texas-Tyler campus.
Meet the Roadrunners and Lady Roadrunners
New rosters for the upcoming AC basketball seasons are up and running on the Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com.).
All AC Teams Have Schedules Up and Running Online
Lady Roadrunner and Roadrunner fans can now find their favorite teams’ schedules on the Angelina College Athletics website (www.angelinaathletics.com). For now, only the fall schedules for baseball and softball are in place (with the potential to add more events later), but all other teams, including both women’s and men’s basketball, are ready for viewing and planning.
We’ll update any changes as we receive them.
We can’t wait to see you at the games.
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games are live streamed on TSBN Sports (a free streaming service for fans), with most of the conference road games also available for streaming. (This does not include baseball and softball fall games, as those are not considered official games.)
Once TSBN posts its schedules, AC fans simply need to visit the AC Athletics web site, look at the scrolling schedule in the middle of the page and click the blue “Video” link.
TSBN also offers an app great for smart phones, devices and smart TVs. (You’ve GOT to see those matches and games on the big screen.)
Reminder II: Admission to ALL Angelina College Athletics sporting events is free, as is the TSBN live streaming. Any other links offering streaming are scams.
Reminder III: For the most current schedule updates (especially for potential weather issues) visit the official Angelina College Athletics website (angelinaathletics.com). Fans can also receive updates on the AC Athletics Facebook, X/Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
Friday, Oct. 24:
No. 14 Lady Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Eunice, 5 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. (Sophomore Day ceremony takes place prior to kickoff.)
Roadrunner Soccer vs. LSU-Eunice, 5 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus. (Sophomore Day ceremony takes place prior to kickoff.)
Roadrunner Baseball at UT-Tyler, 1 p.m. in Tyler; Roadrunner Baseball vs. Grayson College, 3 p.m. at UT-Tyler in Tyler.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
Families visit with natural resource partners at the Siecke State Forest Centennial Celebration event.
E.O. Siecke Forest acquired by Texas A&M Forest Service in 1924
Visitors and families gathered Oct. 18 at the E.O. Siecke State Forest in Newton County to commemorate its centennial year.
Texas A&M Forest Service began managing the site in 1924 and named it State Forest No. 1. In 1951, it was dedicated and renamed to the E.O. Siecke State Forest to recognize the contributions of Eric O. Siecke, who served as the agency’s second director and state forester.
During the celebration, attendees were able to visit with over 20 exhibitors, including natural resource and first responder partners, as well as experience hands-on activities. Immersive tours were also offered where participants learned about its history, pioneering silvicultural research and practices, and the original fire lookout tower.
The Siecke State Forest centennial event was the third and final event hosted by Texas A&M Forest Service in a year-long state forest centennial recognition that included centennial celebrations at the W.G. Jones State Forest and I.D. Fairchild State Forest.
“The Siecke State Forest has been home to many firsts in Texas forestry, starting with its acquisition and management by our agency,” said Jake Donellan, Texas A&M Forest Service field operations chief. “Our centennial events have provided a glimpse into forestry research and progress from across 10 decades, and we hope Texans will continue to enjoy their legacy for generations to come.”
Management as a state forest
Texas A&M Forest Service owns and manages five state forests and two arboretums, which serve as demonstration forests and educational classrooms that welcome thousands of visitors and horseback riders annually.
State forests are working forests cared for with sound, scientific forest management. Essential silvicultural research and outreach take place on state forests, often in collaboration with natural resource partners.
At the time it was first acquired, much of the Siecke State Forest property was cutover, or already harvested, and severely burned. Immediately following its acquisition of the forest, agency foresters began reforestation efforts, which led to impactful forestry developments and a positive regional economic impact.
Through intensive silvicultural efforts, the first operational planting of slash pine in Texas was established on the forest due to its rapid growth, survival and resistance to tip-moth damage. The rise in success of slash pine plantations in the forest and throughout East Texas led to the construction of the Southland Paper Mill — the first southern yellow pine newsprint mill — in Lufkin.
The first fire tower in Texas, standing at 80 feet, was constructed in the forest in 1926 and was a critical asset for lookout men and women to spot and locate forest fires from rising smoke. During its first year in use, 135 fires were detected from this tower.
Today, the 1,700-acre forest and its remnants, including the first steel fire tower and pine plantation, still stand as a testament to a century-long beginning for forestry research and advancement in Texas.
