HUTCHINSON, KANSAS – For most teams, adjusting to a new environment – and different rims – would take some time for adjustment.
Angelina College’s Roadrunners needed a little such time – but not much.
Shrugging off a sluggish start in the game’s opening minutes, the Roadrunners bounced back with several big scoring sprees on their way to an 87-70 romp over South Georgia State College in Sunday’s NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas.
AC’s Kyle Morgan and Kanaan Holder combined for 50 points, each finishing with 25 points. The two combined for 10 three pointers, with Christian Jones adding two more to finish with eight points. Daemon Ely just missed out on a double-double, scoring 12 points and pulling down nine rebounds. Chris Carpenter dished out seven assists and Jordan Mathews another five (to go with four blocked shots) in the win.
Angelina College’s Daemon Ely (23) flies in for a first-half dunk during Sunday’s game against South Georgia State College. The Roadrunners pounded the Hawks 87-70 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)Angelina College’s Chris Carpenter (4) looks for an opening Sunday’s game against South Georgia State College. The Roadrunners pounded the Hawks 87-70 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
Morgan’s output was part of AC’s 30-12 edge in points off the bench.
Angelina College’s Kyle Morgan (3) soars in for two of his 25 points during Sunday’s game against South Georgia State College. The Roadrunners pounded the Hawks 87-70 to advance to the Sweet 16 of the NJCAA Division I National Championship Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Gary Stallard photo for AC Athletics)
South Georgia’s Justin McCarter led the Hawks with 20 points.
The ‘Runners used a 12-0 scoring run late in the first half to take a 51-29 lead at the break. Holder and Morgan both found their range from behind the three-point line to help boost a lead that would grow to as many as 24 points before game’s end.
Next up for the Roadrunners is a Sweet 16 matchup against the No. 5 seed Jones College. That game will tip off at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Why Social Media Marketing Isn’t Working for Most Businesses
Many businesses think social media is just about posting updates, but in reality, it’s a powerful tool that, when used correctly, can drive sales, build brand loyalty, and establish authority. If you’re not seeing results, chances are you’re missing key strategies that separate successful brands from those just making noise.
The Biggest Social Media Mistakes Businesses Make
1. No Strategy, Just Posting
If you’re posting without a clear strategy, you’re wasting time. A scattered approach results in inconsistent engagement and low conversions.
Fix It: Develop a content calendar that aligns with your business goals. Plan posts that educate, entertain, and promote without overwhelming your audience.
2. Ignoring Engagement
Social media is a two-way street. Many businesses focus on broadcasting their message but fail to interact with their audience.
Fix It: Respond to comments, ask questions, and engage with other businesses and influencers in your industry to build relationships and boost visibility.
3. Not Leveraging Video Content
Static images and text posts are fine, but video is king. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook prioritize video content in their algorithms.
Fix It: Create short, engaging videos that showcase your products, services, or behind-the-scenes moments to connect with your audience.
4. Failing to Analyze Performance
Posting blindly without tracking analytics means you have no idea what’s working and what’s not.
Fix It: Use platform analytics to track engagement, reach, and conversions. Adjust your strategy based on real data, not assumptions.
5. Not Investing in Paid Ads
Organic reach is declining, and relying solely on unpaid posts limits your growth.
Fix It: Allocate a budget for targeted ads to ensure your content reaches the right audience and drives more leads.
How MSGPR Can Take Your Social Media to the Next Level
At MSGPR, we do more than just post—we craft custom strategies that drive real engagement and conversions. From content creation to targeted ads, we help businesses stand out in the crowded digital space.Ready to make social media work for your business? Contact MSGPR today for a free social media consultation!
Angelina College’s Office of Career and Transfer Connections has long been planning its biggest event of the year, and the date is drawing near.
On Thursday, April 10, the office will host a “What’s Next?” Spring Career Fair from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. inside the Angelina College Conference Center, where students and potential future employers will have the opportunity to interact while sharing ideas and dreams.
Alexandria Barney, Director of Career and Transfer Connections at AC, Barney states the event “provides a fantastic opportunity (for employers) to connect with talented students from Angelina College and area high schools who are eager to explore career paths, internships and employment opportunities within your industry.”
Employers in attendance will, according to Barney, have the unique ability to “engage with motivated job seekers, promote [your] company while recruiting talent, and strengthen [your] workforce pipeline while supporting higher education and career development.”
The fair is to all Angelina College and area high school students.AC students will receive resume review services and free professional headshots.
High school students will attend students will attend sessions on resume and interview skills, professionalism and customer service, and aptitude tests and goal setting, with information provided directly connecting the students’ interests with career pathways offered at AC. Students also will explore AC’s new free AI Career Advising Agent designed to help point students in the direction of their dreams.
All students can expect to visit with numerous employers from across East Texas, such as West Fraser – Angelina Lumber, Darling Ingredients, Georgia Pacific, City of Lufkin, Doggett Machinery, Pineywoods Home Health, Lufkin Police Department, Lufkin Gears, City of Nacogdoches and Texas Materials.
The day’s events will take place alongside additional opportunities, including the annual Angelina College Spring Picnic and graduation photo sessions provided by Kellie Gann Photography.
Angelina College’s Office of Career and Transfer Connections exists to help students find and follow their chosen pathways to professional success.
For further information, students, employers and educators are encouraged to contact Alexandria Barney at hbarney@angelina.edu.
For further information on this press release, contact Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
NACOGDOCHES—The City of Nacogdoches Main Street program is thrilled to announce the 13th annual Nacogdoches Main Street Wine Swirl, set to take place on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. in the heart of downtown Nacogdoches. This year’s theme is ‘In My Wine Swirl Era,’ and features a new event-high of 24 participating wineries.
“We’re proud to announce a record-breaking 24 wineries for this year’s event,” says Main Street Manager, Tori Huddleston. “This milestone truly highlights the growth of the Wine Swirl, and we’re thrilled to continue offering exciting ticket options, including the VIP experience, which was a big hit last year.”
In addition to wine tastings, attendees can enjoy live entertainment from Huffie and the Paintfish and Dan McMahon, with local restaurants and food trucks offering a variety of delicious foods. Downtown merchants will also be open for the evening, offering special sales and shopping opportunities for Wine Swirl participants.
The Nacogdoches Main Street Wine Swirl is a fundraising event for the Main Street program, with proceeds benefiting downtown revitalization efforts, including beautification grants, holiday décor, and other events that enhance the community’s vibrancy.
Tickets for the Wine Swirl are on sale now and can be purchased online at www.visitnacogdoches.org/wineswirl or in person at several local locations:
Hotel Fredonia (200 N. Fredonia St.)
Red House Winery (108 E. Pilar St.)
Rhinestone Rifles Boutique (404 E. Main)
Well Body Solutions (3500 North St Suite 103)
Ticket Options:
$30 – Appetizers Only: Enjoy an evening of delicious appetizers from local restaurants.
$50 – Wine Only: Sample wines from all participating wineries.
$65 – Wine & Appetizers: Includes wine tastings and appetizers from Nacogdoches restaurants.
$150 – VIP: Experience exclusive perks, including a private wine tasting event at Red House Winery on Friday evening, VIP parking, and early access to the Wine Swirl on Saturday, among other special events.
“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of our sponsors and in-kind donors,” Huddleston says. “Their contributions are essential to the ongoing revitalization of downtown Nacogdoches, and we couldn’t do it without them.”
Sponsors for the 2025 Wine Swirl include:
Excel ER, Brett Shirley with Pineywoods Oral Surgery, Commercial Bank of Texas, Alligator Ice, G Ink, Boom Boom Photo Booth, Red House Winery, The Cottage Restaurant and Bar, and Rex Perry Autoplex as our Water Sponsor.
For additional information on the 2025 Nacogdoches Main Street Wine Swirl, including ticket details and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.visitnacogdoches.org/wineswirl or contact the City of Nacogdoches Main Street Office at 936-559-2562 or email mainstreet@nactx.us. Be
Once again, you’ll be getting a separate press release from me later tonight regarding our Roadrunner men’s basketball team. We’re in Hutchinson, Kansas for the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, and AC doesn’t tip off until 5:30 p.m. this evening against South Georgia State College. I’ll write and send from the facility to speed things up, and I’ll include game photos.
Another note: All the NJCAA Division I National Tournament games will air on ESPN+ except for the championship game, which will air on ESPNU.
It was certainly a hectic week, starting with last week’s “Watch Party” at which time the Roadrunners learned they’d earned the No. 12 seed in the national tournament. AC’s athletes spent the rest of the week running through some baseball and softball action.
Here’s a quick rundown of the week’s events, along with what’s coming up next:
Roadrunner Basketball Gets Sendoff to “Hutch”
The ‘Runners certainly drew attention all season, finishing the year with a No. 12 ranking and the nation’s No. 1 defensive unit. After Sunday’s watch party, all that remained was hitting the road.
Fans showed up on Thursday to send off the guys in style.
Angelina College hosted a “Sendoff” Thursday afternoon outside Shands Gymnasium, and the crowd featured students, faculty and staff alike. AC Board of Trustees member Joey Garza spoke, as did head coach J.J. Montgomery and Roadrunners Chris Carpenter and Kyle Morgan.
The team then boarded the bus to Kansas and received a police escort out of town.
Saturday in Wichita, AC president Dr. Michael Simon continued his tradition of taking Roadrunner and Lady Roadrunner national tourney participants out to dinner.
Should the ‘Runners handle South Georgia State College Sunday evening, the team will face No. 5 seed Jones College at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
Again, all NJCAA National Championship Tournament games will air on ESPN+ except for the final, which will air on ESPNU.
Lady Roadrunner Softball Splits Conference Games
The Lady Roadrunners opened the week with a pair of tough losses at Blinn College, falling to the Lady Bucs 7-3 and 11-2 in Brenham.
AC’s ladies bounced back with a Saturday sweep in Beeville, taking both ends of the doubleheader against Coastal Bend Community College. Pitcher Madison Johnson threw a complete-game three-hitter, allowing just one unearned run. Elizabeth Craig drove in two of AC’s runs, while River Hulsey plated another one.
In the nightcap, Jessi Sumpter also tossed a gem in the circle, going the distance while allowing just one earned run.
Hulsey, Izzy Allen and Katherine Page each picked up a pair of RBI, while Craig, Emily Zunker, Emma Flayol and Kiersten Bradshaw also drove in runs.
Earlier, the Lady ‘Runners got the opportunity to meet with some of their fans, as a group of youngsters showed up for a meet-and-greet (complete with autograph signings) with their favorite players.
The Lady Roadrunners (12-22, 5-3) held onto their second-place position in the Region XIV South Zone standings. AC this coming week will host first-place Galveston College in a Wednesday doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
The Lady ‘Runners will close out the week with a doubleheader Saturday in Houston against San Jacinto College. First pitch is set for 1 p.m.
AC Softball’s Davila Breaks Record for Stolen Bases
Saturday at Coastal Bend Community College, Lady Roadrunner Riley Davila broke the single-season stolen-base record set by – Riley Davila.
Davila established the single-season mark with 35 swipes in 2024. The sophomore stole one base in the opener, a 3-1 Lady Roadrunner win; then pilfered another one in the 12-3 win in the nightcap.
For her career, Davila now has 72 career stolen bases, and with at least 18 more games on the schedule – not counting future tournament games – the number is sure to climb nearly as fast as Riley runs.
AC Baseball Take Three of Four on the Week
Have yourself a day, Billy Theroux.
The freshman from St. Thomas High School in Houston blew up the scoresheets in Tuesday’s 18-4 AC win over Dallas College-Brookhaven. Theroux homered twice – including a grand slam – and finished with eight RBI in the game. Teammate Diesel Gonzalez also homered to drive in a pair of runs, and Ashton Wagner finished with three more RBI. Sean Bazmore, Cole Standley, and Ryan Lewis also drove in runs for the ‘Runners. Pitcher Ethan Jezierski threw seven strong innings in a starting role, striking out seven and leaving without walking a single hitter. Austin Gaskins closed out the game with a scoreless sixth inning.
AC took the nightcap in a much closer contest, beating the Bears 8-7 on Lewis’ sacrifice fly in the bottom of the sixth. Bazmore and Tine Hampshire drove in a pair of runs each, and Lewis and Mark Henderson each picked up an RBI.
Saturday against TCS Post Grad, AC opened the twin bill with a 15-5 win in six innings. Connor Ficarra tripled and drove in four runs, Standley tripled and drove in three runs and Theroux added three RBI with a hit in two at-bats. Cooper Molnes and Ryan Beaty drove in runs in the win.
AC dropped the nightcap by a 12-4 final.
The Roadrunners (16-16, 4-8) resume conference play with a three-game series against Navarro College starting with a single, nine-inning game starting at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Poland Stadium on the AC campus. The series wraps up Saturday in Corsicana with a twin bill set for a 1 p.m. start.
Lady Roadrunner Basketball Hosting Tryout Camp in April
AC’s Lady Roadrunners just wrapped up a season in which the team qualified for the conference tournament in head coach Randy McKelvey’s first season at the helm, and they’re looking to reload for the future.
The Lady ‘Runners will host a tryout camp for prospective players from 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 at Shands Gymnasium. Cost is $40 per player.
Here’s the link for registration and other information:
Over the past few years, Camp Roadrunner has become a “gotta do” event for youngsters throughout East Texas, with the recreational and youth sports camps drawing bigger crowds every summer.
Following are the dates for each Youth Sports Camp:
Baseball: June 2-5
Soccer: June 9-12; July 7-10
Basketball: June 9-12
Softball: June 9-12
Live Streaming Reminder:
All AC Athletics regular-season home games will be 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 (formerly known as Twitter), and Instagram pages.
Upcoming schedules:
POSSIBLE TUESDAY, MARCH 25 GAME:
Roadrunner Basketball vs. Jones College, NJCAA Division I Men’s Championship Tournament Round 2, 5:30 p.m. in Hutchinson, KS. (Broadcast on ESPN+)
Wednesday, March 26:
Lady Roadrunner Softball vs. Galveston College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. at the Larry Phillips Family Sports Complex on the AC campus.
Roadrunner Baseball vs. Navarro College, single, nine-inning game starting at 2 p.m. at Poland Stadium on the AC campus.
Saturday, March 29, 2025:
Roadrunner Baseball at Navarro College, doubleheader starting at 1 p.m. in Corsicana, TX.
Lady Roadrunner Softball at San Jacinto College, doubleheader starting at 2 p.m. in Houston, TX.
For any other information, contact Sports Information Director Gary Stallard at gstallard@angelina.edu.
Spring is bringing something special to Morris Frank Park this year. The 22nd Annual Easter EGGstravaganza is set to welcome families for a morning of fun and memories. Presented by Pilgrim’s Pride and supported by Iglesia La Viña and City Church, this event has become a true highlight of the season.
An Egg Hunt for Everyone
With 10,000 eggs spread across the park, children ages 0-12 will have plenty of excitement to look forward to. The event is carefully planned to ensure every child has a chance to join in the fun, with hunting areas designed for different age groups. Younger children will find eggs in easy-to-reach spots, while older kids can enjoy a bit more of a challenge.
Families can expect more than just an egg hunt. Vendors will be on-site, offering additional entertainment and food options. A free photo booth provides a chance to capture the morning’s best moments, and giveaways add an extra touch of excitement to the day.
A Community Celebration
Lufkin Parks & Recreation continues its tradition of bringing families together with this free event. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for photos, and children can explore, play, and create memories with friends and family.
This is more than just an egg hunt – it’s a chance for our community to come together and celebrate the joy of spring. Every egg found is a moment of excitement, every smile a reminder of why we love these shared experiences.
Save the Date
Mark your calendars for April 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Morris Frank Park. For more information, contact Visit Lufkin for details about this family-friendly event.
This past week marked the beginning of the annual NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, or as we all know it, March Madness. I always relish this time of year as folks all across Texas tune in to the Big Dance to pull for their team or wish for a Cinderella upset. Of course, I wish all of our Texas teams, especially my Texas A&M Aggies, the best of luck in the coming weeks as they vie for a national championship.
Additionally, I want to extend another warm welcome to each of you to come visit your Texas Capitol during the current legislative session. This week, I was delighted to see several constituents from Angelina, Polk, and San Augustine Counties who made the trek to Austin to visit with me about several issues of importance to them. Never forget our beautiful Capitol belongs to each of you, and if my office can help facilitate a visit, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.
With that, here’s an update from your State Capitol…
Capitol Update
Last Friday was the deadline for bills to be filed in the House and Senate for the 89th Session. Nearly 5,800 bills were filed in the House and over 3,100 bills were filed in the Senate. If you’re keeping track, this volume of bills sets another record for most bills filed during a legislative session in Texas history. Now, the attention will be focused on getting bills scheduled for a public hearing and voted out of committees so that they can be considered by the full House and then passed to the Senate for consideration. The race is on!
This past Tuesday, the Committee on Public Education heard testimony on multiple bills, including House Bills 6, 27, and 1481. HB 6 is a sweeping school discipline reform bill that focuses on managing student behavior. One of the primary concerns I hear from teachers is their inability to appropriately deal with disruptive students in the classroom. Some highlights of the bill include addressing out-of-school suspensions and removing the time limit on in-school suspensions. The bill also allows school districts the option of placing expelled students in virtual disciplinary alternative education programs should they choose to do so.
HB 27 would add the topic of personal financial literacy to the required social studies curriculum for high school students. I have long supported this initiative to better prepare our students for adulthood, and I am grateful to my colleague, Representative Ken King, for bringing this legislation forward.
Finally, HB 1481 prohibits the use of wireless devices, except for devices issued by schools to students for educational purposes, during classroom time. The bill requires that students place their phones in a secure, out-of-reach area during the school day. The bill does not prohibit the use of wireless devices during non-instructional times, such as between classroom periods, lunch, and recess, although school boards are given the flexibility to implement policies restricting access during the full school day. During public testimony, we heard from a diverse group of parents, students, teachers, administrators, and interested citizens about their concerns and support for the bill.
As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if we can help you in any way. My district office may be reached at (936) 634-2762. Additionally, I welcome you to follow along on my Official Facebook Page, where I will post regular updates on what’s happening in your State Capitol and share information that could be useful to you and your family: https://www.facebook.com/RepTrentAshby/.
Kenzie Lawrence making final preparations for the Angelina County Fair next week
Kenzie Lawrence will be showing one her market goats in the Angelina County Fair next Thursday, March 27 at the George H Henderson Expo in Lufkin.
It is just a few days until the Angelina County Youth Fair and 61 FFA and 4-H members across the county are feeding their goats in preparation for this year’s market goat show sponsored by JM Chevrolet.
Kenzie Lawrence is the daughter of Zach and Amanda Lawrence and is in both the Hudson FFA and Blue Ribbon 4-H Club. She has an older brother, Jacob, and a younger sister Baylee. Jacob is a student at Stephen F Austin State University who is still involved in the market goat industry. Little sister Baylee is in kindergarten and has already started showing in pee-wee competitions.
Kenzie said, “I started with three goats this year, but showed one at the Houston Livestock Show. He sold, so now I have two left – one for a big show in Austin and the other for the County Fair.”
She said her family’s involvement in raising and showing livestock began because her mom wanted them to “get out of the house and find something outside that they would really enjoy.” She also credits the Chumley’s, family friends of the Lawrences, that were already showing livestock. “Caylee Chumley is a good friend of mine and has helped me out a lot.”
“I love going to the auctions earlier in the year and picking out what I want to raise. I get so close to them, name them, and… sometimes it is a love/hate relationship! But I really do love working with them” says Kenzie. She continues, “I really enjoy everything that comes with the shows – spending time with old friends and making new friends.”
When asked what the most difficult part was, she replied, “The commitment. You really have to be committed. I haven’t skipped working with my goats a single day. You must have commitment and be determined to get where you want to be.”
Kenzie is a freshman at Hudson High this year and will be an Ambassador at the Fair. She said, “I get to be an Ambassador this year for my first time.” While she has always helped out with the Fair, this year she will be wearing the coveted ‘blue vest’ that youth Ambassadors wear to signify their responsibility.
Like some other livestock projects, meat goats raised for this year’s show were entered and ownership was validated in December prior to the Fair. At the weigh-in at the Fair, market goats must weigh a minimum of 65 lbs. and cannot weigh more than 125 lbs. All goats below or above of the weight limit will be disqualified. Market goats will be divided by weight into four classes: light, medium light, medium heavy and heavy.
When you watch the market goat show, you should notice a stocky, more muscular build than the dairy goat breed types that are more commonly known. By far the predominant meat goat breed represented in the show ring is a Boer bred goat. The Boer breed has a distinctive red head and white body.
Raising a competitive market goat requires gentling, halter-breaking, hoof trimming, managing for parasites, and a good deal of practice showing. As much as the other species, goats require an excellent feeding regimen and quality facilities.
Exhibitors will show them with a halter or collar around the neck. Like lamb exhibitors, they set the hind legs square to the body and back a bit, then place the front legs, keeping the body and neck straight.
When the judge handles the goat, they look closely at then entire length of the back for muscling that extends from behind the withers (top of the shoulders) to the back loin.
Kenzie has been showing market goats for six years, starting as soon as she was old enough. She’ll also be showing a lamb for the first time and is again competing in photography as she has entered her best photos for as many years as she has shown goats.
Kenzie says, “Showing livestock has really made me the person that I am now. I guess if you want to learn those life lessons and make friends, I’d suggest you join 4-H or FFA and raise an animal. They don’t all take a lot to time like goats, sheep, or cattle, you can do a short-term project like rabbits and chickens. It’s a welcoming community.”
Her mom Amanda summed it up saying, “I’m so proud of Kenzie for her dedication and love for her animals. She spends so much time at the barn, and she pours her life into these projects. Really, we all spend so much time with them in the barn! We love the animals we get to work with and really love the friendships we’ve made as we have been showing all these years.”
After the judge determines his placing for all 61 market goat entries, only the top 42 goats will be sold at auction on Saturday, March 29 starting at 4 pm. The Angelina County Fair is presented by Brookshire Brothers and has numerous sponsors for each of the events. For a complete schedule of this year’s Angelina County Fair, go to www.angelinacountyfair.com.
The Angelina College Roadrunners on Thursday departed Lufkin en route to Hutchinson,
Kansas for the upcoming NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament. The team didn’t leave quietly. There was an entire mass of supporters on-hand to see the ‘Runners off in style. The crowd included students, faculty, staff and administrative members, all there to show the same support they’ve been showing the team all season. Some members of the administration were out of town for a conference, yet still managed to send their best wishes to the team and coaches.
Fans gather with the players and coaches outside Angelina College’s Shands Gymnasium for Thursday’s big “Sendoff Party” in honor of the Roadrunner men’s basketball team. The ‘Runners departed en route to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament tipping off this weekend in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Gary Stallard photo for Angelina College Athletics)
AC Board of Trustee member Joey Garza, who was a regular inside Shands Gymnasium for most of the season, addressed the team and crowd. “On behalf of the Angelina College Board of Trustees, I want to congratulate this team on a fantastic season and a job well done – thus far,” Garza said. “This team is a testament to hard work, dedication and sacrifice. The reward for the hard work, dedication and sacrifice is the opportunity to go dancing and representing this fine institution and its students, its alumni, its faculty and its administration at the D1 JUCO National Basketball Tournament in Hutchinson, Kansas. “Gentlemen, enjoy the ride. Take it all in. But remember, this is a business trip. Go take care of business.”
The Roadrunners, who finished the season with a 26-6 record, a No. 12 national ranking and the nation’s No. 1 defense, will face South Georgia State College at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 23. The winner will face Jones College at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 25. AC head coach J.J. Montgomery expressed his gratitude for the amount of support the
team received throughout the year. “This season has been an incredible journey, and we wouldn’t be here without the support of our fans, the families and everyone who stood by us throughout this whole season,” Montgomery said. “Your dedication, energy and encouragement have been a constant source of strength for these players, and for that we are truly grateful. “Now it’s time for us to take our talent and hard work to Hutchinson, Kansas. We are determined to bring back a championship trophy to Angelina College. Let’s keep the spirit alive and continue cheering for these young men as they represent this college on a national stage. Once again, thanks for all your support. Together, we are unstoppable. Run ‘em.”
Members of the Angelina College Roadrunner basketball team hold up a banner donated from fans during Thursday’s “Sendoff Party” held on the AC campus. The ‘Runners departed en route to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament tipping off this weekend in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Clara Sonet photo for Angelina College Athletics)
Following the ceremony, the team bus received a police escort out of town, while fans
lined the sidewalks along the campus. Before the team departed, Garza ended the gathering with comments from a personal source of inspiration “I close with a quote from a very fictitious character from one of the greatest sports movies ever made: ‘Pain heals. Chicks dig scars. But glory lasts forever,’” Garza said. “It’s been my honor to be here, and I’ll end by saying, ‘Congratulations and Go ‘Runners.’”
Angelina College fans show up to show their support during Thursday’s “Sendoff Party” in honor of the Roadrunner men’s basketball team. The ‘Runners departed en route to the NJCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Tournament tipping off this weekend in Hutchinson, Kansas. (Clara Sonet photo for Angelina College Athletics)
All NJCAA Tournament games will be broadcast on ESPN+, while the championship
game will air on ESPNU.
The email address for AC’s Sports Information Director is gstallard@angelina.edu .
After the flurry of bills filed on the deadline, we have the final number of bills filed and an accurate picture of the universe of topics we will work on. In total, both the House and Senate together filed 8,898 bill – almost 800 more bills than last session.
Here are five things happening around your state:
Senate passes parental rights in education bill
This week the Senate passed Senate Bill 12 by Senator Brandon Creighton. This bill seeks to strengthen parental rights, eliminate DEI in public schools, reform the transfer process, and increase transparency and accountability of schools. The bill dictates that parents have a clear right to direct the moral, religious, and educational upbringing of their children. It also directs TEA to develop a process for districts to notify parents of changes in their child’s mental or physical health status and encourage parent-child communication.
The bill also addresses diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practices in public schools. It prohibits race- or gender-based hiring preferences, compelled diversity statements by staff, and other ideological influence. One other major change is in the process for public school students to transfer to another public school. It standardizes open-enrollment and inter-district transfers and creates a lottery process for open seats with more applications than openings. Priority would be given to returning students, dependents of district employees, military or law enforcement dependents, and siblings of current students.
Nasdaq announces opening of new headquarters in Texas
Nasdaq is the latest company announcing expansion in Texas. The stock exchange operator said it would open a new regional headquarters in Dallas. This comes on the heels of the creation of the Texas Stock Exchange, which will launch early next year, and the announcement that the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) is moving its Chicago operation to Texas. The Lone Star State accounts for the largest number of listings on the NYSE and is home to over 200 companies listed on the Nasdaq. In recent years, many of these companies have moved operations to Texas due to our favorable tax policies, lower cost of living, and lower energy costs. Texas is open for business and will continue supporting business-friendly policies.
THC ban passes Senate
This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 3 by Senator Charles Perry. This bill would ban all forms of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Several sessions ago, the Legislature passed a bill allowing the sale of hemp products with less than 0.3% of THC. However, consumable products with THC levels that exceed the state’s limitations are being sold in retail stores statewide. Over 7,000 retailers have opened in the six years since the state legalized consumable hemp products. Though intended to help the Texas agricultural industry, the result was the proliferation of gummies, candies, drinks, vapes and other products with more than 0.3% concentration of THC, which the state classifies as marijuana. The bill now moves to the House, which has it’s own proposal for imposing much stricter regulation of the products rather than an all-out ban.
Broadband Development Office awards grants, opens pre-registration
The Texas Broadband Development Office (BDO) announced it has made $9.8 million worth of awards to 8 applicants in 121 counties through the office’s Pole Replacement Program. This is the second round of awards for the program which aims to support retail broadband services by reimbursing the cost of replacing thousands of utility poles statewide. In 2023, voters passed Proposition 8 which created the Broadband Infrastructure Fund and dedicated $75 million to the Pole Replacement Program. Of those funds, almost $30 million has been allocated.
The BDO also announced pre-registration opened for the Texas Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program. BEAD is a federally-funded program that seeks to provide broadband access to every residential and commercial location statewide. Texas was allocated $3.3 billion to support infrastructure deployment, mapping, and adoption. Pre-registration is not required, but participants will get early feedback on information they submit. The pre-registration period opens March 17 and closes April 4.
Senate passes bill penalizing production of obscene AI material
Senate Bill 441 by Senator Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa passed the Senate unanimously this week. SB 441 creates civil penalties for the creation of nonconsensual intimate visual materials, often called “deepfakes.” These deepfakes have gotten more perverse with the use of AI to digitally create intimate photos. This bill imposes civil penalties on individuals, websites, and payment processors involved in producing or distributing this content without consent. It also allows for an extensive statute of limitations of 10 years for victims to sue for damages.
