By Brian Argabright
A trio of Del Rio Rams seniors signed to play college football during a small ceremony Wednesday afternoon.
Del Rio High School’s Andrew Garza, Ricky Haynes and Jaden Talamantez took part in the signing day ceremony joined by members of their respective families. Also in attendance were San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director Ric Smith, Rams head coach Roderick Taylor, co-offensive coordinator Davin Hawkins, co-special team coordinator Wayne Schroeder, and assistant coaches Derek Casillas and Martin Cardenas.
Garza, a linebacker, signed to play with the Wayland Baptist University Pioneers, an NAIA school located in Plainview, Texas.
Haynes, a wide receiver and kick returner, signed to play with the Oklahoma Panhandle State University Aggies, an NAIA school located in Goodwell, Okla.
Talamantez, a defensive lineman, signed to play with the Tyler Junior College Apaches in Tyler, Texas.
The three signees make 54 since Smith became athletic director. It’s a number he’s proud of because it not only represents the ability of the athletic department to churn out athletes ready for the next level, but because it also shows the various schools that Del Rioans attend that will open doors for the next Ram or Queen.
“There’s three of you out of a possible 300 athletes who have already participated this year and they are not sitting here, so take advantage of it,” Smith said, who reminded the signees that their work in the classroom is just as important as their work on the field or in the weight room.
Schroeter said it was the senior class represented at the signing ceremony that led him to stay in Del Rio beyond his first year of coaching here. He also reminded the group that they earned their shots at playing in college and offered a little advice on how to succeed as well.
“You all have a great opportunity to go off to college and still do the thing you love, which is play ball. All you gotta do is do a good job at both of them and I know you will. If you can play at the 6A level you can play any place. So go there with a great attitude,” Schroeter said. “I’m going to share with you what I tell my students on how to be successful as freshmen in college – attend class, pay attention, and use your average intelligence and you’ll be just fine.”
Hawkins, a former collegiate athlete, reminded the group that while getting into college wasn’t easy, it’s earning that degree that would be the lasting memory of their time there. He also urged the trio to not be afraid to meet new people and try new things as a part of growing as people.
“You’re about to meet some people that are completely different than you. Soak it up, as much as you can – the bad and the good. You gotta figure out who you are, and you get an opportunity to figure out who you are. That goes way past football. I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for some of the people I met,” Hawkins said. “You’re going to get an opportunity to change your life, so do it.”
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Reporter’s Note: Look for individual profile pieces on Haynes and Talamantez in the days to come. Garza was featured in the 830 Times in late January.
