By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
The lives of five Del Rio High School seniors changed when they put pen to paper and committed to take their athletic skills to the collegiate level.
On May 18, Del Rio High seniors Samuel Flores, Tommy Gambrel, Jacqueline Ortiz, Mario Soto and Myla Tabora signed letters of intent May 18 to compete beyond their high school careers.
SAMMY FLORES
Flores, the son of Amanda Flores, committed to play football at Texas Lutheran University, a private college located in Seguin. The Bulldogs play in NCAA Division III and are a part of the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference and the American Southwest Conference, but only in football.
As a senior, Flores was a District 30-6A First Team selection at safety, helping to lead the Rams to the playoffs. He was also named the Rams Defensive Player of the Year. He was also a state qualifier in powerlifting.
Flores’ speech was brief but he thanked his mother and his teammates and coaches, especially coach David Gomez to whom he apologized for staying in the weight room late and keeping Gomez there.
“I’m so proud of each and everyone of y’all, and we’re gonna make you proud Del Rio!” Flores said.
MYLA TABORA
Tabora, the daughter of Rosalind and Orlando Tabora, committed to compete in track and field at Barton Community College in Fort Bend, Kansas. The Cougars are a part of the National Junior College Athletic Association. The women’s track and field team recently finished third at this year’s NJCAA Division I Outdoor Championships.
Tabora was a three-time regional qualifier in track. As a senior, she was a three-time Area qualifier, winning the district championship in the 100 meters and qualifying in the 4×100 and the long jump. She competed in the 100 meters and long jump at regionals.
For her efforts this year, Tabora was named the Queens Track and Field Jumper of the Year, earned the Leadership Award, and was named Queens Track co-Female Athlete of the Year along with Kimberly Gloria.
Tabora admitted she did not have anything prepared for the ceremony, as she did not expect to be standing at the podium that day. She thanked her coaches and said she was fortunate and blessed to be at signing day. When she struggled with the right words to say, voices could be heard from the audience saying how much they loved her. Through tears she just thanked everyone again.
JACQUELINE ORTIZ
Ortiz, the daughter of Rebecca and Mack Ortiz, committed to Texas State University to be a part of the Strutters dance team. According to the school’s website, the Strutters were the first precision dance team formed at a four-year university and is currently the largest in the nation. The team has performed in three Presidential Inauguration parades, was the first US dance team to perform in the People’s Republic of China and appeared in five moves as well as countless famous events such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Ortiz read from a prepared statement and thanked her friends and family as well as her Queens City Belles family. She served as Belles captain her senior year. She also thanked Miss Annie’s Dance Studio and her Early College High School family.
“I’ll always support the Rams and Queens, but for now, eat ‘em ‘Cats!” she said as she finished her speech, referring to the Texas State mascot, the Bobcats.
MARIO SOTO
Soto, the son of Marcy and Jesse Mojica, committed to play baseball at Clarendon College, a community college located in Clarendon, Texas. According to the school’s official website, the Clarendon Bulldogs are a part of the National Junior College Athletic Association and play in the Western Junior College Athletic Conference. The school has sent several of its players on to Division I schools including Oklahoma State, the University of Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Texas Tech.
Known as “Momo,” Soto was the co-Ram Pride award winner along with Juan Garza this season.
Soto thanked his parents for all their support, from his father convincing him to stick with the sport he loved to his mother for staying up late and washing his uniform. He thanked his siblings, the Rams baseball coaching staff, and Raul Sanchez and Chemo Gomez, a pair of youth baseball coaches who helped guide him and direct him to the place he was on signing day.
TOMMY GAMBREL
Like Soto, Gambrel, the son of Julia and Russel Gambrel, committed to play baseball at Clarendon College, a community college located in Clarendon, Texas.
Gambrel was a District 30-6A All-District Second Team selection and was named to the All-Academic team. Locally, he was named the Rams Baseball Most Valuable Player.
Gambrel was the final student-athlete to speak. While his comments were the longest, they carried the most weight. Gambrel fought back tears as he recounted how a heart ailment diagnosed six months ago nearly caused him to give up the game he’d known since his youth. He recovered and was able to return to the team in time for district play.
“Pops, people say that a piece of coal, put under pressure, can turn into a diamond. Thank you for always pushing me and applying that pressure and because of you and mom, you’ve raised two diamonds. Thank you, and I love you,” Gambrel said as he paused to wipe tears from his eyes.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
