By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
It was the end of an era for seniors, but the beginning and the continuation of a promising athletic career for underclassmen in Del Rio High School’s fall sports programs.
The best and brightest in the school’s volleyball, cross-country and football programs were honored in the annual Fall Sports Awards ceremony held Jan. 14 at the Carl P. Guys Memorial Gymnasium. Students were recognized for their performance on the field and the court as well as in the classroom.
Volleyball kicked off the presentations with head coach Angelica Rivera doling out the honors.
Maddie Pina was the Freshman Most Valuable Player.
Junior varsity’s most valuable player was Sofia Castaneda.
Most Improved on varsity went to Madelyn Hernandez.
Utility Player of the Year was awarded to Lauren Sanchez.
Two players shared the Blocker of the Year award. They were Jazira Cuenca and Lillian De La O.
Syann Casillas took home the award for Top Server.
There were co-Defensive Players of the Year. They were Casillas and Angela Mijares.
The Queen of Hearts award, which is voted on by players on the team, was given to Sherlyn Estrada.
Yuridia Muniz took home the award for Offensive Player of the Year as well as this year’s MVP award.
The Queens lose nine seniors from this year’s team including Muniz, Cuenca, Analicia Torres, Casillas, Mijares, Liliana Hajek, Estrada, De La O and Chloe Vargas.
Vicky Perez presented the awards for the cross-country program. It was a bittersweet year for the program after seeing Del Rio’s streak of appearances at the state meet come to an end, but Perez voiced confidence that it wouldn’t be long before the Rams and Queens were once again competing on the state course in Round Rock.
“We always say that summer miles bring fall smiles,” Perez said referencing the amount of work her runners put in under the brutal Texas sun during the summer months.
Freshmen Runners of the Year were Keziah Bishop and Daniel Perez.
Junior varsity Runners of the Year were Kaylie Morales and Antonio Padilla.
The award for Most Improved runners went to Alex Rodriguez and Cynthia Rubio.
The Newcomers of the Year were Bishop and Adrian Garcia.
The Joey Rios Commitment and Dedication Award was presented to Emily Torres, John Mendoza and Samuel Curtis.
The Tony Gonzalez Runners of the Year were Ely Losoya and Torres.
Torres was also recognized as an All-Academic standout.
Following the presentation of awards to the student-athletes, Torres and some of her fellow runners presented awards to Perez and her assistant coaches for their contributions and support to the runners during the season. Torres called the coaches role models and motivators and said they were the biggest people the cross-country team wanted to make proud.
Fiacro Ramirez wrapped up the ceremony by presenting the Rams football awards.
Alan Dobbins and Zane Hughes were named co-Offensive MVPs.
Fermin Rodriguez took home the Ram Tough award.
Ethan Matherne and Dobbins were presented with the Leadership Award.
Rodrigo Tamez was named the Special Teams MVP.
Dobbins took home another award when he was recognized as the Defensive MVP. Ramirez pointed out that the senior led the team in tackles and interceptions.
The Ruben Chavira Award was presented to Chris Chaney.
The Lupe DeHoyos Sportsmanship Award went to Eliseo Ortiz. Ramirez took time to recognize Ortiz for his efforts in learning a new offense and serving as a leader during what was a tough season.
San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director Frenchey McCrea Jr. brought a close to the ceremony by honoring the student-athletes who were recognized by the state for their academic prowess. That group included Torres, Jorge Herrera, Ortiz, Dobbins, Hector Rodriguez, Hajek and Casillas.
McCrea then recognized Chaney for his being named to the All-Academic State Elite team. Academic success has become something of a family tradition for the Chaney’s. Chris’ older brother John was a National Hispanic Recognition Program award winner as well as valedictorian of the Del Rio High School Class of 2023. Chaney’s spot on the Elite team meant he earned a near perfect score in the following categories: must be an athlete, student trainer or manager in good standing with the team; must be of good moral character; must be a senior; and must have an overall grade point average of 92 or above (including courses from grades 9-11 and courses completed from grade 12). Weighted GPAs accepted.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
