By Brian Argabright
The 830 Times
Even though theirs are the last sports to compete, the student-athletes from Del Rio High School’s spring sports season still got their day to shine in a ceremony held near the end of the school year.
Coaches and leaders in student training, softball, baseball and track and field recognized their top performers of the year, offering seniors one last honor and, in some cases, recognizing what’s yet to come.
ATHLETIC TRAINING
Head trainer Brad “Doc” Dixon handed out his group’s award that recognized not only the student trainers’ work on the field, but in the classroom as well.
The GPA Awards, presented to the trainers with the highest grade point averages among their respective classmates, went to freshman Larissa Castillo, sophomore Carolina Lopez, junior Clarissa Gonzalez and senior Grace Caroline Vasquez.
Vasquez also joined Crystal Rocha, Sara Smith and Heaven Rivera in being named to the Academic All-State list.
Newcomer of the Year went to Gisella Gonzalez.
The Heart and Soul Award was presented to Bryanna Castro.
Student Trainer of the Year was awarded to Rocha.
SOFTBALL
Interim head coach Al Soto III handed out the awards for the Queens softball team.
Hope Martinez, Andrea Montelongo and Ava Casillas were named to the All-District All-Academic team.
Rebekah Alcaraz was presented the Queen of Hearts Award.
Ithalia Ozuna, Naylea Santana and Martinez were honored with the Over .400 Award for batting over that mark during the season.
Santana was also named the Defensive Player of the Year.
Martinez walked away with Offensive Player of the Year after a season in which she hit .475, picked up 39 hits, drove in 35 RBIs and drilled five home runs.
Alcaraz and Ozuna were named co-MVPs.
BASEBALL
Interim head coach Martin Cardenas oversaw the awards for the Rams baseball program.
The Ram Pride award went to Mario Soto and Juan Garza.
Albert Vargas was named Defensive MVP.
Ethan Matherne and Tyler George were named co-Offensive MVPs.
Wade Cooper was recognized as the Pitcher of the Year.
Tommy Gambrel was honored as the team MVP.
Gambrel, Vargas, Garza and George were also recognized for being named to the Academic All-District team.
QUEENS TRACK AND FIELD
Queens head track coach Jesse Limon doled out the awards for the program.
Junior Varsity Athlete of the Year was Alejandra Trujillo.
Distance Runner of the Year was Emily Torres.
Jumper of the Year was Myla Tabora.
Sprinter of the Year was Ariana Erickson.
Thrower of the Year was Danielle Almanza.
Most Improved was presented to Marissa Hernandez.
Freshman Athlete of the Year was Ryland Ross.
The Academic Award went to Viviana Segura.
The Briana Muraira Sportsmanship and Dedication Award went to Rebeca Camposano.
Tabora was presented with the Leadership Award.
Tabora and Kimberly Gloria were named co-Female Track Athletes of the Year.
RAMS TRACK AND FIELD.
Rams head track coach Rick Torres helped close out the team awards by presenting the Rams track and field honors.
Damian Espinoza, Mikael Perez, Jose Ramirez and Ricky Torres were recognized for being named to the State All-Academic team.
Jovahn West was recognized for setting a new school record in the long jump at 22 feet. His mark bested the former record that was set in 1973 and then matched in 1995.
West wasn’t the only record-breaker for the Rams this year. Zane Hughes set a new school mark in the 200 meters with a time of 21.35 seconds. He beat the old mark held by current San Felipe Del Rio CISD Athletic Director Frenchey McCrea Jr.
Freshman Athlete of the Year honors were shared by Andres Garcia and Richard Composano.
Junior Varsity Athlete of the Year honors also went to two competitors – Brian Natividad and Daniel Rubio.
Sprinter of the Year was Hughes.
Relay Team of the Year was Juan Peralta, Jovahn West, Hughes, Devonta Reyes and Ethan Vasquez.
Distance Runner of the Year was Jonathan Mendoza.
Jumper of the Year was Alan Dobbins and Perry McIntire.
Thrower of the Year was Manuel Padilla.
Most Improved went to Juanandres Flores and Hector Rodriguez.
Vasquez was named Newcomer of the Year.
Peralta was presented with the Leadership Award.
Elian De La Paz was presented with the Briana Muraira Leadership and Dedication Award.
Shot and Discus Thrower of the Year was Torres.
Espinoza earned the Academic Excellence Award.
West and Hughes shared the award for Rams Track and Field Athlete of the Year.
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Contact the author at drnhsports@gmail.com
