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Elgin ends decade-long drought The Elgin Wildcats varsity football team brought renewed focus to the city this season, breaking a 10-year-long playoff drought.
Despite opening the year with three straight losses, the Wildcats rallied to finish 6-3 overall and secure a postseason spot.
Elgin defeated Jefferson 45-13 in the first round, Nov. 15, led by senior all-purpose player Jalen Owens, who scored three touchdowns.
Thei r playof f run ended in the second round, but the team’s determinat ion and progress were evident throughout the season, coaching staff said.
Bastrop football plays historic season Bastrop’s varsity football squad delivered a season to remember, finishing 9-3 overall and undefeated in district play at 7-0.
The Bears captured their first district title in 15 years with a downto- the-wire 35-31 win over Liberty Hill Nov. 8.
Sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen sealed the victory with a game-winning touchdown pass to senior tight end Brent Carter in the game’s final moments.
Although eliminated in the second round of the playoffs, the Bears showcased growth, resilience and exceptional performances across the roster, according to the district.
Lady Wildcats claim state powerlifting title The Elgin High School girls varsity powerlifting team won the 5A DII State Championship in March, defeating defending champion Edcouch Elsa High School.
With 26 points, the Lady Wildcats secured the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association title, boasting three individual state champions and a runner-up in a remarkable performance.
Elgin ISD inducts six into Hall of Honor
Elgin High School inducted six members into its Hall of Honor Sept. 4: longtime baseball coach Glenn Bacak, multi-sport athlete Milton Baker, coach and historian T. Berry, basketball standout Beverly (Collins) Moore, schola r-athlete and coach Danny Rodriguez and football star Kevin Workman.
The ceremony recounted t he ir ac complishments and celebrated the significant contributions they have all made to the district.
Elgin honors Coach T. Berry
The late Coach T. Berry was honored by Elgin Independent School District staff and athletes during a packed basketball game in December, just three months after his death.
His family and friends received a signed ball commemorating his impact on the district while those who knew him best spoke of his lasting legacy.
Nielsen wins Player of the Year Bastrop Bears sophomore quarterback Weston Nielsen was named the Courier’s Player of the Year after a standout season.
The young athlete threw for 3,185 yards and 27 touchdowns, leading Bastrop to its first district title in 15 years and a playoff appearance.
County athletes commit to collegiate programs Four Elgin High School athletes signed letters of intent March 15: Paden Maass to Angelo State, Dennis Lavigne to Arkansas Baptist, Curtis Mc-Farlin to North American University and Trevon Hamilton to Transformation Athletics College.
Three Bastrop Bears football players also signed to Division I programs in December.
Ramonz Adams committed to Washington, Keyshon Moore to the Air Force and Jaxon Taylor to Fordham.
Elgin softball hires new coach
Texas State alum Jodi Paige Williams was named Elgin's softball coach July 3.
Williams, a former junior college National Coaching Staff of the Year member, trained under Olympic Gold Medalist Cat Osterman.
Eagles eye first win in three years
Ja r ed Shaw wa s named Cedar Creek's athletic coordinator and head football coach in December.
Shaw, formerly assistant head coach and offensive coordinator at Copperas Cove, aims to revitalize the Eagle’s program, he said, which has struggled with a 0-30 record over the past three seasons.
Elgin softball, baseball perform
Both the Elgin Wildcats softball and baseball teams showcased strong seasons, advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
The softball team finished 19-10 overall and 11-3 in district play, led by senior Jessica Cantrell and junior Bianca Galinda. They defeated McCallum in the first round before falling to Lake Belton.
The baseball program ended 17-18 overall and 10-4 in district play, securing a playoff win over the Liberal Arts and Science Academy. Senior Jalen Owens will go on to play Division I baseball at UTSA.
Bears softball makes playoffs, baseball falls short
Bastrop’s sluggers had contrasting seasons this year.
The Bears sof tball team finished 14-16 overall and 7-7 in district play, earning a playoff spot and advancing to the second round.
Finishing fifth in district play, the baseball team narrowly missed the postseason. They finished 11-20 overall, 6-8 in district play
Bastrop girls basketball shines
The Bastrop Bears girls varsity basketball team made a remarkable turnaround this year, improving from a 7-15 record last season to 20-2 under coach La Barbera Roberson.
Their success is attributed to a new culture and defensive strategy inspired by the University of Texas, according to Roberson, limiting opponents to 34.5 points per game.
Tigers fill key athletic spots
Smithville Independent School District made two new hires this year, looking to improve athletic excellence across the board.
Layne Neumann was brought on as the Tigers’ new athletic director and head football coach, while Jaimie Kadlecek was rehired as girls athletic coordinator and head basketball coach.
Both bring leadership and years of experience to their rosters.
Smithville eats winless season
The Smithville Tigers endured a challenging year on the gridiron, finishing 0-10 overall and 0-6 in district play.
The record marked the team’s first winless season since 2016-17, with a margin of loss over 30 points per game.
Junior running back Justin Gurley emerged as a bright spot, contributing multiple rushing touchdowns.
McDade football faces challenges
The McDade Bulldogs opened their season strong with a 28-6 win over Compass Rose Legacy but declined to 1-9 on the season.
The team was forced to forfeit their final three games due to low player availability.
Elgin volleyball woes continue
Elgin’s varsity volleybal l athletes finished 6-27 overall and winless in district play for the second consecutive year.
Despite the record, the team displayed resilience throughout the season, coaching staff said.
