By Moses Leos III
It’s hard to believe another exciting, drama filled Hays CISD sports season is in the books – and what a season it was.
From the gridiron to the diamond and everywhere in between, the teams of Lehman and Hays high schools saw a tremendous amount of success.
Ten teams from Hays and Lehman qualified for the playoffs. Four Hays teams claimed district championships during the season. One Lehman team finished second in district — its highest finish ever.
There were a lot of firsts in the course of the 2013-14 campaign.
One program made its first playoff run in two decades, taking its school and the area on a thrilling ride. Another program made its first foray into the postseason, persevering beyond overwhelming tragedy along the way.
The tradition of success continued for several programs – one with a new leader. Another was oh-so-close to claiming a second straight state title.
And for Lehman High, a state championship banner will soon be hung in the rafters of Lobo Gym.
But just when things seemed to wind down, a flurry of shocking news caught just about everyone by surprise.
Indeed, this season was a memorable one for Hays CISD varsity teams.
Perhaps it’s fitting, as Hays and Lehman prepare to move up to the 6A ranks next season.
But before that happens, let’s take a look back at the year that was.
HAYS HIGH
Rebel softball returns to state
With a veritable mix of experience and talent, Hays surpassed expectations and came two wins shy of back-to-back championships. Led by senior leaders Sarah Leal, Addie Vayas and Maddy Shannon, Hays claimed their second straight district crown, and took the area on another thrilling playoff ride. However, the excitement was tempered when head coach Aaron Fuller departed two weeks ago. While the program seeks its next head coach, fans are left to bask in the glow of another season capped off at McCombs Field. Above, Hays High senior Michelle Pesina (18) is congratulated by senior Maddy Shannon following a solo home run in game two of the Lady Rebels regional final series against Medina Valley.
Rebel basketball’s miraculous run
With first year head coach Robert Lucero and a team featuring several returning starters, the sky was the limit for the Hays boys’ basketball team. Their tenacity and guile helped them reach the regional final round — the deepest playoff run in more than two decades. While the team must now find a new head coach – Lucero left for Westlake two week ago — the run helped put Hays basketball on the map. Above, Hays High senior Jacob Rodriguez (15) goes airborne to put up a shot against the Lehman Lobos.
Rebel football claims third district title
New coach, new system, but the results were the same – Hays Rebel football stood tall atop 27-4A. Under the guidance of first year head coach Neal LaHue, Hays made its way to the area round of the playoffs for the second straight season. With LaHue’s up-tempo style, Hays persevered beyond early season struggles to earn the program’s third straight district title. Hays senior wide receiver Luke Parks tries to wriggle out of a tackle from a Boerne Champion defender.
Boys and Girls soccer claim the district crown
A motto of unfinished business was the theme for both the Hays boys and girls soccer teams. After district crowns eluded both squads in 2013, both rebounded to claim the top spot in 49-4A this season. For the boys’ team, early season learning pains quickly subsided to the talent on the pitch. With a speedy front line and solid defense, Hays pushed their way through district. Highlighting it all was their home finale against Giddings, where late heroics helped the Rebels seal their third district title in four years. For the Lady Rebels, dominance in district propelled them to the district crown. The Lady Rebels cruised through district, sporting an unblemished 12-0 record. It included dual wins over rival Bastrop and Lehman, which helped clinch the district title. Right, Hays High junior MIla Bustos bursts past the Cedar Park defense during the Lady Rebel cup in January. The Lady Rebels finished the 2014 season with an unblemished 12-0 mark in 49-4A play.
Hays baseball returns to regional semifinals
They say good pitching almost always triumphs over good hitting. For Hays baseball, riding the coattails of a strong pitching staff led the team to a regional quarterfinal finish for the second straight year. The staff of Calvin Coker, Tyler Woodmansee and Mike Gonzales gave Hays what it needed to push through a tough 27-4A. Aiding the staff was an offense that saw numerous players step up in the clutch. Their opportunistic style proved crucial in their playoff run, bolstered by a key series win over Leander in the area round. Right, Rebel senior catcher JC Cerda chases down a Victoria East baserunner to apply a tag during Hays’ regional semifinal series in May.
LEHMAN HIGH
Lobo softball’s first-ever playoff berth
Of all the teams on this year’s list, none had as tough a road as the Lehman Lady Lobo softball team. Their struggles, however, didn’t come from wins or losses. It came from the tragic loss of teammate Gaby Montoya, who passed away during the midst of their historic season. The team’s resolve showed when they upset San Antonio Brennan in the first round of the playoffs. While head coach Bill Holmes exited at the end of the season, his guidance helped put the Lady Lobos on the softball map. It was all done based on one premise — for Gaby. Above, Lady Lobo senior Alexis Trotter tries to connect with a pitch during Lehman’s area round playoff series with Dripping Springs.
Guerra claims LHS first state title
Lehman High can now proudly raise a state championship banner in the rafters of Lobo Gym. That feat was accomplished in March, when Natalie Guerra claimed the Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association (THSWPA) 4A state title. Guerra surpassed the field in her weight class, lifting a total of 1,045 lbs.— 145 more than the second place finisher. Above on March 15, junior powerlifter Natalie Guerra (center) claimed the 2014 state title in her weight class at the Texas Women’s High School Powerlifting Association (TWHSPA) state meet in Corpus Christi. Alongside Guerra are six other Lady Lobos who competed at the state meet. They include (front row, left to right) Mery Vargas, Guerra, Christina Ramirez, Samantha Rodriguez; (second row, left to right) Heidi Munoz, Anamarie Fajardo, Kali Palomarez and (back row) head coach Trey Rose.
LHS soccer excels on the pitch
Injuries to key players prior to the season kept a cloud of uncertainty hanging over the Lehman Lady Lobos. Despite the setbacks, the Lady Lobos persevered, as they finished district in second place – the highest finish in program history. Aiding the effort was a team that utilized experience, along with relative youth. Meanwhile, the Lobo boys soccer team continued its tradition of success in 49-4A. Despite missing elements from last season’s district title squad, the Lobos fought through to a third place finish. Above, senior Max Soto (right) fights for position with a Lockhart defender during a regular season game at Lobo Field.
Lobo volleyball ends district losing streak
Ultimately, the 2014 season was tough for the Lehman Lady Lobo volleyball team. The program finished the year with an 11-19 overall mark. But what they did on the night of October 8 went beyond how their season played out. On that night, the Lady Lobos defeated Lockhart 3-1. That win helped end Lehman’s 26 game district losing streak – a streak that dated back to October 4, 2011. Aiding the effort were seniors Haley Rohde and Heidi Munoz, as both were pivotal in the victory. Right, Lehman volleyball players Angel Cruz (2) and Gaby Montoya (14) try to bat down a shot during September regular season match.
Lobo baseball comes close to playoff berth
It’s been three years since the Lehman Lobo baseball team made its way into the postseason. They nearly broke that streak in 2014, as the Lobos came within a win of the playoffs. Lehman’s road to that point began with strong performances in non-district, capped off with the team claiming the Copperas Cove Tournament. However, struggles began when the Lobos hit district play. The Lobos dropped three of the first four district tilts, placing them behind the eight ball. Lehman dug deep afterward, going 6-3 in their final nine district games. That included a wild 13-12 come-from-behind walk-off win over Schertz Clemens on April 11. The Lobos finished the regular season with a necessary sweep of Boerne Champion, before falling to Kerrville Tivy in the one-game playoff. Right, surrounded by teammates, Lehman senior Trace Gonzales (left) leaps to stomp on home plate after delivering a game-winning solo home run in extra innings in April.
