STAFF REPORT
April 18 and 19 were banner days for the Lehman athletic program, as three outstanding seniors inked their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.
Cruz Banda was the first Lobo to sign on April 18. Banda started as center for the Lobos football team in 2012. His efforts aided the Lobos offense to accrue over 2,248 yards, 1,538 of them on the ground. Banda will continue his football career at Wayland Baptist University in Plainview. The Wayland Baptist University Pioneers participate in the Sooner Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
On April 19, Lady Lobos athletics had two athletes sign their letters of intent.
Alaina Martinez, a four year varsity member of the Lehman Golf Team, signed on to play with Texas A&M Commerce. Martinez was a three-time Lehman Female Golfer of the Year, four year Academic All-District and two year All-District athlete. Additionally, she medaled in five tournaments in two years.
The final athlete to ink her name on the dotted line was Lady Lobos basketball player Ariana Gallegos, who signed with Crowder College in Neosho, Missouri. Her ability to be a “force to be reckoned with in the post position” earned high praise from head coach Jamie Coy. “Ariana could handle the ball on or off the block,” Coy said. “It was not out of the ordinary to have Ariana go coast to coast with the ball.”
Gallegos, who averaged a double-double in 2013, was the second highest scorer for Lehman this year, and accrued the most blocks. “Ariana has grown in her game over the years, which shows commitment and the drive to be successful,” said Coy, describing the diligence Gallegos puts into her game. “She is willing to take new information and apply it in practice and the game. Ariana looks to win.”
Gallegos also was a four-year starter and first team All-District. Her efforts helped the Lady Lobos reach a program record 18-win season in 2013, nearly attaining a spot in the playoffs.
Coy firmly believes that Gallegos’ drive and tenacity will serve her well at the next level. “Ariana will work hard,” Coy said in an emailed response. “I know she will take the knowledge she gains and apply it to her game. I expect to see her playing for a D1 school when she finishes up at Crowder. I know she has the same expectation for herself.”
The Crowder College Lady Riders participate in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
