high school sports magazine-march 2006 issue

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$2.00 per copy Volume I Issue No.8 HSSM Poll Picks... Inside This Issue... Track & Field Results RGV Golf Highlights HSSM-U.S. Dollars 2.00 District By District Game Reviews Register To Win This XBOX! Details Inside Issue! March 27-April 28, 2006 All-South Texas Basketball Team Selections RGV Baseball Logan Brown Harlingen South 32-5A Abel Alanis Sharyland 30-5A MVPs Marah Guzman and J.C. Herebia

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Who's No.1? Sharyland Rattlers leading the mound.

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Page 1: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

$2.00 per copyVolume I Issue No.8

HSSM Poll Picks...

InsideThis Issue...

Track & FieldResultsRGV GolfHighlights

HSSM-U.S. Dollars 2.00

District By District Game Reviews

Register To Win This XBOX! Details Inside Issue! March 27-April 28, 2006

All-South Texas Basketball Team Selections

RGV Baseball

Logan BrownHarlingen South32-5A

Abel AlanisSharyland30-5A

MVPs Marah Guzman and J.C. Herebia

Page 2: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Where: McAllen Army Recruiting Office, 2901 North 10th StreetWhen: Stop in anytime bewteen 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.Who: Sgt. Sam Lopez or Call 956-682-6141

WE DON’T DO TRAFFIC REPORTS.

When you’re flying an Apache Longbow on a combat mission or a Kiowa Warrior on a recon mission, you’re not in the air tocheck out the scenery. Soldiers in the Army’s Flight Training Program fly some of the most exciting, technologically ad-vanced aircraft anywhere. And they get paid well to do so. To find out more, go to GOARMY.COM or call 1-800-USA-ARMY.

Page 4 HSSM March 2006

Page 3: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue
Page 4: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

RGV HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in Novem-ber, and January, with a total combine issue of 13 by HSSM Media Communications L.L.C., located at our Corporate Home Office, 2416 Frontera Road, McAllen, Texas 78504. David A. Amador, Publisher/CEO; Julian Garcia, Executive Vice President, CFO. U.S. subscriptions are available annually for 13 issues/$29.95 plus postage and handling of $2.95 per issue. 2005 Copyright HSSM Media Communications L.L.C.. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Printed in Mexico.

Customer Service and subscriptions available 24/7 service, please use our website at www.HSSMOnline.com. You can also call 956.739.3362 or write to HSSM at 5111 North 10th Street #158, McAllen, Texas 78504.

HSSM Photos by DAVID A. AMADOR PSJA North’s J.C. Herebia, Edinburg’s Marah Guzman, Sharyland’s Abel Alanis, and Harlingen South’s Logan Brown.

On the COVER...On the COVER...

Next issue: Baseball PlayoffsApril 28th...

VOLUME 1 ISSUE NO.8 March 27-April 28, 2006

Pure Balance...

Weslaco’s Arnold Cavazos is pictured trying to balance the ball in play. (hssmphoto by David A. Amador)

Inside... 6 Editorial/Opinion

8

Inside... 6

Students Athletes must pass TAKS in order to Graduate

TAKS! TAKS! TAKS! YUCK!Editorial/Opinion

8Who’s No.1 in the Rio Grande Valley? The Hawks lead District 32-5A in the standings.

Top 10 HSSM PollsHawks Flyin’ High

18 18Marah Guzman of Edinburg and J.C. Herebia from PSJA North named MVPs of the Rio Grande Valley.

HSSM Picks Top Players

28 28PSJA student Gabe Alcala wants to major in Criminal Justice. Kassan-dra Sanchez accepted to the Uni-versity of Texas in Austin.

COSTEP Academic PlayersTop Student Athletes

Edinburg’s Eric Rodgers sets record throw in Shot Put Event. Rowe’s Manny Gatling High Jumps 6’4”

Track and Field

All-South Basketball Team

27 Rio Grande City Takes Title

Page 4 HSSM March 2006

27

30Two-time defending champion, Daniel Zamora and the rest of the pack enter District Meet finale. Sharyland’s Dustin Garza set to make another run at state title.

RGV Golf District MeetsHarlingen South’s Zamora Leads 30

Page 5: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

March 27-April 28, 2006

Page 6: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

HSSM Sports

EditorialHSSM Views

TAKS! TAKS! TAKS! YUCK! With the Texas mandated TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) Testing in our public schools is just right around the corner, seniors who have not passed this “so-called exam” will be stressing out and wondering how they can or will graduate this year. Without passing your TAKS, seniors will not graduate from any high school in Texas. For athletes, should they be playing spring sports or should they be studying for this TAKS exam? One coach said that, “it is the responsibility of the player (s) to make sure that they understand that academics are more important than sports.” Another coach pointed out that it is nothing but a “distraction” for athletes who are playing sports. After all, TAKS testing is very demanding for those students who play great but score low in high school exams. In one web site, www.taksboycott.com says, “Teachers, not students, must boycott!” It also went on to state, “Texas hurts students with high-stakes testing, misuse of tests, unequal

funding, cultural bias, uncontrolled experiments, and inaccurate evaluation of learning. High-stakes testing as a stand alone assessment technique is destroying our students. SAT scores diminish as fast as the curriculum does, drop-out rates increase as fast as TAKS scores do. Today’s elementary students... will be experts in only rote memorization...” Nevertheless, if taking the

TAKS tests means graduating from high school, then students and athletes must understand that trying to get by without having to “study or do your homework” will not work anymore. Every student today has the opportunity to graduate from high school and college. So don’t say “Yuck” to TAKS, instead, say “Yikes” for not doing your homework for the past four years.

[email protected]

Register to Win at HSSMOnline.com!

Drawing to be held June 14, 2006! No Purchase Required. Log On Now!

Please enter this Promotional code: 2006614

Page 6 HSSM March 2006

Page 7: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue
Page 8: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

‘HawksFlyinHigh

High School Sports Magazine’s

Top 10 Polls

David A. AmadorHSSM Sportswriter

(McAllen)-The Harlingen South Hawks continued to show their dominance in District 32-5A with another win, but this time over the No. 6 Brownsville Pace Vikings in a 2-0 shutout at Harlingen Field. With the win, the Hawks move up to the No.2 slot in the High School Sports Magazine’s Top 10 Baseball poll. Javier Torres pitched a complete-game shutout to improve the Hawks to 18-4 overall and, more importantly, put them in sole possession of first place in District 32-5A

1. Sharyland 19-32. Harlingen South 18-43. Valley View 17-24. McAllen H.S. 13-85. PSJA 15-36. Brownsville Pace 16-57. Weslaco 11-118. Mission H.S. 15-59. Rio Grande City 10-910. La Joya 16-4

HSSM Top 10 Teams

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32-5A Harlingen South Hawk’s Pitcher Logan Brown

Page 8 HSSM March 2006

Page 9: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

HSS

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Page 10: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Register Right now at hssmOnline.com and

WIN This XBOX 360 Enter this registeration code: 20060206

No Purchase Required!

RGV Baseball

Rattlers Catcher J.R. Barrera and pitcher Zeke Sosa talk about game signals. Rio Grande City is contending for a 30-5A playoff spot. (HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

at 5-0. Pace fell to 4-1 in league play and 16-5 overall. The Hawks struck first when Logan Brown (2-for-3) scored from second on an RBI single by Michael Johnson (1-for-3) off Pace starting pitcher Rolando Rosales, who picked up the loss. Despite the loss, Rosales gave up just five hits with three strikeouts and two walks. In the fifth inning, Brown hammered a solo shot to deep left to put the Hawks up 2-0. The Hawks were able to play solid defense behind the leadership of Torres, a junior who transferred from Los Fresnos this past fall, he gave up five hits with three strikeouts and just two walks to improve to 5-0 on the season. Harlingen South head coach Tony Leal was proud to say

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Weslaco Panther Pitcher Andrew Cain will be counted on to lead the Panthers to a possible playoff berth in 31-5A

Page 11: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Luis or Petra Garza1016 La Vista Ste. B

McAllen, Texas 78501

956-971-0064

Class ringsGraduationInvitationsCaps & GownsDiplomas

March 2006 Page 11

Page 12: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

All State 1/2

RGV-Laredo H.S. Baseball

Page 12 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

Tournament Champs! The Laredo Nixon H.S. baseball team defeated Weslaco 12-3 in the A.N. Tony Rico Baseball Tourna-ment recently in Weslaco. (HSSM Photo)

Page 13: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Standard Transmission

Page 14: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

PSJA Bears Ace! J.C. Cavazos and his Bears are currently holding on to first place in the 31-5A standings. (HSSM Photo/David Morales)

that his Hawks have improved each game, but with the second half of the season about to start the Hawks will still have to travel to Brownsville to take on the Vikings at home. Look for the Hawks to win the 32-5A title

with ace pitchers Jason Parker and Torres on the mound for the rest of the season. Holding on to the No.1 ranking, the Sharyland Rattlers opened District 30-5A play with an impressive 16-6 win over

McAllen Nikki Rowe to remain as the top team in South Texas with an overall record of 19-3. The Sharyland Rattler’s only Valley loss came against PSJA High this season. Earlier in the season, Sharyland defeated No.5 PSJA High 6-3 in the championship game of the Doctor’s Hospital Rattler Baseball Classic. The win was a payback from an earlier loss to the Bears at the La Joya Invitational Championship game. “We really needed this win. This shows that our ball club is coming around and overcoming mistakes. We still need to get tougher at the plate,” says Rattler’s coach Barton Bickerton. With starting ace and MVP, Ceasar Guerrero on the mound, he held the Bears to just five hits and three runs, despite being injured by a hit-pitch in the first inning. He even helped his cause with a two-run triple during the bottom of the sixth inning that gave the Rattlers a three-run lead going into the final inning. This week the Rattlers will be tested by No.4 McAllen H.S. (13-8, 1-0), who also opened district play with a 10-0 shutout victory over La Joya (16-4, 0-1). The Bulldogs have played a tough non-district schedule, with schools from Corpus Christi, such as top-ranked Moody. Head coach Eliseo Pompa

Page 15: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

We Design High School Mascot TEAM Banners!

Page 16: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

16 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

RGV Baseball RGV Baseball

Sharyland Rattlers Varsity Baseball team ranked No.1 winning the Doctors Hospital Rattler Baseball Tourna-ment are (not in order) Beto Ochoa, Tyler Williams, Cesar Guerrero (MVP), Alex Ramirez, Victor Trevino, Payton Oakley, Ismael Tijerina, Alex Brummel, Abel Amanis, David Perez, JD Corey, Roy Garcia, Tucker Oakley, Trey Quien-tero, and Adam Pena (HSSM Photo)

of McHi is no stranger to Valley teams or other teams from throughout the state. He likes the competition. While many fans might criticize him for being a man of “less words”, this would only mean that opposing teams would need to worry more, when Pompa speaks less. At the No.3 HSSM polls, the 32-3A Valley View High School Tigers seem to get less recognition from Class 3A, even though they beat Class 3A powerhouse No.15 Wimberly, with ace pitcher Memo Cienfuegos striking out 14

batters. Against Hidalgo, in their first match up of the year, again Cienfuegos was on the mound throwing fast balls down the strike zone at an estimated 87 mph to shutout the Pirates and new head coach Lupe Salinas 1-0. Cienfuegos had 9 strikeouts for the night. “We are playing great ball. This team plays solid and our senior leadership has been great,” says head coach Rene Soza. With Rio Hondo upsetting the Pirates earlier in district play, the Tigers improved to 6-0, taking a

Page 17: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 17

RGV Baseball RGV Baseball

two game lead in the district over Hidalgo and Rio Hondo. One of the biggest baseball team surprises of the 2006 season are the Rio Grande City Rattlers. The last time the Rattlers were in the playoffs was in 2000 when they lost to McAllen Nikki Rowe in the Regional Quarterfinals. Second-year Rio Grande City coach Rusty Whittemore is counting on Zeke Sosa, Joe Barrera and Rey Alvarez, along with his freshman standout Alaniz, to lead the Rattlers back into postseason play. Recently, the Rattlers opened District 30-5A with a

whipping of McAllen Memorial 18-0 in 5 innings. With Sosa, Barrera and Alvarez — the team’s top three pitchers — they also have managed to play tough at the plate with Sosa leading the team with .507 batting average, along with 13 doubles, 21 RBIs and two home runs. Alvarez is hitting .442 on the season with 23 runs scored and Barrera, the defensive leader at shortstop, is hitting .313. Rounding out the rest of the HSSM Top 10 polls are No.7 Mission, No.8 Rio Grande City, No.9 Weslaco, and No.10 La Joya.

La Joya Varsity Baseball team ranked No.10 pictured l-r front are Olie Hinojosa, Jesse Garza, Javier Acevedo, Danny Zuniga, Cruz Garcia, and Adrian Pena. Back row l-r are not in order, Esequiel Garza, Miguel Pena, Julio Por-tillo, Robert Mariscal, Jesus Franco, Justin Garza, Ramiro Garcia, Elezar Cantu, Derrick Rosa, and Diego Rodriguez. (HSSM Photo)

Page 18: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

18 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

The biggest piece of advice my coach gave me was to play big and tall...“ “

T H E P L A Y E R S O F T H E Y E A R

Marah Guzman of the Edinburg Lady Bobcats averaged 29 points a game while J.C. Herebia stood 6’5”, towering over his opponents, leading the PSJA North

Raiders to the Class 5A Regional Semifinals for the first time. HSSM Salutes these players and the top picks of South Texas.

B Y D A V I D A. A M A D O R

Marah GuzmanEdinburg H.S.

Height: 5’0”Class: 12th GradePPG Avg: 29.0Assists Avg: 7.4Steals Avg: 7.4Reb Avg: 7.9

Marah led the Edinburg Lady Bob-cats to an impressive 33-5 record and back to back berths in the State 5A Basket-ball Regional Tournament.In Guzman’s four years with the Bobcats, they won four district titles and netted three perfect seasons at 36-0. This will be her second MVP award in two straight seasons.

Marah Guzman

Total Points: 1,065

(Edinburg)-Before HSSM made their final decision with selecting the All-South Texas MVP, staff members were sent to scout Marah Guzman and her playing abilities at Edinburg High School. After all, would it be possible that one player could lead the Rio Grande Valley in scoring (30 points per game), and post incredible numbers in steals, assists, and rebounds, all above the seven per game mark? Impossible,

if you stood only five-foot nothing. Guzman convinced HSSM that she was well deserving of being named the 2006 All South Texas MVP for High School Sports Magazine. “The biggest piece of advice my coach gave me was to play big and tall,” said Guzman.

Maintaining an overall 3.4 GPA, Marah, a four-year letterman scored 1,065 points in her senior year at

Edinburg, with 92 three-pointers made. She also captured MVP honors at Josten’s Tournaments, along with being

named 31-5A Offensive Player of the Year this past season. As a freshmen, Guzman was named to the All-Valley team

and averaged 15 points per game, while leading the Lady Bobcats to four district titles with only one loss. Marah’s final two seasons with the Lady Bobcats ended at 65-11 overall, posted 24-0 record in district, and made the Class 5A Regional Tournament in back-to-back seasons.

Pure Greatness! Pure Greatness!

Page 19: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

It’s been a great four years here and the Regional Semifinals topped it off..

“ “ T H E P L A Y E R S O F T H E Y E A R J.C. Herebia

Pharr North H.S.

Height: 6’5”Class: 12th Grade

Marah Guzman of the Edinburg Lady Bobcats averaged 29 points a game while J.C. Herebia stood 6’5”, towering over his opponents, leading the PSJA North

Raiders to the Class 5A Regional Semifinals for the first time. HSSM Salutes these players and the top picks of South Texas.

B Y D A V I D A. A M A D O RHSSM Sportswriter

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 19

J.C. Herebia led the

PSJA North Raiders to three straight playoff

runs, in-cluding two district titles

and one Class 5A Regional

Tournament appearance. He was the

district’s MVP

in 2005.

PPG Avg: 19.4Rebounds: 9.3

FT Avg: 74.9%FG: 67.5%

J.C. Herebia

Total Points: 697

(Pharr) Anytime a high school basketball team begins the season with only one starter back from the previous year, standing at 6’5 might not make that much of a big difference, especially for a senior who was voted the Most Valuable Player in the league the previous year. For J.C. Herebia, not only did he overcome all the odds of not winning, additionally, the senior captain led his team to the Class 5A Regional Basketball Tournament for the first time in PSJA North’s school history. “It’s been a great four years here and the Regional Semifinals topped it off,” said Herebia. In 2005-2006, Herebia played in all 36 games and scored 697 points and averaged 19.4 ppg. His field goals scored from the field were just as impressive as he made 253 of 375 attempts, good enough for a 67.5 field goal percentage. He also was good from the free-throw line as he converted 75% tries, making 191-of-255. Against McAllen Nikki Rowe in the championship game of the Josten’s Basketball Classic held in McAllen, Herebia showed everyone why he was selected HSSM All-South Texas MVP of the Year as he played tough defense, holding the Warriors almost scoreless in the second quarter. He was voted Most Valuable Player in the tournament. All in all, Herebia netted 125 offensive rebounds and hauled in 208 defensive rebounds. He also had 41 assists, 68 steals, and 22 block shots. In the classroom, Herebia maintains a 3.5 grade point average and was named COSTEP Player of the Month.

Pure Greatness! Pure Greatness!

Page 20: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

All South Texas

Coachesof the

2006

Rachel Carmona Jaime

Gongora

Year

(Pharr)-When both 5A head coaches met at half court during “Spring Break” week at PSJA North, they had something to grin about when they posed for their High School Sports Magazine’s All-South Texas Coaches of the Year photo. Head coaches, Jaime Gongora of PSJA North and Rachel Carmona of Edinburg had just returned from the Class 5A Regional Tournament; together, they started their head coaching careers at Hidalgo, and both coaches have won more than 300 games in their careers. Pharr North head coach, Jaime Gongora made it to the Regional Tournament with one returning starter and five new players. “This is an exciting time for our program here at PSJA North. Making it to San Antonio was one of my proudest moments in my coaching career because I know that these guys came together and made it happen,” said Gongora. As for the Lady Bobcats, this would

(Cont’on Page 25)

www.hssmOnline.com

Page 20 March 2006

Page 21: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Brittany Watkins

Leslie Zarate

Terri Malone

Jessica Martinez

Chrissy Cruz

Gabby Ortiz

Ashley Vano

Year

2 0 0 6 A l l S o u t h T e x a s G i r l s T e a m

First Team All-South TexasLeslie ZarateKrystal Garza Brittany WatkinsAshley VanoTerri MaloneGabby OrtizChrissy CruzJessica MartinezLiz OlveraGina Ferrer

Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Jr.

Second Team All-South TexasClarissa SalinasKatie BodnerSabrina RuizAmanda AdamsKarina UrestiRebecca TodyRenee RodriguezAlyssa CherryNedra Rodriguez*Abby De Anda*

Jr.Sr.Sr.Jr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Jr.Jr.

5’6”5’8”5’9”5’5”5’9”5’9”5’7”5’7”6’0”5’7”

5’10”5’7”5’6”5’1”5’9”5’8”5’6”5’6”5’2”5’8”

Ed-Elsa H.S.McAllen H.S.Port Isabel H.S.Hanna H.S.PSJA Mem H.S.Harlingen H.S.Har South H.S.McAllen H.S.Edinburg H.S.Edinburg H.S.

Sharyland H.S.Sharyland H.S.Donna H.S.Harlingen H.S.Bro Rivera H.S.McA Mem H.S.Mission Vets H.S.Ed North H.S.Hidalgo H.S.Hidalgo H.S.

Liz OlveraEdinburg H.S.(HSSM Photo)

(Pharr)-When both 5A head coaches met at half court during “Spring Break” week at PSJA North, they had something to grin about when they posed for their High School Sports Magazine’s All-South Texas Coaches of the Year photo. Head coaches, Jaime Gongora of PSJA North and Rachel Carmona of Edinburg had just returned from the Class 5A Regional Tournament; together, they started their head coaching careers at Hidalgo, and both coaches have won more than 300 games in their careers. Pharr North head coach, Jaime Gongora made it to the Regional Tournament with one returning starter and five new players. “This is an exciting time for our program here at PSJA North. Making it to San Antonio was one of my proudest moments in my coaching career because I know that these guys came together and made it happen,” said Gongora. As for the Lady Bobcats, this would

(Cont’on Page 25)

Three Edinburg players were named to the High School Sports magazine’s All-South Texas team, along with seven other players capturing the same honors. Lady Bobcats Liz Olvera, Gina Ferrer, and

Marah Guzman led their team to back-to-back district titles in 31-5A and made it to

the Class 5A Regional Basket-ball Tournament for the second straight season. Ferrer captured 31-5A’s Defensive Player of

the Year honors, while Olvera was named to the first team

all-district team. All three players accounted for a

combined 62 points per game scored. All three were also named to the Texas

H i g h School Basketball M a g a z i n e All-State team. Others named to the HSSM All-South Texas first team were Jessica Martinez and Krystal Garza of McAllen H.S.; Leslie Zarate of Edcouch-Elsa; Brittany Watkins of Port Isabel; Ashley Vano of Brownsville Hanna; Terri Malone of PSJA Memorial;

Gabby Ortiz of Harlingen; and Chrissy

Three Bobcats Name To HSSM Team

Cont’ Page 26

Krystal Garza

March 2006 Page 21

Page 22: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

First Team All-South Texas

Lucio RodriguezManny Gatling Issac CabreraRichard GonzalezRobert SanchezRyan Nieto-WhitakerJohn FriebelFernie RodriguezJ.C. HerebiaTy Gough

Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Sr.Jr.

6’0”6’1”6’1”6’2”6’2”6’2”6’2”6’3”6’5”6’9”

Edinburg H.S.McAllen Rowe H.S.Weslaco H.S.Ed-Elsa H.S.Harlingen H.S.Harlingen H.S.Har South H.S.Sharyland H.S.PSJA North H.S.PSJA H.S.

PSJA Bear Center Makes Squad(Pharr)- Ty Gough, a 6’9 junior transfer from the state of Missouri, now playing for the PSJA Bears was the only under classmen named to the first team of High School Sports Magazine’s All-South Texas squad. Gough roughed up opponents from District 31-5A by scoring 17 points per outing in 30 games and leading the Rio Grande Valley in rebounding with another 16 per game. Teammate Adrian Garza, the No.2 scorer in the Valley with 21 points per game joins Gough in the second-team Top 10 list. The Bears missed the playoffs by one game, after Weslaco defeated Edinburg and PSJA North in their final two games of the season. Previously

ranked No.1 in the HSSM polls, the Panthers garnered two spots in the All-South Texas team with three point shooter Issac Cabrera of Weslaco and six-foot nine center, Francisco Rodriguez making the team. Roy Swift, head coach for the Panthers was pleased with his team and kept saying that “we are getting used to the run and gun style of playing and we will get better.” The Panthers would l o s e to Harlingen

www.hssmOnline.com

Pictured are bottom l-r Issac Cabrera, John Friebel, Ryan Nieto-Whitaker,Back row l-r are Robert Sanchez, Lucio Rodriguez, and Ty Gough. (HSSM Photos)

2 0 0 6 A l l S o u t h T e x a s T e a m

Cont’ on Page 28

Page 23: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

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be a second appearance in straight seasons at the University of Texas-San Antonio Convocation Center. “Coming back to San Antonio was great. Losing to San Antonio Warren still bothers me,” said a smiling Carmona. Gongora, who begun his profession at Hidalgo was no stranger to the Regional Tournament this past season because he made the same trip in Class 3A, with his Pirates team in 1991-92. Gongora was given the opportunity to take over as head coach of a 5A program in 1993, despite his success (62-28 overall record) with the Pirates. “I owe everything to Hidalgo. They will always be a family to me,” added Gongora. This year, Gongora entered his 12th season with only one starter back from 2005 and he knew that 30 wins would be a tough hurdle to cross. “We had J.C. Herebia back at center for us this year and together, players like Neo, twins Jerry and Roy, Eric, and Hector, all made this season happen as they begun to believe in one another. I am very proud of

(Cont’ from Page 18 HSSM Coaches of the Year) this group of kids,” said the HSSM Coach of the Year. In his twelve years at North, Gongora has compiled an impressive 287-109 overall record with seven district titles, three bi-district titles, four area titles, four regional quarterfinal appearances, and one 5A Regional Tournament appearance in 2006. However, Gongora is still amazed with his team’s success and the 30-6 record they compiled, but he will be the first to say that “it’s been an exciting year for our program and next year we expect to win the district championship.” He went on to add that being named HSSM All-South Texas Coach of the Year was “humbling and a great honor” and he also stated that “it says a lot about our team and program. It was amazing what our kids did. It was a great run.” For Carmona, on the other hand, she watched her Lady Bobcats breeze through District 31-5A with a perfect 12-0 record beating teams by an average of twenty or more points per game. Her team was led by Texas High School Basketball Magazine All-State seniors, Marah Guzman, Liz Ferrer,

and Liz Olvera. What’s more impressive, Carmona has watched her Lady Bobcats bring together a perfect 36-0 record in district for past three straight seasons and 73-3 in the past six years. The Lady Bobcat coach will be first to say that her teams “work hard and enjoy winning” year in and year out. With spunky 5’0 senior Marah Guzman in the line up, the Rio Grande Valley’s leading scorer contributed to Edinburg’s success. “We should retire Marah’s number. She was very special to this team. She played for me for four years and I know I’m going to miss her,” says Carmona. The Lady Cats’ won 119 games and captured four district titles and made it to the Regional Tournament in back-to-back seasons with Guzman in the line up. “This is a great honor to be named All-South Texas Coach of the Year by High School Sports Magazine. I owe this honor to these players,” said Carmona. In her thirteen years as a head coach, Carmona owns an impressive 316 wins and 97 losses.

Page 26: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Cruz of Hanna. Second team members include Clarissa Salinas and Katie Bodner of Sharyland; Sabrina Ruiz of Donna; Amanda Ad-ams of Harlingen; Karina Uresti of Brownsville Rivera; Rebecca Tody of McAllen Memorial; Renee Rodriguez of Mission Veterans; Alyssa Cherry of Edinburg North; and Nedra Rodriguez* and Abby De Anda*, both of Hidalgo. Both junior players from Hidalgo were killed in a car crash and “we felt that both players were major factors in leading the Lady Pirates to a 32-3A District title and the playoffs this past season,” said Julian Garcia, HSSM staff member. De Anda was also named to the first team 32-3A selections, while Rodriguez captured 32-3A Defensive Player of the Year honors. “I know that now, my daughter is playing basketball in heaven,” said Nedra’s father, Romeo Rodriguez. Jessica Martinez and Krystal Garza both led the McHi Lady Bull-dogs to its first third round playoff game win in more than ten years by defeating Brownsville Hanna 45-41, before losing to Harlingen South in the Class 5A Regional Quarterfinals 56-54. Martinez aver-aged 12 points per game. Crissy Cruz of Harlingen South led the Lady Hawks to the State 5A Regional Tournament averaging 20 points per game.

(Continue from Page 19)

Abby De Anda of Hidalgo is pictured in one her last game photos guarding a La Feria player. (HSSM Photo)

Page 26 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

Page 27: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Players of the MonthJenessa Arrambide of Donna won the Shot Put event with a toss of 36’6 1/2” and then finished second in the discus event with a throw of 120’ 7 1/2” at the Edinburg Bobcat Track and Field Relays.

Eric Rodgers of Edinburg High School tossed a Valley best in the shot put event with a throw of 55’ 9” at the Edinburg Bobcat Relays. He also won the Harlingen Relays. Rodger’s toss ranks him number one in the region.

Roel Garza from Rio Grande City helped the Rattlers win the Bobcat Relays by capturing first honors in the Triple and Long Jump events. His long jump was recorded at 22’2”.

Valley View H.S. senior, pitcher Memo Cienfuegos struck out nine batters in their win over Hidalgo to help the 32-3A Tigers (17-2) take a two-game lead in the district standings. Against Wimberly H.S., he struck out 14 batters.

Two-time District 32-5A golf champion from Harlingen South H.S., Daniel Zamora won for the fourth time this year as he overcame cold weather at the La Joya Invitational to win on the final day. He shot a 76-73 to win by two strokes.

Eddie Alvarado, forward, scored three goals for the Edinburg Bobcats in their OT soccer win over Donna. Alvarado set a school record with the most goals scored in a season (29).

Roma’s tennis ace Roberto De Leon, ranked ninth in the state by the UTSA will be one of the favorites heading into Regionals as a singles player. De Leon is the three-time 32-4A District Champion. He will be defending his title at the 32-4A District tournament to be played April 7&8 at Roma H.S.

All winners will be awarded the RGV High School Sports Magazine/MVEC Player of the Month awards at each campus. Congratulations!

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 27

Top Athletes Getting Ready For District MeetsRGV Track and Field

A shot well put. Eubin Gomez of Edinburg, one of the top throw-ers in the region will be ready for the up-coming 31-5A district meet. (HSSM Photo)

(Edinburg)-The Rio Grande City Rattlers ran away with the Edinburg Bobcats Relays Boys title scoring 110 points, while Edinburg North took second place with 97 points, followed by

Edinburg with 96. In the field events, Eric Rodgers of Edinburg won the Shot Put event with a hurl of 55’9” and teammate Eubin Gomez beat a personal best of 51’ 4 ½”. For the Rattlers, they

would rack up more points in this episode with Stephen Saenz taking third place, followed by Andrew Salinas and Ricky Saenz finishing fifth and sixth. In the discus throw, Daniel Adame from Edcouch-Elsa hit a mark of 147’4”, while Roel Garza from Rio Grande City won the long jump with a leap of 22’2”. Teammate, Victor Saenz took second place with a jump of 20’2 ½”. In more track and field reports, Manny Gatling of McAllen Nikki Rowe won the high jump, crossing the bar at 6’4”. His personal attempt at 6’6” failed on all three tries. Gatling would also finish second in the triple jump, with Roel Garza winning the event for Rio Grande City with a skip of 42’7”. Edinburg North dominated the long distant events winning the 3200 meter relay, followed by Donna and PSJA. In the 3200 meter run, Omar Doria would win this event for the Cougars with a time of 09:23.0 minutes. The Bobcats

Page 28: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

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RGV HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS MAGAZINE is published monthly, beginning in August through June with extra issues printed in November, and

January, with a total combine issue of 13 by HSSM Media Communications L.L.C., located at our Corporate Home Office, 2416 Frontera

Road, McAllen, Texas 78504. David A. Amador, Publisher/CEO; Julian Garcia, Executive Vice

President, CFO. U.S. subscriptions are available annually for 13 issues/$29.95 plus postage and

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28 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

Gabe Alcala, an 18-year old senior at PSJA H.S. will attend the University of Pan American at Edinburg and wants to major in Criminal Justice. A blood donor, Alcala maintains an overall 96.0 ave. and ranks 65 from a class of 520 students. He was named to the All-Valley Football team and made the 31-5A All District team. He is also a three-year lettermen in track where he runs the 110 and 300 hurdles, long jumps, and runs the mile relay. Last year, he qualified for regionals in 110 hurdles. A member of Who’s Who Amongst High School Students, he likes to volunteer his time at the McAllen Clinics.

Carina Robles, an 18-year old senior from Rio Grande City H.S. recently won the Starr County FCLA Taste Competition with her Pineapple Upside cake. Besides baking, she won the University of Texas-Pan American Excellence Scholarship and University Scholar award. She also has achieved 30 college hours through Gear-Up concurrent enrollment and plans to major in Speech Pa-thology. She maintains an overall 4.0 GPA and ranks 20th in her class. Carina is also a National President Award winner and has been a Varsity track member for two years.

Kassandra Sanchez, a 17-year old cross-country regional finalist senior from Donna H.S. ranks 17th in her class and maintains an overall ave. of 93.0. She also netted 24 hours of concurrent enrollment through the Gear-Up program. She has been a member of the National Honor Society and Who’s Who Amongst American High School Students for the past four years and she also makes time to raise steers for 4H competition. This past year, she was named second runner-up for Cover Girl of the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show. She has been accepted to the University of Texas in Austin and plans to major in Biology.

Leslie Zarate, an 18-year old senior from Edcouch-Elsa H.S. was recently named to the HSSM All-South Texas Basketball team and she maintains an overall 91.0 ave. and plans to attend the University of Texas-Pan American and major in Biology. She is a four-year lettermen in bas-ketball and track. A 32-4A district champion pole vaulter, also captured the MVP award in 32-4A for basketball. Leslie led the Valley in assists and helped her team win the bi-district title. She is also a member of Gear-Up and has achieved 15 college hours.

in the first round of the State 5A playoffs, while the Cards advanced to the RegionalTournament for the first time in 30 years. Cardinals Robert Sanchez and Ryan Nieto Whitaker from Harlingen make the team for their outstanding performances.Sanchez scored the winning basket against Laredo United 59-58, to lead his team to the 5A Tournament. The Cards lost to State 5A Semifinalist San Antonio Warren 66-53 Richard Gonzalez from Edcouch-Elsa also made the team along with Manny Gatling of McAllen Nikki Rowe; Lucio Rodriguez of Edinburg; Robert Sanchez and Ryan Nieto Whitaker from Harlingen; John Friebel of Harlingen South; Fernie Rodriguez of Sharyland; and MVP J.C. Herebia of PSJA North. Named to the HSSM second team are Greg Gonzales from Valley View H.S.; George Rodriguez of Weslaco East; Joey Chavez of Hidalgo; Roel Gonzalez of Ed-Elsa; Bobby Trevino of Edinburg; Adrian Garza of PSJA; Nathan Gonzalez and Archie Reyna of Mission Veterans Memorial; Jon Medina of Rio Hondo; and Francisco Rodriguez from Weslaco. Edinburg’s Lucio Rodriguez, a six-foot guard was the key element to moving the Running Bobcats up and down the court as they won the 31-5A District title, while teammate Bobby Trevino made the second team. Trevino was voted the 31-5A Defensive MVP in the league. Also earning top honors in District 32-5A was MVP Friebel from Harlingen South. Mission Veterans lost to San Antonio South San 56-49 in the Class 4A Regional quarterfinals.

(Continue from Page 22)

Page 29: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com Page 29

Here they Come. The Meet of Champions will feature top runners from Harlingen, Ed-inburg North and Rio Grande City this weekend at McAllen Memorial Veterans Stadium in preparation for the upcoming district meets. (HSSM Photo)

came on strong to win the 400m relay with a time of 43:79 seconds, followed by Rio Grande City, PSJA North, CC Ray, Economedes, and Edcouch-Elsa. Team standings for the boys are as follows: Rio Grande City 110, Edinburg North 97, Edinburg 96, Rowe 72, PSJA North 63, Donna 56, PSJA 52, Economedes 47, Edcouch-Elsa 46, Mission 33, and CC Ray 14. McAllen H.S. took the girl’s championship title with 118 points. The Lady Bulldog’s were led by Amanda Delgado, who won the 200m dash with a time of :27.22 seconds and she also placed second in the 100m dash finishing with a time of :13.15 seconds. Bianca Rodriguez of Edcouch-Elsa would win the

event with a time of :12.86. In the 100m and 300m hurdles, Mission finished first and second with Victoria Rojas winning both events with a time of :16.76 in the 100m hurdles followed by teammate Sarah Brown close behind at :16.96. Jenessa Arrambide of Donna

won first place in the shot put with a toss of 36’6 ½” and PSJA North’s Jiovanna Martinez finished second, followed by Anessa Garcia of Rowe, Amanda Garcia of Economedes, and Viviana Garza of Rio Grande City. Jiovanna Martinez would win the discus with a toss of 140’5” with

Arrambide taking second place with a toss of 120’ 7 ½”. Edinburg’s Abby Garcia leaped 5’2” in the high jump to win the event, while Ali Bills of McAllen H.S. won second place with a jump of 4’8”. In the pole vault, Andrea Guerra from Rio Grande City crossed the bar at 8’6” and Vanessa Sanchez would win the long jump at 16’3 ¾”. The triple jump was won by Sarah Salazar from Edinburg with a jump of 34’1”. Team totals for the girls standings are as follows: McHi 118, Mission 105, Edinburg 95, McAllen Nikki Rowe 84, PSJA North 80, Ed-Elsa 68, Rio Grande City 52, Donna 36, Edinburg North 34, and Economedes 4pts.

Page 30: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

30 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

Daniel Zamora Jr., two-time District 32-5A champion will be defending his title this season with hopes of making it to the State 5A tournament in Austin.

(HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

GolfRio Grande Valley H.S.

32-5A Golfer Daniel Zamora Jr. Wins Four Tournaments

2006 Preview of D

istrict Meets

by David A. Amador, HSSM Sportswriter

Top Golfers In RGV District30-5A Dustin Garza, Sharyland31-5A Adam Haley, Edinburg32-5A Daniel Zamora, Har South32-4A Jonathon Sloss, PSJA Memorial

Girls30-5A Sasha Kiger, McAllen H.S.31-5A Felicia Espericueta, Ed North32-5A Andrea Ramirez, San Benito32-4A Rebecca De Leon, Mission Veterans Memorial H.S.

Getting Ready For District Showdowns

(McAllen) Harlingen South’s two-time defending 32-5A district champion Daniel Zamora will be the favored to win his third consecutive title heading into the district meet to be held at the Fort Brown Golf Club in Brownsville on April 3&4. Zamora had to overcome first day totals of 76 at the La Joya Invitational played at the Martin Valley Golf Ranch Club. He would finish the final day with a 73 to win his fourth event of the season. At the Mercedes Invitational Tournament played at the Palms at Mid-Valley Golf Course, Zamora fired a one over par 73 on the first day and finished with a 75 in windy conditions to win his third title of the year. Aaron Gonzalez of Edcouch-Elsa shot rounds of 79-77 to take second place, along with last year’s Regional finalist in Class 4A, PSJA Memorial’s Jonathon Sloss. Mathew Ledesma, also from Harlingen South took third place honors shooting rounds of 82-78. “Daniel has come a long way with his game. He is a special player and he could contend for Regional title if he can mentally overcome early mistakes,” says head coach, Hector Zamora of Harlingen South. Daniel again, took advantage of miscues from other players to fire rounds of 71 and 76 for a two day total of 147 to win the Harlingen Invitational held at Treasure Hills Country Club in early February. He won the tournament by 26 strokes. Currently, Zamora is averaging 73.0 strokes per round. Challenging Zamora for the 32-5A title will be Jerry Borgogni from Brownsville Hanna who maintains an overall stroke average

Page 31: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

2006 Preview of D

istrict Meets

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 31

GolfTough on the Course, Jacob Puente of PSJA will be one the favorites to challenge for the 31-5A District title.(HSSM Photo/David A. Amador)

of 75.0 followed by teammate Omar Ramos who placed fourth in La Joya. Another Hanna player hoping to end Zamora’s reign will be Joseph Lucio who also has a 79.0 stroke average. In 31-5A, Edinburg’s Adam Haley is the top leader leading the pack with an overall 75.0 average followed by Donna’s O.J. Moreno who is one stroke behind. Others expecting to contend for the 31-5A title will be Jacob Puente of PSJA, Tom Escano of Edinburg, Nick Roma from Edinburg North, and Mike Menchaca from Weslaco. The meet will be played at the Tierra Santa Golf Course on April 10-11th. The Sharyland Rattlers started the season with high expectations and now they will head into the District 30-5A meet as the team to beat, led by 2004 State 5A Bronze Medalist, Dustin Garza. The tournament will be played at the Palm View Golf Course in McAllen. One of the positive factors heading into the meet will be the great fairways and greens that have been manicured for the LPJA’s Futures Tour to be played later on in April. Other Rattler team members expecting to challenge Garza for the 30-5A district will be Abraham Ancer, Daniel Naranjo from McAllen Memorial H.S., Brandon Reyna, also from Sharyland; and Dustin Hayungs from McAllen H.S., who has maintained a stroke average of 78.0. In girl’s action, the Mission Veteran Memorial Lady Patriots are expected to win the District 32-4A team title along with University of Texas-Pan American signee, Rebecca De Leon hoping to win the individual medalist honors. She continues

to lead her team with an overall 79.0 stroke average along with team members Samantha Salinas, Tamara Evans, Sally Hart, Nyssa Rivera, and Jacklyn Lopez all on track to challenge De Leon for the title. If the McHi Lady Bulldogs expect to win the team title in 30-5A, head coach Greg Kiger will need to make sure that his daughter plays her best game. Sasha leads the district in scoring with an overall average of 85.0 but she will get stiff competition from Sharyland’s Ana Choi and Alejandra Valdez. Both players are averaging 89.0 on the course. Meagon Olivarez and Sydney Noser from McAllen will also contend for a district title. Look for McHi and Sharyland to advance to the Regional tournament as a team. The biggest test will come from District 31-5A between freshmen golfer Felicia Espericueta of Edinburg North, Melinda Ureigas of Edinburg, and Weslaco’s Katlin Hovda. Espericueta is one of the hottest golfers in SouthTexas with a 72.0 stroke average. Only a freshmen, she could easily win her first district and regional title. A berth in the State 5A tournament could be looming for the Lady Cougar. As a team, Edinburg could win it all in District 31-5A as they feature four players averaging 85.0 as a team. San Benito’s Andrea Ramirez will be surrounded by a host of Brownsville Hanna contenders from District 32-5A. Ramirez, whose overall stroke average of 82.0 will be challenged by Rae-

Page 32: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

2006 Preview of D

istrict Meets

32 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

March 27

April 3

April 3-4

April 10-11

April 10-11

April 24-27

April 24-27

April 24-27

April 24-27

31-5A Pre-Dist

30-5A Pre-Dist

District 32-5A

District 31-5A

District 30-5A

Regionals

Regionals

Regionals

Regionals

Tierra Santa, Wes

Palm View, McA

Fort Brown, Bro

Tierra Santa, Wes

Palm View, McA

Cedar Creek SA

Willow Spring SA

Mission De Lagos SA

Brackenridge SA

Upcoming RGV H.S. Golf Tournaments

Tough loss for Omar Ramos, Brownsville Hanna’s No.1 player, who placed fourth at the La Joya Invitational Tournament recently. Bottom photo, Daniel Naranjo of McAllen Memorial will be looking for a spot in the Regional slot. (HSSM Photos)

Anne Lerma and Amanda Anzaldua. Both Lady Eagles will team up with teammates Erika Hernandez Delgado and Victoria Robles to make a run at the team title. The top two teams from each district advance to regionals. The 32-5A meet will be played at the Fort Brown course on April 3-4th. And finally, last year’s 32-4A MVP PSJA Memorial’s Jonathon Sloss will be challenged by Edcouch-Elsa’s Aaron Gonzalez who tied Sloss at the

Mercedes Invitational for second place with two scores of 156. Both players are averaging 75.0 or 3 strokes above par. on most courses played. At the 32-4A pre-district event played again at the Palms at Mid-Valley in Mercedes, Sloss shot a round of 81 to finish second, while Ed-Elsa’s Sergio Ramos surprised everyone by winning the event with a 79. Another Yellowjacket, Charles Cartwright from the No.2 team, took third place honors with an 83. Gonzalez finished the day in fifth place. Both Edcouch-Elsa teams could also win the 32-4A team title and advance to Regional this April.

Page 33: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

OneOnOneI N T E R V I E W

with Hector L. Zamora Jr. Harlingen South H.S. Golf Coach

Story and Photosby David A. Amador

An emotional Hector L. Zamora Jr. tells HSSM about the day he almost lost his daughter in a freak car accident. Now he will retire after spending 29 years being a head golf coach to spend more time with his family. This is his story.

March 2006 www.hssmOnline.com 33

HSSM: What were your thoughts when you first received that phone call from your daughter’s friends saying that she had been in an accident? Hector: Wow (he pauses with tears) You just never know when it will be time to leave this world. We almost lost Mindi a few years ago as she traveled with friends to a weekend get together at college. (pauses) You see, she was only a freshmen at Hardin Simmons.HSSM: Are you okay?Hector: Yeah. The truck she was in flipped over after the driver lost control on a caliche turn and with eight students riding in front and the open back area..(he pauses)..Mindi was thrown out through the front windshield while others started flying in all sorts of directions.HSSM: How close are you as a father to your daughter?Hector: Mindi earned a scholarship to play soccer at Hardin Simmons and I would drive to watch her play every game. That’s how close we are as a family.HSSM: So why will you retire from coaching after 29 years on the golf course?Hector: It’s time to spend more time with Mindi and my son Daniel. You see, you never know when our time will come. HSSM: I see that your son Daniel is quite a golfer.Hector: That he is. He is real special. He is a good academic student and he is also one of the best players in South Texas. Hopefully, he will play at

Hardin Simmons. To date, he would like to get accepted at Texas A&M and try to walk on. HSSM: Is it tough to coach your own son in golf?Hector: Like most Dads, we expect our own children to exceed all expectations. There was a time when me and my son used to have conflicts with one another. That’s when I realized it was time to back off and let him discover what he really wanted. HSSM: So what will you do after coaching?Hector: (cell phone rings) Excuse Me. (answers phone) Hello? Hi son. Just try to recover and make it up in the back nine okay? Love you. HSSM: So how’s your son doing on the course?Hector: He is three over but this is what I enjoy now with my kids. I am able to communicate with them without getting angry or frustrated. It makes me proud that I am able to have a relationship with Daniel and Mindi and be part of their lives.HSSM: So what will you miss about coaching at Harlingen South?Hector: The parents and fellowship we had amongst our players. This community has been supportive. This is the only district I have worked for the past 26 years and I have enjoyed every minute of it. Now it’s time to enjoy every minute with my wife and children.HSSM: Thanks for this interview and good luck.

Page 34: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

Get the Ultimate Fitness with...

34 www.hssmOnline.com March 2006

PreventingHamstring Injuries

Jason O. Martinez, B.B.A., C.P.T.

What is a hamstring injury? The hamstring muscle is a group of large, powerful muscles that

span the back of the thigh, from the lower pelvis to the back of the shin bone. The hamstring is the important muscle that functions to

extend the hip joint and flex the knee joint.

The hamstring is used in many sporting activities, as well as normal daily activities. Sports that commonly cause a hamstring injury are sprinting sports that involve sudden accelerations. These include track and field, soccer, and basketball.

What is a pulled hamstring? A pulled hamstring, also called a hamstring strain, is a tear of the hamstring muscle fibers. In less severe hamstring strains,

Grade I injuries, the tearing is microscopic. The muscle fibers are essentially stretched to far, and some bleeding occurs within the

muscle.

What Causes A Hamstring Pull or Tear?

• Poor Flexibility • Poor Strength

• Muscle Imbalance: If the quadriceps dominate the hamstring the hamstring can be prone to injury

• Fatigue: An exhausted muscle from over-training or over exertion is easily damaged

• Leg Length Differences: The shorter leg can develop overly tight hamstrings

• Improper Warm-up •Previous Hamstring Injury

What are the symptoms of a pulled hamstring? The symptoms of a pulled hamstring depend on the severity of the

injury. The hamstring injury is usually sudden and painful. Other common symptoms include:

Bruising: Small tears within the muscle cause bleeding and subsequent bruising. The bruise begins in the back of the thigh, and as time passes the bruise will pass down below the knee and often into the foot.

Swelling: The accumulation of blood from the hamstring injury causes swelling of the thigh. This can make further muscle contraction difficult and painful. Wearing a compressive bandage can help control the swelling.

Spasm: Muscle spasm is a common and painful symptom of a hamstring injury. Because of the trauma to the muscle, signals of contraction are confused, and the muscle may be stimulated. If severe, muscle relaxants can help with spasms.

Difficulty Contracting: Flexing the knee is often painful after a pulled hamstring, and can even prevent the patient from walking normally. If you are unable to contract the hamstring, the muscle may be completely ruptured.

What is the treatment of a pulled hamstring? Treatment of a pulled hamstring is dependent on the severity of the injury. Because of bleeding and swelling, athletes should stop their

activity and rest immediately. An ice pack and compressive bandage can be applied to control swelling.

• A stretching program should be started as soon as the

initial, severe pain and swelling subsides.

• A strengthening program should be used to rebuild the strength of the injured muscle in order to prevent re-injury.

• A thigh wrap can be applied to provide support as the muscle heals.

How Can I Prevent A Hamstring Pull or Tear?

• Warm up thoroughly. This is probably the most important muscle to warm-up and stretch before a workout.

• Stretching after the workout should not be neglected.

• Analyze the possible training error.

• Possibilities include too much too soon, too much competition, hills, underlying illness, or fluid intake error.

Page 35: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue
Page 36: High School Sports Magazine-March 2006 Issue

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