Bryan ISD February 2025

BRYAN ISD HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS

BRYANISD.ORG

BRYAN, RUDDER HIGH BUILDING WINNERS ON FIELD; CLASSROOM BRYAN ISD. WE. ARE.

REAL OPPORTUNITIES

MORE SUCCESS.

www.bryanisd.org

Did You Know? Rudder High School was named for General James Earl Rudder, a soldier, land commissioner, and president of Texas A&M. He was called into active duty in 1941 and had a celebrated military career during World War II. In 1943, as a lieutenant colonel, he became commander and trainer of the Second Ranger Battalion, which had a major role in the D-Day invasion. Rudder's Rangers stormed the beach at Pointe du Hoc and, under constant enemy fire, scaled 100-foot cliffs to reach and destroy German gun batteries. Rudder won the election for Texas land commissioner in 1956 and served until February 1, 1958. That year, he became vice president of Texas A&M University. He became president in 1959 and president of the entire A&M system in 1965. In 1967 President Lyndon Johnson presented Rudder the Distinguished Service Medal, the highest peacetime service award. May all of our Rudder Rangers follow in his footsteps.

BRYAN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Superintendent

Always Real. Offering More. In Bryan ISD, we provide multiple opportunities that serve as pathways for our 16,000 students. As Superintendent of Bryan ISD, I am proud to work alongside a staff of 3,000 employees, within a community that believes in keeping children first. Always. On behalf of the Bryan ISD Board of Trustees and administration, we are honored and excited to launch a new school year. Whether it’s in the sports arena, our state of-the-art CTE facilities, one of our many auditoriums, or in our classrooms, it’s a privilege to watch our students excel at every level. In this inaugural edition and new partnership with Vype, I believe that showcasing our many students involved in a multitude of activities will highlight all of the talent and enthusiasm in our district. We are grateful for the continued investment from our coaches, directors, and sponsors, working with our youth leagues and community at large, as they are instrumental in current and future success. It is also with deep appreciation that we recognize every campus and non-campus employee for going above and beyond to ensure all students reach their full potential. Your support of our school community is invaluable and we invite you to continue partnering with us throughout the school year. Bryan ISD. Where excellence, opportunity, and community come together. Sincerely, Ginger Carrabine, Bryan ISD Superintendent

Bryan High

Anna Hyde, Senior, Bryan HS Track & Field

THE VIKINGS OF BRYAN HIGH HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS THIS SECOND SEMESTER. FROM THE SOCCER FIELDS THIS WINTER TO THE BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL DIAMONDS THIS SPRING, THE VIKINGS ARE IN ATTACK MODE. THE TRACK WILL BE HEATING UP AS WELL OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS PERSONAL BESTS WILL BE ACHIEVED. [ATTACK MODE]

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Rudder High

Kylee Perez, Sophomore C, Rudder HS Softball

THE RUDDER RANGERS ARE READY TO ROUND UP THE COMPETITION IN 2025. THE HEADLINERS THIS SPRING WILL BE COME FROM THE TRACK AND FIELD PROGRAMS, WHO HAD A BANNER YEAR IN 2024. RUDDER IS LOADED WITH TALENTED ATHLETES IN VARIOUS SPORTS THAT WILL KEEP THE HALLWAYS BUZZING OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. [RANGER UP ]

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Viking Club is committed to supporting our athletic programs and student athletes.

Viking Club directly supports our athletic programs with funding for multi-sport facility updates, playoff transportation, and unique athletic needs.

Support Bryan Viking Athletics! Bryan Viking Club is seeking club members and corporate sponsors from our incredible community of families and businesses. Your support will enhance experiences and create opportunities for our Viking athletes.

A percentage of your membership fee will be designated specifically for the Bryan Viking athletic program of your choosing.

Board the Ship! Scan the QR code to learn more about club membership and sponsorship levels.

Each year the Viking Club awards scholarships to our student athletes that meet specific criteria and receive teacher recommendations.

For more information, please visit www.bryanvikingclub.org

where supporting our athletes makes a difference!

The Ranger Club directly supports and invests in every Rudder High School athletic program. Targeting additional funding, playoff transportation, and other program requests, our goal is to help enhance every student-athlete’s experience at Rudder High School.

HELP OUR RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!

Scan the QR code to learn how you can best support our Ranger student-athletes today.

Bryan High Girls Soccer

[WE > ME] Selfless attitude will drive Bryan back to the postseason

PLAYERS TO WATCH Maegan Landin (Jr. F - #12) Sadie Landin (Jr. CB - #14) Camryn Lightsey (Jr. F - #7) Susana Martinez (Sr. MF - #1) Suleima Vazquez (Sr. LB - #10) Tori Wright (Jr. MF - #17)

Camryn Lightsey, Junior F, Bryan HS Girls Soccer

Suleima Vazquez, Senior LB, Bryan HS Girls Soccer

Susana Martinez, Senior MF, Bryan HS Girls Soccer

Tori Wright, Junior MF, Bryan HS Girls Soccer

Talking to some of my seniors, who know what the playoff experience looks like, we understand that it’s going to be a matter of focus and determination to reach that point again. We can’t assume that a team is just going to roll over and give us the win. They’ve got to come ready. Our focal point this year has been ‘do everything for your teammate’. So, they’re working hard for those beside them, not just for themselves.

Coach Chris Gibson - Bryan HS Girls Soccer

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Girls soccer

Rudder High

[STUDENTS OF THE GAME] Rudder Girls Soccer focusing on growth both on and off the turf

Brianna Mendoza, Senior LB, Rudder HS Girls Soccer

Nataly Fajardo, Senior D, Rudder HS Girls Soccer

Estefani Esquivel, Senior F, Rudder HS Girls Soccer

I would say our main strength is the girls’ determination to improve, and not just on the field. When it comes to this season, we have some key players coming in that make me think that we’re going to be on the attack in our district. Overall, I’m excited to see how they perform.

Lizandra Gonzalez, Senior RW, Rudder HS Girls Soccer

PLAYERS TO WATCH Estefani Esquivel (Sr. MF/F – #19) Nataly Fajardo (Sr. D – #15) Madelis Garcia (Sr. LW – #8) Lizandra Gonzalez (Sr. RW – #4) Brianna Mendoza (Sr. LB – #14) Brianna Olvera (Sr. MF – #22)

Coach Brittany Bush - Rudder HS Girls Soccer

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Bryan High Boys Soccer

[BUILT ON DISCPLINE] Luna preaching more than just soccer at Bryan High

PLAYERS TO WATCH Misael Andrade (Sr. CDM/Captain - #10) Crew Chilton (Sr. ST/Captain - #13)

Jose Mendoza (Jr. LB - #6) Jacob Torres (Sr. ST - #9)

Crew Chilton, Senior ST & Team Captain, Bryan HS Boys Soccer

Misael Andrade, Senior CDM & Team Captain, Bryan HS Boys Soccer

The No. 1 thing that I emphasize with every new group that enters the program is discipline – whether that relates to the classroom, on the field, or outside of school. Obviously, we try to keep these guys focused on soccer, but I want them to be vigilant in every aspect of their high school life.

Coach Carlos Luna - Bryan HS Boys Soccer

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Boys soccer

Rudder High

Tristan Carpio, Senior CB, Rudder HS Boys Soccer

Giovani Huerta, Junior F, Rudder HS Boys Soccer

Christian Ocampo, Junior MF, Rudder HS Boys Soccer

[ON THE CUSP] Veteran leadership should keep Rudder moving in the right direction COACH JAMES DAVIS WILL LIKELY LEAN ON THE NUMEROUS UPPERCLASSMEN THAT COMPOSE HIS ROSTER TO TURN THAT GOAL INTO A REALITY. TRISTAN CARPIO (SR. CB), JOHN DANIEL WELLMAN (JR. LB/RB), AND DIEGO RAMIREZ (SO. CB) WILL FORM THE RUDDER BACK-LINE, WHILE THE TEAM’S CORE WILL FEATURE ANTHONY GALVAN (SR. CDM), CHRISTIAN OCAMPO (JR. MF), AND SOPHOMORE EVERARDO GARCIA. ADDITIONALLY, JUNIOR FORWARD GIOVANI HUERTA SHOULD LEAD THE ATTACKING FRONT. THE RANGERS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SHOCK OPPONENTS IN THE NEW YEAR.

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Bryan High Wrestling

Caelan Fletcher, Junior, Bryan HS Wrestling

Zoe Sonnier, Sophomore, Bryan HS Wrestling

Cynthia Vargas, Junior, Bryan HS Wrestling

Romelo Banda, Junior, Bryan HS Wrestling

[PURSUING GREATNESS] Viking Wrestling thrives on the tradition of excellence AMONG THE VARIOUS TEAMS THAT MAKE UP BRYAN HIGH ATHLETICS, FEW HAVE BEEN AS HISTORICALLY SUCCESSFUL AS THEIR WRESTLING PROGRAM. THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN ON THE MAT ARE ALWAYS LIABLE TO EXCEL WITHIN THEIR DISTRICT, IF NOT BETTER. NOT TOO LONG AGO, IN THE 2017-18 CAMPAIGN WHEN THEY WERE STILL IN CLASS 5A, THE VIKINGS WENT ON TO DOMINATE REGION III BEFORE FINISHING AS THE 5TH PLACE TEAM IN THE UIL STATE TOURNAMENT. THE STANDARD IS ALWAYS THE SAME AT BRYAN, AS THEY CONTINUE TO PURSUE THAT LEVEL UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF COACH VICTOR THOMAS. HEADLINING THIS YEAR’S SQUAD WILL BE A SLEW OF UPPERCLASSMEN – NAMELY SENIOR MATTHEW PIERSON, AS WELL AS JUNIORS CAELAN FLETCHER, CAYDEN WELCH, CYNTHIA VARGAS, AND ROMELO BANDA. ALSO, EXPECT SOPHOMORE ZOE SONNIER TO MAKE HER PRESENCE FELT AT THE DISTRICT COMPETITION.

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Rudder High Wrestling [THE GOLD STANDARD] Ranger Wrestling likely to add more hardware to the trophy case in 2025

PLAYERS TO WATCH Jondavid Ballard (Junior) Ashlynn Castillo (Junior) Devin Corkery (Junior) Ava Fillio (Junior) Briana Gutierrez (Senior) Andrew Sparks (Sophomore)

Andrew Sparks, Sophomore, Rudder HS Wrestling

Ashlynn Castillo, Junior, Rudder HS Wrestling

Devin Corkery, Junior, Rudder HS Wrestling

Since starting this program about a decade ago, it’s really come a long way. We’ve had consistent numbers throughout each year and it’s been great to see the buy-in and growth from these kids. There’s been plenty of success, especially on the girls’ side, with multiple district championships and State qualifiers. Our boys are following their lead. I’ve got a great group to work with and we’re going to make sure that we continue doing the right thing in the mat room.

Coach Stewart Donley - Rudder HS Wrestling

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Bryan High PowerLifting

[TO THE MAX] Appeal of Bryan Powerlifting program continues to grow

We have an awesome teamwork mentality. We all support each other, and that’s what makes it a really fun environment to work in. There’s a lot of fun that goes into this sport, but the fact that we still push each other defines us as a team. I was drawn into powerlifting by some friends who were on the team. I never felt like an outcast and was treated as a member from Day 1.

Ariel Reyes, Senior Captain, Bryan HS Powerlifting

Ariel Reyes (Senior Captain) - Bryan HS Powerlifting

We do have fun while practicing, but we have that mentality where we never stop trying to improve. Growing up on the bigger side, I’ve always worked on staying in shape. I got into this sport around seventh grade and I love the way it pushes me to be better.

Rodolfo Menchaca, Junior Captain, Bryan HS Powerlifting

Rodolfo Menchaca (Junior Captain) - Bryan HS Powerlifting

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Powerlifting

Rudder High

Kimberly Sanchez-Lozano, Junior, Rudder HS Powerlifting

Head Coach Tim George, Rudder HS Powerlifting

Michael Hendrick, Senior, Rudder HS Powerlifting

[MAKING GAINS] Rudder Powerlifting could feature multiple State qualifiers this winter What’s making this sport popular is the work-ethic that the kids develop as a result. It’s not like most team sports, because you’ve got to really commit to lifting weights in order to see your personal gains, both physically and mentally. The overall size of the team has grown outrageously and I hope to see more of that as we continue to work towards reaching State.

Coach Tim George - Rudder HS Powerlifting

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Bryan High Swimming

[GOOD VIBES ONLY] Chemistry is key for BHS Swim Team

I feel like my main job is to keep the morale up. I love them all so much, and everyone is their own little puzzle piece that makes this team what it is.

Carli Carver (Senior Captain) – Bryan HS Swimming

Carli Carver, Senior Captain, Bryan HS Swim

I organize a lot of the out-of-school activities for this group. I like to focus on keeping us a family, since I don’t think of us as just a team. Everybody here has a different path, especially because swimming is thought of as an individual sport. So, some of us have the ambition of reaching State, while others want to focus on staying in shape. Either way, I want to make sure we’re all having a good time and that we’re happy with the achievements we make.

Zachary Gulley, Senior Captain, Bryan HS Swim

Zachary Gulley (Senior Captain) – Bryan HS Swimming

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WE PROUDLY SUPPORT BRYAN VIKING ATHLETICS and if your company’s marketing is in need of a boost, we can support that too.

Bryan High BAseball

[PEAK MOTIVATION] Bryan Baseball galvanized to make a postseason return

Jose Marquez, Senior CF, Bryan HS Baseball

Samuel Martinez, Senior 3B, Bryan HS Baseball

PLAYERS TO WATCH Treyvin Castro (Sr. C – #2) Jose Marquez (Sr. CF – #8) Samuel Martinez (Sr. 3B – #22) Jayden Potter (Sr. 1B/P – #9) Joel Rios (Sr. OF – #6) Gavyn Simpson (Sr. P – #17)

Gavyn Simpson, Senior P, Bryan HS Baseball

Treyvin Castro, Senior C, Bryan HS Baseball

THE BRYAN VIKINGS ARE BURNING THE BOATS THIS SEASON AS THEY GO AFTER A POSTSEASON APPEARANCE WITH A VENGEANCE. THE VIKINGS ARE LOADED WITH SENIORS WHO WILL LEAD THE WAY. PITCHERS GAVYN SIMPSON AND JAYDEN POTTER WILL THROW TO CATCHER TEYVIN CASTRO, WHILE JOEL RIOS AND JOSE MARQUEZ PATROL THE OUTFIELD. SAMUEL MARTINEZ AND POTTER WILL ALSO ANCHOR THE CORNER INFIELD POSITIONS AND HIT FOR POWER.

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BAseball

Rudder High

Jose Ponce, Junior C, Rudder HS Baseball

Mark Espiriqueta, Junior OF, Rudder HS Baseball

Cody Billings, Senior 3B, Rudder HS Baseball

[BATTER UP!] The Rangers looking to re-establish themselves as contenders RUDDER HAS THE TALENT TO COMPETE IN DISTRICT, WITH AUSTIN ISOM (JR. CF) AND CODY BILLINGS (SR. 3B) BACK TO ELEVATE THE LINEUP. JUNIOR CATCHER JOSE PONCE WILL DIRECT THE DEFENSE AND ALSO SERVES AS A RELIABLE BATTER. COACH BAILEY DERAMUS WILL ALSO TURN TO JUNIOR NOAH RAMIREZ AND SOPHOMORE JAVIER MAREZ TO SHORE UP THE INFIELD, WHILE JUNIOR MARK ESPIRIQUETA ADDS EXPERIENCE AND DEPTH TO THE OUTFIELD. THE RANGERS HAVE THEIR WORK CUT OUT FOR THEM AGAINST SOME FORMIDABLE COMPETITION, BUT DON’T BE SO QUICK TO COUNT THEM OUT.

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Bryan High Cover Story

[ROUNDING THIRD] Rios aims to propel Bryan back to playoff contention in his final year

\\ Matthew Ogle

the plate,” Rios said. “I put up some good numbers during my sophomore year, and dealt with minor injuries last year, but the at-bats that I got went really well for me. That’s where I feel like I thrive the most.” Despite the injuries he mentioned, Rios still managed to maintain a batting average upwards of .300 and contributed 9 RBIs to secure an all-district honorable mention. His performance – as well as that of fellow incoming seniors Gavyn Simpson (Sr. P), Trey Castro (Sr. C), and Jayden Potter (Sr. IF), among others – helped keep the Vikings competitive. But as the team narrowly missed the playoffs with a 12-16 overall record and a fifth-place finish in District 12-6A last spring, Rios is determined to make the most of his final season “We need to work together as a team in order to get back to the playoffs,” he said. “Nothing comes easy in this district, so it’s going to require us helping each other out and picking each other up when it comes to that important stretch of the season.” As for Rios, this season could mark the end of his competitive baseball career. After graduating, he plans to join the RELLIS program at Blinn College, which is in collaboration with Texas A&M, where he will pursue a degree in Construction Management. But for now, his focus remains squarely on the diamond, determined to help the Vikings see their goal come to fruition.

AS THE 2025 UIL BASEBALL SEASON LOOMS, JOEL RIOS STANDS READY TO LEAD THE VIKINGS FROM THE RIGHT FIELD SPOT. His journey from a freshman learning the ropes to a senior standout on the team is a testament to his growth both as a player and a person. His experience makes him one of the influential figures on the squad. “This program has had a significant impact on me,” he said. “During my sophomore year, the group that I played with was pretty good, and their work ethic and drive rubbed off on me. Two years later and I’m taking on that role, which is an awesome feeling. “It was kind of weird at first, but once I realized it was my responsibility, I knew that I would have to step up and provide a good example. The same way I was brought up in.” Rios’s passion for baseball runs deep, influenced by his early exposure to the sport and his older brother, Willy Amador, who played at Bryan High and went on to Rice University. “I started playing when I was about five years old,” Rios said. “Growing up, I’d always watch my brother. I saw how he was and how everybody else saw him, and figured that was something to try to live up to. I’ve never felt any pressure to fill his shoes, so this is just a goal I’ve set for myself.” It’s become a full-circle moment now that he’s been put in a similar situation, and his development as a player has been equally impressive. “I think that my greatest strength comes when I’m at

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Cover Story

Rudder High

[POWER SURGE] Isom has Big League dreams

\\ Matt Malatesta

BRYAN RUDDER’S AUSTIN ISOM IS DANGEROUS IN THE BATTER’S BOX. LITERALLY, DANGEROUS. The ball exits his bat at 98.4 miles per hour, one of the top speeds in Texas. “I played every sport as a kid,” he said. “I even played varsity football as a freshman here at Rudder, but it just wasn’t for me. My path has been baseball ever since. “My strength is obviously hitting. I just have so much confidence at the plate. I’m never intimidated by who I’m facing because I know I have the talent and ability to get the job done. I just focus.” The all-district returner has high expectations for his team this season as they compete for the postseason. “This is the team to do it,” he said. “The coaches are really invested, and we have the talent to get in the playoffs in this new district. That’s my goal.” The junior outfielder has lofty goals for himself as well. “My dream is to play for a big Division I school like Texas A&M or Texas,” he said. “I’ve always loved those schools. I just want to get on that stage and get drafted. I’m very committed to my craft. I work out, work in the batting cage, hang out with my family and girlfriend, and stay to myself. I know what I’m working for.” His favorite player? “It would have to be Dylan Cruz, the Washington Nationals centerfielder,” he said. “I pattern my game after him.” As the baseball season nears, the crack of the bat gets louder—none more deafening than that of Austin Isom’s.

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Bryan High Softball

[THE WILL TO WIN] Campbell leaning on returners to usher the Vikings back into district conversation

Lacie Hernandez, Senior IF-P, Bryan HS Softball

PLAYERS TO WATCH Lacie Hernandez (Sr. IF/P – #7)

Katia Martinez (Jr. OF – #8) Alexia Morales (Sr. SS – #21) Sophia Ramirez (Sr. OF – #1) Grace Tausch (Sr. CF – #11) Izzy Worrell (So. C/1B – #15)

Izzy Worrell, Sophomore C-1B, Bryan HS Softball

Grace Tausch, Senior CF, Bryan HS Softball

This group of girls truly wants to compete. I’m looking to the senior leadership that we have, with four starters returning, to continue to elevate the program while integrating the younger talent on the team. They’re all invested in each other and want to win.

Coach Melissa Campbell - Bryan HS Softball

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Softball

Rudder High

[DIAMOND STARS] Is this the season that Rudder Softball turns a corner?

Rylee Puente, Senior P, Rudder HS Softball

Christina Lucio, Sophomore 2B, Rudder HS Softball

Kiley Newland, Sophomore 3B, Rudder HS Softball

THE RUDDER SOFTBALL PROGRAM RETURNS TO THE FIELD WITH A SENSE OF DETERMINATION. THE RANGERS WILL FEATURE A HEALTHY MIX OF SENIORS AND UNDERCLASSMEN, BEGINNING WITH THEIR ACE RYLEE PUENTE. THE SENIOR PITCHER PROVIDES A CALM PRESENCE ON THE MOUND, AND HER CONNECTION WITH SOPHOMORE CATCHER KYLEE PEREZ WILL BE CRITICAL DOWN THE STRETCH. FURTHERMORE, SENIORS DE’ZARAE PHILLIPS AND DESTINI MACK MAKE FOR A RELIABLE DUO IN THE OUTFIELD, WHILE KILEY NEWLAND (SO. 3B) AND CHRISTINA LUCIO (SO. 2B) STEP INTO LARGER ROLES.

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Bryan High Track & Field

[TO THE FINISH LINE] Bryan Track & Field primed to contend for District I think that the girls’ competitive spirit comes from within. We talk about that a lot during the off-season – self-motivation and being out here even though no one is forcing them to. If you love track and you love to run, then it has to come from deep down within yourself. There’s no giving up before the finish line, so they just have to dig deep and find that spark.

Coach Jennifer Pittman - Bryan HS Girls Track & Field

PLAYERS TO WATCH SaNyla Bullock (Jr.) Diego Duran (So.) Anna Hyde (Sr.)

Saniyah Johnson (Sr.) Terrence Lewis (Sr.) Se’bron Lowery (Sr.)

Terrence Lewis, Senior, Bryan HS Track & Field

Saniyah Johnson, Senior, Bryan HS Track & Field

We’re definitely on the upswing heading into this season. I’ve been here for 18 years, and early on we had a pretty good program. I feel like there’s more intrigue this year. The kids are excited and we have a great staff here to coach them up. So, things are looking up for us and hopefully that shows later on.

Coach Matthew Rice - Bryan HS Boys Track & Field

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Track & Field

Rudder High

A’Naiya Kelley, Senior, Rudder HS Girls Track & Field

Roderick Harris, Junior, Rudder HS Boys Track & Field

[CHASING MEDALS] Expectations remain high for Rudder Track & Field this spring AS WE MAKE OUR WAY TOWARDS THE SPRING, THE RANGERS GEAR UP FOR WHAT SHOULD BE YET ANOTHER TREMENDOUS SHOWING FROM THEIR STAR ATHLETES. COACHES JIHAD AND ALISHEA WRIGHT ARE BACK TO DIRECT THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ PROGRAMS, RESPECTIVELY. THEY’LL UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE THE AMBITION OF MAKING ANOTHER RUN TOWARDS THE UIL STATE MEET, AFTER THE GIRLS RELAY TEAM FINISHED THIRD OVERALL IN THE 4X200 EVENT AT AUSTIN’S MIKE A. MYERS STADIUM LAST MAY. SENIORS KIMORA MAXEY AND A’NAIYA KELLEY ARE BACK LEAD THE WAY. FELLOW SENIORS MICHELLE BURNS, ALAINA HILL, AND AALAYA JONES WILL ALSO CONTRIBUTE. MEANWHILE, DENIM PRESTON RETURNS FOR HIS FINAL SEASON, FOLLOWING A YEAR IN WHICH HE TOOK GOLD IN THE DISTRICT’S 400M DASH EVENT. HE WILL BE COMPLEMENTED BY INDIVIDUALS SUCH AS BRANDON BROWN (JR.), RODERICK HARRIS (JR.), AND ZA’MONTAE WELLS (SR.), AS WELL AS BROTHERS BRANDON AND RANDON COOKS.

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Bryan High Cover Story

[BETWEEN THE LINES] Bryan’s Bullock inspired through track, family, passion

\\ Matthew Ogle

suffered a severe leg injury that sidelined her for most of the season. Yet, through determination and hard work, she was able to recover in time to compete. “It was truly inspiring to see her push through and get back on the track,” Bullock said. “It’s one of the best stories I’ve written.” In addition to her journalistic accomplishments, Bullock draws inspiration from her family, who play a central role in her motivation to succeed. “My little sister definitely gives me a lot of motivation since she looks up to me,” she shared. “She’ll say she’s so proud of me and even records me running with her little iPad tablet. It’s good to let her know that someone is there and she can be just like them.” Bullock’s father, a well known football player at Bryan High, also plays a significant role in her athletic drive. His words of wisdom have stayed with her throughout her track career. “My Dad has been a great mentor,” she said. “He always tells me, ‘You’re not going to get any faster by focusing on what others are doing, so you have to be willing to work.’ That’s really resonated with me.” As the new track season begins, SaNyla Bullock is poised to continue pushing herself, both on the track and in her writing. Whether through her performances or her words, she’s sure to leave an impact at Bryan High and beyond.

even higher goals. “The goal this year is the same as always,” Bullock said. “I intend to set new PRs and push myself in order for me to say ‘I did better than my previous seasons.’” Bullock’s track journey is already a testament to her commitment. She competes in a variety of events, including the 100m Dash, 200m Dash, and all the relay events. Last year, she was part of the Girls 4x100m Relay team that earned a third place finish at the district meet. Despite the demanding schedule of a multi-event athlete, she’s determined to continue improving and challenging herself on the track. But Bullock’s dedication doesn’t stop when the final whistle blows. Off the track, she’s equally committed to her passion for writing. As a member of the journalism program at Bryan High, Bullock aspires to pursue a career in the field, using her writing to express herself and amplify the voices of others. “I just like being able to express myself and allowing people to be heard and share their stories,” she said. “Track stories are typically my favorite, because I love to write about my passion.” One of her proudest journalistic achievements was writing about a teammate who overcame a significant injury just before the start of the season. The teammate, a vital part of the team’s relays, had

athleticism but a strong work ethic and mental resilience. For Bryan High School junior SaNyla Bullock, these traits are second nature. She’s already built a solid track record for herself, and as the new season approaches, she’s setting

TRACK AND FIELD IS ONE OF THE MOST PHYSICALLY DEMANDING SPORTS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL, PARTICULARLY IN TEXAS WHERE THE HEAT CAN MAKE EVERY RACE FEEL EVEN MORE GRUELING. Success in the sport demands not just raw

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Cover Story

Rudder High

\\ Matt Malatesta [PUT THEM TO SLEEP] Maxey is a state talent on the oval

KIMORA MAXEY’S FAVORITE HOBBY MIGHT SURPRISE YOU. “I love to sleep,” she laughed. “I can fall asleep anywhere.” With her packed schedule, she certainly needs the rest. The Bryan Rudder senior is a first-team, all-district volleyball star, a first-team forward in basketball, a state medalist in track and field, and an outstanding student in the classroom. “It’s a lot, but I love to be busy,” she said. “I also work at the Lincoln Recreation Center year-round, and at Santa’s Wonderland during December. I’m also a student ambassador, which means I have to complete volunteer hours.” Her first love, however, is the track, where she excels in sprint relays and hurdles. “I’m a pretty independent person,” she said. “In basketball and volleyball, it’s a team thing. In track, whether I do good or bad, it’s on me. Volleyball was really just for fun, and basketball got me in shape for track. Track is track.” Maxey helped lead her 4x200 relay team to a bronze medal at the UIL State Track Meet in 2024, cementing her place in the history books. She also set the school record in the 100-meter hurdles last year with a time of 14.18 seconds at the Regional Meet. This was her third trip to the Regional Meet in the hurdles. “Track has really been my thing,” she said. “From AAU summer track to the Junior Olympics, it has been my main focus. It takes a lot of hard work, but that’s what I want to do with my future.

my goals is something I will never forget.” As the winter transitions to spring and the track and field season heats up, there’s one piece of advice for Rudder’s opponents: Don’t sleep on Kimora Maxey.

Masai Russell. “I lock in on everything she does, from how she warms up to how she races. She’s my role model,” Maxey said. “As far as who I’m doing this for? That has to be my mom. The time and money she has spent for me to reach

I want to run in college for coaches who really push me and want the best for me. I really like the University of Houston’s track program. My ultimate goal is the Olympics.” Maxey draws inspiration from Olympic gold medalist

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Bryan High Golf

[BEYOND THE GREEN] Lessons extend further than the links for Viking Golf program

PLAYERS TO WATCH Cate Cooper (Sophomore) Kade Duncan (Sophomore)

Kyle Esco (Sophomore) Chloe Merca (Freshman)

Cate Cooper, Sophomore, Bryan HS Golf

Kade Duncan, Sophomore, Bryan HS Golf

We’re student-athletes first, so we primarily focus on the ‘student’ aspect. When it comes to golf, it’s about generating great relationships with the kids and their families. Ultimately, playing well on the course is great, but if we can teach them how to become high-functioning members of society, then I feel that we’ve done our jobs as coaches and mentors.

Coach Brandon O’Neal - Bryan HS Golf

28 \\ BRYAN ISD \\ FEB 2025 \\ bryanisd.org

Golf

Rudder High

Ahren Terry, Junior, Rudder HS Golf

Elliot Lyles, Junior, Rudder HS Golf

EJ Moncivais, Senior, Rudder HS Golf

[CLIMBING THE CHARTS] Rudder Golf continues to refine their game under Colicchio’s direction We have a very small program of just three boys, who are all still fairly new to the sport. They’re improving every year which is all you can ask for, from a coaching perspective. Their swings and control of the ball are much better than when they started, so I think we have a good shot of getting them in the Top 10 of some of the tournaments we’ll be competing in this year.

Coach Robin Colicchio - Rudder HS Golf

bryanisd.org // FEB 2025 // BRYAN ISD // 29

Rudder High Tennis

[FROM THE GROUND UP] Rudder aiming to build around a young squad this year

Kenneth Coronado, Freshman, Rudder HS Tennis

Savannah Ginnis, Sophomore, Rudder HS Tennis

Jacob Jackson, Freshman, Rudder HS Tennis

PLAYERS TO WATCH Kenneth Coronado (Freshman) Savannah Ginnis (Sophomore)

Jacob Jackson (Freshman) Ashley Soto (Sophomore)

Ashley Soto, Sophomore, Rudder HS Tennis

30 \\ BRYAN ISD \\ FEB 2025 \\ bryanisd.org

Middle Schools

[#NEXTGEN] SFA and Davila Middle are the future of Bryan ISD

SFA Middle School 8th Grade Football - Green Team

SFA Middle School Cross Country

SFA Middle School 8th Grade Football - Silver Team

Davila Middle School 8th Grade Volleyball

WHILE WE ARE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THIS SCHOOL YEAR, IT WON’T BE MUCH LONGER BEFORE WE SEE ANOTHER ADDITION OF FALL SPORTS IN BRYAN ISD. WITH EACH GRADUATING CLASS THAT ASCENDS FROM BRYAN HIGH AND RUDDER, THE SAME GOES FOR STEPHEN F. AUSTIN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND ARTHUR L. DAVILA MIDDLE SCHOOL. THESE BRONCOS AND TEXANS WILL SOON BECOME THE FACES OF BRYAN ISD ATHLETICS OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, WHETHER THAT BE ON THE FOOTBALL FIELD, VOLLEYBALL COURT, OR CROSS COUNTRY TRAILS.

bryanisd.org // FEB 2025 // BRYAN ISD // 31

Middle Schools

SFA Middle School 8th Grade Football - White Team

Davila Middle School Cross Country

SFA Middle School 8th Grade Volleyball

Davila Middle School 8th Grade Football

32 \\ BRYAN ISD \\ FEB 2025 \\ bryanisd.org

REAL COMMUNITY MORE ENGAGEMENT

Bryan ISD Showcase, Downtown Bryan

Bryan ISD built a house for a district family in partnership with Habitat for Humanity.

Bryan ISD hosts a Community Pep Rally every year in order to celebrate the start of school!

Bryan ISD is always well represented at the annua Fiesta Patrias parade through downtown Bryan!

Bryan ISD’s Readby3rd Program helps build successful families by giving parents the skills and resources to help their children.

Bryan ISD schools take pride in collecting cans and donating food items during the annual KBTX Food for Families Food Drive.

Bryan ISD has many Faith-Based Partners that adopt our schools and treat them regularly with lunches or treats!

Let’s

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