These MLB players have roots in Coastal Bend baseball

Six professional baseball players from the Coastal Bend have made their Major League Debut since 2000: Jose Trevino (St. John Paul II High School), Cliff Pennington (Mary Carroll High School), Anthony Banda (Sinton High School), Nick Loftin (W.B. Ray High School), Wyatt Mathisen (Calallen High School), Mike Adams (Sinton High School). JOSE TREVINO Jose Trevino began his baseball career at St. John Paul II High School. After spending three years at Oral Roberts University in Oklahoma, he was selected in the sixth round in the MLB draft by the Texas Rangers. In his last collegiate season in 2014, he posted…

From kick-off to tip-off: Turkey Bowl Part Two takes off at DMC

Students and staff took a dose of healthy competition to the Del Mar College gym basketball court in an epic inaugural “March Madness Showdown.”  On March 27 the madness began with the free-throw contest. With sign-up open to players and fans, the competition was fierce. As the competition narrowed down to the top scorers, Andres Garcia walked away the free-throw contest champion.  “It took hard work and consistency,” Garcia said of his win.  Finally, it was time for the teams to take the court, the Helm Holders versus Valdar’s Warriors. After four quarters of friendly competition, the Helm Holders took…

Colors fly at Del Mar’s spring Color Run

The Del Mar College Color Run is an annual pre-spring break tradition at the Heritage Campus, inviting students, staff, and faculty to come together for a day of high-energy activity. The 2026 Color Run on March 4 saw participants navigate a specific route around campus while being blasted with vibrant colors and running through foam bubbles. With loud music and local food, the environment was positive and inviting. “Just seeing all the people together united either with classes, just passing by, or even from work – looking at everyone have fun and taking a break from their homework made me…

Venezuela’s road to victory at Worlds Baseball Classic

The World Baseball Classic opened  March 6 and ended March 17 in Miami, Florida, with Team Venezuela taking the win 3-2 against Team USA. The win marked Venezuela’s first win at the Classic and held symbolic meaning for the players who celebrated the win by singing their national anthem, “Gloria al Bravo Pueblo.” The WBC began in 2006 and has been held roughly every three to four years since then (2006, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2023 and 2026). It has often been compared to the World Cup in soccer, and is used to celebrate national pride and global unity. The players…

Spring baseball just around the corner for the Corpus Christi Hooks

The Corpus Christi Hooks begin their spring season on April 2. The Hooks will play a 138-game season with half of their games taking place at home in Whataburger Field, giving fans the opportunity to see the new era of talent for the Houston Astros. As a Double-A affiliate competing in the South Division of the Texas League, the Corpus Christi Hooks face competition across Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. Last season the Hooks finished last in their division with the worst record in the Texas League (48-89). Despite last season’s struggles, the organization remains optimistic under second-year manager Ricky Rivera.…

Coastal Bend football shaken up by UIL district realignment

Changes are coming to the Coastal Bend, with the University Interscholastic League’s district realignment bringing new pressure as several long-time rivals shift divisions and district.  Gregory-Portland and Corpus Christi Ray headline the changes at the 5A level, as the new district sends them south for district play. The Wildcats and Texans are set to now see five new faces in their district. This past year both teams were in a district with five Corpus Christi ISD schools and Gregory-Portland. Now under new alignment, they will have to travel to the Rio Grande Valley to play their district games.  There are…

Buc Days Rodeo returns in April

The Buc Days Rodeo is officially set to return to the Coastal Bend from April 30 through May 10 bringing back one of Corpus Christi’s longest-standing traditions and largest annual events. The 11-day celebration not only includes the rodeo competitions – but also carnival attractions, the Buc Days Parade, and youth agriculture showcases. The rodeo is scheduled to take place inside the former American Bank Center, now renamed the Hilliard Center, where attendees can expect events such as bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. The festival will also have other attractions to attend such as performances by well-known musicians,…

Get out the rackets: Table tennis takes off at Del Mar

These players bring the heat, and no one is playing easy mode in this Del Mar College club. The Table Tennis Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 5-7:30 p.m. on the second floor of the Gymnasium on Heritage Campus.  This sport calls for patience, observation, timing, and skill, and twice a week these members meet up to play the most intense game of table tennis ever seen. This club is filled with passionate and competitive members of all ages and the weekly meetings are open to all community members. Some members, like Rick Stanley, have even been playing since…

Roaring through the finish line: 16th annual Lions Run hits full stride

Yorktown Christian Academy held their 16th annual Lions Run 5/10k on Saturday, Feb. 7. The race had 13 age groups and three different race options: a 5k, 10k, and a two-mile walk. The event started with the opening ceremonies at 7:30 a.m., including a color guard from Cub Scout Troop 226 and the national anthem. Then, the crowd moved to the lawn for the Mascot Race, followed by the Kiddie Race. The Mascot Race involved a Chick-fil-a cow, H-E-Buddy, Andy the Armadillo from Texas Roadhouse, and YCA’s Leo the Lion running a race and then turning around to cheer on…

Coastal Bend Baseball: Champions Return, Newcomers Emerge for 2026 Season

Spring baseball is just around the corner here in the Coastal Bend. From district rivalries to Whataburger Field showdowns, high school players and coaches are preparing for the challenges ahead of them, as their communities rally behind them. Teams from all around the area settle their disputes on the field for one common goal, bringing home a state championship The London Pirates, one of two teams from the area to take home a state championship trophy, look to continue that same mission as they head into 2026. Leading the pack are two Power 4 conference Division I commits, Christian Olivares…