ON THE HOMESTRETCH- Danni Ruiz rounds the track during the Area track meet in Robert Lee. Under the watchful guidance of coach Bryson Oliver, also pictured, the freshman regional champion Ruiz will compete in both the 400m and 800m races at the state track meet next month. Nora Davis, photo.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME- Amongst the gathering of Menard Youth Baseball & Softball players on the field Saturday, organization volunteer and coach Cooper Tipton threw out the opening pitch for the 2024 season. Teams ranging from 3-14 years will have games both in Menard and across the area, including Mason, Junction, llano and more. Pictured right, catching for the first pitch, is MYB volunteer and coach Lewis “Cedarberry” Baker. Nora Davis, photo.

MHS tennis competed at the Llano tournament on Wednesday last week. Pictured above, left to right-Cado Bannowsky and Zeke Hernandez, third in boys doubles; Wyatt Terrell, first boys singles; Makinely Kothmann and Logan Powell, third in mixed doubles.

SEE YA- Freshman Lady Jacket Danni Ruiz, pictured left at the Blanket Tiger Relays earlier this season, often ran the 800m at invitational meets with the boys division. Her time applied to the girls race, but running with the boys helped her keep a more consistent, competitive pace. Going into the regional meet this weekend, Danni holds the the second quickest 1A 800m time in the state, along with the fastest (by almost 2 seconds!) 400m time. Nora Davis, photo.