YOAKUM - The first question Celine Markert asked the doctor after she was diagnosed with a stress fracture in her left foot was if she could continue to compete.

The lights were out at Riverside Stadium and the parking lot was almost empty.

EL CAMPO - Bob Gillis was caught off guard when Greg Tepper of Dave Campbell's Texas Football called to inform him about his selection as the magazine's Class 3A Coach of the Year.

Brandon Brinkley doesn't need to watch tape to know when he's doing something wrong.

Clay Pullin had a strong north wind at his back. He also had the weight of Cuero on his shoulders.

Never doubt the power of Texas high school football coaches.

EL MATON - Karissa Wiley has found a sure-fire way to get through the drudgery of track and field practice.

Dallas Ponder wasn't concerned when he began losing weight after arriving at Texas A&M-Kingsville for his freshman season.

REFUGIO - Malcolm Franklin had no qualms about attending West Texas A&M as a preferred walk-on.

Cody Wallace is convinced God works in mysterious ways.

HOUSTON - Cody Wallace wasn't happy about being cut by the Houston Texans after training camp last season, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Sam Felts was less than confident when he entered a bodybuilding competition for the first time.

REFUGIO - Seven months have passed since Refugio celebrated its third football state championship at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

There is always a loser in baseball. Occasionally, the margin of defeat is larger than anyone might prefer.